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, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 No. 185 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR gotiated in July by the President and called to order by the President pro RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARDS the Speaker, and approved by each of tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, a the congressional leaders, we had the whole bunch of us Midwest biofuel Sen- necessary commitments to move for- f ators sent a cover letter with our com- ward in good faith and avoid partisan ments to President Trump. Those com- riders that would stall the entire ef- PRAYER ments were in regard to the biofuel fort, but, of course, that didn’t happen. But failing to secure funding for the rules that are out for public comment. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. To- Federal Government before the end of The President has been a supporter of day’s opening prayer will be offered by the year is not an option. Chairman biofuels and the EPA shouldn’t under- Msgr. Anthony J. Marcaccio, of St. SHELBY continues to lead efforts to set- Pius X, from Greensboro, NC. cut President Trump’s support of RFS. tle on subcommittee allocations that The guest Chaplain offered the fol- I urge the EPA and Administrator can earn bipartisan support. Today, lowing prayer: Wheeler to adjust the proposed supple- these efforts are ongoing, and with our Let us pray. mental rule to account for actual deadline to prevent a funding lapse rap- Blessed are You Lord, God of all cre- waived gallons, using hard data from idly approaching, I am encouraged that ation. You are the giver of every good past practices, to send an unambiguous the House will apparently be voting gift, of life and liberty, of peace and signal to the marketplace. today on a continuing resolution to prosperity, of wisdom, understanding, I am glad to have the opportunity to keep the Government funded until De- and right judgment. comment, and I encourage all farmers, cember 20, while talks continue. These We ask that in Your divine mercy, biofuel producers, and anybody else in- talks must continue because it is vital You would bless our Republic and espe- terested in supporting the RFS to that we work in good faith to fund im- cially the work of our Senators, that make their comments. Those com- portant priorities for the coming year, they may discern ‘‘all that is true, all ments should be along the lines of what but what is needed in the near term is that is honorable, all that is right, all was agreed to in the Oval Office on to keep the Government open for the that is excellent and worthy of praise’’ September 12, which the EPA regula- next several weeks while this work for our Nation. tions don’t reflect properly. goes on. In this moment, make us mindful of So tell the EPA that you want the This is not rocket science. The House all that has brought us together as a September 12 agreement agreed to. Go needs to send us the short-term fund- country, and how it far surpasses that to regulations.gov or to the Iowa Farm ing bill which the Senate can pass and which can divide us, so in all things de- Bureau or Iowa Corn websites before which the President will sign. That is liberated and done here, we may be pre- the deadline on November 27 to tell the the way to keep the government open served as one Nation under God. Amen EPA to stand behind the President’s while our important discussions con- and Amen. Oval Office agreement. tinue to make progress toward closing I yield the floor. out the appropriations process and get- f f ting full-year bills to the floor. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY f PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LEADER NOMINATIONS The President pro tempore led the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: jority leader is recognized. on another matter, for weeks Repub- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the f licans have been trying to move for- United States of America, and to the Repub- ward significant bipartisan legislation lic for which it stands, one nation under God, APPROPRIATIONS for the American people. Senate Re- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, publicans are trying to get our Demo- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. my colleagues are well familiar with cratic colleagues to let us consider de- FISCHER). The President Pro Tempore. my repeated calls for bipartisan fense funding. House Republicans have Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I progress in funding the Federal Gov- tried to get Speaker PELOSI to finally ask unanimous consent to address the ernment. For more than 2 months, as allow a vote on the USMCA, and in Senate for 1 minute as in morning busi- the appropriations process idled at par- both Chambers we have been asking ness. tisan roadblocks, I pointed out just Democrats to stop slow-walking the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without how straightforward this entire process conference committee for the critical objection, it is so ordered. could have been. With the road map ne- Defense bill, the NDAA.

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

S6631

.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:52 Nov 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.000 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6632 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 Alas, our Democratic colleagues have to acquire power and to acquire influ- engages in all of them. Iranian leaders not been willing to budge on any of ence. A few weeks ago, the leader of will either listen to their own citizens those things. As a result, while the Iran’s terrorist Quds Force reportedly and start behaving like a normal na- Senate waits for the House to send us flew to Iraq for secret meetings to tion or they will be treated more and short-term funding legislation, we will guide Iraqi leaders through the pro- more like the backward pariahs they spend our time on the personnel busi- tests there. have become. ness. Here is what this Iranian thug told I suggest the absence of a quorum. Yesterday, we advanced the nomina- the Iraqis: ‘‘We in Iran know how to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tion of Justice Robert Luck, of Florida, deal with protests.’’ Enough said. clerk will call the roll. to be a U.S. circuit judge for the Elev- Well, a violent crackdown on peace- The senior assistant legislative clerk enth Circuit, with the support of a bi- ful protesters is not going to resolve proceeded to call the roll. partisan majority. anything. What Iraqi and Lebanese Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I Justice Luck brings an impressive leaders must do is stop listening to the ask unanimous consent that the order and well-rounded legal record, includ- poisonous advice of Iranian tyrants, for the quorum call be rescinded. ing a clerkship on the Eleventh Cir- who are losing their own grip on their The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cuit, service in the U.S. Attorney’s Of- own people, and start addressing their objection, it is so ordered. fice for the Southern District of Flor- own citizens’ demands for transparency f ida, and years spent ruling from the and reform. RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY State bench. Iraq and Lebanon should give their LEADER Today, we will also advance the nom- people what they want—less corrup- ination of Justice Barbara Lagoa, of tion, less malign foreign influence, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Florida, also to serve on the Eleventh more opportunity, and the rule of law. Democratic leader is recognized. Circuit Court of Appeals. A graduate of That is the path forward for Iraq and f Columbia University School of Law, Lebanon. Commit to prosperity and HONG KONG Justice Lagoa has spent years prac- pluralism at home, combat corruption ticing law, serving as a Federal pros- and injustice within all sects and con- Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, ecutor, and ruling from both the State fessions, protect the sovereignty of over the past few days and weeks, re- appellate bench and the Florida Su- your country, pursue peace with your ports about the democratic protests in preme Court. neighbors, and enjoy support from the Hong Kong have grown more and more I look forward to confirming both of United States as well. troubling. The authorities in Hong these impressive nominees, along with I would note that in contrast to Kong have cracked down violently on Adrian Zuckerman, the President’s Hezbollah’s thugs, Lebanon’s Armed some of the protesters, firing hundreds nominee to serve as our Nation’s Am- Forces by most accounts continue to of rounds of tear gas at a local univer- bassador to Romania. be one of Lebanon’s few institutions of sity and even using lethal force in a few tragic situations. As many have f national unity. The LAF has respected the rights of protesters, protected observed, some of the pictures coming THE MIDDLE EAST them from violence, and sought to de- out of Hong Kong are reminiscent of a Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, escalate tensions on the street. war zone. on a final matter, I spoke yesterday I know the U.S. military believes its Yesterday, the Chinese Communist about the courageous people of Hong training and partnership with the LAF Party dealt another blow to Hong Kong who are standing up to Beijing is paying off, helping it to be a more Kong’s special status, criticizing the and speaking up for their freedoms. professional and responsible security ruling by the territory’s High Court But Hongkongers are not alone in force. that reversed the Hong Kong Govern- bravely speaking up at this time. The So while these events transpire in ment’s ban on masks. The Communist Middle East continues to be swept by Iraq and Lebanon, the Iranian people Party declared that only the Chinese widespread and cross-sectarian dem- themselves are also engaging in their legislature has the right to decide onstrations. own demonstrations. Iran used to be a whether Hong Kong’s laws are con- In Lebanon, in Iraq, and in Iran, mil- moderate, open, and prosperous soci- sistent with the Hong Kong basic law lions are demanding a better future, ety. It could be again. Now tens of and that no other authority has the greater justice, less corruption, and thousands of Iranian people themselves right to make these judgments. That more democracy from their govern- are raising their voices in righteous assertion by the Chinese Communist ments. These protests expand three anger at what has become of their liv- Party is a direct assault on Hong countries. Each is unique, but one com- ing conditions and their country. The Kong’s judicial independence. Make no mon thread connects them: Iran. Iranian people are feeling the pain in- mistake about it, this Communist For years, Iran has systematically flicted by the brutality, selfishness, Party is cruel and relentless in crack- sought to undermine the territorial in- and extremism of their ruling class. ing down on any dissent in every part tegrity and manipulate the politics of The regime seems to be doing all it of China. What they are doing to the countries all across the Middle East. can to put a stop to this. Reports over Uighurs at the other end of the Chinese Nowhere is this more apparent than in the weekend indicated an enormous, country—far away from Hong Kong—is Lebanon and Iraq, where Iranian prox- unprecedented internet blackout aimed just brutal and awful. ies have challenged the very sov- at keeping Iranians in the dark and We in the United States stand in soli- ereignty of the state. suggests Iranian leaders are threat- darity with the democratic protesters, In Lebanon, Iran backs Hezbollah, ening yet another violent crackdown who have every right to assemble and the terrorist group that has become a against their own citizens. petition their government for the dominant political player. Hezbollah But Iran’s leaders know exactly what rights of the citizens of Hong Kong. has become a state within a state. Its must be done to alter the course of The administration and the President weapons and fighters do not work to their once-great country and unlock a himself should voice their support for defend the Lebanese state but to em- better future for its citizens. Iran needs the protesters in Hong Kong, which broil it in Syria’s civil war and imperil to stop pursuing nuclear weapons and would send an important message to its security by threatening Israel with long-range missile capabilities, stop the Chinese Communist Party not to precision rockets. supporting terror and cyber offensives, get involved or in any way escalate the In Iraq, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary stop causing bloodshed to weaken its situation. Secretary Pompeo’s call for Guard Corps has spent years sponsoring neighbors, and stop the horrific mis- calm yesterday is weak tea—not close Shia militias and proxies that are more treatment of its own people. to enough. Beyond the Presidential loyal to Tehran than to Baghdad or to There is an entire civilized world full statement, there are actions we can the people of Iraq. of diverse nations that get by just take here in Congress because, frankly, In both of these countries, Tehran fine—just fine—without engaging in I have been very disappointed that the has used and promoted the use of force any of these rogue state activities. Iran President, in this dramatic situation

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:52 Nov 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.001 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6633 with Hong Kong, does not do what peachment inquiry, the American peo- penchant for looking at his own faults Democratic or Republican Presidents ple will hear more important testi- and then of pointing the finger at oth- have done in the past in standing up mony from LTC Alexander Vindman, of ers and saying those faults are theirs. for human rights and democracy. He the National Security Council, and It is glaring on infrastructure. has not done that. He doesn’t seem to from Jennifer Williams, an adviser to The idea that the House impeach- care. As we know, he seems more eager the Vice President. ment inquiry is some sort of distrac- to please dictators than to please those Regrettably, some Republicans, in- tion from other issues is plain wrong. who are fighting for democracy. cluding one in this Chamber, have President Trump, we are doing noth- Congress can act. We have a bipar- tried, without evidence or substan- ing here in the Senate. Come talk to us tisan bill in the Senate that has many tiation, to undermine, to call into about infrastructure, and we can get cosponsors, including the senior Sen- question, and to smear the credibility something done. ators from Florida and New Jersey and of the witnesses, including of Lieuten- The Democrats in the House and the from Maryland as well, that would re- ant Colonel Vindman—a Purple Heart Democrats in the Senate are willing to affirm our steadfast support for Hong recipient who has spent his life in serv- work with our Republican colleagues Kong’s autonomy, democracy, and re- ice to our country. The attacks on the right now. We have over 200 House- spect for human rights. It would amend witnesses are painful and wrong. They passed bills we could consider here on the Hong Kong Policy Act in order to are reminiscent of the actions of a bru- the floor and have plenty of bipartisan give us the tools to safeguard and pro- tal country, not of the democratic Re- Senate bills besides—from bills to tect Hong Kong’s democracy and au- public that we are. lower the cost of prescription drugs to tonomy and hold accountable those re- I hope everyone will treat these wit- election security, to the Violence sponsible for the abuse of the human nesses with respect and listen to their Against Women Act. We would like to rights of the people of Hong Kong. testimony with an open mind. Whether work on a large infrastructure bill as There is no objection to this bill on they agree or disagree with their testi- well. It is entirely up to President the Democratic side of the aisle. We be- mony, it is unbecoming of any Senator Trump and Leader MCCONNELL to de- lieve the Senate should pass it. If there to smear these patriots. The House has cide if we are going to make progress are objections on the Republicans’ side, a responsibility to seek the truth and on a topic like infrastructure or if the let’s take a few days and work through uncover all of the facts, and if it comes Senate, under MCCONNELL’s leadership, the bill on the floor. We haven’t done to it, the Senate has a responsibility to will continue to be a graveyard for much legislation. Here is a place at examine the evidence and render im- commonsense ideas to help so many which we can come together in a bipar- partial judgment. millions of Americans. tisan way. So, if there are no objec- f I yield the floor. tions, great. Let’s pass it this after- INFRASTRUCTURE I suggest the absence of a quorum. noon. I believe the Senator from Flor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ida will make a unanimous consent re- Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, fi- clerk will call the roll. quest in that regard. If there are objec- nally, on infrastructure, as the im- The senior assistant legislative clerk tions, I urge the Republican leader, peachment inquiry continues, the proceeded to call the roll. who has spoken out and defended the Democrats in both Chambers continue Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask protests, to take a few days. Let some- to do the work of the American people. unanimous consent that the order for one try to invoke cloture—it will fail Just last week, my colleagues in the the quorum call be rescinded. miserably—and let’s vote on this. House discussed a proposal for a very The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Then, maybe, the House will pass it. significant investment in infrastruc- objection, it is so ordered. That would be something, I think, that ture. At the very beginning of the f would happen and with the President Trump administration, the Senate as well. Democrats proposed a trillion-dollar RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME infrastructure plan that would create In addition, the Senator from Or- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under 15 million jobs. egon, along with some others, has a bill the previous order, the leadership time At our meeting at the White House, I that U.S. companies shouldn’t sell le- is reserved. thal types of equipment to the Hong mentioned this to President Trump and Kong police that have been used on the asked him to join us in either sup- f protesters. I would hope we could find porting our bill or in working to mod- CONCLUSION OF MORNING a way to work that proposal into this ify it in a way that he might be able to BUSINESS bill or, maybe, we could make a unani- support it. At the time, after promising over and over again in his campaign The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning mous consent request alongside it. business is closed. Nonetheless, we should pass the bi- that he would pursue a major overhaul partisan bill in the Senate, reconcile it of our Nation’s infrastructure, we had f hoped President Trump would have with similar legislation in the House, EXECUTIVE SESSION and quickly send it to the President’s worked with us on specific legislation. desk. It would be the strongest action Unfortunately and typically, after 3 Congress could take immediately to years into the Trump administration, EXECUTIVE CALENDAR demonstrate Americans’ support for instead of working with the Demo- the protests in Hong Kong. It would crats, President Trump has done next The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under send a strong and clear message to the to nothing. Earlier this year, the Presi- the previous order, the Senate will pro- ruling party in Beijing. It would make dent walked out of a meeting on infra- ceed to executive session to resume a real difference. structure that was held between him, consideration of the following nomina- The words on the floor the Repub- Speaker PELOSI, me, and some other tion, which the clerk will report. lican leader mentioned yesterday were Congressmen and Senators. We haven’t The senior assistant legislative clerk good but were not sufficient. Again, I heard from him on the issue since. read the nomination of Robert J. Luck, urge him to move on this legislation, if Meanwhile, Leader MCCONNELL has of Florida, to be United States Circuit we can, by unanimous consent. If not, turned the Senate into a legislative Judge for the Eleventh Circuit. let’s have a debate on the floor so the graveyard and seems uninterested in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- handful of Senators who might try to any bipartisan, bicameral legislation. jority whip. block it are thwarted, and the bill will It is so typical of this administration— DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS move forward. of President Trump. He campaigns on Mr. THUNE. Madam President, our f infrastructure and has commercials most fundamental responsibility as running right now that say the Demo- Members of Congress is to provide for IMPEACHMENT crats are not doing anything on infra- our Nation’s defense, and a big part of Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, structure when he is the one who is that is ensuring that our men and this morning, during the House’s im- doing nothing. He has an amazing women in uniform have the resources

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:52 Nov 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.004 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6634 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 they need to defend our country. That To put that in perspective, that is Explaining why this action was nec- means, of course, that we have to en- the equivalent of losing out on about 56 essary, the Acting FDA Commissioner, sure that our military receives ade- Joint Strike Fighter planes, depending Dr. Sharpless, said: quate funding to meet today’s prior- on the variant, every 3 months. That $5 Flavored e-cigarette products drive child- ities and to prepare for the threats of billion the Pentagon is going without hood use. tomorrow. It also means we need to en- is urgently needed funding for critical Secretary Azar and Acting Commis- sure that our military receives timely military priorities. The longer the Pen- sioner Sharpless committed to final- funding. tagon goes without this funding, the izing this guidance, in their own words, Our military doesn’t just need suffi- greater the consequences for our mili- within ‘‘a couple of weeks.’’ Yet here cient funding to cover defense prior- tary preparedness. we are more than 2 months later with ities; it also needs to receive that Playing politics with our national de- no e-cigarette flavor ban in place. money on time, on a predictable sched- fense is unacceptable. We owe our men What is worse, now there are reports ule. That means passing the Defense and women in uniform timely, reliable, that President Trump has decided to appropriations bill before the end of and adequate defense funding, and we reverse himself, to break the promise each fiscal year instead of forcing the owe every man, woman, and child in he made to American families, as a di- military to rely on temporary funding the United States the same thing. The rect result of lobbying from big to- measures that leave the military in safety of every person in this country bacco and big vape companies. We doubt about funding levels and unable depends on the strength of our mili- know whom this President is hearing to start important new projects. tary. I hope that at least some of my from. He is hearing from JUUL, the Right now, we are almost 2 full Democratic colleagues will see their company primarily responsible for to- months into the 2020 fiscal year. We way to joining the Republicans in get- day’s youth vaping epidemic. He is should have passed the Defense appro- ting this year’s Defense appropriations hearing from Altria, the big tobacco priations bill by the end of September, bill to the President’s desk. It is time company that just bought a major but we didn’t because, unfortunately, to get our men and women in uniform stake in JUUL. He is hearing from the our Democratic colleagues were unable the funding that they need and that Vaping Technology Association, a lob- to resist the chance to pick yet an- they deserve. bying organization that represents other fight with the President. This I yield the floor. vaping shops nationwide. It makes wasn’t supposed to happen. At the end I suggest the absence of a quorum. sense that these companies would want of the summer, the congressional lead- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the President to reverse himself, to ers of both parties and the President clerk will call the roll. break his word to American families, reached an agreement on funding levels The senior assistant legislative clerk because they make profits on the backs for 2020 and 2021. The leaders also proceeded to call the roll. of our kids, just like Big Tobacco did agreed on a number of guidelines for Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask for so many years. appropriations bills, including a ban on unanimous consent that the order for Today, almost 30 percent of all high poison pills intended to derail appro- the quorum call be rescinded. school-aged children are vaping. That priations legislation. The idea behind The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. is more than 5 million kids. Where did this agreement was to pave the way for SCOTT of Florida). Without objection, they come up with these numbers? the timely passage of appropriations it is so ordered. From this administration’s report to bills and to prevent the kind of situa- E-CIGARETTES the American people. Four percent of tion we are in right now—almost 2 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, on Sep- adults are vaping and up to 30 percent months behind on passing defense and tember 11, President Donald Trump of high school kids. When they show other funding. Unfortunately, the held a press conference with the First these pictures of adults walking around Democrats chose to renege on this Lady in the Oval Office. He announced with buttons that say ‘‘We vape and we agreement. that his administration would finally vote,’’ it is a tiny sliver of America. The Senate Democrats are currently be taking bold action to combat our The kids should be wearing buttons holding up defense funding by insisting Nation’s youth vaping epidemic. The that say ‘‘We vape, and our health is at on the type of poison pills they prom- epidemic is what the Food and Drug risk.’’ ised to forgo just a few months ago. Administration characterized as the Over the last 2 years of Donald The leader has attempted to bring up vaping that is going on in schools Trump’s Presidency, the number of the Defense appropriations bill twice, across America today—not just high children vaping has increased by 135 and both times the Senate Democrats schools, where 27 percent of the stu- percent. More than 1 in 4 high school have filibustered the legislation. It is dents are currently vaping, but middle kids are using e-cigarettes, and more deeply disappointing. I understand that schools and grade schools as well. than 1 in 10 middle school children are my Democratic colleagues are looking Seated next to the President on Sep- following their example. Kids are using for any opportunity to pick a fight tember 11 in the Oval Office was the these products because of the cool, with the President, but funding for our First Lady. On the other side was the sleek designs of devices like JUUL and men and women in uniform should not Secretary of the Department of Health because of the flavors designed to ap- be subjected to the Democrats’ par- and Human Services, Alex Azar. Di- peal to just kids. Listen to them: cot- tisan whims. rectly across from the President was ton candy, unicorn milk, cool mint, Thanks to the Democrats, right now, then-Acting Commissioner of the Food mom’s sugar cookie, and, of course, our military is operating under a con- and Drug Administration, Dr. Ned menthol. tinuing resolution that leaves the mili- Sharpless. According to the Food and Drug Ad- tary short of the funding it needs for At the press conference, President ministration, more than 80 percent of the 2020 fiscal year. That has real con- Trump stated: children who vape started with fla- sequences. In addition to leaving the We have a problem in this country . . . and vored e-cigarettes. Does anyone believe military underfunded, a continuing res- it is called ‘‘vaping’’—especially vaping as it that these vaping flavors are actually olution prevents the military from pertains to innocent children. . . . And we’re intended for a 50-year-old chain smoker starting key projects that will help to going to have to do something about it. looking to quit cigarettes—flavors like ensure our men and women in uniform Then Secretary Azar said: Farley’s Gnarly Sauce, Bubble Purp by will be prepared to meet the threats of An entire generation of children risk be- Chubby Bubble, Blue Razz by Candy the future. The Pentagon can’t start coming addicted to nicotine. . . . So with the King, and Cotton Candy by Zonk? Do new procurement projects. New re- President’s support, the Food and Drug Ad- you honestly think a 50-year-old trying search and development initiatives ministration intends to finalize a guidance to break a tobacco cigarette habit is that keep us a step ahead of our adver- document that would . . . require that all flavors other than tobacco flavor would be going to buy Cotton Candy by Zonk saries are put on hold. All told, under a removed from the market. flavoring? continuing resolution, the military’s This would include mint and menthol fla- Every single one of these products is purchasing power is reduced by, rough- voring, as well as candy flavors, bubblegum on the market today without review or ly, $5 billion each quarter. flavor, fruit flavor, and alcohol flavor. authorization from the Food and Drug

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:52 Nov 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.005 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6635 Administration. That is because under Along with families nationwide, I am cially in children (though we do know that President Trump, the FDA decided to hoping the President cares more about use of nicotine in the developing brain has delay regulation of these products for children than he does about the lob- many negative and long-term health con- sequences). years. And while the FDA dithers, chil- bying pressure from big tobacco and We do not always know what ingredients— dren get addicted. As a result, it is the big vape companies. Just because they beyond nicotine—are in e-cigarettes and the Wild Wild West out there with respect can buy an ad on FOX TV does not accompanying flavors, nor do we know the to unapproved, unregulated, dangerous, mean they are right. short- or long-term health impact of the use and addictive vaping products, and it is For goodness’ sake, Mr. President, of those ingredients. We do not if e-ciga- our kids who are paying the price. stick with your promise of September rettes and flavors actually help adult smok- Despite what Big Vape says, these 11. Protect our kids from this vaping ers quit cigarettes (though we do know that products are not safe. In recent epidemic. e-cigarette use leads to 80 new smokers for months, we have seen thousands of ill- every one smoker who reports quitting). I ask unanimous consent that my let- We do not conclusively know why so many nesses and 42 deaths associated with ter to the President be printed in the people who vape are getting sick and dying. vaping, including four in Illinois. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. We do not have answers to these questions Two weeks ago, a woman came up to There being no objection, the mate- because the tobacco and vaping industries— me and said: You don’t know me. I am rial was ordered to be printed in the shrouded in secrecy and deception—have re- a nurse. And she gave me the name of RECORD, as follows: fused to conduct the much-needed clinical trials and studies, instead preferring to keep the hospital. She said: I just want to U.S. SENATE, the health consequences a secret. Perhaps tell you, I was there when that 22-year- Washington, DC, November 19, 2019. even more concerning is that your FDA—the old man died last week from vaping. He Hon. DONALD J. TRUMP, federal agency responsible for regulating to- had been in our hospital for months President of the United States, bacco products—has not required them to do The White House, Washington, DC. waiting for a lung transplant because so. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: As President of the of the damage he had done to his lungs More than two months ago, when you an- United States, you have a responsibility to by vaping. He couldn’t find a donor, nounced the impending e-cigarette flavor put the health and safety of our people—es- ban, you stated, ‘‘We have a problem in our and he died. pecially our nation’s children—above all country . . . It’s a problem nobody really There are other known dangers asso- else. On September 11, 2019, you were poised thought about too much a few years ago, and ciated with e-cigarettes and nicotine. to do just that, announcing a long-overdue it’s called ‘vaping’—especially vaping as it Nicotine is a toxic, highly addictive plan from the Oval Office to quickly ban all pertains to innocent children . . . And we’re substance that raises blood pressure non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes, including going to have to do something about it . . . and spikes adrenaline, increasing the flavors such as cotton candy, sugar cookie, We’re looking at very strong rules and regu- fruit medley, cool mint, and menthol. Sit- risk of heart disease. Nicotine can have lations.’’ short- and long-term negative health ting alongside the First Lady, Health and You further stated, ‘‘Vaping has become a impacts on the developing brain. Kids Human Services (HHS) Secretary, and then- very big business, as I understand it—like a who use e-cigarettes are more likely to Acting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) giant business in a very short period of time. Commissioner, it had all the trappings of a transition to tobacco cigarettes, and But we can’t allow people to get sick, and we made-for-television event you seem to relish. can’t have our youth be so affected.’’ those kill 480,000 Americans each year. Along with all major public health, edu- There is hardly a family in this coun- During your September Oval Office press cation, and parent organizations, I praised conference with the First Lady, you made try who hasn’t been touched by to- this move because e-cigarettes—and their ac- big promises that you now appear to be bacco-related death and disease. companying kid-friendly fiavors—are revers- breaking. Children and families nationwide A Dartmouth study shows that e-cig- ing decades of hard-fought progress our na- are still hoping that you will reverse course arette use leads to 81 new smokers for tion has made in reducing youth smoking and quickly implement an e-cigarette flavor every 1 smoker who quits. Don’t buy rates. And now, along with all major public ban that protects our next generation from a the pitch from JUUL that you ought to health, education, and parent organizations, lifetime of nicotine addiction, illness, and I have watched in horror over the past two be vaping so that you can get off of to- death. months as you have seemingly caved to Big Sincerely, bacco cigarettes. It is running just the Tobacco and Big Vape lobbying pressure, opposite—kids starting on vaping and RICHARD J. DURBIN, breaking your promise to address our na- U.S. Senator. converting to tobacco cigarettes. tion’s youth vaping epidemic. What do we know about e-cigarettes? Here is what we know about e-cigarettes: AFFORDABLE CARE ACT They are predominately used by our We know that, in the past two years of Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, thanks children. Flavors play a major role in your presidency, our nation has experienced to the Affordable Care Act, 20 million hooking kids on nicotine. Nicotine use a 135 percent increase in youth use of e-ciga- Americans have health insurance, in- rettes. harms the developing brain, and kids cluding more than 1 million in my We know that five million children are now State of Illinois. Why is it so impor- who vape are more likely than their vaping, including more than one in four peers to transition to tobacco ciga- high-school students and more than one in tant? Let me tell you the story of rettes. ten middle-school students. Stefanie from Oak Park, IL. Recently, Now let’s consider what we don’t We know that nearly 30 percent of children Stefanie wrote about her son, who has know about e-cigarettes. We don’t under the age of 18 are now vaping, compared a history of mental health and sub- know whether they are safe. We don’t with less than 4 percent of adults. stance abuse issues. Because of the Af- know whether they actually help adult We know that JUUL has fueled this youth fordable Care Act, her son will be able public health ‘‘epidemic,’’ as it has been de- to stay on her health insurance plan smokers quit. We often don’t know fined by every major federal health official what the ingredients are in those de- in your Administration. until he reaches the age of 26. vices. We know that e-cigarette flavors—includ- The Affordable Care Act also re- E-cigarette flavors need to come off ing mint and menthol—are why children quired that all health plans cover men- the market unless or until they can first try and become addicted to e-cigarettes. tal health and addiction treatment. It prove they have a public health ben- We know that more than 2,000 Americans is hard to imagine that people were efit—and good luck to that. have recently been sickened as a result of selling health insurance in America The President of the United States, vaping. We also know that, to date, 42 people that did not cover mental health and the Secretary of Health and Human have died—including four in my state. addiction. We know that not a single e-cigarette Services, and the head of the Food and product available for purchase today is on Two Senators on the floor of the Sen- Drug Administration all told us on the market with authorization from the ate—Paul Wellstone, who stood right September 11 that they were on the FDA. over there, and Pete Domenici, who side of kids and families and public Finally, we know that your Administra- stood there—teamed up to require that health, and they promised us they were tion has completely abdicated its duty to every health insurance plan in America going to do something about it. Today, protect the public health by repeatedly de- cover mental illness. It is so obvious. It I am sending the President a letter laying and refusing to regulate any of these is an issue many families face. But dangerous and addictive products. asking him to keep his word, to ban e- Here is what we do not know about e-ciga- health insurance plans were excluding cigarette flavors, which threaten our rettes: it. Why did these two Senators who kids with a lifetime of nicotine addic- We do not know the short- or long-term were wildly different politically decide tion, illness, and, sadly, even death. health impacts of using these products, espe- they would team up for this? Paul

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:52 Nov 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.006 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6636 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 Wellstone had a brother and Senator national elections, to the recent with- erence to a Putin-driven U.S.-Russia Domenici had a son who were strug- drawal of U.S. troops from Syria, dynamic. gling with mental illness, and they President Trump has made multiple From there, the American people didn’t have protection in their health statements and decisions that serve have only learned more about the insurance, so the Senators fought to only to benefit Vladimir Putin’s agen- Trump campaign’s ties to Russia and include it. da to undermine democracy and expand Russia’s interference in the 2016 Presi- Thank goodness they did. Because of Russia’s influence around the world. dential election. that health law, insurance companies Taken together, these actions aren’t The intelligence community’s un- cannot discriminate against Stefanie’s just a threat to U.S. national security, classified report concluded: son because of his medical history. Her but they also undercut and diminish We assess Russian President Vladimir son just graduated college. She is some of the core tenets and values of Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 thankful he can stay on her company’s American democracy and global leader- aimed at the U.S. presidential election. Rus- sia’s goals were to undermine public faith in policy until he gets a job, and she is ship. The U.S. Senate, as part of a co- thankful her premiums are not higher the U.S. democratic process, denigrate Sec- equal branch of government, must rec- retary Clinton, and harm her electability due to her son’s health needs. Stefanie ognize this threat and act as a body to and potential presidency. We further assess is afraid that if these protections go ensure our institutions at home and in- Putin and the Russian government developed away because of a court case that is terests abroad are protected. Thus far, a clear preference for President-elect Trump. currently pending or the actions of the we have not lived up to this solemn re- The interference with our election Republican majority in this Senate, sponsibility. process by a hostile government was an her son will be uninsurable or face Let me start with a seminal news ar- attack on our democracy and a threat enormous medical bills that he will be ticle from the Washington Post, just to our national security carried out by unable to pay. Stefanie wrote to me, recently. White House reporter Anne Russian operatives at the direction of and she said that if the Affordable Care Gearan, in her October 15, 2019, article, Vladimir Putin himself. Act were to be eliminated, they are catalogs how the Trump administra- Since Special Counsel Robert ‘‘contemplating leaving this country to tion has allowed Russia to assert domi- Mueller’s appointment as special coun- seek manageable health care.’’ nance globally. The headline reads: sel to investigate Russia’s attack, 34 Democrats are fighting to keep ‘‘Trump’s moves in Ukraine and Syria indictments have been returned in con- healthcare protections for people like have a common denominator: Both nection with the investigation, includ- Stefanie and her son. Because of the help Russia.’’ ing indictments against Russian indi- Affordable Care Act, people with pre- Anne Gearan writes as follows, and I viduals and Russian companies, as well existing conditions can no longer be de- will quote in pertinent part. as former Trump campaign manager nied coverage or charged higher pre- . . . President Trump has taken action Paul Manafort and deputy campaign miums. Is there anyone among us who that has had the effect of helping the author- manager Rick Gates, who were charged doesn’t know someone with a pre- itarian leader of Russia. with ‘‘conspiracy against the United existing condition? I have one. This . . . [The President’s] actions in Syria and States.’’ Special Counsel Mueller also protects 5 million people in Illinois Ukraine add to the list of policy moves and secured guilty pleas from other cam- public statements that have boosted Russia who have a preexisting condition. paign advisers, including George Insurance companies are no longer during his presidency, whether that was Papadopoulos and Michael Flynn. allowed to impose annual or lifetime their central purpose or not, confounding critics who have warned that he has taken Despite this ample evidence of caps on benefits or to deny coverage for wrongdoing, the President attempted mental health, substance abuse treat- too soft a stance toward a nation led by a strongman hostile to the United States. to impede the Russia probe at every ment, prescription drugs, or hos- Anne Gearan goes on to discuss how step of the way. The U.S. intelligence pitalizations, and young people are al- community, the Senate Intelligence lowed to stay on their parents’ plan President Trump’s withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria has allowed Russia Committee, and Robert Mueller and his until they reach age 26. team of investigators have done a great Despite the Republican and Trump to assert a more dominant role in the service to our Nation in investigating administration’s continued efforts to region. She also discusses how the the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia repeal these protections both in Con- President’s intimidation of Ukraine’s and Russian interference in our elec- gress and in the courts, health insur- recently elected President Zelensky tion. The findings further confirm that ance under the Affordable Care Act is has become the subject of a domestic President Trump not only benefitted open for business. If you are interested impeachment inquiry and distracted from Russian interference but, as Anne and want to know the policies avail- from actual engagement and support to Gearan wrote in the October 15 Wash- able, healthcare.gov is the website to Ukraine as it continues to grapple with ington Post story, President Trump visit. Russian aggression. Open enrollment for 2020 health plans Anne Gearan also notes: ‘‘has also disputed, at times, the U.S. began on November 1 and ends on De- [President] Trump has publicly questioned intelligence community’s conclusion cember 15. If you can, sign up. It is a the usefulness of NATO—the post-World War that Russia interfered in the 2016 elec- protection that you hope you will II military alliance established as a bulwark tion to boost his candidacy, and he against first the Soviet Union and now Rus- only reluctantly signed a bill imposing never need, but if you need it, it is sia—as well as the utility of the European good to have it. sanctions on Russia for the trans- Union, a political and economic alliance gression after weeks of resisting the I yield the floor. Putin would love to weaken. I suggest the absence of a quorum. measure, which he called, ‘seriously The PRESIDING OFFICER. The This is all written by Anne Gearan. flawed.’’’ clerk will call the roll. These actions have led to a growing Anne Gearan is referencing the Coun- The legislative clerk proceeded to consensus among the national security tering America’s Adversaries Through call the roll. community that the President is not Sanctions Act, known by the acronym Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask serving the national interest. Let me CAATSA, or C-A-A-T-S-A. That is leg- unanimous consent that the order for move to a second part of this. islation that I supported, and it passed the quorum call be rescinded. Sadly, President Trump’s recent ac- both Houses of Congress with bipar- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tions with regard to Syria and Ukraine tisan support to impose sanctions on objection, it is so ordered. are, unfortunately, not isolated. Presi- U.S. adversaries, including Russia, for Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask dent Trump has been consistent in tak- its incursions into Ukraine and Syria unanimous consent to speak as in ing actions that favor Russia. As early and interference in our elections. morning business. as April of 2016, then-candidate Donald I believe it is likely that if CAATSA The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Trump vowed to pursue closer ties to did not clearly prohibit it, President objection, it is so ordered. Russia if elected to the Presidency. Trump would have removed preexisting RUSSIA Even before he took office, by way of Russia sanctions by now. Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, beginning Twitter and other platforms he was So the evidence is clear. By inter- with Russia’s interference in our 2016 signaling to Vladimir Putin his def- fering in our national elections and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:52 Nov 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.007 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6637 elevating Donald Trump’s prospects for Let me move to another part of the Ukraine amid this impeachment scan- success as a candidate, Vladimir Putin evidence with regard to how the Presi- dal. In early October, President was assuring that a personal ally would dent deals with President Putin and his Zelensky was effectively backed into a be installed in the White House and government—the Helsinki summit. corner to sign Ukraine on to the so- that that particular ally would clear President Trump’s dangerous deference called Steinmeier Formula, which sets the way for Putin to advance his for- to Vladimir Putin was most evident at the path toward elections in the eign policy goals around the world. the July 2018 summit in Helsinki. Donbass region of eastern Ukraine and Let me move to a second—or, I Putin and President Trump had a 2- eventual negotiations with Russia over should say, a third—part of this. If it hour one-on-one meeting, followed by the future of Russian-occupied terri- isn’t bad enough that the President is an unprecedented press conference. tories. He did this without achieving himself undermining our intelligence President Trump appears to over- previously imposed preconditions of community’s findings, he has deployed whelmingly favor one-on-one, closed- Russian troop withdrawal and security Attorney General William Barr to try door, direct communications with for the elections. and discredit those findings—those Putin on a regular basis. I have to ask Zelensky was effectively shamed into findings by our intelligence commu- at least two questions, among many we pursuing this Steinmeier Formula nity with regard to interactions with could ask. Question No. 1 is, What is he after President Trump urged him to ne- allies. hiding? No. 2 is, Why not have experi- gotiate with Putin—with Putin—sev- William Barr has been traveling the enced U.S. personnel present at such eral times on camera during the United world chasing conspiracy theories and bilateral meetings? Nations General Assembly meetings in investigating President Trump’s com- Even more disturbing were the Presi- September. As Anne Gearan puts it, plaints about the origins of the govern- dent’s statements following the ‘‘The result: A country that was look- ment’s investigation into Russian elec- Trump-Putin meeting. Here is a brief ing for strong U.S. backing, amid wor- tion interference. Specifically, the At- summary of what happened at that ries that Russia could seek to move its torney General is examining whether meeting: aggression beyond the annexation of U.S. intelligence and law enforcement President Trump praised Putin and Crimea, has been left to wonder about agencies acted properly when they ex- his leadership. the Trump administration’s commit- amined possible ties between the No. 2, he repeatedly sided with Putin ment to its national interests.’’ Trump campaign and Russia, which ul- over our intelligence community, as- Let me move to Syria. President timately led to Special Counsel serting that Russia did not, in fact, Trump’s latest moves in Syria only Mueller’s investigation. We have interfere in the 2016 elections. The further amplify the alarm over this learned that this probe is now a crimi- President repeatedly siding with Putin President’s affinity for Vladimir Putin. nal investigation, suggesting that it is over our intelligence community was a In early October, President Trump focused on the unfounded allegations grave offense by the President that announced the abrupt withdrawal of pushed by the President’s allies about made our Nation less safe—in my judg- U.S. troops from Syria, clearing the how the Russia probe was started. ment, for sure less safe. It was one of way for Turkey to pursue a military Considering that Special Counsel the worst moments in any American operation against Kurdish allies of the Mueller, the intelligence community, Presidency. United States in northern Syria. Fol- and the bipartisan Senate Intelligence No. 3 in my brief summary of that lowing an initial U.S.-brokered Committee all confirmed in great de- public meeting in Helsinki is that Mr. ceasefire, Turkish and Russian authori- tail that Russia interfered in the 2016 Putin was silent the whole time when ties have agreed to a more permanent election, it is entirely unclear what this was happening. status, sharing control of Syria’s legal or factual predicate Attorney President Trump’s rambling com- northern border. General Barr is even relying on to jus- ments over several minutes reflect not Turkish and Russian forces are not tify this criminal investigation into only the President’s disturbing desire only occupying Kurdish-held areas but the origins of the government’s inves- to flatter and to show support for also further expanding Russia’s role in tigation into Russia’s election inter- Putin but also his complete failure—in Syria and committing war crimes ference. that instance, his complete failure—to against Kurdish civilians, according to Attorney General Barr is pursuing advance U.S. interests. the United Nations. these efforts, despite the fact that Let me move to the impeachment Russia has already occupied U.S. Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte that is underway regarding Ukraine. military camps in the region, and stated that Italy’s intelligence services The transcript of the now-infamous Turkish President Erdogan’s deepening played no role in the Russian inves- July 25 phone call with Ukrainian relationship with Vladimir Putin—as tigation. It appears that Attorney Gen- President Volodymyr Zelensky that is evidenced by Turkey’s purchase of the eral Barr is using the Justice Depart- the subject of the current impeach- Russian S–400 missile system—only un- ment to chase unsubstantiated con- ment inquiry also reflects the Presi- dercuts U.S. influence in Syria, all but spiracy theories that could benefit the dent’s failure to prioritize U.S. na- guaranteeing that U.S. interests will President politically and also under- tional security interests when it comes not be represented in a future Syrian mine Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s to Russia. political settlement. Russia investigation. Going back to Anne Gearan and the President Trump’s decision serves to The Attorney General has also dem- Washington Post story of October 15 of benefit Vladimir Putin. Prior to with- onstrated eagerness to prejudge his this year, she wrote: ‘‘During that call, drawal, the United States was Russia’s own investigation by already telling Trump did not mention longstanding only military equal in Syria, but Rus- lawmakers in April that he believed U.S. policy goals for Ukraine, including sia is now the primary and, according that ‘‘spying did occur’’ by the FBI on standing up to Russian pressure, and he to some analysts, the sole power the Trump campaign. So the President may have tarred and weakened broker in Syria. has dispatched a top U.S. law enforce- Zelensky and his winning anti-corrup- In the vacuum left by the United ment official around the world to pur- tion platform by dragging him into do- States, Putin will be able to return sue a biased investigation into an ef- mestic U.S. politics.’’ control of the country to Bashar al- fort to undermine our intelligence Such major omissions send a clear Assad, exercise increased control over agencies and to undermine the work of signal to Putin that he could expand Turkey—a NATO ally—and return to a special counsel who was appointed by his aggression in Ukraine beyond Cri- Russia’s Cold War-era dominance in the very same Justice Department that mea and to the Ukrainian people and the Middle East. Attorney General Barr leads, with the also the message to the Ukrainian peo- As Georgetown University Russia primary goal—the primary goal—being ple that Zelensky is not going to be the specialist Andrew Bennett put it, to clear Vladimir Putin’s government strong leader with U.S. backing that ‘‘[W]hat is clear is that Russia and the of wrongdoing. It is hard to com- Ukraine needs at this time. [Bashar al-] Assad regime that it backs prehend or adequately articulate how We have already seen the impact of have been the big winners in Trump’s disturbing that is. President Trump’s abandonment of abrupt retreat. . . . Now, suddenly

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:52 Nov 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.009 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6638 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 Putin is back in the driver’s seat in tions on the line to testify publicly in ministration’s blatant disregard and Syria, with leverage over all sides.’’ defense of U.S. national security, disrespect for career diplomats has had Mr. President, it is even worse than moral leadership, and our democratic a grave impact on the State Depart- that. Let me recount some recent news institutions. It is outrageous—and that ment and our National Security Agen- with regard to actions by Vladimir is an understatement—that they have cy’s ability to recruit the next genera- Putin. been subjected to partisan attacks— tion of talented, committed public President Trump’s transgression goes public servants who have sacrificed so servants who promote U.S. interests beyond simply allowing Russia to fill a much for our Nation. In the case of the abroad. vacuum. On October 13, just 2 days be- diplomats, the diplomats have been at- I will not allow this administration’s fore Anne Gearan’s Washington Post tacked without any support or defense continuing assault on our diplomats to story, the New York Times reported from Secretary of State Pompeo or undermine, devalue, or dishonor their that ‘‘the Russian Air Force has re- other senior Department of State offi- service or the service of future patriots peatedly bombed hospitals in Syria in cials. who choose to make a career of serving order to crush the last pockets of re- We should all be inspired by these and protecting our Nation. sistance to President Bashar al-Assad.’’ and countless other public servants The Ambassadors and officials who The Times published evidence in that who work to protect and serve the testified last week, as well as today— story that the Russians bombed four United States every day. When I reflect others, including Lieutenant Colonel Syrian hospitals in a 12-hour period in upon their service to our country and Vindman—have lived honorable and du- May of this year. During the assault, their integrity, I am reminded of just tiful lives in service to the United the Kafr Nabl Surgical Hospital in Idlib one line from ‘‘America the Beautiful: States of America. We owe them our Province was struck four times in 30 ‘‘O beautiful for patriot dream, That deepest gratitude and appreciation for minutes. Let me say that again. A hos- sees beyond the years.’’ One of the their integrity and commitment to pital was struck four times in 30 min- dreams of a patriot, of course, is to see American values. These are real Amer- utes. Dozens of hospitals and clinics in beyond our own circumstances, to ican heroes who, despite the Presi- Idlib Province have been struck since, dream about a better future by uphold- dent’s bullying and harassment, have and Syrian medical workers live in ing our institutions and by serving the stood up in defense of our democratic constant fear of the next strike. rule of law, our democracy, and our Russia continues to act with impu- institutions and the values the Found- Constitution. ers fought for to guide our Nation. nity. Not only did it bomb another hos- I will skip over all of the information I yield the floor. pital in Idlib last week, Russia is using we already know about the service of its sway at the United Nations Secu- these Ambassadors and just conclude The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- rity Council—where U.S. leadership has with some comments about what hap- ator from Tennessee. diminished significantly under this ad- pened today. WIND PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT ministration—to limit the scope and Today, Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I the impact of a U.N. inquiry into these before questioning by the committee have come to the floor to talk about bombings. Members, was going through his expe- the wind production tax credit. This is Such atrocities go beyond the pale of rience. I will go through it briefly: in- violating the Geneva Conventions and a subject that I’ve talked about before. fantry officer, foreign area officer spe- The Senator from Pennsylvania, Mr. the laws of war; they demonstrate just cializing in European and Eurasian po- how ruthless Putin and his regime are TOOMEY, will, I believe, come soon to litical military affairs, political mili- talk on the same subject. and the lengths they are willing to go tary affairs officer, serving on the Na- to assert Russia’s influence in the Mid- The wind production tax credit is so tional Security Council, and serving generous with taxpayers’ money that dle East. The tragedy is, this adminis- our country in combat and paying the tration is allowing it to happen. Under wind developers can actually give away price of being wounded in combat. their electricity for free and still make this administration, we have seen U.S. At the end of his statement today, leadership erode and multilateral insti- a profit. Let me say that again. I am Lieutenant Colonel Vindman talked talking today about the wind produc- tutions deteriorate to the point where about his father. He said: the U.N. is powerless to hold Russia ac- tion tax credit, which is a tax sub- His courageous decision [to come to this countable for these atrocities. sidy—taxpayer dollars—given to wind country] inspired a deep sense of gratitude in developers, and it is so generous that I cannot emphasize enough that this my brothers and myself and instilled in us a administration is not only failing the sense of duty and service. All three of us the developers can actually, in some American people with regard to our re- served or are currently serving in the mili- cases, give away their electricity for lationship with Russia and national se- tary. Our collective military service is a spe- free and still make a profit. curity interests, but it is also making cial part of our family’s story in America. That wind production tax credit has us less safe by allowing unspeakable He went on to say: been extended 11 times. It has been on atrocities to occur against innocent ci- I am grateful for my father’s brave act of the books for more than 25 years. This vilians—all on our watch. hope 40 years ago and for the privilege of was a tax credit that was supposed to IMPEACHMENT being an American citizen and public serv- jump-start a new industry—that’s 25 Mr. President, I will be brief because ant, where I can live free of fear for mine and years of jump-starting. Four years ago, I know I only have about 5 minutes be- my family’s safety. Congress agreed to end it. We thought fore we have to move on, but I want to He contrasted that with what hap- that was it. In doing so, Congress asked turn to some brief comments about the pens in Russia. I think it is a good re- taxpayers to provide another $24 bil- courageous public servants whom we minder for all of us. lion, according to the Joint Committee have watched and will continue to Let me conclude with these thoughts. on Taxation, to extend the wind pro- watch testify before the House Intel- It is appalling to see individuals such duction tax credit—$24 billion more in ligence Committee both last week and as Lieutenant Colonel Vindman who subsidies for another 5 years and again this week in the impeachment dedicated their entire lives to the safe- gradually phase out the credit. That is inquiry. ty and security of the United States be what we thought we did 4 years ago. We We have heard from George Kent, smeared by the President and by his would spend $24 billion more in ex- Ambassador Taylor, Ambassador attack dogs who are more concerned change for phasing out and ending the Yovanovitch, and today, Lieutenant about tweets and FOX News headlines wind production tax credit. This is on Colonel Vindman and others, and my than protecting our Nation’s domestic top of the nearly $10 billion taxpayers remarks go out to do justice to all foundations. paid between 2008 and 2015 and the bil- those who will testify for their cour- Nothing the President has said or lions more the taxpayers have paid age. I want to make some brief com- done in his nearly 3 years as President since the wind production tax credit ments. convinces me he has any understanding was created in 1992. That was supposed These individuals and so many others of public service. Looking beyond the to be the end of the wind production are putting their careers and reputa- current impeachment inquiry, this ad- tax credit 4 years ago. Remember, it

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:52 Nov 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.011 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6639 was supposed to jump-start a new in- nology to put our country and the fuel. Amazingly enough, that savings is dustry. President Obama’s Energy Sec- world firmly on a path toward cleaner, not enough to ever recoup the huge retary said years ago that wind is al- cheaper energy. Specifically, I encour- amount of capital you have to lay out ready a mature industry. That was dur- aged funding breakthroughs in ad- upfront to build this very, very expen- ing the Obama administration. vanced nuclear reactors, natural gas, sive technology. You don’t have to Now some Members of Congress are carbon capture, better batteries, take my word for it. Warren Buffett trying to break the agreement of 4 greener buildings, electric vehicles, had something to say about this. He years ago to end the wind production cheaper solar, fusion, advanced com- knows something about investments. tax credit. Earlier this summer, the puting, and doubling energy research He knows something about economic House Ways and Means Committee re- funding. All of that is a better use of efficiency. Warren Buffett said: ported legislation that extends that funding than more funding for wind de- We get a tax credit if we build a lot of wind credit through the end of 2020. This velopers, which is so generous that in farms. That is the only reason to build them. huge amount of money is not the only some cases they can give away their They don’t make sense without the tax cred- thing wrong with that proposal. electricity and still make a profit. Let it. First, the wind production tax credit wind energy go where we said it should That is the reality we have. It is undercuts reliable electricity like nu- go in 2015; let it go unsubsidized into compounded by the fact, of course, that clear power. This is called negative the free market. That is where we wind energy is inherently unreliable. pricing, which is when wind developers thought we sent it 4 years ago, and This will come as no surprise to my have such a big subsidy that they can that is where it should go. colleagues. You don’t generate elec- give away their electricity and still I yield the floor. tricity from a windmill unless the wind make money. If you are a wind devel- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- is blowing. Unfortunately, it is just a oper, for every kilowatt hour of elec- ator from Pennsylvania. fact of nature that wind generation tricity one of these 40-story-high wind Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I want tends to peak in the middle of the structures produces, the taxpayers will to join my colleague from Tennessee in night and early morning hours when pay you up to 2.3 cents, which in some explaining why we ought to allow this our energy needs are at their lowest. markets is more than the cost of the deal to stand—the deal that was struck It is very hard to store electricity, so wholesale value of each kilowatt hour some years ago to phase out these in- we end up with this bizarre situation of electricity. Negative pricing such as credibly inefficient subsidies. that the Senator from Tennessee al- I thank my colleague from Tennessee this distorts the marketplace. It puts luded to, where sometimes the wind for his leadership on this issue. As you at risk more reliable forms of energy farms are generating tremendous know, this is a very large tax subsidy. such as nuclear power, which produces amounts of electricity, when no one The government is already set to spend 60 percent of all the carbon-free elec- needs electricity, because there is a about $67 billion in energy tax sub- wind storm in the middle of the night, tricity in the United States. In con- sidies just over the next 5 years, and but because they are so heavily sub- trast, wind produces about 19 percent we should be very clear about this: sidized by taxpayers, the wind farm of all the carbon-free electricity in the These subsidies lead to a lower stand- companies are willing to pay the elec- United States. I think it is important ard of living. When we choose to take tric grid operator to take their elec- to produce carbon-free electricity. I be- an inefficient form of energy and throw tricity. Normally, you sell your elec- lieve climate change is a problem and a lot of money at it, it just lowers the tricity. They actually will pay money that humans are a cause of the prob- standard of living. We have less re- lem. sources available for all the other to have the electrical grid take their Why would we undercut the produc- things we could be doing with that electricity. This is extremely disrup- tion of nuclear power—which is 60 per- money. tive for the conventional sources of cent of our carbon-free electricity—by As my colleague from Tennessee electricity, whether it is nuclear or gas the negative pricing of this big, expen- mentioned, the wind production tax or coal, because they have to be there sive wind production tax credit? With credit began in 1992 for the very all the time to adjust for the wild fluc- nuclear power available, expecting a straightforward, simple reason that it tuations that come from wind-gen- country the size of the United States couldn’t compete. It is completely eco- erated electricity. It is very hard for to operate on windmills is the energy nomically uncompetitive. The idea is, them to have a vehicle business model equivalent of going to war in sail we will have this temporary subsidy to when occasionally the product they boats. enable the wind production to reach an produce has a negative value. It is just Second, in my view, windmills de- economy of scale, reach a maturity in bizarre. stroy the environment rather than the industry that would allow it to I want to stress another element of save it. You could run these 40-story compete, and the consensus at the time this, which is the original rationale. structures from Georgia to Maine to was that ought to be achieved by about The original rationale was that this produce electricity, scarring the entire 1999. After about 7 years of taxpayer was a new industry. It was going to eastern landscape or you could produce subsidies, the industry should be on its need some help getting on its feet and the same amount of electricity with feet, should be competitive, and there getting established, and after some pe- eight nuclear power plants. If you did would be technological improvements riod of time, it would be able to com- run these giant structures from Geor- and everything would be fine. That was pete on its own. This is no longer even gia to Maine, you would still need nat- 20 years ago. We have been subsidizing remotely the case. In fact, there is a ural gas or nuclear power to produce it ever since. tremendous amount of wind-generated electricity when the wind is not blow- We extended this program 11 times. electricity in America because these ing, which is most of the time. The wind component of all of our en- subsidies have been so big for so long. There is a much better way to spend ergy subsidies is about $25 billion over In 1999, we had only 41⁄2 billion kilo- the dollars that are available for clean a 5-year period, and they still can’t watt hours of electricity generated energy. Instead of subsidizing wind de- compete. The reason it can’t compete from wind. In 2018, we had 275 billion velopers, the United States could use is because it is just extremely expen- kilowatt hours—a 6,000-percent in- that money to double the nearly $6.6 sive to build the electricity-generating crease in two decades. It is now 7 per- billion that the Federal Government capacity if it is a windmill. It is much cent of all U.S. electricity generation spends on basic energy research to more expensive than alternative forms because these subsidies are so expen- make truly bold breakthroughs that of energy. The cost of building wind ca- sive. will help us provide cleaner, cheaper pacity versus natural gas, for instance, I think it was, in part, because of the energy and raise family incomes. is pretty stark. It costs less than $1,000 enormous growth of this industry and Earlier this year, I came to the Sen- per kilowatt of capacity for a natural the maturity of it—the decades-long ate floor and called for a New Manhat- gas-fired powerplant. It costs over history—that Congress finally decided tan Project for Clean Energy, a 5-year $1,600 per kilowatt for wind production. back in 2015 that we would phase out project with 10 grand challenges that Obviously, after the production is these subsidies. We wouldn’t do it im- will use American research and tech- done, windmills don’t require ongoing mediately, but we would phase them

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:52 Nov 19, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.012 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6640 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 out by 2019. So 20 years after the sub- was even more important. They are so have quickly passed the full Senate sidies were supposed to end, we are now outraged by the President and so con- when brought to the Senate floor. Ap- on a glide path to phasing this out and sumed by his every word and every parently, the minority leader, the Sen- having these taxpayer subsidies expire tweet that they have brought the work ator from New York, had other plans in at the end of this year. of this body to a screeching halt in an mind, because when I, along with Sen- At the time the Wind Energy Asso- effort to remove him from office less ator BLUMENTHAL, came to the floor ciation looked at this in 2015, they than a year before the next general last week to try to get this legislation said: ‘‘Growth in the wind industry is election. It seems they have no desire passed, he objected—hence, the Schu- expected to remain strong when the whatsoever to pass legislation that mer graveyard. PTC is fully phased out.’’ PTC is the would benefit the American people, let On November 18, 2019, when referring production tax credit. That is what we alone any urgency to get things mov- to S. 1416, regarding the lowering of are talking about. Lo and behold, we ing. The only thing our Democratic drug prices, Senator SCHUMER said: get to the end of 2019, or nearly so, and, colleagues seem to care about is stop- ‘‘Democrats are happy and eager to sure enough, some folks in Congress ping the President from getting any- work on those issues.’’ are saying: Well, let’s not stick to that thing that could be construed as a win. One thing I have learned around here deal. Let’s continue this subsidy even Over in the House, the Democrats is that it is not just what people say longer. So we had a markup in the have put legislating on the back burner but what they do that counts, and he Ways and Means Committee of the and are spending their days trying to objected to this virtually unanimously other Chamber to add yet another nullify the results of the 2016 election. supported bill, on a bipartisan basis, to year’s extension to the wind tax credit They are slow-walking negotiations on lower drug prices. He actually called it that will cost another $2 billion. the National Defense Authorization a good bill. He said it was well-inten- I just don’t think we should break Act, which has passed every year with- tioned, but he said there were other the deal that we had in 2015. This is an out fail since 1961. Their negotiations ideas that had to be included before he inefficient use of taxpayers’ money. with the administration over the would lift his objection. So he doesn’t This makes our economy less efficient. USMCA—that is the successor to have any objection to our bill. He un- This lowers our standard of living and NAFTA, which helped to benefit the derstands it is a good bill but that it is disruptive to the ongoing base employment of roughly 13 million may not be as comprehensive as he sources of electricity that we need Americans—have kept farmers, ranch- would like. across the country. ers, and manufacturers in limbo for Another thing I have learned in my The last point I want to make is that months. Along with the necessary time in the Senate is that if you de- it is not as though we have an energy funding to help to make up for the lack mand everything and are not willing to shortage in this country. It is not as of funds in the highway trust fund, compromise, you are going to end up though we are going to have to turn to they have also complicated efforts to with nothing. Apparently, that is what hostile foreign sources to get the en- get a long-term highway bill reauthor- the Democratic leader is happy with, ergy to replace if we don’t continue ization passed. including for his constituents in New Despite the partisan frenzy in the heavily subsidizing wind production. York, by the way, who will have to pay House, I have always believed the Sen- The fact is we have staggering amounts more money out-of-pocket as a result ate should do its best to stay above the of his objection to this commonsense of natural gas—enough natural gas to fray, but the minority leader has prov- bill. serve our electricity generation needs en me wrong. In fact, last week, I came I would hope that he would talk to for the indefinite future. In 2017, the to the floor to ask unanimous consent his own Members who have cospon- United States became a net exporter of to pass a bill that Senator RICHARD sored this bill. Most notably, the natural gas. It is a huge, growing BLUMENTHAL, of Connecticut, a Demo- Democratic whip, Senator DURBIN, of source of electricity generation that is crat, and I, a Republican, introduced Illinois, has cosponsored the bill as clean, that is reliable, and that is in- together. Incredibly, this bill passed well as Senator MURRAY, of Wash- credibly abundant. We came to the unanimously out of the Committee on ington, who is the ranking member on right conclusion some years ago. Now the Judiciary. the Committee on Health, Education, is our opportunity to stick to it. Our legislation is designed to do what Labor, and Pensions. They are both co- I yield the floor. all here in Washington say they want sponsors of this bill that the Demo- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. to do, which is to reduce drug prices— cratic leader objected to. CRUZ). The Senator from Texas. in this case, by stopping drug makers While all Senators have said they SENATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA from gaming the patent system. Our want to address rising drug prices, Sen- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, history bill strikes a delicate balance of pro- ator SCHUMER has the distinction of has taught us that the closer you get tecting innovation, which is very, very being the only Senator to have actu- to election day, the harder it gets to important—we must not lose sight of ally blocked a bill that would do ex- pass legislation here in the Congress. It that—while it increases competition, actly that. Why would he do that? He is hard, anyway, by design. You have to and you know competition helps to claims—I think, mistakenly so—that pass a bill through committees in the bring down prices. As an added bonus, passing my bill would somehow render House and in the Senate. Both bodies it would lower Federal spending by the Senate incapable of passing any have to pass a bill if they are different. more than a half a billion dollars over other drug pricing legislation. That is, They have to reconcile those in a con- 10 years. That is not even talking obviously, ridiculous and untrue. ference committee. Then, you have to about what it would do in the non- I happen to sit not only on the Com- negotiate with the White House in governmental sector for savings. mittee on the Judiciary but on the order to get the President’s signature. Senator BLUMENTHAL and I have done Committee on Finance. There is a sig- So, by design, it is hard to pass legisla- what you are expected to do here in a nificant bipartisan Committee on Fi- tion, but it shouldn’t be this hard. legislative body, which is to work hard nance bill, together with the Health, With less than a year to go before the to build consensus and come up with a Education, Labor, and Pensions Com- 2020 election, we are racing against the bill that could gain bipartisan support. mittee’s bill, that has been produced by clock. We started this year with bipar- By any measure, we have succeeded in Senator ALEXANDER and Senator MUR- tisan ambitions to address healthcare doing that, as it has a dozen bipartisan RAY. Both of those contain many good costs, to bolster international trade, cosponsors. As I mentioned, when this ideas. I wish we had the time and the and to get the appropriations process legislation was reviewed by the Com- bandwidth to debate and vote on those back on track and avoid unnecessary mittee on the Judiciary—a committee on the Senate floor and in the House. government shutdowns. Yet, some- that, notably, can be pretty conten- But for the fact that our House col- where along the way, politics hijacked tious at times—the committee passed leagues are so obsessed with impeach- the process. it unanimously. Every Republican and ment and seem incapable of doing any- Our colleagues across the aisle de- every Democrat voted for it. thing else, I think we could do that. cided that no matter how critical legis- I had hoped that would have been Of course, even though the Demo- lation may be, foiling President Trump some indication that this bill would cratic leader himself is the reason this

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.013 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6641 bill did not pass last week, it hasn’t discretionary spending budget, and talking about or amending the under- stopped him from complaining about they are trying to reopen the very lying bill, which each Senator would the lack of progress on other legisla- budget agreement that they agreed to have the opportunity to do if they tion. Yesterday evening, for example, last summer that has become law. would allow us to begin that process, he came to the floor and said: ‘‘Demo- They blocked vital education fund- which they blocked. crats are happy and eager to work on ing, which would have provided more Well, the Democratic leader loves to those issues.’’ I would suggest, when he than $71 billion to the Department of talk about the legislative graveyard says they ‘‘are happy and eager to Education. This spending bill would here in the Senate. What he really work on those issues,’’ that it is just bolster a number of the grant programs means is that he wants to control the happy talk, not our actually rolling up that our students and our schools rely agenda, even in his seat as the minor- our sleeves and working together to on, and it would promote college access ity leader. Well, he knows the rules of get the work of the American people and affordability to help more prospec- the Senate don’t permit the minority done, which is the reason I thought we tive college students. That same fund- to control the agenda. That is why it is were here. ing bill would have invested nearly $4 so important that Senator MCCONNELL The Democratic leader went on to billion in our fight against the opioid is where he is and that Republicans say that the Senate Democrats are epidemic, supported workforce training have a majority. waiting with bated breath for the Re- programs, and strengthened our na- We are not saying that you have to publican leader to put any of these tionwide mental health system. do it our way or the highway. We are bills on the floor and for any Repub- Could the majority leader put aside saying: Let’s engage in the legislative lican to speak out and demand they go politics just long enough to let this process. Let’s take up legislation on on the floor. Yet, when I asked for this funding bill, which would do so much the floor of the Senate and let Senators bill to be passed on the floor, it was not good, pass? Well, apparently not. offer their amendments, their sugges- a Republican who blocked it. It was the If you think that is bad, it just gets tions, and then let’s vote on them. But same person who said he would be worse. Our most fundamental responsi- let’s not just stop things dead in their tracks because of partisan politics or happy and eager to work on those bility in Congress is to provide for the because somebody doesn’t want some- issues. Again, what people say in Wash- common defense. Before we can worry body who happens to be on the ballot ington, DC, is not what they actually about anything else, we need the safety in 2020 to get a ‘‘win.’’ That is really do sometimes. I suggest it is important and security that our military provides beneath the dignity of the Senate or to see what people do, not just listen to to fight, if necessary, our Nation’s wars any Senator. It is less than what the what they say. and to defend our democracy. Actually, Sadly, this isn’t the only time the the strength of our military is directly American people have a right to expect of us. Democratic leader has blocked related to our ability to live in peace I would ask the Democratic leader progress on bipartisan priorities. It is because when our adversaries see us as again: Please don’t head down this just the latest. Here are some other tentative or weak or withdrawing or path by creating a graveyard of your tombstones in the Schumer graveyard. unwilling to fund our military training own for bipartisan legislation that Over the summer, our colleagues on and readiness, they view that as a sign could and should become law. It is not the Committee on Appropriations had of weakness, which itself can be a prov- my way or the highway. We have to the foresight to prepare for the funding ocation, which, again, ignores our most work on this together, and we are will- fight that we expected this fall. That basic job as Members of the Congress. ing to do our part. was a normal part of the process. They There have always been disagree- Let’s work on bills that strengthen negotiated a spending caps agreement ments about exact dollar figures; we our military, lower drug prices, help to make the appropriations process are not talking about that. But the students, assist in the fight against the much more straightforward in both top-line figures were agreed upon last opioid crisis, and so much, much more. Chambers of Congress, and the House summer, so I thought we were ready to I think it is a shame that our Demo- and the Senate approved the terms. We fund our military on time. cratic colleagues seem to be unable to agreed to that top-line funding level Well, shame on me for being an opti- compartmentalize their feelings about both for defense and nondefense spend- mist or at least optimistic enough to the President from the urgent need for ing. There was also a promise not to believe that people would keep their them to do the jobs they were elected derail the process with poison pills in commitments, keep their word, and we to do here in the Congress. They have the form of policy riders. We got all of would somehow head down this path to been given countless opportunities to it done with plenty of time to spare. funding the U.S. Government. engage with us on a bipartisan basis to After we voted on that, there was Here we are, with one continuing res- pass meaningful legislation that would reason for hope and optimism in that, olution expiring in 3 days’ time. I be- make the American people’s lives bet- somehow, we had made it much easier lieve the House will vote on an addi- ter. Again, that is why I think we are for us to do the Nation’s business when tional continuing resolution that will here, but they refuse to do anything it had come to the spending bills. While take us to December 20, and then the that could be construed as giving some- there was still a lot of work to do, we Senate will have to do that just to body a victory because of political con- thought this put us on a strong footing keep the lights on here in Washington, siderations. While Senator SCHUMER to get funding bills passed before the DC—just to make sure that govern- continues to kill bipartisan bill after end of the fiscal year. Yet here we are ment actually functions. bipartisan bill—really, because of it— today, on November 19—a long time None of this is necessary, and all of it the work of this Congress has become from those votes in August—and we is directly related to hyperpartisan paralyzed. still don’t have those spending bills conflict, which we all understand, but We are not going to give up, though. passed. it simply is getting in the way of our We will keep fighting to ensure that Our Democratic colleagues have, on ability to do our business. the American people are not the ulti- two instances, actually objected to The one that strikes me as the most mate victims of our Democratic col- even debating the Defense appropria- indefensible, beyond the prescription leagues’ war against this President— tions bill, which provides a pay raise drug objection, is blocking funding for again, less than a year before the elec- for our troops. They will not even talk our troops. We depend on an all-volun- tion. Why can’t they channel all of about it. They will not offer amend- teer military, and obviously many of their anger, all of their energy into the ments. They just blocked it. They just our military members are not just sin- election rather than invoking the im- stopped it dead in its tracks. You gle; they have families who depend on peachment process? This would be the would have thought everybody would them and on the funding that Congress fourth time that has been initiated in have learned not to play politics with provides. But our colleagues blocked it American history, and it has never the appropriations bills. Our Demo- two different times—again, voting been successful in getting a Senate cratic colleagues have held up govern- against the motion to proceed to the conviction and a removal of any Presi- ment funding due to a disagreement bill which, in plain English, is just say- dent in American history. Our Demo- that is equal to about 0.3 percent of the ing that they didn’t even want to start cratic colleagues know they are likely

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.015 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6642 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 headed to the same conclusion here, Murray Shaheen Van Hollen Jones Paul Shelby but they nonetheless want to occupy Peters Smith Warner Kaine Perdue Sinema Rosen Stabenow Wyden Kennedy Peters Smith all of our time and all of our attention Schatz Tester King Portman Sullivan on something that they know, ulti- Schumer Udall Lankford Reed Tester mately, will likely be futile, will be un- Leahy Risch Thune NOT VOTING—5 Lee Roberts successful, and in the meantime leave Tillis Booker Klobuchar Warren Manchin Romney Toomey McConnell Rounds the American people on the sideline Harris Sanders Udall McSally Rubio and not care or do anything that would Warner The nomination was confirmed. Menendez Sasse help make their lives just a little bit Whitehouse The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Moran Scott (FL) Wicker easier and our country just a little bit the previous order, the motion to re- Murkowski Scott (SC) Murphy Shaheen Young stronger. consider is considered made and laid I yield the floor. upon the table, and the President will NAYS—15 f be immediately notified of the Senate’s Bennet Hirono Schatz action. Brown Markey Schumer RECESS Cantwell Merkley Stabenow f Cortez Masto Murray Van Hollen The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Gillibrand Rosen Wyden the previous order, the Senate stands CLOTURE MOTION NOT VOTING—5 in recess until 2:15 p.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Booker Klobuchar Warren Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:37 p.m., Harris Sanders recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the bled when called to order by the Pre- Senate the pending cloture motion, The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this siding Officer (Mrs. CAPITO). which the clerk will state. vote, the yeas are 80, the nays are 15. The senior assistant legislative clerk The motion is agreed to. f read as follows: f EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued CLOTURE MOTION EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The the previous order, all postcloture time Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby clerk will report the nomination. has expired. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The legislative clerk read the nomi- Mr. LEE. I ask for the yeas and nays. nation of Barbara Lagoa, of Florida, to be nation of Barbara Lagoa, of Florida, to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh be United States Circuit Judge for the question is, Will the Senate advise and Circuit. Eleventh Circuit. consent to the Luck nomination? Rick Scott, Steve Daines, Mike Crapo, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Is there a sufficient second? Pat Roberts, Marco Rubio, Lindsey ator from Louisiana. There appears to be a sufficient sec- Graham, John Hoeven, Roy Blunt, Mike Rounds, John Thune, John Cor- FCC AND C-BAND AUCTION ond. nyn, Deb Fischer, John Barrasso, Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, I The clerk will call the roll. James E. Risch, John Boozman, Tim want to spend a very few minutes The senior assistant legislative clerk Scott, Mitch McConnell. today to say thanks. I want to thank called the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- Chairman Ajit Pai and his colleagues Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the imous consent, the mandatory quorum at the Federal Communications Com- Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), call has been waived. mission. The Chairman announced yes- the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- The question is, Is it the sense of the terday that he was going to put 5G RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Senate that debate on the nomination technology and the American taxpayer KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from of Barbara Lagoa, of Florida, to be first by holding a public auction, as op- Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- United States Circuit Judge for the posed to a private auction, of what we ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) Eleventh Circuit, shall be brought to a call the C-band. It was a courageous de- are necessarily absent. close? cision that he made against a lot of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there The yeas and nays are mandatory pressure. any other Senators in the Chamber de- under the rule. Allow me, for just a few minutes, to siring to vote? The clerk will call the roll. explain why that is important. We have The result was announced—yeas 64, The senior assistant legislative clerk all heard about 5G, which stands for nays 31, as follows: called the roll. fifth generation. It is a brandnew wire- [Rollcall Vote No. 358 Ex.] Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the less technology. It means incredibly YEAS—64 Senator from New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), fast internet and cell phone calls. It Alexander Fischer Perdue the Senator from California (Ms. HAR- means the ability to deliver as much as Baldwin Gardner Portman RIS), the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. 100 times more data through wireless Barrasso Graham Reed KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from technology than we can do today. Blackburn Grassley Risch We will notice it in our iPads; we will Blunt Hawley Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and the Sen- Roberts notice it in our computers; but we will Boozman Hoeven Romney ator from Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) Braun Hyde-Smith Rounds are necessarily absent. notice it also in our cell phones. Burr Inhofe Rubio As you know, a cell phone is really a Capito Isakson The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Sasse Carper Johnson BLACKBURN). Are there any other Sen- sophisticated walkie-talkie. I will use Scott (FL) Cassidy Jones the cell phone as an example to explain Scott (SC) ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? Collins Kennedy Shelby The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 80, 5G. A cell phone is just a very sophisti- Coons Lankford cated, much more complicated walkie- Cornyn Leahy Sinema nays 15, as follows: Sullivan talkie. How does a walkie-talkie work? Cotton Lee [Rollcall Vote No. 359 Ex.] Cramer Manchin Thune How does a cell phone work? Radio Crapo McConnell Tillis YEAS—80 waves. The scientific term is ‘‘electro- Toomey Cruz McSally Alexander Cassidy Feinstein magnetic radiation.’’ Daines Moran Whitehouse Baldwin Collins Fischer Enzi Murkowski Wicker Barrasso Coons Gardner A radio wave is just what it says, a Ernst Murphy Young Blackburn Cornyn Graham wave that goes from my cell phone, Feinstein Paul Blumenthal Cotton Grassley say, to the President’s cell phone Blunt Cramer Hassan NAYS—31 Boozman Crapo Hawley through an antenna, a transmitter, and Bennet Cortez Masto Hirono Braun Cruz Heinrich a receiver. A radio wave and the air Blumenthal Duckworth Kaine Burr Daines Hoeven through which it travels and the right Brown Durbin King Capito Duckworth Hyde-Smith to send a radio wave is a sovereign Cantwell Gillibrand Markey Cardin Durbin Inhofe Cardin Hassan Menendez Carper Enzi Isakson asset. It belongs to the American peo- Casey Heinrich Merkley Casey Ernst Johnson ple. The American people own that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.016 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6643 radio wave and the right to send it. Our That will build a lot of interstate, it not been able to agree or the Senate FCC gets to decide who gets to use will educate a lot of kids, and it will and the House have not been able to those radio waves and who has the pay a lot of soldiers. agree. As a result of that, Federal right to send those radio waves. But our three friends—these foreign workers around the country have faced There is a particular type of radio satellite companies—still said: Even the consequences of Members of Con- wave that is absolutely perfect for 5G. though we have no experience, we can gress not finding agreement. It is between 180 megahertz and 300 do it faster. If you let the FCC do it, it Help me understand this. Twenty-one megahertz. Why are these radio waves will take them 7 years. times in 40 years, Federal workers who so perfect for 5G? Well, because they Well, that just wasn’t accurate. I get up every single day and serve the strike a balance. First, the radio waves have spoken to the people in charge of American people and serve their neigh- in that spectrum, as it is called, can go doing auctions at the FCC. In fact, on bors have faced the consequences of a fairly long distance, and they can Thursday, they are going to appear be- furloughs because Members of Congress carry huge amounts of data. That is fore a subcommittee that I chair. We could not come to a resolution. It is going to make driverless cars possible. are going to talk about it some more. not that it has gone unnoticed. For a We have heard about those—the inter- I don’t know where this figure of 7 decade or more, there have been solu- net of things. That is going to make re- years came from, but it is just not ac- tions that have been proposed. mote surgery possible, where a doctor curate. Ten years ago, I had a proposal in the who is in one place physically and Nonetheless, the FCC came under— House—actually, ROB PORTMAN had a through the internet, using a robot, there are swamp creatures in the gov- great proposal in the Senate at the can perform surgery on someone 1,000 ernment; we know that. Some of these same time to deal with government miles away. 5G going through these swamp creatures in and out of govern- shutdowns. Let’s say when we get to special radio waves is going to make ment put an awful lot of pressure on the end of the fiscal year, we will just have a continuing resolution, but then all that possible. It is going to change the FCC. These swamp creatures are we will cut spending every few months our lives. trying to help some of their friends in Right now, those radio waves—I will the telecommunications business. One to press Congress to get to their work. call them the C-band spectrum—as I of the foreign corporations spent about The problem was, hardly anyone on the said, are owned by the American peo- half a million dollars lobbying. I am other side agreed with that. We ple. They are being used by three sat- not saying there is something wrong couldn’t get any bipartisan support for it. So my colleagues on the other side ellite companies—two from Luxem- with that. We all have the right to pe- of the aisle proposed that if we get to bourg and one from Canada—and some tition our government. But that is just the end of the fiscal year, we would other companies. They are satellite the fact. I don’t mean it in a pejorative have a continuing resolution, and companies. They don’t own those radio sense. every couple of months, the spending waves. They don’t even have a license The FCC was under a lot of pressure, would go up, and it would just continue to use those radio waves. They didn’t but yesterday, the Chairman of the to go up and up and up until it was re- pay anything to get to use those radio FCC, Ajit Pai, looked at all this. He re- solved. Well, they didn’t have anyone waves. The FCC said they could use sisted the pressure, and he announced on my side of the aisle saying ‘‘We are them. It is sort of like a month-to- that we are going to have a public auc- going to put in a mechanism that just tion. We are going to let every tele- month lease or rental agreement where increases spending over and over again communications company in America you don’t have to pay any rent. without congressional involvement,’’ Some time ago, those three compa- that wants to bid on these valuable air so they got no bipartisan support. nies came to the FCC and said: Even waves come forward and bid. We are An idea was floated to just cut the though we don’t own those radio waves going to do an auction within a year pay of the Members of Congress. But it you allow us to use and even though and probably less, not 7 years, and the really wasn’t cutting their pay; it was the American people own those radio money that is going to be generated is taking their pay and putting it in an waves, which are perfect for 5G, we are going to go to the owner of those radio escrow account and just kind of hold- willing to give them up to use for 5G, waves, not the foreign companies that, ing it for them, and then when every- but here is what we want you to do. through our benevolence, are now thing was resolved, they would get The three foreign companies said: We using those radio waves. The money is their money back. So it really wasn’t a want you to give us those radio waves, going to go to the American people. reduction in pay; it was kind a shell and then we will auction them off to I know what you are thinking. You game—push those dollars off to an- the telecommunications companies are thinking: Gosh, how was this ever other side and get them all back later that want to use the radio waves for even an issue? This should have been a just to make it look like you got a cut 5G. no-brainer. in pay. But that hasn’t had wide sup- This was the kicker: The three for- Well, that is part of what is wrong port either. A lot of people have real eign corporations said they want to with Washington, DC, in my judgment. concerns about that because, quite keep the money. Sometimes—not always but some- frankly, some Members of Congress are Investment bankers estimate that times—the American people aren’t put very wealthy; some Members are not. through that auction being conducted first. But yesterday, Ajit Pai, our Some Members don’t notice their con- by those three foreign corporations, as Chairman at the FCC, put them first, gressional pay; some do. It is kind of a much as $60 billion would have been and I just wanted to stand up today disproportionate piece of leverage to generated. That is how much tele- and tell him a genuine and heartfelt resolve this. communications companies would pay thank-you. What is interesting is that all those to get the license to use those radio I yield the floor. proposals acknowledged one simple waves. I suggest the absence of a quorum. thing: This is a problem. It needs to be Some people encouraged the FCC to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The resolved. Federal workers are facing do that. They said that we ought to do clerk will call the roll. the consequences; Members of Congress it because these three foreign compa- The senior assistant bill clerk called are not. nies can do an auction faster than the the roll. About 5 months ago, MAGGIE HASSAN FCC can—even though the three for- Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, I and I—this Chamber knows well the eign companies had never done an auc- ask unanimous consent that the order Senator from New Hampshire. She and tion of spectrum and even though the for the quorum call be rescinded. I started working together on a non- FCC has done over 100 public auctions The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without partisan—not just a bipartisan but a for other radio waves that the FCC has objection, it is so ordered. nonpartisan—way to stop government auctioned off. In doing that, the fine PREVENT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS ACT shutdowns. We have two very simple men and women at the FCC in charge Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, proposals. of these auctions—they have been in the last 40 years, we have had 21 gov- There are two problems here. We doing it for 25 years—have brought in ernment shutdowns—21. Twenty-one need to stop Federal workers from get- $123 billion for the American people. times, Congress and the President have ting hurt when there is a shutdown and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.034 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6644 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 make sure those families are not hurt. This idea is overly simplistic, but of the hardest issues. She never The second thing is, we want to actu- what is interesting is, for the first time wavered. She voted for the Recovery ally get to appropriations, not con- in a decade, there is an idea that has Act to save the economy when we were tinuing resolutions. bipartisan support. We have multiple in free fall. She voted for Dodd-Frank When do you a continuing resolution Members of this body who are looking to restore confidence and account- for any length of time, like what we at it, contemplating it, and then nod- ability to the financial sector, which are in right now—we are in our eighth ding their heads, saying: I would rather was something she knew quite a lot week of a continuing resolution right the pressure be on us than on the Fed- about. She spoke out against amend- now. When you do one that long, it eral workers and their families. ment No. 1 in North Carolina and for hurts temporary workers who are Fed- Let’s solve this. We shouldn’t have marriage equality. She also cast a deci- eral workers. They are laid off in the government shutdowns. We should sive vote for the Affordable Care Act. process. Other folks are not. Many of have arguments over debt and deficit. As a Democratic Senator from North these agencies need those temporary We should have arguments over the Carolina and as a freshman Senator, workers, and those temporary workers budget. That is why people sent us none of those positions were easy to are counting on that salary. It hurts here—to solve how their money is take, but she knew they were the right contracting because everything can’t going to be spent most efficiently and places to be for her State and for the start in a continuing resolution. You argue about issues on debt and deficit. country. Because Kay did what she did, have to wait until there are real appro- In the meantime, why in the world millions of Americans kept jobs they priations before new programs can would we want to hurt the very people would have lost, and millions of Ameri- start. You can’t stop old programs. You who serve their neighbors, those people cans gained quality, affordable health can’t do purchasing. It creates a tre- being the Federal employees around insurance for the first time in their mendous inefficiency in government. the country? Let’s keep them out of it. lives. In her home State, the LGBT Our simple idea was this: Let’s find a Let’s keep them still serving their community had a Senator in Wash- way to protect Federal workers and get neighbors, and let’s keep the fight ington who, for the first time in his- to appropriations. The solution we right here where it needs to be. Let’s tory, was willing to fight for their full came up with is pretty straight- argue this out until we get it resolved, and equal rights. forward. When we get to the end of the and let’s not quit until we resolve it. It One of our colleagues, the senior Sen- fiscal year, which right now is October is a simple idea that Senator HASSAN ator from Tennessee, likes to say: If 1, if appropriations are not done, there and I actually believe will work. you have come to Washington just to will be a continuing resolution that In the decades to come, people will hear yourself talk, just stay home and kicks into effect to protect Federal look back at the time when we used to get a job on the radio. It is not worth workers, but Members of Congress and have government shutdowns and will the trouble of your coming all the way our staff and the White House Office of shake their heads and say: I can’t be- here. Management and Budget—none of us lieve there was a period of time during Kay didn’t come to Washington to can travel. Members of Congress will be which the Federal government used to talk. She came to work and to lead. in continuous session 7 days a week shut down when they argued. Now we Over her term, Kay was a fierce and until we get appropriations done. And stay until we get the issue settled. principled advocate for North Carolina. one more thing: We can’t move to any It is a pretty straightforward idea, As a member of the Committee on issues other than appropriations. We and I hope that more of my colleagues Armed Services, she helped to prevent are locked into that box. cuts to tuition programs for veterans. Basically, if our work is not done, we will join us in this absolute commit- She sponsored the Lilly Ledbetter Fair all will have to stay until the work is ment to solving this for future genera- Pay Act to help close the gender pay done. I have had folks say that is not tions. I yield the floor. gap across the country. She worked really a big consequence. A lot of folks I suggest the absence of a quorum. do that all over the country all the across the aisle to promote conserva- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time. If at the end of their workday tion and outdoor recreation, which is clerk will call the roll. their work is not done, they have to something we appreciate in my home The senior assistant bill clerk pro- stay until they get it done. Small busi- State of Colorado. ceeded to call the roll. She was a lot less interested in the ness owners know that full well. It is Mr. BENNET. Madam President, I empty politics of this town and a lot not like you can punch a clock. If the ask unanimous consent that the order work is not done in a small business, more interested in making progress for for the quorum call be rescinded. the people of North Carolina and for you stay until it actually gets done. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Here is the thing. Go back to last De- our country. She was a voice of reason, objection, it is so ordered. cember. When the shutdown started pragmatism, and humility in this body, last December and we got to an im- REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN which sorely lacks all three. In other passe here between the House, the Sen- Mr. BENNET. Madam President, I words, Kay took her job seriously but ate, and the White House, Members of want to spend a few minutes recog- never herself, and no matter how dif- Congress and our staff all left and went nizing our late colleague and my friend ficult it might have been, she never home. Federal workers across the Senator Kay Hagan. failed to put the people of North Caro- country all took a big, deep breath as Kay and I both came to the Senate in lina ahead of the politics of the mo- they walked into the holidays because 2009. I had the privilege of working ment. It is why she earned deep respect they were on furlough, but Members of with her on two committees—HELP from both sides of the aisle, not only this body walked out. That should and Banking. As a former vice presi- for her work ethic but for her kindness, never happen—never. dent of the North Carolina National her warmth, and her grace. There was What Senator HASSAN and I are pro- Bank, she had a lot more to offer to not a room in this complex, including posing is very simple. The pressure that committee than I had, and I tried the one I am standing in right now, shouldn’t be on Federal workers. They to learn from her whenever I could. that wasn’t brightened the moment can’t vote to solve this. The pressure Kay and I both came to the Senate in that Kay Hagan walked in. should be on us. the middle of the worst recession since To Chip, her husband, and to their For everyone in this body who says, the Great Depression. We were losing kids—Jeanette, Tilden, and Carrie—I ‘‘I don’t like that kind of artificial 700,000 jobs a month, and millions were hope you know how proud we all are of pressure,’’ why don’t you feel what it is losing their homes. It was an incred- Kay. She represented the best qualities like to be a Federal worker for a while ibly difficult moment for the country, of North Carolina. It is why her col- and those Federal employees? They but it brought out all of Kay’s best leagues adored her. It is why her staff don’t like that pressure on them. So qualities. loved her and revered her, and it is why let’s flip it. Let’s put the pressure on Everyone knew that Kay faced some all of us who had the privilege of work- us, where it should be, and get it off of the toughest politics of any Member ing with her in this body will miss her the folks, where it should not be, and of our caucus, but in those early days, terribly. let’s stay until we get our work done. I saw her take vote after vote on some I yield the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.035 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6645 I suggest the absence of a quorum. cast signals. They deserve the ability sities and the minority-serving institu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to view basic television services just tions are underresourced and don’t clerk will call the roll. like everyone else. have the flexibility to operate in the The senior assistant bill clerk pro- Without the reauthorization of red in the hopes of potential reimburse- ceeded to call the roll. STELAR, many Americans will not be ment later on. Mr. WICKER. Madam President, I able to watch broadcast news or enjoy Campuses are already feeling this im- ask unanimous consent that the order access to programming that is avail- pact. Just 2 weeks after this program for the quorum call be rescinded. able for the rest of the country. They expired, some campuses notified em- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without will be on the wrong side of the digital ployees that their positions and pro- objection, it is so ordered. divide, and there will be a wide cul- grams may be terminated. We are talk- SATELLITE TELEVISION EXTENSION AND tural divide, as they would be cut off ing about real people losing their jobs LOCALISM ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT from the flow of programs and informa- and programs being cut that play a Mr. WICKER. Madam President, I tion. critical role in graduating and retain- rise this afternoon because there is a If Members of this body are of a mind ing students in the STEM field— legislative deadline in front of this to move forward with some extension science, technology, engineering, and body that we dare not miss. Even as I of this statute, we will work with our math fields. All of this is impacting speak, our colleagues in the House En- colleagues in the House. That may in- students across the country. Presidents ergy and Commerce Committee are clude improvements and enhancements of some of these institutions have told considering the Satellite Television to STELAR that address good faith re- us that planning has ‘‘all but stopped.’’ Extension and Localism Act Reauthor- quirements, level the playing field in This funding lapse is urgent, and it ization, or STELAR. For 30 years, the marketplace, promote access to must be addressed now. STELAR and previous versions of the programming, and ensure robust com- law have allowed people who live be- petition, but we don’t have much time. From the perspective of my home yond the reach of a broadcast signal to After this week, Senators will go State of Pennsylvania, we have two of receive broadcast programming none- home for Thanksgiving. Many of those the oldest historically Black colleges theless. across the country who benefit from and universities—two of the oldest in Some Senators believe that in 2019, STELAR in our States will watch foot- the whole country—Cheyney Univer- STELAR has outlived its usefulness ball games and the Macy’s Thanks- sity, as well as Lincoln University, and want it to expire, but other Sen- giving Day Parade, thanks to the and, in addition to that, a growing His- ators want to extend some of these pro- STELAR law. They will enjoy time panic-serving institution, in this case, visions—at least in the short term—to with their families, and I look forward the Reading Area Community College. prevent consumers from losing these to doing the same, but when Congress We know that the investment made broadcast signals; still others want to returns, there will be just 2 weeks—10 by the FUTURE Act will support col- use the STELAR reauthorization legis- legislative days—to finalize any legis- lege completion and academic opportu- lation as a vehicle to implement other lation and send it to the President for nities at these and all historically reforms. his signature. Black colleges and universities and mi- I have introduced new legislation, In this body, taking no action is nority-serving institutions across the the Satellite Television Access Reau- easy. It comes naturally. But in this country. The FUTURE Act is fully paid thorization—or STAR—Act to move case, no action equals the repeal of the for. It would not add to the deficit. It this process forward. The existing STELAR law in its entirety, and Mem- has strong bipartisan support in both STELAR statute expires December 31. bers should know that. They have 10 Chambers. So absent congressional action before days to ensure 870,000 Americans will the end of the year, the provisions in- be able to watch the same programs My colleagues in the majority are cluded in STELAR that enable nearly next year that they are seeing this holding this funding hostage in an ef- 870,000 Americans to access broad- year, or we can let STELAR expire and fort to pass what I would argue is a casting TV signals will no longer be take the risk of letting the chips fall partisan bill. That is not just my argu- the law of the land. These Americans where they may. ment or my opinion; some of my Re- who depend on STELAR are mostly in To repeat, my colleagues should be publican colleagues have said this is rural parts of this country, like my advised they need to make a voice that the reason they are holding up this home State of Mississippi. They in- is heard on whether the STELAR legis- critical legislation. clude truckers, tailgaters, and RV driv- lation needs to be extended or expire. Instead of passing a bipartisan com- ers, and they include Americans living Thank you, Madam President. prehensive reauthorization of our fu- in very remote areas. I yield the floor. I suggest the ab- ture higher education law, which my I say to my colleagues, now is the sence a quorum. colleague Senator MURRAY is pushing time for Senators to make their posi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for, some Republicans want to force tions clear. Over the course of this clerk will call the roll. Democrats to support a partisan bill. year, I have been polling Members to The bill clerk proceeded to call the ascertain what this body wants. As roll. Instead of working in a bipartisan chairman of the Senate Commerce Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask fashion to fix our current system so it Committee, I will act according to the unanimous consent that the order for works better for students, families, and majority wishes, but time is running the quorum call be rescinded. teachers, they want us to support a so- short. Many people point to the fact The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CAS- called micropackage, the Student Aid that the media landscape is changing. SIDY). Without objection, it is so or- Improvement Act. This act, in my There are more options for video con- dered. judgment and the judgment of others, fails to address a number of critical tent than ever before. New program- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 2486 ming is coming out every day that is Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise areas, including improved campus safe- being streamed through new services. today to urge immediate passage of the ty and access to higher education af- Those are all great things. bipartisan FUTURE Act, which is H.R. fordability and accountability. Because As I said at a June Commerce Com- 2486, to restore critical funding for his- of that, it maintains the status quo. mittee hearing, we are living in the torically Black colleges and univer- Make no mistake, the Student Aid golden age of television. The Com- sities, known by the acronym here in Improvement Act is a partisan bill. merce Committee has been working to Washington as HBCUs, as well as mi- The bill fails to address the challenges close the digital divide between rural nority-serving institutions, so-called students are facing in obtaining a col- and urban America to make sure all MSIs. lege degree—including childcare, hous- families can access those choices and The $255 million in funding that ing, food and mental health, among all families can be a part of the golden HBCUs and MSIs rely on lapsed on Sep- others—nor does it address the needs of age, but there are still Americans with- tember 30 of this year. Both the his- first-generation students, students of out Internet access and without broad- torically Black colleges and univer- color, and students with disabilities.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.036 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6646 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 Let’s debate these issues. Let’s come sent to pass it, and it will include not president of the college called him in. to the table to negotiate on a bipar- a 2-year short-term fix based upon a Simon P. Haley thought he was in real tisan overhaul, but let’s not hold his- budget gimmick, which will have dif- trouble. The President of the college torically Black colleges and univer- ficulty passing the Senate, but perma- said that the man on the train had sent sities and minority-serving institu- nent funding of historically Black col- enough money for Simon P. Haley to tions hostage in the meantime. We can leges and minority-serving institu- graduate—to pay his tuition to grad- get something done in the short run tions. uate from college. that would be beneficial to these insti- It will include simplification of the So Alex Haley wrote for the Reader’s tutions. FAFSA, the form that 8 million minor- Digest the story of the man on the We need to ensure that colleges and ity students fill out every year, which train who helped his father. That fa- universities have the resources to pro- in our State is the biggest obstacle to ther went to Cornell and became the vide support to all students they serve, minority students having an oppor- first Black graduate of Cornell’s agri- including students with disabilities. A tunity for higher education and a vari- cultural college. He came back to Lane couple of examples of some of my ety of other bipartisan proposals. College, one of the six historically bills—the Higher Education Mental I am ready to pass a comprehensive Black colleges in Tennessee, where he Health Act, which is supported by over bill. I offered one before. It was blocked taught and raised a son, who is a law- 250 college and university presidents, by my Democratic friends. I am going yer, later Ambassador to Gambia; two including 15 of the historically Black to offer it again in a minute, and we daughters, one a teacher; he raised an- colleges and universities—would help will see if they agree to it, but I don’t other son, an architect; and then he institutions of higher education iden- think we should pass a piecemeal bill. raised a son he thought wouldn’t tify the resources and services needed I agree with the Senator from Pennsyl- amount to anything who joined the Coast Guard and ended up writing a to support their students with mental vania. I think we should be more com- Pulitzer Prize-winning book, ‘‘Roots,’’ health needs. prehensive, and not only that, we A second bill of mine, the RISE Act, should do permanent funding of his- and ‘‘The Autobiography of Malcolm would make it easier for colleges to torically Black colleges. X.’’ I know the value of Lane College, provide support to students with dis- The last point I will make before I Fisk University, Tennessee State Uni- abilities by accepting student assess- object is that the U.S. Department of Education has written all the presi- versity, Lemoyne-Owen College, ments from high school and smoothing dents of the historically Black and mi- Meharry Medical College, and America the transition to higher education. Baptist College, and I want to help A third bill, my Expanding Disability nority-serving institutions and said them. The request I am going to make Access to Higher Education Act, would there is sufficient funding in the Fed- eral Government for the rest of the is that the Senate pass a small package increase the funding for TRIO Pro- year—fiscal year—until October 1 of of bills that are sponsored by Demo- grams that serve first-generation stu- next year. So while we need to finish crats and Republicans, 29 Senators—17 dents with disabilities and make higher our work, there is no crisis at the mo- Democrats and 12 Republicans. The education more accessible. ment, so let’s do the job right. first provision would be permanent These bills would provide the re- I will offer, in just a moment, the funding. That is $255 million every year sources needed for students to be suc- way to do that, which is permanent permanently for historically Black col- cessful as they pursue higher edu- funding of historically Black colleges leges and minority-serving institu- cation, but without a comprehensive and minority-serving institutions. I ob- tions. A second provision—I ask con- bill, the needs of these students will ject. sent to use this document on the Sen- continue to go unmet. Rather than The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ob- ate floor. blocking vital resources from flowing jection is heard. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to our Nation’s historically Black col- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- objection, it is so ordered. leges and universities, we should im- ator from Tennessee. Mr. ALEXANDER. That is the mediately pass the FUTURE Act. This UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 2557 FAFSA. This is the document that 20 would restore funding, while providing Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, for million Americans fill out every year. us time to work on a comprehensive re- the convenience of the Senator from We know how to reduce it. It is the big- authorization that addresses the needs Pennsylvania, I am going to offer my gest impediment to minority students of all students. unanimous consent agreement at the going to college today. We are ready to Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- beginning of my remarks, and then if pass it. Eight million minority stu- sent that as in legislative session, the he wishes to stay, he can, but if he has dents fill this out. The president of the Senate proceed to the immediate con- another place to go in his schedule, he Southwest Community College from sideration of Calendar No. 212, H.R. may do that. Memphis tells me he loses 1,500 stu- 2486. I ask unanimous consent that the Let me just say that the provision I dents a semester because of the com- Murray amendment at the desk be am going to—let me preface it in this plexity of that. agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be way. I know very well the value of his- There are other provisions in this considered read a third time and torically Black colleges. One of my fa- package, which include the Portman- passed; and that the motions to recon- vorite stories is the story that the late Kaine provision for short-term Pell sider be considered made and laid upon author, Alex Haley, the author of grants sponsored by about 20 Senators, the table. ‘‘Roots’’ and ‘‘The Autobiography of many of them Democrats; the provi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Malcolm X’’—I suppose the two best sion for Pell grants for prisoners who objection? selling books ever on the history of the are eligible for parole; an increase in Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President. African American—used to tell about the number of Pell grants; an increase The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- his father, Simon P. Haley, who was in the amount of Pell grants. All of ator from Tennessee. wasted as a child. That was the word that is in this package that I have of- Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I they used. fered, but it starts with permanent am reserving the right to object. He was allowed to go to college, and funding for historically black colleges. I have a better idea, which I am he went to North Carolina A&T where Since there is time until October 1 of going to offer to the Senate once again. he was ready to drop out. He came next year, the Department of Edu- It is permanent funding for historically back, got a summer job on a Pullman cation has said that there is plenty of Black colleges at the level of $255 mil- train to Chicago, and a man talked to Federal funding for all of those institu- lion a year. The distinguished Senator him at night asking him for a glass of tions. There is no reason we can’t agree from Pennsylvania has stated he warm milk. He got the glass of warm to my package today, send it over to doesn’t want a piecemeal bill. He wants milk and thought nothing more about the House of Representatives, send it a more comprehensive bill. I have of- it. He went back to North Carolina to the President, and let all of these in- fered such a bill and introduced it in A&T, a historically Black college. stitutions know they don’t have to the Senate. I will describe it in a few The principal called him in. He worry about funding permanently in- moments when I ask unanimous con- thought he was in real trouble, as the stead of just for 2 years.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.038 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6647 So, Mr. President, I ask unanimous The distinguished Senator from Lou- leges. I am ready to move ahead on consent that the Committee on Health, isiana is a member of this committee, simplifying the FAFSA for 8 million Education, Labor, and Pensions be dis- and the Senator from Pennsylvania is a students who fill this out every year. I charged from further consideration of valued member of the committee. We am ready to move ahead on short-term S. 2557 and the Senate proceed to its have a pretty good reputation for Pell grants. I have been working with immediate consideration. I ask unani- working together, despite our dif- the Senator from Washington on this mous consent that the bill be consid- ferences, in fixing No Child Left Be- and with other Members of the Senate. ered read a third time and passed and hind, 21st Century Cures, opioid legis- I think we are moving to a consensus. that the motion to reconsider be con- lation. Healthcare is a contentious We have time to do this right. Let’s sidered made and laid upon the table. issue, but by a vote of 20 to 3, we take it through committee and send The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there brought out a bill to lower healthcare back to the House of Representatives a objection? costs. permanent solution. The Senator from Pennsylvania. Yet the suggestion is that we take I think it is very important that we Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, reserving this bill to the Senate floor without make clear to all of the presidents and the right to object, I just want to make any consideration by the committee. all of the students at historically a couple of comments by way of re- That is not the way we usually do Black colleges and minority-serving in- sponse. things. stitutions, No. 1, you have a year of I really want to go back to what we Let me reemphasize that the U.S. De- funding ahead of you; No. 2, you have a said earlier. There is no reason we partment of Education has told every proposal by the chairman of the Edu- can’t at least get this piece of legisla- one of the historically Black colleges cation Committee that will perma- tion done. I will say it again: These in- and minority-serving institutions that nently fund what you are doing; and stitutions are underresourced. They there is sufficient Federal funding be- No. 3, our Democratic friends are ask- don’t have the flexibility to operate in tween now and October 1 of next year. ing that the Senate pass short-term the red in the hopes of potential reim- There is no reason to cut anybody’s funding that will create another fund- bursement later on. pay and no reason to stop planning. ing cliff within a matter of months and We are also told by the institutions That is what the Federal Government that is funded by a budget gimmick themselves that planning has ‘‘all but has told those institutions. That is that will never pass muster in the Sen- stopped.’’ Campuses are feeling this plenty of time for us to take a provi- ate. That is not going to happen. impact already. Just 2 weeks after this sion—such as the one I have proposed So we need to work together as we program expired, some campuses in- or such as the one that the distin- normally do and come to a conclusion formed employees that their positions guished Senator from Pennsylvania has on the Higher Education Act, including and programs may be terminated. So I proposed—through our committee and permanent funding of historically would argue that the present cir- recommend to the full Senate what we Black colleges and minority institu- cumstance is not acceptable. ought to do. tions. I am ready to keep doing that. I realize the chairman wants to pro- Let’s not minimize what else there is But I am also ready to encourage the ceed to other issues, and I respect that, to do. I mean, we literally have been passage not only of the provisions that but when you consider what he is pro- working for 5 years on simplifying this I have introduced and that I asked for posing, there are some changes that FAFSA. There are 8 million minority permission to pass today, which the should be pointed out. students who fill it out every year. I Senator objected to, but other provi- First of all, when considering the think we should be concerned about sions that might be included. proposal he has, in comparing what it the 300,000 students who attend histori- I think 5 years is long enough to would do, for example, on the Second cally Black colleges and universities. work on the Higher Education Act. I Chance Pell proposal, that only con- Many of them fill this out. I am told by am coming to the conclusion we have tains a limited repeal of the ban rather the former Governor of Tennessee that time to do it, and I look forward to than a full repeal of the ban. Any ref- filling out this complicated form is the saying to our six historically Black erence to the JOBS Act making short- single biggest impediment for low-in- colleges in Tennessee that the result of term programs eligible for Pell come students having an opportunity our hard work and debate and discus- grants—a bipartisan bill that was in- to go to college because their families sion has been permanent funding, so troduced—excludes for-profit colleges. think it is too complicated. you don’t have to worry about Federal In this micropackage that the chair- Well, we know what to do about this. funding. man is proposing, the for-profit col- Senator BENNET, the Democratic Sen- Mr. BURR. Mr. Chairman, will the leges are added back in. ator from Colorado, and I began work- Senator yield? No. 3, just by way of some examples, ing on this 5 years ago. Senator MUR- Mr. ALEXANDER. I will yield. in the Grassley-Smith bill on financial RAY, the Democratic Senator from The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- aid award letters, some changes were Washington, and I recommended that ator from North Carolina. made to that on financial aid award the Senate pass legislation getting rid Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I thank letters that weren’t contemplated by of 22 questions that were double report- the chairman for yielding, and I am the bill’s original authors. ing. You have to tell the IRS some here as living proof that he is not the Our legislation is fully paid for. It re- facts, and you have to tell the Depart- Lone Ranger on this. The committee invests up to $55 million in recovery ment of Education the same facts, and has worked diligently. We may not be programs. For several reasons, by way then they come in the middle of the se- as passionate as he is, but the com- of contrast but also by way of what is mester and try to catch you having one mittee has worked diligently to get happening right now with regard to answer here and another answer there. higher education done. these institutions—for those and other So at East Tennessee State University, It is a farce to come in here and reasons, I object. 70 percent of the student body has their think that we are going to pass a 2- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- Pell grant verified, and some of them year House bill to fund historically tion is heard. lose their Federal funding while they Black colleges. Nobody has more his- The Senator from Tennessee. check to see if the information they torically Black colleges in their State Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I had to give to two Federal agencies is than I do. What they want—they want know this Senate is a deliberative different. We passed the Senate with predictability, permanent funding. The body, but we have been working on that—Senator MURRAY and I did that chairman is willing to do that, but part higher education for 5 years in our last year. of the condition to do that is to sit committee, and suddenly, out of the So why should we wait on this? I down and, now, quit talking and pass blue, comes a bill out of the House don’t think we should wait on perma- higher education. Reduce the FAFSA which says that we have an emergency nent funding for historically Black col- application to one page. Let these stu- in one provision of the Higher Edu- leges, but why hold this hostage to dents go out—and their parents—and cation Act; don’t take it through com- that? be able to fill this out and not miss an mittee. That is the way we usually do I am ready to move ahead on perma- education because they can’t go things. nent funding for historically Black col- through the laborious process.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.040 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6648 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 What the chairman has laid on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tax deals and other direct subsidies table is reasonable. The committee has ator from Tennessee. that pour public taxpayer money into talked about it for years. Now it is Mr. ALEXANDER. I want to thank the pockets of this polluting industry. time to act. It is not time to act on one the Senator from Pennsylvania for In recent years, that has been esti- little piece of it for temporary funding. coming to the floor today on an issue I mated at around $20 billion annually. It is time to provide permanent fund- know he cares about. I thank the Sen- The vast bulk of this $650 billion is ing for that and to do the rest of higher ator from North Carolina. something else. It is people getting education. We are accustomed to working to- hurt. It is the cost of people suffering As proud as I am of our being the gether. We are accustomed to getting economic harms. It is the cost of your home of the majority of Black colleges results, and I want to get a result on home burned in a wildfire or swept and universities, I also have about 70 this. away in a storm by rising seas. It is the other colleges and universities in I agree with both Senators in this cost of farms withered from unprece- North Carolina, and they are the bene- sense: I think it is time to send a sig- dented droughts or crops drowned in ficiaries of everything else that is in nal to historically Black colleges and unprecedented flooding. It is the cost this education bill. minority-serving institutions that they of fisheries that are lost or moved Compromise is not about ‘‘Take what don’t have to worry about funding for away as oceans warm and acidify. It is I have’’ and not give anything else. We the future. For the next year, the De- the lost day of work with your kid in have been trying to work, with the partment of Education has told them: the emergency room waiting out a cli- chairman and the ranking member You have the money for the next year. mate-related asthma attack on the working together, to find compromise It shouldn’t take us a year to finish our ER’s nebulizer. It is the cost of tick- for 5 years. Many times the chairman work. borne and mosquito-borne illnesses has come to me and said: I think we So I look forward to sitting down that didn’t used to be where you live. can do it this year. Well, we have to with the Senator from North Carolina It is the cost to dive tours of tourists have willing partners on the other side and the Senator from Pennsylvania seeing dead, white, bleached coral reefs of the aisle. Today is a live example of and working out their differences on instead of vibrant undersea gardens where it is either their way or no way. the provisions that we have. We have and the cost to snowmobile moose I hope we can get back, and, before the basis for a very good higher edu- tours of going through mud instead of we leave this year, we can get this cation bill—the permanent funding for snow and when you see moose, seeing package passed. It is really simple: historically Black colleges, the sim- emaciated moose calves with thou- Just commit to do what we all have sat plification of the FAFSA, which affects sands of ticks slowly killing them. It is down and talked about for 5 years. If 20 million families every year. We have the cost of American military deploy- there are minor changes that need to broad bipartisan consensus on simpli- ments to conflicts caused by resource be made, let’s make them in the next fying how you pay back student loans. scarcity or climate migration. It is the day or two. But to say that we are There are nine different ways now. We cost of relocating Naval Station Nor- going to wait until next year and be could reduce that to two. That affects folk when the community around it here a year from now when that time- 43 million families. floods out. It is the cost of Glacier frame has run out, let me assure you, if The short-term Pell grants make a Park with no glacier. It is the cost of the chairman is not here to object to big difference. trout streams with no trout. It is the this request, I will be here to object to So we have a number of provisions, cost of millions of acres of healthy for- this request. and I am working well, as I always do, ests killed off by pine beetle infesta- The time to talk is over. The time to with the Senator from Washington, tion. It is the cost to Phoenix of staff- act is now. Mrs. MURRAY. I would like to bring this I thank the chairman for yielding. ing up emergency services when it is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- to a conclusion as rapidly as we can. I not safe to work outside because it is ator from Pennsylvania. think this debate has been useful to do too hot and lost airline flights out of Mr. CASEY. Just a couple of points that. I look forward to continuing it. the airport when the tarmac melts. It on where we are: There is no question I yield the floor. is the myriad costs of basic operating that, in my judgment, if you have more The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- systems of the natural world gone hay- time to consider these issues for a full ator from Rhode Island. wire because of climate change. reauthorization, we could address some CLIMATE CHANGE All this pain, all this loss, all this of the shortcomings that have been Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, suffering has a bloodless economic proposed already. I mentioned earlier for this 259th climate speech, I am name: externalities. Externalities are issues that are not addressed, such as going to return to the theme of corrup- the social costs that are imposed on childcare, housing, food and mental tion. Before diving into the how, let’s others by the use of a product. Pollu- health, the needs of first-generation start with the why because the scale tion, of course, is the obvious example. students, needs of students of color, and the remorselessness of the scheme In economic theory, those social costs and students with disabilities. We can of corruption the fossil fuel industry should be baked into the price of a do that if we can get through this has run is hard to comprehend without product. That is why courts and com- short-term period. We are asking for understanding why. panies and countries around the world help only for a very limited timeframe Here is the why. The fossil fuel indus- apply a social cost of carbon calcula- so that we can work through these try reaps the biggest subsidy in the tion. other issues. history of the planet. I will say that But destroying the basic operating The second point I would make is, I again. The fossil fuel industry reaps systems of the planet is a high-priced can’t stand in the shoes of the leaders the biggest subsidy in the history of externality—by the IMF report, $650 of these institutions, but when they the planet. The IMF—International billion in 2015 just in the United tell us that they are in a difficult cir- Monetary Fund—estimates that the States. And because it is hard to cal- cumstance in the short run, I will take global subsidy for fossil fuel is in the culate a price for so much of this harm, their word for it. The word of the De- trillions of dollars every year. That is that is a lowball estimate. For in- partment of Education—just from my globally. In the United States alone, stance, we can estimate the loss to the point of view—doesn’t compare to what the fossil fuel industry got a $650 bil- dive shop of the coral reef off the coast these institutions are telling us. So I lion—that is with a ‘‘b’’—subsidy in dying, but is that really the full cost of think we should rely upon the rep- 2015, according to the most recent re- the dead reef? There is a lot more. So resentations by the leaders of the insti- port from the IMF. That is about $2,000 the externality is probably well over tutions and act in a short-term fash- out of the pocket of every man, $650 billion. ion, all the while committing ourselves woman, and child in the United States. By comparison, let’s look at the five to have a longer process to fully ex- Here is that IMF report. Look it up. major oil companies’ earnings. The five plore and try to reach consensus on a Read it and weep. major oil companies earned somewhat range of issues that come under the Stop for a minute and understand more than $80 billion in profits last broad purview of reauthorization. this subsidy. Some of it is favorable year all around the world, all right?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.041 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6649 Global profits are $80 billion versus $650 apparatus of phony front groups out Do the math just for a second. At $650 billion in destruction and harm they there mocking their assurances of billion a year, from January 2010 until caused just in the United States. So transparency—assurances that were at now, Citizens United let the fossil fuel make those oil companies follow the the heart of the Citizens United deci- industry protect nearly $6 trillion in rules of market economics. Make them sion—but those Justices have stu- subsidy—$6 trillion in losses to our put the cost of the harm of their prod- diously ignored this flagrantly obvious constituents, $6 trillion that this in- uct into the price of their product—$80 flaw and have made zero effort to clean dustry dodged in the laws of market ec- billion versus $650 billion—and guess up their unlimited-spending, dark- onomics to foist on everyone else—and what: Their business is in a $570-plus money mess. I was taught as a kid that you wonder why they worked so hard billion hole. That is why the fossil fuel you are supposed to clean up the to take over the courts. industry is so corrupt. It knows it messes you made. That is not a mes- The fossil fuels’ denial operation and needs to break the laws of market eco- sage that got through to the ‘‘Roberts obstruction operation is likely the big- nomics in order to survive, and it Five.’’ gest and most corrupt scheme in knows it needs political help to do We have addressed this flotilla of human history. I can’t think of one that. propped-up, dark-money front groups that is worse, and it is still operating Fortunately for the fossil fuel indus- in the Senate before. We call it the web today—right now—as I stand here and try, up against that $650 billion sub- of denial. Academics who study these speak. Its oily tides pollute our public sidy, politicians come cheap. They groups have documented well over 100 debate with deliberate falsehoods and could put $650 million into politics of them in the last decade. That sounds nonsense, grease our press to steer every single year, and it would earn like a lot—100 front groups—but re- away from this subject, slosh slimily member, there is $650 billion a year them a 1,000-to-1 return on that ex- through the hallways of this very riding on this. And it is a really big penditure protecting the $650 billion building, and grip the Supreme Court help if you can pretend you are, say, subsidy. in a web of oily, dark money influence. Americans for Peace and Puppies and So that is the why of fossil fuel cor- We have become like the people who Prosperity instead of ExxonMobil or ruption: It pays. It pays hugely. It is as have lived in the shadows for so long the Kochs or Marathon Petroleum. simple as that. They are corrupt be- People tend to get the joke when the and have forgotten what sunlight, what cause it pays. ad says: Brought to you by free debate, what laws based on facts Now let’s look at the how. ExxonMobil. can look like. By the way, they have some expertise So they have the motive and the The fossil fuel industry has polluted in this area. These companies operate means to spend millions of political our American democracy on as massive in the most crooked countries in the dollars and to do so from hiding. How a scale as it has polluted our atmos- world, so they know how to work much do they spend? Well, that is hard phere and oceans. For those in our his- crooked deals and politics. But what to tell because the whole purpose is to tory who gave up their lives—who died happened here in the United States? hide. Responsible watchdogs won’t in the service of our democracy—who Well, I saw it happen. The big change even venture a guess as to how much are looking down on us now, that pol- came when five Republican Supreme dark money is sloshing through the po- lution of the democracy they died de- Court Justices gave this industry and litical system, but total dark money fending must be a bitter spectacle. other mega industries big new political spending on Federal elections has been As a boy, there was an ominous hymn artillery. It came in the disgraceful at least $700 million since the Citizens that we often sang in chapel about how Citizens United decision that let un- United decision, according to the Cen- ‘‘once to every man and nation comes limited special interest money into our ter for Responsive Politics. The lion’s the moment to decide, in the strife of elections. share of that dark money is probably Truth with Falsehood, for the good or I will tell you, there is no special in- from fossil fuels because, first, nobody evil side.’’ ‘‘Truth,’’ the hymn went on, terest more unlimited than fossil fuel. else has the same corrupt motive on is ‘‘forever on the scaffold, wrong for- Fossil fuel front groups were all over the scale of fossil fuel. Plus, when you ever on the throne,’’ but ‘‘though the that Supreme Court case, by the way, look at the spending, it is usually cause of Evil prosper, yet ‘tis Truth signaling to the five Republicans on groups who can be connected to fossil alone is strong.’’ the Court what they wanted them to fuel. And for most, the activity is cli- Now is our moment to decide: Do we do, and sure enough, they did it. mate denial and obstruction, so it is finally bring down fossil fuels’ false Of course, it does take some fun out fossil fuel work being done. So it is Babylon of corruption or, in the strife of spending unlimited money in poli- pretty easy to conclude who is likely of truth with falsehood, do we keep tics if people can tell who you are. In behind all this. protecting the evil side? theory, we were supposed to know. To For colleagues who weren’t here be- I yield the floor. get to the outcome the fossil fuel in- fore 2010, let me tell you, things were The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- dustry wanted, the five Republican different then. In 2007, 2008, and 2009— ator from Tennessee. Justices had to pretend, as a legal mat- those were my first 3 years here—there FREEDOM AROUND THE WORLD ter, that all this political spending—all were lots of bipartisan climate bills Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, it this unlimited political spending they kicking around the Senate, real ones really has been quite a year here in were authorizing—was going to be that would have headed off the crisis Washington for drawn-out policy bat- transparent, that we would know who into which we are rocketing right now. tles. It is November, and we are still was behind it. Heck, in 2008, the Republican nominee fighting over defense spending, trade, Well, that transparency was not for President ran on a strong climate and the results of an election long going to work very well for Exxon or platform. since decided in 2016. Koch Industries or Marathon Petro- After the Citizens United decision in A quick flip through this morning’s leum, so they cooked up all sorts of January of 2010, all of that was snuffed world news sections serves as my daily schemes to hide behind. Tax-deductible out. An oily curtain of denial fell reminder that Americans really do 501(c)(4)s appeared that can hide their around the Republican Party as the have so much for which to be thankful. donors. Trade groups like the U.S. fossil fuel industry brought its new po- One might even feel inclined to say we Chamber of Commerce got taken over litical weapons to bear. The before and are really lucky to live here in the and co-opted. Disposable shell corpora- after comparison is as plain as day, and United States. Yet I will tell you that tions turned up behind political dona- it cost us a decade of inaction when luck really doesn’t have a lot to do tions. An enterprise called Donors time was of the essence. It has been a with it. Our freedom was bought with Trust was established, whose sole pur- high cost except, of course, for the fos- the blood of thousands who instigated pose is to launder the identity of big sil fuel industry, whose lying and deny- a revolution in spite of being outspent, donors. ing, whose front groups and dark outmanned, and outgunned by the By the way—back to Citizens money, whose political obstruction and global superpower of their time, and United—those five Republican Justices threats still remain fully dedicated to thank goodness they had that fighting would have to be idiots not to see this protecting that $650 billion subsidy. spirit. That same absolute belief in the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.044 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6650 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 right to self-determination went on to cause we know, from studying history the people of Hong Kong have seen fuel the abolitionists, the women’s suf- and from observing current events, what is coming. They see the steady ef- fragists, and the civil rights warriors. that freedom does not suddenly expire. fort to erode their autonomy and their Their fearlessness inspires freedom Freedom begins to wither the moment freedoms. movements that we are seeing all those in power convince themselves The response by the Hong Kong au- across the globe today. that a reprieve from uncomfortable thorities, with its having been under Just a few months ago, heads turned policy debates over speech, self-de- tremendous pressure from Beijing, has toward China as thousands of Hong fense, or the size of government will be been that of violence and repression. Kong people poured into the streets worth the risk of shelving the stand- So far, over 5,000 people have been ar- and said no to Beijing’s stranglehold, ards that protect individual liberty. rested in Hong Kong. The youngest has but just saying no wasn’t enough. Now The current blase tolerance and, in been 12 years of age. The oldest has their neighborhoods and universities some cases, incomprehensible enthu- been 82. Hundreds more have been in- have morphed into war zones, and Chi- siasm for socialism and other authori- jured by violence committed by police nese authorities have long since justi- tarian philosophies is sending a strong authorities but also by street gangs— fied shooting live rounds of ammuni- message to the rest of the world that criminals, thugs—who have been em- tion into the crowds. the standard for global freedom is up powered and encouraged by the Chinese Imagine the intensity of the fear it for debate. If we acquiesce to the argu- authorities. takes to push a government to fire on ment that America’s founding prin- This effort by China to exert control its own people when the entire world is ciples have passed their expiration and remove autonomy continues watching. Beijing is worried, but Bei- date, we will have failed as a people unabated. Here are some examples. jing will also not hesitate to use any and as a world leader. That failure will There was a law that was passed that force it deems necessary to tighten its change the course of our history, and it banned wearing masks, and a Hong grip on Hong Kong. will be used as a weapon to quash dis- Kong court ruled that the ban was un- Now, here in the Senate, we are sent elsewhere in the world. constitutional. The so-called National working on a few pieces of legislation I yield the floor. People’s Congress in Beijing today to let the Chinese and the Hong Kong The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ruled that Hong Kong courts have no Governments know that the United ator from Florida. authority—no power—to review Hong States is watching. We have included a f Kong Government legislation. Under bill that will prevent U.S. companies pressure from Beijing, the Government from exporting crowd control supplies HONG KONG HUMAN RIGHTS AND of Hong Kong threatened to cancel the to the Hong Kong Police Force. It is DEMOCRACY ACT OF 2019 November 24 elections—elections, by important, though, for everyone to un- Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, in a mo- the way, that China has been inter- derstand that the motivating factors ment here, as my colleagues gather, we fering in. China has pushed to ban crit- behind political oppression have noth- hope to pass the Hong Kong Human ics, like Joshua Wong, from running. ing to do with tear gas or with stun Rights and Democracy Act. Seven candidates who are running have guns. There is only so much that legis- I first acknowledge all of the people been attacked by street gangs during lation can do. who worked so hard on it—our staffs, this campaign, and two candidates Governments in Iraq, Vietnam, Alge- obviously, and, in addition, Senators ria, and Lebanon are also hard at work have been arrested while campaigning. CARDIN, RISCH, MENENDEZ, and over 50 in doing whatever they can to prevent And now for the latest move, China is cosponsors, many of whom will join us pushing the Hong Kong Government to their citizens from stepping out of line, here this evening. I also thank Leaders because they know what will happen if pass what they call the new national MCCONNELL and SCHUMER for their sup- security law—a law that would allow their citizens are free to criticize the port in helping us get here. I thank state, and they are terrified of losing them to arrest political critics and op- Chairman CRAPO, who has helped us power. ponents. If this passes, if that happens, make some important changes at the This month, the entire world looks that is the very definition of control toward Central Europe to commemo- end that will make the sanctions easier and de facto proof of all loss of auton- rate the fall of the Berlin Wall. When to implement. omy. A lot of people have been watching East Berliners first stepped into the By the way, China is also pushing for western half of their city, they re- on the news the protests that have something very ominous. They call it vealed to the rest of the world the hor- been going on in Hong Kong and are patriotic education. What China is rors of living under a political regime wondering as to, perhaps, the depths of really pushing for in Hong Kong is that sustained itself by consuming the what it is all about. moving from ‘‘one country, two sys- autonomy of its subjects. History When the United Kingdom handed tems’’ to ‘‘one country, one system’’— serves as an enduring warning against Hong Kong over to China, they signed the Chinese system. the dangers of the all-powerful state. an agreement that is known as the So the bill that we will bring up here As we watch mass protests play out a Joint Declaration. It basically guaran- in a moment, with tremendous bipar- half a world away, many Americans tees a high degree of autonomy and tisan support, requires five quick still see social chaos not as a symptom freedom of the people of Hong Kong. As things that I will touch on. of a disease but as a spontaneous ex- a result of that agreement, the United First, its most important element is pression of some nebulous desire to be States has treated commerce and trade that it requires the Secretary of State free. They don’t stop to recall what with Hong Kong differently than it has to annually certify whether Hong Kong sparked the first feelings of unease its commercial and trade activity with warrants being treated differently than long before the Molotov cocktails the mainland of China. What has hap- China. If Hong Kong is no longer au- started flying through the air. pened over the last few years is the tonomous—and that is the rationale This is why, here in the United steady effort, on the part of Chinese for different treatment—then, they States, my colleagues in the majority authorities, to erode that autonomy should no longer receive that treat- have forced many conversations on the and those freedoms. ment. perils of degrading the foundations of The most recent protests really It says that students in Hong Kong our Republic. We have debated ad nau- began with a proposal to pass an extra- shouldn’t be barred from entering the seam the Constitution’s place in civil dition law that would allow the Chi- United States or getting a visa to and legal discourse, asking: Does it nese Government to basically have ar- study here, for example, because they provide a workable standard or is it rested and extradite someone in Hong have been the subject of a politically just an outdated piece of paper now Kong over to the mainland. There was motivated arrest or detention. rendered illegitimate by the male a huge pushback against that, and pro- It says that for the next 7 years, the whiteness of its drafters? I think the tests emerged as a result of it. Even Secretary of Commerce is going to re- Presiding Officer knows my response. though the Government of Hong Kong port on whether export controls and We defend the Constitution and the has pulled out from pursuing that law, sanction laws are being enforced by the system of government it created be- the protests have continued because Government of Hong Kong or whether

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.045 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6651 China is using Hong Kong as a back China now refers to its treaty with the rights that we put in our legisla- door to evade export controls and sanc- Great Britain as ‘‘a historical docu- tion in 1992, that they notify us on a tions. ment,’’ and says it is no longer bound regular timeframe. That is an impor- It says that if Hong Kong ultimately by its terms. This is just one of many tant point, because if they don’t, we returns and passes that extradition bill examples that show that the Chinese shouldn’t give them that protected sta- that China wants, the President has to Government has no respect for the rule tus. present a plan to protect Americans of law. Secondly, it identifies persons who from this law. After two decades of broken commit- suppress basic freedoms, similar to the Last but not least, it mandates that ments, it is past time that we hold the Magnitsky Act sanctions. Those that the President identify and sanction for- Chinese Communist Party accountable. are taking away the human rights of eigners the President determines, What it is doing in Hong Kong is just the people of Hong Kong would be sub- based on credible information, who are wrong. ject to the same type of visa restric- responsible for extraditions, for arbi- That is why I am proud to join Sen- tions to visit America and to use our trary detention, for torture, or for ator RUBIO and Senator CARDIN and all banking system. That makes a great forced confessions inside of Hong Kong the others who have had hands on this deal of sense, and we know that is pret- or any other human rights violations bill in bringing the Hong Kong Human ty effective. in Hong Kong. Rights and Democracy Act to the Sen- So it is time that we back up our By the way, it would also allow ate floor. This bill is the result of a words and our commitment to sup- blocking the assets of these persons if strong, strong bipartisan consensus porting Hong Kong’s democratization, those assets are located here in the that we must act in support of the human rights, and autonomy with ac- United States. Hong Kong people. tion. Let’s make sure the people of So, in a moment here, as we continue Thank you all for helping. We will Hong Kong know that the U.S. Con- to gather, we are waiting the arrival of get to the unanimous consent here in a gress and the American people stand in companion legislation. little bit. solidarity with them, as the Chinese I yield the floor because I know we I yield the floor to Senator CARDIN. authorities, as we speak, are repressing have lot of important sponsors that are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the legitimate rights of the people of here who want to speak on the subject. ator from Maryland. Hong Kong. We can stand with the peo- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, let ple of Hong Kong for democracy and MCSALLY). The Senator from Idaho. me first thank Senator RUBIO for his human rights by our actions this Mr. RISCH. Madam President, first of leadership on this issue and Senator evening. all, this is an important step that we MENENDEZ and Senator RISCH for their I yield the floor. are taking here. This is a matter that leadership in our committee and so The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- we have been discussing for a long many others who have been involved, ator from New Jersey. time. There has been a lot of action on because tonight we have a chance to Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, I it, and I want to thank Senator RUBIO reaffirm our commitment for human rise in support of the motion that and Senator CARDIN, who are the lead rights and democracy. shortly will be made by our colleague, supporters of this bill and who have, on That is exactly what our legislation the Senator from Florida. I want to behalf of the committee, done yeo- does. It recognizes the fact that for 24 congratulate Senator CARDIN and him man’s work getting it together and consecutive weeks, the people of Hong for their leadership in this regard. I ap- getting the bipartisan compromise to Kong have been asking for their basic preciate the chairman and myself hav- get the language here. Also, virtually democracy and freedom. ing joined them and moving this expe- all members of the committee have had On Monday, it was reported—just ditiously through the committee, and I fingerprints on this bill, and so in that yesterday—that police fired 1,458 am looking forward to its critical pas- regard, I think it is going to pass quite rounds of tear gas, 1,391 rubber bullets, sage on the floor. Time is of the es- handily. 325 beanbag rounds, and 265 sponge gre- sence. I want to thank the Banking staff, nades—that is just yesterday—on The people of Hong Kong are fighting particularly my colleague from Idaho, peaceful protesters. for their lives. Six months ago, mil- Senator CRAPO, who, of course, has the They are asking nothing more than lions of Hong Kong citizens took to the expertise—the Banking, Housing, and to exercise the rights they were told streets to peacefully protest the ero- Urban Affairs Committee—on these would be protected to express their sion of their democracy and their kinds of things on sanctions. They views and to be able to have democracy rights. Now, half a year later, we find were very helpful in hammering out in Hong Kong, which is the way it was mounting anger and unrest, with the the language that we needed for the in the previous time. violence against students and pro- sanctions. Senator RUBIO and I introduced legis- testers—most dramatically, in the I want to thank the Banking, Hous- lation, and the chairman and ranking crackdown on Hong Kong Polytechnic ing, and Urban Affairs Committee member of the Foreign Relations Com- University—only getting worse. staff, who were helpful. mittee, Senator RISCH and Menendez, People are being shot. Universities I want to thank the staff of the For- joined us, and we passed this bipartisan are being burned. The violence per- eign Relations Committee, who work legislation on June 13. It reaffirms the petrated by the authorities in Hong for us—both the minority staff, Sen- principles set forth in the United Kong and, by extension, Beijing are ator MENENDEZ’s staff, and my staff, States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, turning the city into a battlefield. the majority staff—for doing this and which supports democratization, This is not the Hong Kong that any all of the people who worked on this. human rights, and the autonomy of of us want to see. The special character So thank you to all of you. Hong Kong. of Hong Kong is one of the world’s Since June, millions of people in Now, Senator RUBIO already talked great success stories. The vibrancy of Hong Kong have taken to the streets about this, but this is a very important the people of Hong Kong, especially its protesting the erosion of their rights thing. We gave Hong Kong a special young people and the rising generation and freedoms. status in its relationship with the of leaders standing up for democracy Hong Kong was supposed to maintain United States that China does not and self-governance, should inspire all a high degree of autonomy after China enjoy, and we gave them that special of us. regained sovereignty over the territory status upon their protecting democ- We admire Hong Kong’s success as a in 1997. This wasn’t just a verbal under- racy and human rights in Hong Kong. burgeoning economic powerhouse, and standing. This was in the treaty that That was the commitment. we admire the vibrant and autonomous China signed with Great Britain. How- If they don’t comply with that, this civil society and civic life that has ever, since that time, China has gradu- special status should no longer be flourished under the ‘‘one country, two ally chipped away at Hong Kong’s au- available, and this legislation requires systems’’ principle. tonomy, and this is now becoming a that we get information on a regular Hong Kong is one of the remarkable real problem. basis as to whether China is respecting success stories of the Indo-Pacific—one

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.047 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6652 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 of the most remarkable success stories Hongkongers are bravely resisting in quickly without delay. This bill sends of China and the Chinese people—and it the face of this kind of escalating vio- an important message of bipartisan is a success worth protecting. lence. In recent days, Hong Kong secu- support from the U.S. Congress for the I call on the police to act profes- rity forces have shot a protestor in the democratic aspirations of the broad sionally and to treat its fellow citizens stomach. They have trapped hundreds majority of the people of Hong Kong. with respect and restraint. We call for of students in the university, using Some of you may realize that we, Beijing and the Hong Kong authorities rubber bullets and tear gas on them. just a few months ago, celebrated the to address the noble and legitimate as- They have threatened them with mass 30th anniversary of the bloody crack- pirations of the people of Hong Kong. arrest. down that ended the peaceful democ- In these turbulent times, the Con- Beijing’s propagandists have been racy movement in Tiananmen Square. gress of the United States must lead hinting that even harsher measures are Who among us can forget those riv- with our values. We must stand on the on the way. eting weeks during which there was side of freedom and human dignity, and An article in the party-controlled real hope and possibility of China open- we must send a clear and uncompro- China Daily argues that Beijing must ing its political system—the Goddess of mising statement that America stands accelerate Hong Kong’s integration Democracy statue modeled after our with the people of Hong Kong in their with the mainland and then reeducate own Statue of Liberty—and, sadly, the quest to maintain their self-govern- Hongkongers, just like they are doing jarring image of the protestor that was ance and autonomy, to safeguard their on a mass scale to 1 million Uighurs in standing to try to block the onslaught human rights, to exercise their demo- concentration camps in Xinjiang. of a tank? cratic freedom, and to determine their I said this in the summer when the The crude propaganda and own future. protests started. Let me say it again. disinformation used by Communist The House of Representatives already It would be a grave mistake of historic hardliners to brainwash young military passed their version of this bill, and proportion—surpassing the massacre of conscripts to turn on their own people the situation in Hong Kong grows more Tiananmen Square—if Beijing were to was both heartbreaking and infuri- tenuous by the day. That is why the impose martial law, occupy, or other- ating. Remembering those days, we United States should and must act wise crackdown on Hong Kong. must not sit by idly and quietly and today. But the Hong Kong Human Rights allow Hong Kong’s freedoms to be simi- I look forward to the passage of this and Democracy Act is about more than larly threatened. bill without delay. Let us work to hold China making and breaking promises. I have been moved by the coura- China accountable for the erosion of It is also about the United States fi- geousness of the pro-democracy democracy in Hong Kong, and let us to- nally enforcing China’s promises. protestors in the face of increasingly gether send a message to the people of We have a shot to avert catastrophe, excessive use of force by the Hong Hong Kong that their cries for democ- protect the people of Hong Kong, and Kong police in one of the most vibrant racy and freedom have been heard to finally enforce Beijing promises or cities in the world. What exactly are through both Chambers of the U.S. hold them accountable for breaking Hong Kong protesters fighting for—the Congress, and that America stands those promises. freedoms we in America take for grant- with them in their call for justice and Very soon, the Senate will pass this self-determination. ed every day—the freedom of assembly, legislation on a unanimous, bipartisan I yield the floor. suffrage, speech, due process, and rule The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- basis to give you a sense of sentiment of law. Rather than sitting down with ator from Arkansas. in the Congress. This legislation re- the protesters, Hong Kong authorities Mr. COTTON. Madam President, the quires the Secretary of State to certify have increasingly used excessive force Hong Kong Human Rights and Democ- Hong Kong’s autonomy from the main- instead of engaging in constructive dia- racy Act is really about promises— land each year. Otherwise, they will logue. Yet, ultimately, I believe the making promises and keeping prom- lose the special privileges that U.S. law Hong Kong Government and the pro- ises. Unfortunately, the Chinese Com- currently grants to Hong Kong. testers are capable of finding a solu- munist Party has a long history of The bill will freeze the assets and tion, and I hope they do. making promises but not keeping travel of officials who are responsible Let me end by appealing to the lead- them. for abducting Hongkongers, like jour- ership in China to show the courage to You can ask a rice farmer from nalists, booksellers who have been van- allow the continued prosperous demo- Stuttgart. You can ask a software pro- ishing without a trace since 2017, and it cratic autonomy enjoyed by the people grammer from Fayetteville, a factory will ensure that pro-democracy pro- of Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s continued worker from Fort Smith, or a Christian testers cannot be denied visas to the special status is the sign of strength missionary from Searcy. United States despite their specious ar- and confidence, not weakness. In this case, China promised in 1984 rests. But if the Hong Kong Chinese I yield the floor. that it would uphold the ‘‘one country, Communist Party will simply pull back The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- two systems’’ approach to Hong Kong from the brink, if they will keep their ator from Florida. when it took over in 1997, a promise to promises, if they will respect their one- Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam Presi- preserve the freedoms that have made country, two-system approach, none of dent, I rise today to speak about the Hong Kong distinctive—the freedom to this will happen. greatest threat the United States faces practice one’s religion as one sees fit, So Beijing has a promise. Keep its in the next century, the threat of Com- to speak one’s mind, and to participate promises, or give Americans and the munist China. in the political process. world one more reason to treat China I have been saying, for months, Com- But that is just another promise they like an outlaw regime. munist China is not our friend. They are on the verge of breaking. Appar- Choose wisely, Mr. General Secretary are stealing our technology; refusing to ently, the ‘‘one country, two systems’’ Xi. open up their markets to foreign goods approach can’t satisfy Beijing’s rapa- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- as required by the WTO; militarizing cious appetite. They look at and covet ator from Illinois. the South China Sea, even after prom- Hong Kong’s wealth, and they fear and Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ising President Obama they wouldn’t; loathe its freedom, which stands in want to thank my colleagues, Senators holding over 1 million Uighurs in pris- shining contrast to the Orwellian op- RUBIO, CARDIN, MENENDEZ, and Rep- on camps just for their religion; har- pression on the mainland. In fact, they resentative CHRIS SMITH for moving the vesting the organs of detainees against fear that mainland Chinese might look Hong Kong Human Rights and Democ- their will; and Communist China is in- across the bay and start to get ideas. racy Act in both Chambers, legislation tentionally pushing fentanyl into the So the Chinese Communist Party has I was proud to cosponsor. With the sit- United States, killing Americans every been breaking its promises to Hong uation deteriorating by the hour in day. Kong and to the world, waging a brutal Hong Kong, the passage of legislation Communist China continues to strip campaign to absorb Hong Kong into its could not be more timely. I urge my the people of Hong Kong of their basic dystopian, high-tech dictatorship. colleagues in the House to take action rights. I was the first Senator to visit

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.048 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6653 Hong Kong since the protests started And to Communist China and Gen- free world are awake, that they are nearly 6 months ago. I had the oppor- eral Secretary of the Communist Party with you, and we are ready to stand to- tunity to meet with the protestors— Xi, consider your next moves carefully. gether. students, parents, and grandparents— The world is watching. I yield the floor. who are fighting to regain the freedom I won’t stop fighting until America’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- they were once promised. I heard their economic and political future—and the ator from Tennessee. stories, horrible and frightening stories freedom of nations across the globe—is Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Presi- of police brutality, threats against in- secure from the threat of China’s influ- dent, I want to thank Senator RUBIO dividuals and their families, and mys- ence. for the work that he has done on this a terious disappearances. I want to thank Senator RUBIO and few minutes earlier. Today, I spoke Six months in and no signs of Com- Senator CARDIN and all Senators of the about the cause of freedom and how we munist China loosening their grip— U.S. for their support of this bill. are seeing people around the world their efforts to crack down on the pro- I yield the floor. stand up for freedom—and, yes, indeed, tests in Hong Kong reflect their com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- we see this in Hong Kong, and it does mitment to denying basic human ator from Missouri. inspire us. The message that we are rights and snuffing out any opposition Mr. HAWLEY. Madam President, just sending to Beijing is that, indeed, we to their totalitarian goals. We cannot two brief points this evening—the first are watching and we are paying atten- stay silent. General Secretary of the is that I am proud to join not only as tion—and to the Hong Kong protesters, Communist Party Xi is trying to be the a supporter of this measure but as for them to know that we are watching dominant world power. It is Hong Kong original cosponsor, and I want to thank what they are doing and that we are now, then it will be Taiwan. the other Senators—Senator RUBIO, es- standing with them. Communist China believes that, in pecially Senator CARDIN, and Senator It is important to note that China order for them to be stronger, other RISCH—for their leadership on this has really earned its place atop the list freedom-loving countries must be issue, but I want to be clear that we of the world’s most notorious human weaker. As Communist China becomes are here today in this Chamber, and rights violators, and over the past few more and more aggressive, we must ask what we are doing is possible tonight weeks, Hong Kong’s descent into chaos ourselves: Is this the next Tiananmen because of the bravery and the courage and bloodshed has provided a much- Square? We all remember that famous of the protesters in Hong Kong. needed reminder of the horrors, the ab- image. Times have changed, but one Many of them are very young people solute horrors of authoritarian rule. thing stays the same: Wherever totali- who are risking their very lives, taking There can be no change without ac- tarian regimes exist, there will be to the streets, standing for democracy, countability, and Beijing needs to brave freedom fighters who will stand standing for the promises that were know we are focused on that account- up against injustice and stand for made to them by Beijing many years ability, which is why, today, I am so human rights. That is what we are see- ago and fighting for them now, putting pleased to stand with these other Mem- ing in Hong Kong today. everything on the line. And I just want bers of this Chamber in support of the Beijing soldiers have been appearing to say to those protesters that you are Hong Kong Human Rights and Democ- on the city streets, raising questions making a difference, that your lives racy Act. The bill does demand ac- about the army’s future role. Will Com- have made a difference, and to those countability, not only from Beijing but munist China once again use its mili- who even now are trapped inside PolyU also from us. It will require us to mon- tary might to quash peaceful protests? in this siege that the Hong Kong police itor Hong Kong’s progress toward au- Will they once again stand against force has created—this humanitarian tonomy and China’s behavior toward those fighting for human rights and de- crisis that the Hong Kong police force Hong Kong people who choose to exer- mocracy? Will the United States stand has fostered—what you are doing is in- cise their internationally recognized by and allow this to happen? spiring the world. What you are doing We are seeing Americans like Mi- rights, those rights that we have spo- has moved this body. What you are chael Bloomberg putting profits above ken of in this Chamber today. doing is changing the world. Thank human rights and propping up the Chi- The bill will help us identify the tac- you for your courage. Thank you for nese Government by continuing to host tics Beijing uses to capture Hong your bravery. Thank you for believing huge events in Communist China. It is Kong’s dissidents and then to trap in your city, and thank you for believ- time for the world to stand and present them on mainland China, and we will a unified front against Communist Chi- ing in Hong Kong. also ensure that no peaceful protesters The other thing I would say is that, na’s aggression, and that starts with are denied visas to the United States while today is a good day in the strug- supporting the brave people of Hong because of the alleged crimes. gle to preserve the freedoms of this Kong. Now, I will tell you, the bill is a We must do everything we can to city and the struggle against a totali- great start, but the time and the work communicate our commitment to de- tarian regime in Beijing, it is not the that we put in it will be wasted unless mocracy, freedom, and human rights. I last day. Although this step is an im- every single Member of this Chamber am proud to stand in support of the portant step that this Chamber takes, makes a commitment to hold us ac- Hong Kong Freedom and Democracy it is not the last step that this Nation countable, to hold China accountable. I Act, which will give the United States may need to take in order to hold would encourage my colleagues to view more authority to reevaluate Beijing’s China to its commitments made in their support of this legislation as a influence on Hong Kong. This bill 1984, in order to protect the autonomy promise to these protesters in Hong makes it clear that General Secretary and the liberty of the city of Hong Kong, that their cries for help are not of the Communist Party Xi needs to Kong because, make no mistake, we going to go unanswered. comply with what China agreed to in are in for a long struggle with Com- I yield the floor. 1997. Communist China must give Hong munist China. We are in for a long The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Kong its autonomy, or the United struggle with Beijing. We know what ator from Texas. States will continue to ramp up pres- their ambitions are: to dominate Hong Mr. CRUZ. Madam President, today, sure on Communist China. Kong, to dominate Taiwan, to domi- brave men and women, boys and girls, We cannot underestimate this threat. nate the region and, ultimately, to im- are standing up and demanding that We must be vigilant. We must be ag- pose their will on the entire inter- the Chinese Communist Party protect gressive. America’s role of fighting for national system. We are going to have Hong Kong’s autonomy, protect free freedom and liberty worldwide depends to stand against that for freedom, for speech, and defend human rights. on it. The future of our children and liberty, for our security and our pros- Despite these peaceful protests, the grandchildren depends on it. perity. Chinese Communist Party is fighting To the brave and resilient people of So there is much to do. There is a back with brutality and violence. The Hong Kong, the United States is with long road ahead of us, but today is a police brutality that we have seen and you. Your fight will not be in vain, and good day, and I hope the people of Hong the Chinese Communist Party’s larger it does not go unnoticed. Kong will see that the people of the assault on the people of Hong Kong has

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.054 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6654 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 been shameful. Just this past weekend, There being no objection, the Senate (B) ‘‘[s]upport for democratization is a funda- the Hong Kong police began attacking proceeded to consider the bill, with an mental principle of United States foreign pol- young, innocent students who were amendment to strike all after the en- icy’’ and therefore ‘‘naturally applies to United States policy toward Hong Kong’’; peacefully protesting that brutality. acting clause and insert in lieu thereof (C) ‘‘the human rights of the people of Hong They were attacked with tear gas and the following: Kong are of great importance to the United rubber bullets. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. States and are directly relevant to United States These students’ college campus was (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as interests in Hong Kong [and] serve as a basis for turned into a warzone, where no one the ‘‘Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Hong Kong’s continued economic prosperity’’; was safe. Today, we have the oppor- Act of 2019’’. and tunity to tell the world, these blatant (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- (D) Hong Kong must remain sufficiently au- tonomous from the People’s Republic of China human rights attacks and this cam- tents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. to ‘‘justify treatment under a particular law of paign to bully Hong Kong into submis- the United States, or any provision thereof, dif- sion are not OK and America won’t Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Statement of policy. ferent from that accorded the People’s Republic stand for it. Sec. 4. Amendments to the United States-Hong of China’’; (2) to support the high degree of autonomy Last month, I traveled to Hong Kong. Kong Policy Act of 1992. and fundamental rights and freedoms of the I met with many brave men and women Sec. 5. Annual report on violations of United people of Hong Kong, as enumerated by— who were standing up. I met with the States export control laws and (A) the Joint Declaration of the Government dissidents, the pro-democracy pro- United Nations sanctions occur- of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and testers who are speaking out for Hong ring in Hong Kong. Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kong’s autonomy and free speech and Sec. 6. Protecting United States citizens and People’s Republic of China on the Question of basic human rights. Along with them, I others from rendition to the Peo- Hong Kong, done at Beijing December 19, 1984 ple’s Republic of China. (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘Joint Declara- dressed in all black to express my soli- Sec. 7. Sanctions relating to undermining fun- darity with the peaceful protestors who tion’’); damental freedoms and autonomy (B) the International Covenant on Civil and have taken to the streets. in Hong Kong. Political Rights, done at New York December 19, Right now, in response to that pro- Sec. 8. Sanctions reports. 1966; and test, tear gas, sponge grenades, rubber Sec. 9. Sense of Congress on People’s Republic (C) the Universal Declaration of Human bullets are being fired at university of China state-controlled media. Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948; campuses in Hong Kong. In Xinjiang Sec. 10. Sense of Congress on commercial ex- (3) to support the democratic aspirations of Province, millions of detained Uighurs ports of crowd control equipment the people of Hong Kong, including the ‘‘ulti- to Hong Kong. and other religious minorities are lan- mate aim’’ of the selection of the Chief Execu- SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. tive and all members of the Legislative Council guishing in concentration camps, and In this Act: by universal suffrage, as articulated in the across China, Falun Gong practitioners (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Adminis- are captured and murdered so that the TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional trative Region of the People’s Republic of China Communist Party can harvest their or- committees’’ means— (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘Basic Law’’); gans. (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the (4) to urge the Government of the People’s Re- Freedom from this brutality and the Senate; public of China to uphold its commitments to tyranny of the Chinese Communist (B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Hong Kong, including allowing the people of Party is the battle cry of the dissidents Senate; Hong Kong to govern Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy and without undue inter- in Hong Kong. What have they been (C) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate; ference, and ensuring that Hong Kong voters waving? American flags. What have (D) the Committee on Homeland Security and freely enjoy the right to elect the Chief Execu- they been singing? The American Na- Governmental Affairs of the Senate; tive and all members of the Hong Kong Legisla- tional Anthem—reciting quotations (E) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Sen- tive Council by universal suffrage; from our Founding Fathers who risked ate; (5) to support the establishment of a genuine everything for freedom in America. (F) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the democratic option to freely and fairly nominate Madam President, I want to thank House of Representatives; and elect the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, and the establishment by 2020 of open and direct Senators RUBIO, CARDIN, RISCH, MENEN- (G) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; democratic elections for all members of the Hong DEZ, and all the members of the Senate (H) the Committee on Financial Services of Kong Legislative Council; Foreign Relations Committee, both Re- the House of Representatives; (6) to support the robust exercise by residents publicans and Democrats who have (I) the Committee on Homeland Security of the of Hong Kong of the rights to free speech, the joined together. This legislation the House of Representatives; and press, and other fundamental freedoms, as pro- Senate is preparing to pass, the Hong (J) the Committee on the Judiciary of the vided by the Basic Law, the Joint Declaration, Kong Human Rights and Democracy House of Representatives. and the International Covenant on Civil and Act, is important legislation. It is bi- (2) SOCIAL CREDIT SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘social Political Rights; credit system’’ means a system proposed by the (7) to support freedom from arbitrary or un- partisan legislation. I urge the House lawful arrest, detention, or imprisonment for all to take it up and pass it and pass it Government of the People’s Republic of China and scheduled for implementation by 2020, Hong Kong residents, as provided by the Basic promptly. which would— Law, the Joint Declaration, and the Inter- The people in Hong Kong are engaged (A) use existing financial credit systems, pub- national Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; in an existential battle for liberty, and lic records, online activity, and other tools of (8) to draw international attention to any vio- they should know and they will know, surveillance to aggregate data on every Chinese lations by the Government of the People’s Re- by our actions in just a few moments, citizen and business; and public of China of the fundamental rights of the (B) use such data to monitor, shape, and rate people of Hong Kong, as provided by the Inter- that the people of America stand with national Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Hong Kong. certain financial, social, religious, or political behaviors. and any encroachment upon the autonomy I yield the floor. guaranteed to Hong Kong by the Basic Law and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- (3) UNITED STATES PERSON.—The term ‘‘United States person’’ means— the Joint Declaration; (9) to protect United States citizens and long- ator from Florida. (A) a United States citizen; term permanent residents living in Hong Kong, Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as in (B) a lawfully admitted permanent resident of as well as people visiting and transiting through legislative session, I ask unanimous the United States; or consent that the Senate proceed to the Hong Kong; (C) an entity organized under the laws of— (10) to maintain the economic and cultural immediate consideration of Calendar (i) the United States; or ties that provide significant benefits to both the No. 238, S. 1838. (ii) any jurisdiction within the United States, United States and Hong Kong; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The including a foreign branch of such an entity. (11) to coordinate with allies, including the clerk will report the bill by title. SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY. United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, The bill clerk read as follows: It is the policy of the United States— and the Republic of Korea, to promote democ- A bill (S. 1838) to amend the Hong Kong (1) to reaffirm the principles and objectives set racy and human rights in Hong Kong. Policy Act of 1992, and for other purposes. forth in the United States-Hong Kong Policy SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES- Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–383), namely that— HONG KONG POLICY ACT OF 1992. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there (A) the United States has ‘‘a strong interest in (a) REPORT.—Title II of the United States- objection to proceeding to the meas- the continued vitality, prosperity, and stability Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5721 et ure? of Hong Kong’’; seq.) is amended—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.056 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6655 (1) in section 201(b), by striking ‘‘such date’’ tifications at any time if the Secretary deter- SEC. 5. ANNUAL REPORT ON VIOLATIONS OF each place such term appears and inserting ‘‘the mines it is warranted by circumstances in Hong UNITED STATES EXPORT CONTROL date of the enactment of the Hong Kong Human Kong. LAWS AND UNITED NATIONS SANC- TIONS OCCURRING IN HONG KONG. Rights and Democracy Act of 2019’’; and ‘‘(b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.— (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days (2) adding at the end the following: ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State may after the date of the enactment of this Act, and ‘‘SEC. 205. SECRETARY OF STATE REPORT RE- waive the application of subsection (a) if— annually thereafter until the date that is 7 GARDING THE AUTONOMY OF HONG ‘‘(A) the Secretary determines that such a years after the date of the enactment of this KONG. waiver is in the national security interests of Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation ‘‘(a) CERTIFICATION.— the United States; and with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Sec- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in sub- ‘‘(B) on or before the date on which the waiv- retary of State, shall submit a report to the com- section (b), the Secretary of State, on at least an er takes effect, the Secretary notifies the Com- mittees specified in subsection (b) that in- annual basis, and in conjunction with the re- mittee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and cludes— port required under section 301, shall issue a the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House (1) an assessment of the nature and extent of certification to Congress that— of Representatives of the intent to waive such violations of United States export control and ‘‘(A) indicates whether Hong Kong continues subsection; sanctions laws occurring in Hong Kong; to warrant treatment under United States law ‘‘(2) PARTIAL WAIVER.—Except for the list of (2) to the extent possible, the identification in the same manner as United States laws were actions described in subsection (a)(1)(C)(iii), the of— applied to Hong Kong before July 1, 1997; Secretary of State may waive relevant parts of (A) any items that were reexported from Hong ‘‘(B) addresses— the application of subsection (a) if the President Kong in violation of the laws referred to in ‘‘(i) commercial agreements; issues an Executive order under section 202 that paragraph (1); ‘‘(ii) law enforcement cooperation, including suspends the application of any particular (B) the countries and persons to which the extradition requests; United States law to Hong Kong.’’. items referred to in subparagraph (A) were reex- ‘‘(iii) sanctions enforcement; (b) VISA APPLICANTS.—Title II of the United ported; and ‘‘(iv) export controls, and any other agree- States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. (C) how such items were used; ments and forms of exchange involving dual 5721 et seq.), as amended by subsection (a), is (3) an assessment of whether sensitive dual- use items subject to the export control laws of use, critical, or other sensitive technologies; further amended by adding at the end the fol- the United States are being— ‘‘(v) any formal treaties or agreements be- lowing: tween the United States and Hong Kong; (A) transshipped through Hong Kong; and ‘‘(vi) other areas of bilateral cooperation that ‘‘SEC. 206. TREATMENT OF HONG KONG APPLI- (B) used to develop— CANTS FOR VISAS TO STUDY OR (i) the Sharp Eyes, Skynet, Integrated Joint the Secretary determines to be relevant; and WORK IN THE UNITED STATES. ‘‘(vii) decision-making within the Government Operations Platform, or other systems of mass ‘‘(a) VISA ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN HONG of Hong Kong, including executive, legislative, surveillance and predictive policing; or KONG STUDENTS.—Notwithstanding any other and judicial structures, including— (ii) the ‘‘social credit system’’ of the People’s provision of law, applications for visas to enter, ‘‘(I) freedom of assembly; Republic of China; study, or work in the United States, which are (4) an assessment of the efforts by the Govern- ‘‘(II) freedom of speech; submitted by otherwise qualified applicants who ment of the People’s Republic of China to use ‘‘(III) freedom of expression; and the status of Hong Kong as a separate customs ‘‘(IV) freedom of the press, including the resided in Hong Kong in 2014 and later, may not territory to import items into the People’s Re- Internet and social media; be denied primarily on the basis of the appli- public of China from Hong Kong in violation of ‘‘(viii) universal suffrage, including the ulti- cant’s subjection to politically-motivated arrest, the export control laws of the United States, mate aim of the selection of the Chief Executive detention, or other adverse government action. whether as part of the Greater Bay Area plan, and all members of the Legislative Council by ‘‘(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Secretary of through the assignment by Beijing of Hong universal suffrage; State shall take such steps as may be necessary Kong as a national technology and innovation ‘‘(ix) judicial independence; to ensure that consular officers are aware of the center, or through other programs that may ex- ‘‘(x) police and security functions; policy described in subsection (a) and receive ploit Hong Kong as a conduit for controlled sen- ‘‘(xi) education; appropriate training and support to ensure that sitive technology; ‘‘(xii) laws or regulations regarding treason, the policy is carried out so that affected individ- (5) an assessment of whether the Government secession, sedition, subversion against the Cen- uals do not face discrimination or unnecessary delay in the processing of their visa applica- of Hong Kong has adequately enforced sanc- tral People’s Government of the People’s Repub- tions imposed by the United Nations; lic of China, or theft of state secrets; tions, including— ‘‘(1) providing specialized training for all con- (6) a description of the types of goods and ‘‘(xiii) laws or regulations regarding foreign services transshipped or reexported through political organizations or bodies; sular officers posted to the United States Em- bassy in Beijing or to any United States con- Hong Kong in violation of such sanctions to— ‘‘(xiv) laws or regulations regarding political (A) North Korea or Iran; or organizations; and sulate in the People’s Republic of China, the (B) other countries, regimes, or persons sub- ‘‘(xv) other rights enumerated in the Uni- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or ject to such sanctions for engaging in activi- versal Declaration of Human Rights, done at the Macau Special Administrative Region; ties— Paris December 10, 1948, and the International ‘‘(2) instructing the United States Consulate (i) relating to international terrorism, inter- Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, done at in Hong Kong to maintain an active list of indi- national narcotics trafficking, or the prolifera- New York December 19, 1966; and viduals who are known to have been formally tion of weapons of mass destruction; or ‘‘(C) includes— charged, detained, or convicted by the Govern- (ii) that otherwise present a threat to the na- ‘‘(i) an assessment of the degree of any ero- ment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Re- tional security, foreign policy, or economy of the sions to Hong Kong’s autonomy in each cat- gion or by the Government of the People’s Re- United States; and egory listed in subparagraph (B) resulting from public of China, or intermediaries of such gov- (7) an assessment of whether shortcomings in actions by the Government of the People’s Re- ernments, based on politically-motivated consid- the enforcement of export controls or sanctions public of China that are inconsistent with its erations related to their exercise of rights enu- by the Government of Hong Kong necessitates commitments under the Basic Law or the Joint merated in the Universal Declaration of Human the assignment of additional Department of the Declaration; Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948, or the Treasury, Department of Commerce, or Depart- ‘‘(ii) an evaluation of the specific impacts to International Covenant on Civil and Political ment of State personnel to the United States any areas of cooperation between the United Rights, done at New York December 19, 1966, to Consulate in Hong Kong. States and Hong Kong resulting from erosions of facilitate the cross-checking of visa applications (b) COMMITTEES SPECIFIED.—The committees autonomy in Hong Kong or failures of the Gov- for Hong Kong residents; and specified in this subsection are— ernment of Hong Kong to fulfill obligations to ‘‘(3) updating any relevant United States Gov- (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the the United States under international agree- ernment websites with information on the policy Senate; (2) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and ments within the categories listed in subpara- described in subsection (a). Urban Affairs of the Senate; graph (B); and ‘‘(c) COOPERATION WITH LIKE-MINDED COUN- (3) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and ‘‘(iii) a list of any specific actions taken by TRIES.—The Secretary of State shall contact ap- Transportation of the Senate; the United States Government in response to propriate representatives of other democratic (4) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the any erosion of autonomy or failures to fulfill ob- countries, particularly those who receive a large House of Representatives; and ligations to the United States under inter- number of applicants for student and employ- (5) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of national agreements identified in this certifi- ment visas from Hong Kong— the House of Representatives cation and the report required under section 301. ‘‘(1) to inform them of the United States policy (c) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required ‘‘(2) FACTOR FOR CONSIDERATION.—In making regarding arrests for participation in nonviolent under subsection (a) shall be submitted in un- each certification under paragraph (1), the Sec- protests in Hong Kong; and classified form, but may include a classified retary of State should consider the terms, obli- ‘‘(2) to encourage them to take similar steps to annex. gations, and expectations expressed in the Joint ensure the rights of nonviolent protesters are SEC. 6. PROTECTING UNITED STATES CITIZENS Declaration with respect to Hong Kong. protected from discrimination due to the actions AND OTHERS FROM RENDITION TO ‘‘(3) ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS.—The certifi- of the Government of Hong Kong and of the THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. cation under section (1) shall be issued annu- Government of the People’s Republic of (a) POLICY STATEMENTS.—It is the policy of ally, but the Secretary may issue additional cer- China.’’. the United States—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.031 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6656 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019

(1) to safeguard United States citizens from (4) FORM.—The report required under para- (g) TERMINATION OF SANCTIONS.—The Presi- extradition, rendition, or abduction to the Peo- graph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified dent may terminate the application of sanctions ple’s Republic of China from Hong Kong for form, but may include a classified annex. under this section with respect to a person if the trial, detention, or any other purpose; (b) IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS.—The President President determines and reports to the appro- (2) to safeguard United States businesses in shall impose the sanctions described in sub- priate congressional committees not less than 15 Hong Kong from economic coercion and intellec- section (c) with respect to each foreign person days before the termination takes effect that— tual property theft; identified in the report required under sub- (1) credible information exists that the person (3) pursuant to section 103(7) of the United section (a)(1). did not engage in the activity for which sanc- States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. (c) SANCTIONS DESCRIBED.—The sanctions de- tions were imposed; 5713(7)), to encourage United States businesses scribed in this subsection are the following: (2) the person has been prosecuted appro- ‘‘to continue to operate in Hong Kong, in ac- (1) ASSET BLOCKING.—The President shall ex- priately for the activity for which sanctions cordance with applicable United States and ercise all of the powers granted to the President were imposed; Hong Kong law’’; and under the International Emergency Economic (3) the person has credibly demonstrated a sig- (4) pursuant to section 201(b) of such Act (22 Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent nificant change in behavior, has paid an appro- U.S.C. 5721(b)), to evaluate, not less frequently necessary to block and prohibit all transactions priate consequence for the activity for which than annually and as circumstances, dictate in property and interests in property of a for- sanctions were imposed, and has credibly com- whether the Government of Hong Kong is ‘‘le- eign person identified in the report required mitted to not engage in an activity described in gally competent to carry out its obligations’’ under subsection (a)(1) if such property and in- subsection (a)(1) in the future; or under treaties and international agreements es- terests in property are in the United States, (4) the termination of the sanctions is in the tablished between the United States and Hong come within the United States, or come within national security interests of the United States. Kong. the possession or control of a United States per- (h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (b) RESPONSE TO THREAT OF RENDITION.—Not son. later than 30 days after the President deter- (2) INELIGIBILITY FOR VISAS, ADMISSION, OR (1) ADMISSION; ADMITTED; ALIEN.—The terms mines that legislation proposed or enacted by PAROLE.— ‘‘admission’’, ‘‘admitted’’, and ‘‘alien’’ have the the Government of Hong Kong would put (A) VISAS, ADMISSION, OR PAROLE.—An alien meanings given those terms in section 101 of the United States citizens at risk of extradition or described in subsection (a)(1) is— Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. rendition to the People’s Republic of China or to (i) inadmissible to the United States; 1101). other countries that lack protections for the (ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other docu- (2) FOREIGN PERSON.—The term ‘‘foreign per- rights of defendants, the President shall submit mentation to enter the United States; and son’’ means a person that is not a United States a report to the appropriate congressional com- (iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or pa- person. mittees that— roled into the United States or to receive any SEC. 8. SANCTIONS REPORTS. other benefit under the Immigration and Na- (1) contains a strategy for protecting United (a) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with section States citizens and businesses in Hong Kong; tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.). 7, the President shall submit, to the appropriate (B) CURRENT VISAS REVOKED.— (2) assesses the potential risks of the legisla- congressional committees, a report that in- (i) IN GENERAL.—An alien described in sub- tion to United States citizens residing in, trav- cludes— eling to, or transiting through Hong Kong; and section (a)(1) is subject to revocation of any visa or other entry documentation regardless of (1) a list of each foreign person with respect to (3) determines whether— which the President imposed sanctions during (A) additional resources are needed for Amer- when the visa or other entry documentation is the year preceding the submission of the report; ican Citizen Services at the United States Con- or was issued. (2) a description of the type of sanctions im- sulate in Hong Kong; and (ii) IMMEDIATE EFFECT.—A revocation under (B) the Government of Hong Kong is ‘‘legally clause (i) shall— posed with respect to each such person; competent’’ to administer the United States- (I) take effect immediately; and (3) the number of foreign persons with respect Hong Kong Agreement for the Surrender of Fu- (II) automatically cancel any other valid visa to which the President terminated sanctions gitive Offenders, done at Hong Kong December or entry documentation that is in the alien’s under section 7 during that year; 20, 1996, or other relevant law enforcement possession. (4) the dates on which such sanctions were (C) EXCEPTION TO COMPLY WITH INTER- agreements between the United States and Hong imposed or terminated, as applicable; NATIONAL OBLIGATIONS.—Sanctions under this Kong. (5) the reasons for imposing or terminating paragraph shall not apply with respect to an such sanctions; and SEC. 7. SANCTIONS RELATING TO UNDERMINING alien if admitting or paroling the alien into the FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AND AU- (6) a description of the efforts of the President TONOMY IN HONG KONG. United States is necessary to permit the United to encourage the governments of other countries (a) IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS RESPONSIBLE States to comply with the Agreement regarding to impose sanctions that are similar to the sanc- FOR UNDERMINING FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed tions authorized under section 7. AND AUTONOMY IN HONG KONG.— at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into (b) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The unclassified (1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall submit a force November 21, 1947, between the United Na- portion of the report required under subsection report to the appropriate congressional commit- tions and the United States, or other applicable (a) shall be made available to the public, includ- tees, in accordance with paragraph (2), that international obligations. ing through publication in the Federal Register. ENALTIES identifies each foreign person that the President (3) P .—The penalties provided for in (c) NONAPPLICABILITY OF CONFIDENTIALITY determines, based on credible information, is re- subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the REQUIREMENT WITH RESPECT TO VISA sponsible for— International Emergency Economic Powers Act RECORDS.—The President shall publish the re- (A) the extrajudicial rendition, arbitrary de- (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a foreign person port required under subsection (a) without re- tention, torture, or forced confession of any per- that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to gard to the requirements of section 222(f) of the son in Hong Kong; or violate, or causes a violation of paragraph (1) to Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. (B) other gross violations of internationally the same extent that such penalties apply to a 1202(f)) with respect to confidentiality of records recognized human rights in Hong Kong. person that commits an unlawful act described pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or (2) TIMING OF REPORTS.—The President shall in subsection (a) of such section 206. permits to enter the United States. submit to the appropriate congressional commit- (d) IMPLEMENTATION.—The President may ex- SEC. 9. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PEOPLE’S RE- tees— ercise all authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Eco- PUBLIC OF CHINA STATE-CON- (A) the report required under paragraph (1)— TROLLED MEDIA. (i) not later than 180 days after the date of nomic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to It is the sense of Congress that— the enactment of this Act; and carry out this section. (ii) not less frequently than annually there- (e) WAIVER.—The President may waive the (1) the United States condemns the deliberate after in conjunction with the publication of the application of sanctions under this section with targeting and harassment of democracy activ- report required under section 301 of the United respect to a person identified in the report re- ists, diplomatic personnel of the United States States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. quired under subsection (a)(1) if the President and other nations, and their families by media 5731); and determines and certifies to the appropriate con- organizations controlled by the Government of (B) an update to the report not later than 15 gressional committees that such a waiver is in the People’s Republic of China, including Wen days after any new action is taken under sub- the national interest of the United States. Wei Po and Ta Kung Po; section (b) based on the discovery of new cred- (f) EXCEPTION RELATING TO IMPORTATION OF (2) the Secretary of State should clearly in- ible information described in paragraph (1). GOODS.— form the Government of the People’s Republic of (3) CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN INFORMA- (1) IN GENERAL.—The authorities and require- China that the use of media outlets to spread TION.—In preparing the report required under ments to impose sanctions authorized under this disinformation or to intimidate and threaten its paragraph (1), the President shall consider— section shall not include the authority or a re- perceived enemies in Hong Kong or in other (A) information provided jointly by the chair- quirement to impose sanctions on the importa- countries is unacceptable; and person and ranking member of each of the ap- tion of goods. (3) the Secretary of State should take any ac- propriate congressional committees; and (2) GOOD DEFINED.—In this subsection, the tivities described in paragraph (1) or (2) into (B) credible information obtained by other term ‘‘good’’ means any article, natural or man- consideration when granting visas for travel countries or reputable nongovernmental organi- made substance, material, supply, or manufac- and work in the United States to journalists zations that monitor violations of human rights tured product, including inspection and test from the People’s Republic of China who are af- abuses. equipment, and excluding technical data. filiated with any such media organizations.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.031 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6657 SEC. 10. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COMMERCIAL (G) the Committee on Armed Services of Hong Kong Legislative Council by universal EXPORTS OF CROWD CONTROL the House of Representatives; suffrage; EQUIPMENT TO HONG KONG. (H) the Committee on Financial Services (5) to support the establishment of a gen- It is sense of Congress that the Department of of the House of Representatives; uine democratic option to freely and fairly Commerce, in conjunction with other relevant (I) the Committee on Homeland Security nominate and elect the Chief Executive of Federal departments and agencies, should con- of the House of Representatives; and Hong Kong, and the establishment by 2020 of sider appropriate adjustments to the current (J) the Committee on the Judiciary of the open and direct democratic elections for all United States export controls with respect to House of Representatives. members of the Hong Kong Legislative Coun- Hong Kong to prevent the supply of crowd con- (2) SOCIAL CREDIT SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘so- cil; trol and surveillance equipment that could be cial credit system’’ means a system proposed (6) to support the robust exercise by resi- used inappropriately in Hong Kong. by the Government of the People’s Republic dents of Hong Kong of the rights to free Mr. RUBIO. I ask unanimous consent of China and scheduled for implementation speech, the press, and other fundamental that the committee-reported substitute by 2020, which would— freedoms, as provided by the Basic Law, the amendment be withdrawn, the Rubio (A) use existing financial credit systems, Joint Declaration, and the International substitute amendment at the desk be public records, online activity, and other Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; considered and agreed to, the bill as tools of surveillance to aggregate data on (7) to support freedom from arbitrary or every Chinese citizen and business; and unlawful arrest, detention, or imprisonment amended be considered read a third (B) use such data to monitor, shape, and for all Hong Kong residents, as provided by time and passed, and that the motion rate certain financial, social, religious, or the Basic Law, the Joint Declaration, and to reconsider be considered made and political behaviors. the International Covenant on Civil and Po- laid upon the table. (3) UNITED STATES PERSON.—The term litical Rights; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ‘‘United States person’’ means— (8) to draw international attention to any objection? (A) a United States citizen; violations by the Government of the People’s Without objection, it is so ordered. (B) a lawfully admitted permanent resi- Republic of China of the fundamental rights The committee-reported amendment dent of the United States; or of the people of Hong Kong, as provided by in the nature of a substitute was with- (C) an entity organized under the laws of— the International Covenant on Civil and Po- (i) the United States; or litical Rights, and any encroachment upon drawn. (ii) any jurisdiction within the United the autonomy guaranteed to Hong Kong by The amendment (No. 1246) was agreed States, including a foreign branch of such an the Basic Law and the Joint Declaration; to as follows: entity. (9) to protect United States citizens and (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute.) SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY. long-term permanent residents living in (The amendment is printed in today’s It is the policy of the United States— Hong Kong, as well as people visiting and RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’) (1) to reaffirm the principles and objectives transiting through Hong Kong; The bill (S. 1838), as amended, was or- set forth in the United States-Hong Kong (10) to maintain the economic and cultural Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–383), ties that provide significant benefits to both dered to be engrossed for a third read- the United States and Hong Kong; and ing, was read the third time, and namely that— (A) the United States has ‘‘a strong inter- (11) to coordinate with allies, including the passed, as follows: est in the continued vitality, prosperity, and United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, S. 1838 stability of Hong Kong’’; and the Republic of Korea, to promote de- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (B) ‘‘[s]upport for democratization is a fun- mocracy and human rights in Hong Kong. resentatives of the United States of America in damental principle of United States foreign SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES- Congress assembled, policy’’ and therefore ‘‘naturally applies to HONG KONG POLICY ACT OF 1992. United States policy toward Hong Kong’’; SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) REPORT.—Title II of the United States- (C) ‘‘the human rights of the people of (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5721 Hong Kong are of great importance to the the ‘‘Hong Kong Human Rights and Democ- et seq.) is amended— United States and are directly relevant to racy Act of 2019’’. (1) in section 201(b), by striking ‘‘such United States interests in Hong Kong [and] (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- date’’ each place such term appears and in- serve as a basis for Hong Kong’s continued tents for this Act is as follows: serting ‘‘the date of the enactment of the economic prosperity’’; and Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy (D) Hong Kong must remain sufficiently Sec. 2. Definitions. Act of 2019’’; and autonomous from the People’s Republic of Sec. 3. Statement of policy. (2) adding at the end the following: Sec. 4. Amendments to the United States- China to ‘‘justify treatment under a par- Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992. ticular law of the United States, or any pro- ‘‘SEC. 205. SECRETARY OF STATE REPORT RE- Sec. 5. Annual report on violations of United vision thereof, different from that accorded GARDING THE AUTONOMY OF HONG States export control laws and the People’s Republic of China’’; KONG. United Nations sanctions oc- (2) to support the high degree of autonomy ‘‘(a) CERTIFICATION.— curring in Hong Kong. and fundamental rights and freedoms of the ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in Sec. 6. Protecting United States citizens and people of Hong Kong, as enumerated by— subsection (b), the Secretary of State, on at others from rendition to the (A) the Joint Declaration of the Govern- least an annual basis, and in conjunction People’s Republic of China. ment of the United Kingdom of Great Britain with the report required under section 301, Sec. 7. Sanctions relating to undermining and Northern Ireland and the Government of shall issue a certification to Congress that— fundamental freedoms and au- the People’s Republic of China on the Ques- ‘‘(A) indicates whether Hong Kong con- tonomy in Hong Kong. tion of Hong Kong, done at Beijing December tinues to warrant treatment under United Sec. 8. Sanctions reports. 19, 1984 (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘Joint States law in the same manner as United Sec. 9. Sense of Congress on People’s Repub- Declaration’’); States laws were applied to Hong Kong be- lic of China state-controlled (B) the International Covenant on Civil fore July 1, 1997; media. and Political Rights, done at New York De- ‘‘(B) addresses— Sec. 10. Sense of Congress on commercial ex- cember 19, 1966; and ‘‘(i) commercial agreements; ports of crowd control equip- (C) the Universal Declaration of Human ‘‘(ii) law enforcement cooperation, includ- ment to Hong Kong. Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948; ing extradition requests; SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. (3) to support the democratic aspirations of ‘‘(iii) sanctions enforcement; In this Act: the people of Hong Kong, including the ‘‘ulti- ‘‘(iv) export controls, and any other agree- (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- mate aim’’ of the selection of the Chief Exec- ments and forms of exchange involving dual TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional utive and all members of the Legislative use, critical, or other sensitive technologies; committees’’ means— Council by universal suffrage, as articulated ‘‘(v) any formal treaties or agreements be- (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of in the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special tween the United States and Hong Kong; the Senate; Administrative Region of the People’s Re- ‘‘(vi) other areas of bilateral cooperation (B) the Committee on Armed Services of public of China (referred to in this Act as the that the Secretary determines to be rel- the Senate; ‘‘Basic Law’’); evant; and (C) the Committee on Banking, Housing, (4) to urge the Government of the People’s ‘‘(vii) decision-making within the Govern- and Urban Affairs of the Senate; Republic of China to uphold its commit- ment of Hong Kong, including executive, leg- (D) the Committee on Homeland Security ments to Hong Kong, including allowing the islative, and judicial structures, including— and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; people of Hong Kong to govern Hong Kong ‘‘(I) freedom of assembly; (E) the Committee on the Judiciary of the with a high degree of autonomy and without ‘‘(II) freedom of speech; Senate; undue interference, and ensuring that Hong ‘‘(III) freedom of expression; and (F) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Kong voters freely enjoy the right to elect ‘‘(IV) freedom of the press, including the the House of Representatives; the Chief Executive and all members of the Internet and social media;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:08 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.031 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6658 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 ‘‘(viii) universal suffrage, including the ul- provision of law, applications for visas to (A) transshipped through Hong Kong; and timate aim of the selection of the Chief Ex- enter, study, or work in the United States, (B) used to develop— ecutive and all members of the Legislative which are submitted by otherwise qualified (i) the Sharp Eyes, Skynet, Integrated Council by universal suffrage; applicants who resided in Hong Kong in 2014 Joint Operations Platform, or other systems ‘‘(ix) judicial independence; and later, may not be denied primarily on of mass surveillance and predictive policing; ‘‘(x) police and security functions; the basis of the applicant’s subjection to po- or ‘‘(xi) education; litically-motivated arrest, detention, or (ii) the ‘‘social credit system’’ of the Peo- ‘‘(xii) laws or regulations regarding trea- other adverse government action. ple’s Republic of China; son, secession, sedition, subversion against ‘‘(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Secretary of (4) an assessment of the efforts by the Gov- the Central People’s Government of the Peo- State shall take such steps as may be nec- ernment of the People’s Republic of China to ple’s Republic of China, or theft of state se- essary to ensure that consular officers are use the status of Hong Kong as a separate crets; aware of the policy described in subsection customs territory to import items into the ‘‘(xiii) laws or regulations regarding for- (a) and receive appropriate training and sup- People’s Republic of China from Hong Kong eign political organizations or bodies; port to ensure that the policy is carried out in violation of the export control laws of the ‘‘(xiv) laws or regulations regarding polit- so that affected individuals do not face dis- United States, whether as part of the Great- crimination or unnecessary delay in the ical organizations; and er Bay Area plan, through the assignment by processing of their visa applications, includ- ‘‘(xv) other rights enumerated in the Uni- Beijing of Hong Kong as a national tech- ing— versal Declaration of Human Rights, done at nology and innovation center, or through ‘‘(1) providing specialized training for all Paris December 10, 1948, and the Inter- other programs that may exploit Hong Kong consular officers posted to the United States national Covenant on Civil and Political as a conduit for controlled sensitive tech- Embassy in Beijing or to any United States Rights, done at New York December 19, 1966; nology; and consulate in the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Re- (5) an assessment of whether the Govern- ‘‘(C) includes— ment of Hong Kong has adequately enforced ‘‘(i) an assessment of the degree of any ero- gion, or the Macau Special Administrative Region; sanctions imposed by the United Nations; sions to Hong Kong’s autonomy in each cat- (6) a description of the types of goods and egory listed in subparagraph (B) resulting ‘‘(2) instructing the United States Con- sulate in Hong Kong to maintain an active services transshipped or reexported through from actions by the Government of the Peo- Hong Kong in violation of such sanctions ple’s Republic of China that are inconsistent list of individuals who are known to have been formally charged, detained, or con- to— with its commitments under the Basic Law (A) North Korea or Iran; or or the Joint Declaration; victed by the Government of Hong Kong Spe- cial Administrative Region or by the Gov- (B) other countries, regimes, or persons ‘‘(ii) an evaluation of the specific impacts ernment of the People’s Republic of China, subject to such sanctions for engaging in ac- to any areas of cooperation between the or intermediaries of such governments, based tivities— United States and Hong Kong resulting from on politically-motivated considerations re- (i) relating to international terrorism, erosions of autonomy in Hong Kong or fail- lated to their exercise of rights enumerated international narcotics trafficking, or the ures of the Government of Hong Kong to ful- in the Universal Declaration of Human proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; fill obligations to the United States under Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948, or or international agreements within the cat- the International Covenant on Civil and Po- (ii) that otherwise present a threat to the egories listed in subparagraph (B); and litical Rights, done at New York December national security, foreign policy, or economy ‘‘(iii) a list of any specific actions taken by 19, 1966, to facilitate the cross-checking of of the United States; and the United States Government in response to visa applications for Hong Kong residents; (7) an assessment of whether shortcomings any erosion of autonomy or failures to fulfill and in the enforcement of export controls or obligations to the United States under inter- ‘‘(3) updating any relevant United States sanctions by the Government of Hong Kong national agreements identified in this cer- Government websites with information on necessitates the assignment of additional tification and the report required under sec- the policy described in subsection (a). Department of the Treasury, Department of tion 301. ‘‘(c) COOPERATION WITH LIKE-MINDED COUN- Commerce, or Department of State per- ‘‘(2) FACTOR FOR CONSIDERATION.—In mak- TRIES.—The Secretary of State shall contact sonnel to the United States Consulate in ing each certification under paragraph (1), appropriate representatives of other demo- Hong Kong. the Secretary of State should consider the cratic countries, particularly those who re- (b) COMMITTEES SPECIFIED.—The commit- terms, obligations, and expectations ex- ceive a large number of applicants for stu- tees specified in this subsection are— pressed in the Joint Declaration with respect dent and employment visas from Hong (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of to Hong Kong. Kong— the Senate; ‘‘(3) ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS.—The cer- ‘‘(1) to inform them of the United States (2) the Committee on Banking, Housing, tification under section (1) shall be issued policy regarding arrests for participation in and Urban Affairs of the Senate; annually, but the Secretary may issue addi- nonviolent protests in Hong Kong; and (3) the Committee on Commerce, Science, tional certifications at any time if the Sec- ‘‘(2) to encourage them to take similar and Transportation of the Senate; retary determines it is warranted by cir- steps to ensure the rights of nonviolent pro- (4) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the cumstances in Hong Kong. testers are protected from discrimination House of Representatives; and ‘‘(b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.— due to the actions of the Government of (5) the Committee on Energy and Com- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State Hong Kong and of the Government of the merce of the House of Representatives. may waive the application of subsection (a) People’s Republic of China.’’. (c) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required if— SEC. 5. ANNUAL REPORT ON VIOLATIONS OF under subsection (a) shall be submitted in ‘‘(A) the Secretary determines that such a UNITED STATES EXPORT CONTROL unclassified form, but may include a classi- waiver is in the national security interests LAWS AND UNITED NATIONS SANC- fied annex. of the United States; and TIONS OCCURRING IN HONG KONG. ‘‘(B) on or before the date on which the (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days SEC. 6. PROTECTING UNITED STATES CITIZENS waiver takes effect, the Secretary notifies after the date of the enactment of this Act, AND OTHERS FROM RENDITION TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. the Committee on Foreign Relations of the and annually thereafter until the date that Senate and the Committee on Foreign Af- is 7 years after the date of the enactment of (a) POLICY STATEMENTS.—It is the policy of fairs of the House of Representatives of the this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in con- the United States— intent to waive such subsection; sultation with the Secretary of the Treasury (1) to safeguard United States citizens and the Secretary of State, shall submit a from extradition, rendition, or abduction to ‘‘(2) PARTIAL WAIVER.—Except for the list of actions described in subsection report to the committees specified in sub- the People’s Republic of China from Hong (a)(1)(C)(iii), the Secretary of State may section (b) that includes— Kong for trial, detention, or any other pur- waive relevant parts of the application of (1) an assessment of the nature and extent pose; subsection (a) if the President issues an Ex- of violations of United States export control (2) to safeguard United States businesses in ecutive order under section 202 that suspends and sanctions laws occurring in Hong Kong; Hong Kong from economic coercion and in- the application of any particular United (2) to the extent possible, the identifica- tellectual property theft; States law to Hong Kong.’’. tion of— (3) pursuant to section 103(7) of the United (b) VISA APPLICANTS.—Title II of the (A) any items that were reexported from States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 Hong Kong in violation of the laws referred U.S.C. 5713(7)), to encourage United States (22 U.S.C. 5721 et seq.), as amended by sub- to in paragraph (1); businesses ‘‘to continue to operate in Hong section (a), is further amended by adding at (B) the countries and persons to which the Kong, in accordance with applicable United the end the following: items referred to in subparagraph (A) were States and Hong Kong law’’; and ‘‘SEC. 206. TREATMENT OF HONG KONG APPLI- reexported; and (4) pursuant to section 201(b) of such Act CANTS FOR VISAS TO STUDY OR (C) how such items were used; (22 U.S.C. 5721(b)), to evaluate, not less fre- WORK IN THE UNITED STATES. (3) an assessment of whether sensitive quently than annually and as circumstances, ‘‘(a) VISA ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN HONG dual-use items subject to the export control dictate whether the Government of Hong KONG STUDENTS.—Notwithstanding any other laws of the United States are being— Kong is ‘‘legally competent to carry out its

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.032 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6659 obligations’’ under treaties and inter- gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 manufactured product, including inspection national agreements established between the et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and and test equipment, and excluding technical United States and Hong Kong. prohibit all transactions in property and in- data. (b) RESPONSE TO THREAT OF RENDITION.— terests in property of a foreign person identi- (g) TERMINATION OF SANCTIONS.—The Presi- Not later than 30 days after the President de- fied in the report required under subsection dent may terminate the application of sanc- termines that legislation proposed or en- (a)(1) if such property and interests in prop- tions under this section with respect to a acted by the Government of Hong Kong erty are in the United States, come within person if the President determines and re- would put United States citizens at risk of the United States, or come within the pos- ports to the appropriate congressional com- extradition or rendition to the People’s Re- session or control of a United States person. mittees not less than 15 days before the ter- public of China or to other countries that (2) INELIGIBILITY FOR VISAS, ADMISSION, OR mination takes effect that— lack protections for the rights of defendants, PAROLE.— (1) information exists that the person did the President shall submit a report to the (A) VISAS, ADMISSION, OR PAROLE.—An alien not engage in the activity for which sanc- appropriate congressional committees that— described in subsection (a)(1) is— tions were imposed; (1) contains a strategy for protecting (i) inadmissible to the United States; (2) the person has been prosecuted appro- United States citizens and businesses in (ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other doc- priately for the activity for which sanctions Hong Kong; umentation to enter the United States; and were imposed; (2) assesses the potential risks of the legis- (iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or (3) the person has credibly demonstrated a lation to United States citizens residing in, paroled into the United States or to receive significant change in behavior, has paid an traveling to, or transiting through Hong any other benefit under the Immigration and appropriate consequence for the activity for Kong; and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.). which sanctions were imposed, and has (3) determines whether— (B) CURRENT VISAS REVOKED.— credibly committed to not engage in an ac- (A) additional resources are needed for (i) IN GENERAL.—An alien described in sub- tivity described in subsection (a)(1) in the fu- American Citizen Services at the United section (a)(1) is subject to revocation of any ture; or States Consulate in Hong Kong; and visa or other entry documentation regardless (4) the termination of the sanctions is in (B) the Government of Hong Kong is ‘‘le- of when the visa or other entry documenta- the national security interests of the United gally competent’’ to administer the United tion is or was issued. States. States-Hong Kong Agreement for the Sur- (ii) IMMEDIATE EFFECT.—A revocation (h) SUNSET.—This section, and any sanc- render of Fugitive Offenders, done at Hong under clause (i) shall— tions imposed under this section, shall ter- Kong December 20, 1996, or other relevant (I) take effect immediately; and minate on the date that is 5 years after the law enforcement agreements between the (II) automatically cancel any other valid date of the enactment of this Act. United States and Hong Kong. visa or entry documentation that is in the (i) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: SEC. 7. SANCTIONS RELATING TO UNDERMINING alien’s possession. (1) ADMISSION; ADMITTED; ALIEN.—The FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AND AU- (3) PENALTIES.—The penalties provided for terms ‘‘admission’’, ‘‘admitted’’, and ‘‘alien’’ TONOMY IN HONG KONG. in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the have the meanings given those terms in sec- (a) IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS RESPON- International Emergency Economic Powers tion 101 of the Immigration and Nationality SIBLE FOR UNDERMINING FUNDAMENTAL FREE- Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a foreign Act (8 U.S.C. 1101). DOMS AND AUTONOMY IN HONG KONG.— person that violates, attempts to violate, (2) FOREIGN PERSON.—The term ‘‘foreign (1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall sub- conspires to violate, or causes a violation of person’’ means a person that is not a United mit a report to the appropriate congressional paragraph (1) to the same extent that such States person. committees, in accordance with paragraph penalties apply to a person that commits an SEC. 8. SANCTIONS REPORTS. (2), that identifies each foreign person that unlawful act described in subsection (a) of the President determines is responsible for— (a) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with sec- such section 206. tion 7, the President shall submit, to the ap- (A) the extrajudicial rendition, arbitrary (d) IMPLEMENTATION.—The President may propriate congressional committees, a report detention, or torture of any person in Hong exercise all authorities provided under sec- Kong; or tions 203 and 205 of the International Emer- that includes— (B) other gross violations of internation- gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 (1) a list of each foreign person with re- ally recognized human rights in Hong Kong. and 1704) to carry out this section. spect to which the President imposed sanc- (2) TIMING OF REPORTS.—The President (e) WAIVER.—The President may waive the tions during the year preceding the submis- shall submit to the appropriate congres- application of sanctions under this section sion of the report; sional committees— with respect to a person identified in the re- (2) a description of the type of sanctions (A) the report required under paragraph port required under subsection (a)(1) if the imposed with respect to each such person; (1)— President determines and certifies to the ap- (3) the number of foreign persons with re- (i) not later than 180 days after the date of propriate congressional committees that spect to which the President terminated the enactment of this Act; and such a waiver is in the national interest of sanctions under section 7 during that year; (ii) not less frequently than annually the United States. (4) the dates on which such sanctions were thereafter in conjunction with the publica- (f) EXCEPTIONS.— imposed or terminated, as applicable; tion of the report required under section 301 (1) EXCEPTION FOR INTELLIGENCE ACTIVI- (5) the reasons for imposing or terminating of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act TIES.—Sanctions under this section shall not such sanctions; and of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5731); and apply to any activity subject to the report- (6) a description of the efforts of the Presi- (B) an update to the report not later than ing requirements under title V of the Na- dent to encourage the governments of other 15 days after any new action is taken under tional Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et countries to impose sanctions that are simi- subsection (b) based on the discovery of new seq.) or any authorized intelligence activi- lar to the sanctions authorized under section information described in paragraph (1). ties of the United States. 7. (3) CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN INFORMA- (2) EXCEPTION TO COMPLY WITH INTER- (b) NONAPPLICABILITY OF CONFIDENTIALITY TION.—In preparing the report required under NATIONAL OBLIGATIONS AND FOR LAW ENFORCE- REQUIREMENT WITH RESPECT TO VISA paragraph (1), the President shall consider— MENT ACTIVITIES.—Sanctions under sub- RECORDS.—The President shall publish the (A) information provided jointly by the section (c)(2) shall not apply with respect to report required under subsection (a) without chairperson and ranking member of each of an alien if admitting or paroling the alien regard to the requirements of section 222(f) the appropriate congressional committees; into the United States is necessary— of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 and (A) to permit the United States to comply U.S.C. 1202(f)) with respect to confidentiality (B) information obtained by other coun- with the Agreement regarding the Head- of records pertaining to the issuance or re- tries or reputable nongovernmental organi- quarters of the United Nations, signed at fusal of visas or permits to enter the United zations that monitor violations of human Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into States. rights abuses. force November 21, 1947, between the United SEC. 9. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PEOPLE’S RE- (4) FORM.—The report required under para- Nations and the United States, or other ap- PUBLIC OF CHINA STATE-CON- graph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified plicable international obligations; or TROLLED MEDIA. form, but may include a classified annex. (B) to carry out or assist law enforcement It is the sense of Congress that— (b) IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS.—The Presi- activity in the United States. (1) the United States condemns the delib- dent shall impose the sanctions described in (3) EXCEPTION RELATING TO IMPORTATION OF erate targeting and harassment of democ- subsection (c) with respect to each foreign GOODS.— racy activists, diplomatic personnel of the person identified in the report required (A) IN GENERAL.—The authorities and re- United States and other nations, and their under subsection (a)(1). quirements to impose sanctions authorized families by media organizations controlled (c) SANCTIONS DESCRIBED.—The sanctions under this section shall not include the au- by the Government of the People’s Republic described in this subsection are the fol- thority or a requirement to impose sanctions of China, including Wen Wei Po and Ta Kung lowing: on the importation of goods. Po; (1) ASSET BLOCKING.—The President shall (B) GOOD DEFINED.—In this paragraph, the (2) the Secretary of State should clearly exercise all of the powers granted to the term ‘‘good’’ means any article, natural or inform the Government of the People’s Re- President under the International Emer- manmade substance, material, supply, or public of China that the use of media outlets

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.032 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6660 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 to spread disinformation or to intimidate China to the other, Americans’ support and Firearms. We have seen brutal po- and threaten its perceived enemies in Hong for the democratic rights of Hong Kong lice tactics that continued even when Kong or in other countries is unacceptable; citizenry is paramount. women and men were held in captivity and To the people of China: We stand or in custody. There has been report (3) the Secretary of State should take any activities described in paragraph (1) or (2) with you in freedom. after report of violent assaults taking into consideration when granting visas for To the kids in Hong Kong, the stu- place inside police stations. travel and work in the United States to jour- dents and the adults: We stand with We cannot turn a blind eye. It is time nalists from the People’s Republic of China you. to stand with the people of Hong Kong who are affiliated with any such media orga- To the Uighurs who simply want to who are demanding a democratic fu- nizations. practice their religion: We stand with ture and against the violent suppres- SEC. 10. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COMMERCIAL you. sion of free speech. EXPORTS OF CROWD CONTROL Freedom will prevail, and the Chi- The bill the Senator from Texas and EQUIPMENT TO HONG KONG. nese system will either change or fail. I have introduced lays out a series of It is sense of Congress that the Depart- products that we will no longer export ment of Commerce, in conjunction with I yield the floor. other relevant Federal departments and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- to the Hong Kong Police Force: tear agencies, should consider appropriate adjust- ator from Oregon. gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, foam ments to the current United States export f and bean bag rounds, pepper balls, controls with respect to Hong Kong to pre- water cannons, handcuffs, shackles, vent the supply of crowd control and surveil- PROHIBITING THE COMMERCIAL stun guns, and tasers. lance equipment that could be used inappro- EXPORT OF COVERED MUNI- This bill is backed by many col- priately in Hong Kong. TIONS ITEMS TO THE HONG leagues on both sides of the aisle. I say The PRESIDING OFFICER. The KONG POLICE FORCE a huge thank-you to Senator MARKEY, Democratic leader. Mr. MERKLEY. Madam President, on Senator BLACKBURN, Senator LEAHY, Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I June 9, the streets of Hong Kong filled Senator SCOTT, Senator COONS, Senator sincerely thank my colleagues. This with over 1 million individuals peace- WICKER, Senator BLUMENTHAL, Senator has been a great bipartisan moment on fully protesting what they saw as an INHOFE, Senator GILLIBRAND, Senator the floor of the Senate for a very im- unjust law and attack on democracy. It CARDIN, Senator WYDEN, Senator portant issue. was an incredible visual of people BRAUN, Senator GARDNER, and Senator I particularly thank my colleagues standing up for democracy and stand- VAN HOLLEN. from Florida, Senator RUBIO; from ing up for human rights. I am really proud to stand here in a Maryland, Senator CARDIN; from New Here we are 5 months later, and the bipartisan representation tonight, to Jersey, Senator MENENDEZ; and from images are much different. You would stand with my colleagues who have in- Idaho, Senator RISCH, as well as all the be forgiven if you saw them and troduced the Hong Kong Human Rights others who had a hand in this work. thought they were in a war zone. Hun- Democracy Act, and to stand together The Senate has just sent a resound- dreds of student protesters barricaded in a bipartisan fashion to ban the ex- ing message to the Chinese Communist themselves in a Hong Kong university port of these brutal crowd-control Party and President Xi that the United surrounded by armored riot police, strategies being misused in Hong Kong States stands with the democratic pummeled by rubber bullets and tear by their police to abuse the protesters. I turn to my colleague from Texas. protestors in Hong Kong. The bipar- gas, fires raging, destruction, devasta- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tisan legislation, with the great help of tion, and smoke everywhere. ator from Texas. the chair and ranking members of the There have been 5 months of pro- Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, for Foreign Relations Committee, will tests, rising anger, and tension. There months, the world has watched as the safeguard Hong Kong’s democracy and have been 5 months of police crack- brave citizens of Hong Kong have sus- autonomy and hold accountable those downs on peaceful protests, spurring tained protests against China’s dec- responsible for any human rights further protests and resistance, and ades-long degradation of their civil lib- abuses in Hong Kong. The bipartisan U.S.-made, U.S.-exported police equip- erties. legislation that will soon be offered by ment being misused by the Hong Kong The U.N. High Commissioner has the Senators from Oregon and Texas police to violate the human rights of found credible evidence of the Hong will make sure that U.S. companies protesters. So far, over 10,000 rounds of Kong Police Force using nonlethal don’t sell riot equipment to Hong tear gas have been fired into the crowd-control weapons in ways that Kong. crowds of protesters. violate international norms and stand- We have sent a message to President We believe in free speech, freedom to ards. That is why I am proud to sup- Xi: Your suppression of freedom, assemble, freedom to protest, not port the bipartisan PROTECT Hong whether in Hong Kong, in northwest state-sponsored oppression and vio- Kong Act, as described by our col- China, or anywhere else, will not stand. lence. It is time to ban the export of league Senator MERKLEY. You cannot be a great leader and you U.S.-made police equipment to Hong The PROTECT Hong Kong Act would cannot be a great country when you op- Kong that is being used to abuse their direct the President to ban the pose freedom, when you are so brutal human rights. That is why I am so issuance of licenses for commercial ex- to the people of Hong Kong, young and pleased to introduce, in partnership port of riot-control weapons like tear old, who are protesting, when you are with my colleague from Texas, S. 2710, gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, stun so brutal to the Uighurs in northwest which prohibits the export of muni- guns, and tasers to the Hong Kong Po- China, and when China is censored so tions and crowd-control equipment to lice Force. This ensures that the Hong that Chinese people can’t get the truth. the Hong Kong Police Force. Kong pro-democracy protesters are not History has shown that that always Since the protests in June, over 1,700 subjected to police brutality using fails, President Xi—always fails. Hong Kong residents have been injured products made in the United States of China has taken dramatic steps back- and over 5,000 have been arrested. Am- America. I am also proud to support ward in the curtailment of freedom. nesty International verified incidents the just-passed Hong Kong Human As my colleagues well know, the pro- involving the dangerous use of U.S.- Rights and Democracy Act. tests in Hong Kong have now taken an made pepper spray, batons used to beat I think the statement being made by ominous turn. The Hong Kong police— protesters, rubber bullets, and tear gas. the passage of these two pieces of legis- no doubt at the behest of the Com- One young woman was clubbed from lation and the presence today of so munist Party in Beijing—have under- behind with a police baton and contin- many of our colleagues on a bipartisan taken an increasingly violent crack- ued to be beaten even after she was on basis standing with the people of Hong down on student protesters. As the rul- the ground with her arms zip-tied be- Kong against this oppression by their ing party in Beijing continues to flout hind her. Communist overlords is very, very sig- Hong Kong’s judicial independence We have seen tear gas fired into con- nificant. while perpetrating a brutal suppression fined spaces, in violation of the U.N. Now more than ever, the United of minority groups from one end of Basic Principles on the Use of Force States must send a clear message to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.032 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6661 China that the free world stands with The bill (S. 2710), as amended, was or- emnly swear that I will support and de- Hongkongers in their struggle. dered to be engrossed for a third read- fend the Constitution of the United I yield the floor. ing and was read the third time and States against all enemies, foreign and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- passed, as follows: domestic; that I will bear true faith ator from New Jersey. S. 2710 and allegiance to the same; that I take Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, I Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- this obligation freely, without any want to take a moment to congratu- resentatives of the United States of America in mental reservation or purpose of eva- late my colleague from Oregon and a Congress assembled, sion, and that I will well and faithfully distinguished member of the Foreign SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. discharge the duties of the office on Relations Committee who has worked (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- which I am about to enter. So help me on this issue, alongside of Senator COR- TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional God’’—defend the Constitution and NYN, with great skill in a way that al- committees’’ means— faithfully discharge the duties of this lowed the legislation we just passed to (A) the Committee on Banking, Housing, sacred office. Notably, the oath does take place, which he strongly supports, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on not say defend the President over the and to make his legislation, along with Foreign Relations of the Senate; and rule of law or our constitutional du- (B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Senator CORNYN, a reality shortly. He ties. the House of Representatives. And yet President Trump has made has been very adept about it and very (2) COVERED MUNITIONS ITEMS.—The term constructive. It is going to be a great ‘‘covered munitions items’’ means tear gas, crude and inexcusable attacks against moment when we send a message that pepper spray, rubber bullets, foam rounds, our professional diplomats and mili- U.S. weaponry isn’t going to be part of bean bag rounds, pepper balls, water can- tary officials who bravely and patrioti- the oppression in Hong Kong. I salute nons, handcuffs, shackles, stun guns, and cally tried to abide by this same oath him, and I join him in his effort. tasers. by upholding these values of honor and (3) HONG KONG.—The term ‘‘Hong Kong’’ the rule of law. Career professionals ADDITIONAL COSPONSOR has the meaning given such term in section testifying as part of the ongoing im- Madam President, I ask unanimous 3 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act peachment inquiry are facing partisan consent to be included as an original of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5702). attacks and even efforts that threaten (4) HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.—The term cosponsor of the legislation. their lives and careers. President The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ‘‘Hong Kong Police Force’’ means— (A) the Hong Kong Police Force; and Trump has made no secret of his long- objection, it is so ordered. held suspicion of government workers, The Senator from Oregon. (B) the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force. which he and his allies have perpet- Mr. MERKLEY. Madam President, on SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON COMMERCIAL EXPORT OF COVERED MUNITIONS ITEMS TO ually accused of trying to bring down behalf of myself and Senator CORNYN, THE HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. his Presidency. as in legislative session, I ask unani- (a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in That former U.S. Ambassador to mous consent that the Committee on subsection (b), beginning on the date that is Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch told House Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs 30 days after the date of the enactment of Members that she felt ‘‘threatened’’ by be discharged from consideration of S. this Act, the President shall prohibit the our own President who called her ‘‘bad 2710 and the Senate proceed to its im- issuance of licenses to export covered muni- tions items to the Hong Kong Police Force. news’’ is despicable. In fact, Trump mediate consideration. even attacked Yovanovitch on Twitter The PRESIDING OFFICER. The (b) EXCEPTIONS.—The prohibition set forth in subsection (a) shall not apply to the last week during her powerful public clerk will report the bill by title. issuance of a license with respect to which testimony before the House Intel- The bill clerk read as follows: the President submits to the appropriate ligence Committee. A bill (S. 2710) to prohibit the commercial congressional committees, not fewer than 30 There have also been countless base- export of covered munitions items to the days before the date of such issuance, a writ- less attacks and insulting questions of Hong Kong Police Force. ten notice— loyalty faced by witnesses such as LTC The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there (1) certifying that the exports to be cov- Alexander Vindman. Vindman, who objection to proceeding to the meas- ered by such license are important to the na- tional interests and foreign policy goals of was born in Kiev, immigrated to the ure? the United States; and U.S. and spent 20 years as an Army of- There being no objection, the com- (2) describing the manner in which such ex- ficer, an officer who has shed blood for mittee was discharged, and the Senate ports will promote such interests and goals. our country, as recognized by his Pur- proceeded to consider the bill. SEC. 3. SUNSET. ple Heart. Mr. MERKLEY. Madam President, I The prohibition under section 2 shall ex- Twenty-five years ago, the Chairman further ask unanimous consent that pire one year after the date of the enactment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was another the Merkley amendments, which are at of this Act. longtime Army officer who was born the desk, be considered and agreed to; The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- behind the Iron Curtain. GEN John that the bill, as amended, be considered ator from Texas. Shalikashvili was born in Poland and read a third time and passed; and that moved to Peoria, IL, when he was 16. the motion to reconsider be considered f Thank goodness he served our country made and laid upon the table with no LEGISLATIVE SESSION in a time where his career was not de- intervening action or debate. railed by such degrading attacks. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I commend Defense Secretary Esper objection, it is so ordered. MORNING BUSINESS for promising that Lieutenant Colonel Vindman ‘‘shouldn’t have any fear of The amendments (Nos. 1247 and 1248) Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I retaliation,’’ which only begs the ques- were agreed to as follows: ask unanimous consent that the Sen- tion: Why can’t Secretary Pompeo AMENDMENT NO. 1247 ate proceed to legislative session and make the same promise for State De- (Purpose: To include the Committee on be in a period of morning business, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the partment officials? U.S. diplomats and with Senators permitted to speak military officials put their lives at risk Senate as part of the notification require- therein for up to 10 minutes each. ment) every day at embassies and conflict The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without zones around the world. To be attacked On page 1, line 7, insert ‘‘the Committee on objection, it is so ordered. Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and’’ by their own government—and at the before ‘‘the Committee on Foreign Rela- f highest levels—defies belief and is be- tions’’. neath the offices they hold. CAREER ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENT NO. 1248 That President Trump and Repub- OFFICIALS (Purpose: To provide a one-year sunset) licans deride and bully these American At the end, add the following: Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, patriots for telling the truth while Sec- SEC. 3. SUNSET. when we in Congress are fortunate retary Pompeo sits silently on his The prohibition under section 2 shall ex- enough to win our elections, we then hands is simply beyond the pale. It is pire one year after the date of the enactment must take an oath of office. It is quite the opposite of what we teach our chil- of this Act. simple and straightforward: ‘‘I do sol- dren. These career professionals—these

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:08 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.052 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6662 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 patriots—are models of courage and re- of Robbins, IL, was 21 years old when There being no objection, the mate- spect for our democratic system that she died of wounds sustained while rial was ordered to be printed in the the President and his circle of enablers serving in Afghanistan. At the time, RECORD, as follows: should look to emulate rather than be- she had a 2-year-old daughter. National [The Jerusalem Post] little. Women Veterans United has helped (By Michael M. Cohen, October 28, 2019) f care for the family after the sergeant’s LETTER FROM AMERICA: THE ’69 METS AND death. Earlier this year, they named RECOGNIZING NATIONAL WOMEN LESSONS FOR TODAY their beautiful new center after her, VETERANS UNITED The articles we read in The Jerusalem Post now the SGT Simone A. Robinson Mili- and other news sources can be daunting, Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, we tary Women Veteran’s Center. leaving us with a feeling of hopelessness and celebrated Veterans Day last Monday. I would like to recognize a few of the a debilitating sense that the conditions of On the 11th day of the 11th month, we other great women I had the oppor- the world are only getting worse. pause to honor the courage and sac- tunity to meet during my visit with From the conflict between Israelis and rifice of our Nation’s veterans. Millions National Women Veterans United, in- Palestinians, which seems intractable, to cli- of Americans have served in uniform cluding two Korean war veterans: Wille mate change, to endless strife in the Middle over the years, many of whom return East, to an assault on the institutions of, Merine Rouse and Miljan Akin—Rouse and belief in, democracy, to the worldwide home with visible and invisible wounds also served again in Iraq, as did her rise of antisemitism, xenophobia and racism, alike, often to serve again in their daughter Rene—Sharon Stokes-Parry, to name but a few, the odds appear against communities. who served in Iraq with the Marine us. I had the privilege to meet with a Corps; Diane Halle, a retired U.S, Army Fifty years ago the New York Mets began group of such dedicated veterans re- master sergeant who later worked at the baseball season with 100 to 1 odds against cently at a meeting of the National the Jesse Brown VA and with Team the scenario they would win the World Se- Women Veterans United in Chicago. Rubicon on disaster relief around the ries. Before the 1969 season they had won a total of 394 games and lost a staggering 737 National Women Veterans United is world; Jeannie Adams, a Vietnam Air the only center in Illinois dedicated to games since they first started playing in Force veteran who serves as their 1962. A sense of gloom pervaded the team. serving women servicemembers and treasurer; Donna Cooper; Hazel Noble; But in 1969 they would win 100 games, and veterans. Run by women and for Valorie Harris—the list goes on. this year’s World Series marks the 50th anni- women, I met with founder and presi- I look forward to continuing to work versary of the final out in game five against dent, the formidable Rochelle Crump. with National Women Veterans United. the favorite and imposing Baltimore Orioles Rochelle served in the Army during the These brave women stood guard for our led by Frank Robinson and Boog Powell. Vietnam era and has a long history of freedom in uniform, and now, they con- Baseball and other sports are not only about wins and losses and statistics. On a working with the VA at the Federal, tinue to stand in support of their com- State, and local levels. Rochelle and deeper level, sports are a metaphor for life munity—and specifically as African and a holder of lessons for life. The ’69 Mets other members of her community in Americans, some of whom served dur- are no different for us today. Chicago noticed that women veterans ing times of racial segregation, they The 1969 Season did not begin with a stel- were falling through the cracks when it faced challenges not only as women, lar start for the Mets. By the end of May came to accessing the benefits they but as Black women. Now, they help they were continuing to lose more than win, have earned, so they founded National others who face challenges. with a record of 18–23. Women Veterans United in 2005 to help May we use their inspiration—and I attended my first major league baseball game on June 19, when the Mets beat the fill the gap. the inspiration of all of our veterans— The VA reports that there are ap- Phillies in Philadelphia at the old Connie to find our own ways to sacrifice for Mack Stadium, 6–5. Member of the tribe Art proximately 2 million women veterans the good of our Nation and our world. Shamsky went four for four, including two in America, reflecting 9 percent of the f home runs, and pitcher Tom Seaver stole total veteran population. By 2045, the second base! share of female veterans is projected to THE MIDDLE EAST Three weeks later Seaver would pitch two double to 18 percent. Women are among Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, the outs short of a perfect game against the Chi- the fastest growing segments of the Washington Nationals’ upset victory in cago Cubs, as the Mets moved within 3 games veteran population; yet many women the 2019 World Series reminded a good of the division-leading Cubs. veterans are either not aware of the friend of mine, Rabbi Michael Cohen of Change seemed at hand, but change is rare- ly perfectly linear. By mid-August the Mets benefits afforded to them or they are Manchester, VT, of another unforeseen had fallen 10 games behind the Cubs. But frustrated with the VA’s inability to win. Fifty years ago, the New York then the Mets took all the accumulated and understand or address the unique needs Mets, led by star pitcher Tom Seaver, invaluable lessons from the losses of those of women veterans. For example, and manager—former Brooklyn Dodg- previous seasons and applied them to win an women veterans tend to be older. The ers star Gil Hodges—shocked the base- incredible 38 of their last 49 games, and win top reported health issues they face are ball world by defeating the heavily fa- the Eastern Division of the National League. PTSD, TBI, hypertension, and cardio- vored Baltimore Orioles in the fall That is the thing about baseball. A good vascular disease, but many also require classic. batting average is .300, which means that 70% of the time a good player fails when he services related to unique health needs Rabbi Cohen, who has led an exem- is at bat. Players will tell you they take all such as military sexual trauma and re- plary life, taking action on major the lessons from their previous at bats every productive health. issues including Mideast peace, anti- time they are in the batter’s box, with most Now, the VA has made great strides semitism, and other difficult chal- of those lessons coming from failed experi- over the years to provide for women lenges, sees a common theme in these ences. veterans, but we must do more, espe- two victories, 50 years apart. Life, as in In addition, baseball is the only sport cially when it comes to changing the sports, offers all of us the opportunity where the team on offense, the team at bat, culture at the VA that has often been to achieve what at the outset seems in- does not have the ball. Rather, the team on a barrier to women seeking care at the defense pitches to you. That dynamic makes surmountable. Peace in the Middle the encounter more difficult, but batters VA. Groups like National Women Vet- East is possible. We can end the know those are the conditions they operate erans United try to break down those scourges of antisemitism, xenophobia, within. barriers. They have helped hundreds of and racism. The Mets would go on to sweep baseball women veterans and their families, Rabbi Cohen’s words in an article legend Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves providing assistance in navigating the published in the Jerusalem Post on Oc- in the National League playoff series and VA, holding healthcare screenings, and tober 28, 2019, ‘‘Letter from America: then face the Baltimore Orioles in the World offering a host of personal and profes- The ‘69 Mets and lessons for today’’ are Series. They would win the Series by tenac- sional development opportunities and ity, hustle, a strong work ethic, smart base- a powerful reminder of what we hu- ball, and that factor out of our hands, ser- support groups. National Women Vet- mans can achieve against the odds. endipity. erans United also supported entire fam- I ask unanimous consent that Rabbi On the second pitch of the first game of the ilies, such as the Gold Star Robinson- Cohen’s writing be printed in the CON- World Series, Don Buford hit a home run off Wilson family. SGT Simone Robinson GRESSIONAL RECORD. Seaver, and the Orioles would go on to win

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.032 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6663 the game. After that game many felt that an impacts of the more than 300 billion support effective waste collection pro- Orioles sweep of the Mets was a very good pounds of plastic waste circulating in grams. And increasing the demand for possibility. The tenacious Mets had other the oceans, and on funding in the Sen- recycled products—one of the other pri- ideas, and went on to win the next four ate version of the fiscal year 2020 De- ority lines of effort—reportedly has the games in a row to become the champions. In game two, their oldest member, Ed partment of State and Foreign Oper- potential to reduce the resources need- Charles, 38, came through, batting, and ations appropriations bill to strength- ed for such programs by more than 30 helped end the game with a difficult and bril- en U.S. efforts to address this pollu- percent. Other options for tackling liant throw to Donn Clendenon at first base. tion. plastic pollution include a ban on Game three was all about two magnificent Today I will further discuss the scale microplastics, incentive programs for running catches by center fielder Tommie of the problem and actions that gov- recycling, preferential procurement Agee. The first, with two runners on base, ernments, nongovernmental organiza- policies, and the use of refillable pack- was caught in the webbing of his glove, the tions (NGOs), private companies, and white of the baseball protruding from the aging. glove, while the second diving catch was other stakeholders can take to address All of this is to say that steps can, made with the bases loaded. this challenge. and must, be urgently taken. While Game four the Mets won because the cor- I want to share a few findings and ocean plastic pollution may be a dev- rect call was not made. J.C. Martin bunted recommendations from a report re- astating and growing challenge, it is in the bottom of the 10th inning and ran to cently published by Ocean Conservancy not an insurmountable one. first base on the wrong side of the first base and the Trash Free Seas Alliance, a And as I have said before, while the line. Because of that, Oriole pitcher Pete global group of companies and NGOs United States should significantly in- Richert’s throw hit Martin’s wrist and the seeking to reduce and reinvent prod- crease our engagement and leadership ball rolled to the ground, allowing Rod Gasp- er to score the winning run. Martin should ucts and services that contribute to on this issue, we cannot solve this have been called out, but he was not. ocean pollution. problem alone. There is no greater uni- The final game was won by the Mets be- Absent collective action, the report fier than the oceans. Their protection cause of smart, creative and detailed think- depicts a bleak future—one involving should be of the utmost importance to ing by Mets manager Gil Hodges. In the bot- more than 550 billion pounds of plastic governments, companies, and individ- tom of the sixth inning, with the Mets trail- waste in the oceans by 2025, clogging uals on every continent and in every ing 3–0, Dave McNally’s pitch to Cleon Jones our rivers and waterways, threatening country. went low and ended up in the Mets dugout. marine life and seabirds, endangering Umpire Lou DiMuro ruled the ball had not f human health, contaminating the food hit Jones. Hodges then emerged with the TRIBUTE TO MAIDA TOWNSEND baseball showing a smudge of shoe polish on supply, and triggering a significant de- it. Jones was then awarded first base, and cline in economic benefits. Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I the next batter, Donn Clendenon, would hit a For perspective, the amount of plas- would like to take a moment to cele- two-run homer, and the Mets would go on to tic entering the oceans each year is brate the achievements of Maida Town- win the game, 5–3. equivalent to dumping a garbage truck send, a Vermont State Representative The challenges we face can feel disheart- full of plastic into the ocean every and now a decorated figure skater, who ening. We may feel like the Mets before the minute of every hour of every day. recently took home the gold medal in ’69 season began, when the past suggested 100 an international figure skating com- to 1 odds against a different and better out- That is 1,440 truckloads of plastic per come. But change did happen. Fifty years day, or more than half a million truck- petition in Lake Placid, NY. Marcelle later, that uplifting lesson should not be lost loads per year. And, of course, this does and I have known Maida for many on us. not include the immense amounts of years, and we have always been im- We are also reminded of that lesson in the chemical waste and other types of pol- pressed with her dedication, artistry, Bible, where Moses’s last speech to the peo- lution that enter the oceans every day. and selflessness. While we have come to ple is a poem. We see in the life of Moses— As the report describes, rising ocean know Maida through her tireless work who 40 years earlier said to God, ‘‘I have plastic pollution is a direct result of for the State of Vermont, we have been never been a man of words . . . I am slow of the increasing global production and impressed, but not surprised, that she speech and slow of tongue’’ (Exodus 4:10)— someone who develops from a poor orator to use of plastic, which totals more than brings the same dedication to figure a master of prose and poetry. 750 billion pounds per year, an esti- skating, a sport she picked up at the That which appears to be insurmountable mated 40 percent of which is single-use. age of 50. may be difficult to overcome, but as Babe Waste management systems, particu- Maida has served the State of Ruth said, ‘‘Never let the fear of striking out larly in developing countries, are woe- Vermont over the years through her keep you from playing the game.’’ The bat- fully incapable of managing the grow- leadership as the president of the ter’s box awaits. ing quantity of plastic waste. Vermont branch of the National Edu- The writer, rabbi emeritus of the Israel So the majority of plastic entering cation Association, as a chair of the Congregation in Manchester Center, Vermont, teaches at Bennington College and the oceans was never collected as part Vermont Democratic Party, and in re- the Kibbutz Ketura campus of the Arava In- of a formal waste management system, cent years as a State representative for stitute for Environmental Studies. and without increased resources for South Burlington. Most noteworthy f waste management programs and im- though is Maida’s long career as a pub- provements to collection infrastruc- lic school teacher, a career in which OCEAN PLASTIC POLLUTION ture, developing countries—and the she has taught young Vermonters the Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, the oceans—will continue to be inundated French language for well over 30 years. world’s oceans serve as a crucial car- with plastic waste. Maida’s career of public service is ex- bon sink, a home to hundreds of thou- There is no single solution. Instead, emplary. I know that she will continue sands of known and countless unknown the report outlines four priority areas to dedicate herself to Vermont for species of marine life, an essential on which to focus our collective efforts: many more years to come. source of protein for billions of people, financing the collection of plastic But just as inspiring as her long ca- and a facilitator of billions of dollars waste; reducing the production and use reer in public service is her pursuit of in tourism, fishing, shipping, and other of single-use plastics; improving design a personal joy and passion, that of fig- economic activity. Today, the oceans, standards to address nonrecyclable or ure skating. Maida, proving it is never on which life on Earth depends, are difficult to recycle plastics; and in- too late to pursue a new joy, is as dedi- under serious threat. creasing the demand for post-consumer cated to her sport as she is to her ca- Threats from climate change, habitat plastics. reer. Starting her days hours before destruction, illegal, unreported, and One option for increasing resources many of us see the sun rise, Maida hits unregulated fishing, and pollution— to finance the collection of plastic the ice before she hits the halls of the plastic waste pollution in particular— waste is by charging fees to companies State legislature. Maida is a friend, a are accelerating and causing poten- based on the amount of nonrecyclable true Vermonter, and a true treasure. tially irreparable harm to this planet. materials used in their products. Such Marcelle and I are proud to join her I spoke recently on the significant fees have the potential to generate up loved ones in offering a hearty con- health, environmental, and economic to 75 percent of the resources needed to gratulations to Maida Townsend on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.036 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6664 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 this impressive win in one of her many typically attracts a less aged crowd, but demic. We must pass legislation requir- passions. We are lucky to know her, Townsend discovered age is but a number. ing universal and completed back- and Vermont is lucky to have her. She practiced the basics in group lessons, ground checks for individuals seeking I ask unanimous consent that the ar- then found a coach to study under. to purchase a gun, to help insure that With Coach Julie MacDonald’s help, Town- ticle, ‘‘State rep wins gold in inter- send honed her skills and grew tremen- guns do not fall into the wrong hands, national skating competition,’’ origi- dously. Though Townsend was content to with deadly results. nally published by ‘‘The Other Paper,’’ continue lessons with MacDonald, her coach Last week, on the morning of Novem- be printed in the RECORD. saw a greater future for her. ber 14, it was a normal Thursday at There being no objection, the mate- ‘‘At a given point in time, Julie [Mac- Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, rial was ordered to be printed in the Donald] informed me that she needed to kick CA. Just before second period, a 16- RECORD, as follows: me out of the nest,’’ Townsend said. ‘‘I was year-old boy pulled a semiautomatic very comfortable with Julie and she sensed I [The Other Paper Nov. 7, 2019] pistol out of his backpack. In just 16 was too comfortable.’’ That’s when Town- STATE REP WINS GOLD IN INTERNATIONAL send paired with Harding. seconds, he shot five of his classmates, COMPETITION ‘‘Martha [Harding] was this really big deal killing two. A short time later, he It was an introduction even Townsend— coach,’’ Townsend recalls. ‘‘I was really turned the gun on himself. Chittenden District 7–4 State representa- scared, I remember saying to Julia, ’What if After hearing the gunshots, Katie tive—wasn’t expecting to hear. But sure she rejects me?’’’ Holt, a teacher at Saugus High School, enough, it’s how she was presented to judges, But Townsend met all of Harding’s require- rushed students into her classroom and the audience and her fellow competitors at ments and the duo has worked well together barricaded the door. One of the injured the International Adult Figure Skating ever since. girls made it into Holt’s classroom. Competition in Lake Placid, N.Y., on Oct.17. ‘‘Julie knew what she was doing when she ‘‘I confess that it got my attention being kicked me out of the nest,’’ Townsend said. Thankfully and incredibly, Holt had a introduced as representing the United States ‘‘Martha worked with me, understanding as gunshot wound kit in case of a school as opposed to representing my club, which is an older skater my goals are very different shooting. The girl had been shot twice, what I am used to hearing,’’ Townsend said. from a kids’.’’ and Holt only had one kit. Holt dressed But represent the U.S. she did, as skaters Harding and Townsend spend much of their the two wounds as best she could with from around the globe filled the Olympic-size time working on ‘‘quality skating.’’ For one kit, while a freshman student ap- rink. In her own category, Adult Ladies Townsend, that means dedicating effort to plied pressure. The injured girl sur- Bronze V division—V designating competi- flow, posture and working the edges of her vived. tors born in 1951 or earlier—Townsend skated blades. against three other Americans and a Cana- ‘‘To me, skating is when your foot is on Katie Holt’s preparedness and quick dian to earn the gold. the ice, as opposed to jump, jump, jump, action likely saved that young girl’s As she took to the ice, she noted the jump,’’ she said. ‘‘There’s the whole business life. As we commend her heroic ac- judges’ position and prepared herself for the of interpreting the music ... if all you’re tions, we have to ask ourselves: How music to begin. ‘‘Bumpin’ on Sunset,’’ a Jazz doing is going back and forth jump, back and did we get to this point? How did we song by Wes Montgomery, filled the arena. It forth jump, it’s not being one with the get a place where American teachers was a personal selection, as most of Town- music.’’ feel obligated to keep gunshot wound send’s program music is. Don’t let that fool you, Townsend still gets ‘‘There is the adage, let the music take kits in their classrooms? some air. In her early years with Harding, We also mourn the tragic loss of life you there,’’ she said. ‘‘It does; you have prac- she did all the single jumps—save for the ticed so long, over and over again, this music Axel. Today she does what jumps and spins in several other recent mass shootings. is part of a person and the music just carried her body permits. On November 18, three people were me.’’ And one of her big requirements is looking killed outside a Walmart in Duncan, As she left the ice and awaited her score, confident and competent on the ice. It’s not OK. Just this past weekend, on Novem- Townsend felt great pride. She knew she had uncommon for people who start skating in ber 17 in Fresno, CA, 10 individuals skated well and met her requirements. their adulthood to be more cautious than were shot and 4 were killed at a foot- ‘‘I’m my hardest critic,’’ she said, but their youthful counterparts, according to ball watch party. On October 31 in added, ‘‘I knew when I came off the ice that Townsend. I’d skated it really well.’’ ‘‘Adults are more cautious in skating, I Orina, CA, five individuals were killed But getting to victory was no small feat. think, than kids are,’’ she said. ‘‘Kids don’t and four wounded at a Halloween block Townsend began preparing her program with have so far to fall, kids heal a lot faster than party. And we all remember the hor- her coach, Martha Harding, in early summer. adults and kids don’t have to go to work the rific spate of mass shootings this sum- The two worked an hour each day Tuesday next day.’’ mer, including those in Texas, Ohio, through Thursday, adding in Fridays the But Townsend challenges that. In fact, California, and Virginia, leading to month before internationals. she’s had judges assume she’s skated for dozens killed. The program looked better each week, most of her life. And though Townsend is the until just before internationals. In February 2019, the House passed first to say she’s learned a great deal from H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background ‘‘For two solid weeks before this competi- Harding, Harding says the feeling is mutual. tion, nothing was working right, everything ‘‘I’ve learned a lot from [Townsend] as far as Checks Act, by a bipartisan vote of 240– was falling apart,’’ Townsend said. ‘‘I was being disciplined,’’ Harding said. 190. That month, the House also passed psyching myself out.’’ Townsend’s disciplined nature keeps her H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background But getting on the ‘‘storied rink’’ at Lake skating even when the Legislature is in ses- Checks Act. Since that time, these Placid—where countless ‘‘greats’’ like the sion. During the session, she’s up at 3:15 a.m. bills have languished in the Senate Russian duo, the Protopopovs, Sonja Henie to walk her dog and prepare for the day, then where the Republican leader refuses to and Scott Hamilton have skated—made the she’s on the ice at 5:45 a.m. and en route to rough practices disappear. allow Senate consideration. the Capitol by 6:35 a.m. But skating is good By refusing to take up legislation to ‘‘I got on the ice to do the program and it for both mind and body, Townsend said. Dur- was like those two awful weeks never hap- ing the session it’s a joyful event that can be require universal and completed back- pened,’’ Townsend said. ‘‘I was in the zone ‘‘cleansing.’’ ground checks, the Senate is failing and it just felt so good.’’ ‘‘If I didn’t skate I think I’d be a much the American people. We have a re- What’s noteworthy about Townsend’s skat- older 75 than I am,’’ Townsend said. sponsibility to pass commonsense gun ing is that it only began 25 years ago, when That’s why Townsend would recommend reform to end the senseless bloodshed. she was 50 years old. the sport to anyone who’s interested but per- We need gun reform now, not only to Townsend was an avid fan of watching the haps trepidatious to skate. elite figure skaters on television. address our country’s seemingly end- ‘‘You’re not too old to do it. There’s no less cycle of mass shootings, but we ‘‘I’d find myself just so drawn to it, and of- reason to be defined by a number,’’ she said. tentimes I’d find it so beautiful I was there ‘‘I really believe that. I intend to keep skat- need gun safety legislation now be- crying watching the performances,’’ she said. ing ’til my body tells me, ’Stop.’ So far my cause our communities are ravaged by When an ad for group skating lessons body’s nowhere near telling me to stop.’’ daily gun violence that does not make stared up at her from the pages of a news- f news headlines. paper, Townsend knew the message was On average, about every 13 hours, meant for her. BACKGROUND CHECKS Townsend wasn’t fearful about safety when someone is killed with a gun in Mary- she hit the ice for the first time. Rather, she Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I im- land. On average, 656 Marylanders die said she was concerned about being the ‘‘tall- plore the Senate to take up legislation from fatal gunshot wounds every year. est skater.’’ Figure skating is a sport that addressing America’s gun violence epi- Firearms are the first leading cause of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.031 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6665 death among children and teens in background checks are fully completed President Wooten has been a steadfast Maryland. African-American children before a gun sale is finally approved. advocate for agriculture and rural and teens in Maryland are five times as There is no one answer which will fix North Carolina. likely as their White peers to die by America’s gun violence epidemic. But Larry has worked tirelessly to ad- guns. In Maryland, African-Americans we can’t let the complexity of the prob- vance initiatives that strengthen and are 16 times as likely to die by gun lem paralyze us. We need to take steps improve our State’s rural commu- homicide as White people. forward. nities. He is an exemplary servant lead- In 2017, 53 percent of the guns recov- The American people deserve action. er that has always encouraged others ered from Maryland crime scenes came They are demanding action. An over- to ‘‘give back’’ to the organizations, from another State. Often, these guns whelming majority of Americans—97 the communities, and the State that used in crimes in Maryland are from percent—support expanding back- have provided them with opportunities States with more lenient gun control ground checks. Congress must listen to for growth and advancement. He is a laws. the 97 percent of Americans and take founding member of the NC Rural Eco- American women are 21 times more action. We cannot wait any longer. nomic Development Center where he likely to be killed with a gun than While we wait, Americans are dying, served on the board of directors and ex- women in other high-income countries; and communities are traumatized by ecutive committee. He has also served 4.5 million women in the United States violence. We must do the right thing with distinction on the American Farm have been threatened with a gun by and take up the House legislation re- Bureau Board of Directors, the NC their current or previous intimate quiring universal and completed back- Board of Agriculture, the Agricultural partner. It has estimated that 900,000 ground checks for individuals seeking Consortium Board, and the Rural Pros- American women have been shot or to purchase a gun. The time for action perity Task Force. He has served as shot at by their current or previous in- is now. chair of the American Farm Bureau Foreign Trade Committee and on timate partner. When there is a gun f present during a domestic violence sit- USDA’s Agricultural Policy Advisory uation, a woman’s risk of being killed CONFIRMATION OF STEVEN J. Committee, APAC. goes up 500 percent. MENASHI Most significant, however, is the im- In Maryland, from 2013 to 2017, 48 Mr. VAN VOLLEN. Madam Presi- pact Wooten has had on North Carolina women were fatally shot by an inti- dent, last week, I voted against Steven agriculture. In his role as president, he mate partner. African-American Menashi’s nomination to serve on the has been an effective voice for agri- women are 1.7 times more likely as Second Circuit, to the same seat once business and farmers—educating lead- White women to be fatally shot by a held by Supreme Court Justice ers and lawmakers about the State’s partner. These are women like Mary- Thurgood Marshall. Throughout his largest economic sector and helping land resident, Timira Hopkins. Hop- legal career, Menashi has shown him- shape sound State and national policy kins’ relationship with her boyfriend self to be hostile to women’s rights, for its future. A lifelong farmer from was abusive, and he had made threats communities of color, and LGBT Amer- Pender County, North Carolina, Larry before. One night in 2014, Hopkins’ boy- icans. knows firsthand the positive impact of friend delivered on his threats, shoot- I am disappointed that my colleagues a sound agricultural education, re- ing Hopkins five times before killing have avoided passing important legis- search, and extension of that research himself. Incredibly, Hopkins survived, lation and have solely focused on con- onto his farm. Larry was a key but the right side of her face is para- firming many extremist judges. The influencer in the inclusion of NC State lyzed, and she is deaf in one ear. In Senate Republican leader has refused University’s Plant Sciences Building in September of this year, Hopkins shared to allow votes on a host of important North Carolina’s Connect NC Bond Ref- her story on NPR in the hopes she can legislation, including bills to secure erendum, as well as supporting the uni- help other survivors. our elections from foreign interference, versity’s efforts to create new paths for We need to do more for brave women to strengthen background checks, and more rural students to earn their NC like Timira Hopkins. We need to join to reduce the rate of gun violence in State degree. Wooten, through his lead- her in the fight to protect people suf- our communities, and to provide a path ership of the Farm Bureau, has been a tireless supporter of NC A&T State fering domestic violence. This body un- to citizenship for DACA and TPS re- University’s Small Farms Initiative. derstands the dangerous potential con- cipients. All of these bills deserve a All these efforts will create pathways sequences of domestic violence per- vote, but they are all languishing in for North Carolinians to have an over- petrators owning guns. That is why, in the Senate legislative graveyard. sized positive impact on farming and 1996, we passed the Lautenberg amend- Menashi has a record of bias and economic development in our state and ment, banning gun ownership for indi- while at the Department of Education, nation. viduals convicted of misdemeanor do- has repeatedly supported policies that Larry Wooten is a remarkable leader mestic violence. However, without uni- hurt students and borrowers. Alongside who put the wellbeing of our state and versal background checks, we can’t ef- Secretary DeVos, Menashi, created an its citizens above his own. It is through fectively enforce this prohibition and illegal scheme to deny debt relief to de- the work of selfless leaders like Larry keep guns out of the hands of violent frauded students, including Maryland- that North Carolina has become a state abusers. ers. Additionally, Menashi has worked where the weak have an opportunity to An estimated 22 percent of U.S. gun hand-in-hand with Trump senior advi- grow strong, and the strong can grow owners purchased their most recent sor Steven Miller to advance cruel poli- great. firearm without a background check. cies that undermine American values. When background checks are not re- The American people deserve better f quired, domestic abusers get ahold of from the U.S. Senate. We should not ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS guns. In 2018, Sara Schmidt was mur- have voted on and confirmed this nomi- dered by her husband, who should have nee and instead should be working on be prohibited from purchasing a fire- legislation to improve the lives and en- TRIBUTE TO THE HULMAN- arm because of a domestic violence fel- sure the safety of our constituents. GEORGE FAMILY ony. Schmidt’s husband purchased the f ∑ Mr. BRAUN. Madam President, I rise gun he used to murder Sara from an today to celebrate and recognize the online private seller, bypassing back- TRIBUTE TO LARRY WOOTEN Hulman-George family for their accom- ground check requirements. Mr. BURR. Madam President, Sen- plishments and success in business and Passing legislation to expand back- ator THOM TILLIS and I would like to their stewardship of the Indianapolis ground checks to every gun sale, in- recognize the distinguished service of a Motor Speedway for the last 75 years. cluding those conducted online, at gun great North Carolinian. After a 25-year On November 4, 2019, principals of shows, and through private transfers, career with the North Carolina Farm Hulman & Company announced the should be the top priority in Congress. Bureau, Larry Wooten is stepping aside sale of the Indianapolis Motor Speed- Congress should also make sure that as president at the end of this year. way, among other assets of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.021 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6666 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 Hulman-George family, to a newly 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RO- of Distinction Award for Government formed entity to be led by industry leg- TARY CLUB OF LAFAYETTE, Services by the National Association of end Roger Penske. This announcement LOUISIANA Women Business Owners, the Carolyn marks the end of one glorious era, and ∑ Mr. CASSIDY. Madam President, the M. Sparks Founders Award from the the start of another for so many Hoo- Rotary Club of Lafayette will turn 100 Nevada International Women’s Forum, siers and racing fans around the world years old in 2020. I would like to share and the 2012 Women in Transportation who recognize Indianapolis Motor with you some of the accomplishments award from Metro Magazine. Speedway as the racing capital of the of the club since its founding in 1920. Ms. Quigley has also remembered to world. Beloved as the famous track at Early in their history, they underwrote give back to her community and has 16th and Georgetown in Indianapolis is the election to fund the first public li- directed her energy, passion, and com- today, it is nearly impossible to imag- mitment into bettering the Las Vegas ine our capital city without it, which brary, they helped to establish One Acadiana and started the first Lafay- Valley. She serves on a multitude of was nearly the case. boards and committees in Southern Ne- Shortly after World War II, an era in ette Boy Scout troop. In addition to es- tablishing Rotary Park in the 1980s, vada, including as chairperson of the which the track sat dormant from 1941 Desert Research Institute Foundation, through 1945 and fell almost into com- they currently fund annual scholar- ships for local students, coordinate which supports the nonprofit environ- plete disrepair, a businessman from mental science research branch of the Terre Haute stepped up to purchase the food drives for FoodNet, and support Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio Nevada System of Higher Education. facility with the goal of continuing and Today, I celebrate the many con- worldwide, in addition to supporting building upon the legacy of the already tributions of Tina Quigley to the city other local charities. famous Indianapolis 500. That business- of Las Vegas and to the Southern Ne- Congratulations to the Rotary Club man, Anton ‘‘Tony’’ Hulman, Jr., saved vada community. Her service is as an of Lafayette on this historic achieve- the speedway from either becoming a example to all of us who wish to inno- ment. I wish you all the best of luck in housing development or a private auto- vate, serve, and better our commu- years to come.∑ mobile testing facility. nities.∑ For the last 75 years, Indianapolis f Motor Speedway has been controlled by f Hulman & Company, an entity with a TRIBUTE TO TINA QUIGLEY TRIBUTE TO JAY HILDEBRANDT deep portfolio but nothing as visible ∑ Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam Presi- ∑ Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, I con- and recognizable worldwide as the dent, I come forward today to recog- gratulate Jay Hildebrandt, who is re- famed racecourse. From the initial nize the chief executive officer of the tiring after more than four decades in days of owning the facility and pre- Regional Transportation Commission news reporting. paring it to run the 1946 race to the of Southern Nevada, Tina Quigley, Jay has worked for KIFI’s Local celebration of centennial era and be- who, after over 14 years of dedicated News 8 in Idaho Falls for the past 35 yond, the Hulman-George family has service, announced her retirement this years. As an anchor for the weeknight been the steadfast caretaker and pro- year. news, Jay is known for his calm, gentle moter of this iconic venue. Tina Quigley has been a visionary demeanor and steady role delivering The Indianapolis Motor Speedway during her tenure at the Regional the news. Originally, from Milwaukee, has served as the front door to Indian- Transportation Commission of South- WI, Jay earned a degree in communica- apolis, the State of Indiana, and the ern Nevada. Her forward thinking and tions from Brigham Young University. entire Midwest for those across the planning for the future has led the RTC Before anchoring for our local news, he world who travel each year to person- to be named one of the most efficient anchored in Twin Falls and Fort ally watch the world’s largest single transit providers in the Nation. Her Wayne, IN. Thankfully, he then re- day sporting event, the Indianapolis leadership has helped Southern Nevada turned to Idaho, where we have been 500, which attracts approximately reap the benefits of an advanced trans- 350,000 spectators, the NASCAR Brick- blessed with Jay’s reliable, professional portation system that has helped at- yard 400, and the IndyCar Grand Prix of and compassionate reporting all these tract tourists, residents, and new busi- Indianapolis. The Speedway has also years. nesses. His positive influence can be felt recently hosted the Formula One Ms. Quigley has over 25 years of expe- United States Grand Prix, Red Bull Air throughout our community. Jay has rience in transportation management. Races, and even a Rolling Stones con- made a difference in many lives She has consistently been on the lead- cert. The economic impact of the Indi- through his involvement in impactful anapolis Motor Speedway to central In- ing edge of improving how residents, projects and community and statewide diana in the 75 years that the Hulman- workers, and visitors travel the Las efforts. In addition to anchoring the George family has owned the property Vegas Valley. With a rapidly growing weeknight news, Jay produced the is incalculable. The personal impact population of 2.1 million residents and weekly ‘‘Wednesday’s Child’’ reports the speedway has had on tens of thou- more than 42 million annual visitors, for 28 years. Through this project, he sands of families who use the facility that is no small task. Her determina- has helped elevate the stories of area as an anchor for what becomes week- tion in pushing for technological ad- children in need of adoptive homes. He end-long reunions is inspiring, as one vancements, forging partnerships, and also highlighted the hard work of re- need not search far on Memorial Day strategizing for the future have posi- markable high school seniors in his weekend in May to find a family who tioned the region for ongoing and sus- ‘‘Distinguished Student’’ series. Addi- has been attending the Indy 500 as a tained economic growth. tionally, Jay has served as an adjunct group for as long as can be remem- Ms. Quigley is also a licensed pilot instructor at Brigham Young Univer- bered. and earned her bachelor of science de- sity Idaho and helped lead important The facility which started as a test- gree in aviation business and planning efforts, including his service on the ing ground for Indiana’s growing auto- from Embry Riddle Aeronautical Uni- Governor’s Children’s Trust Fund motive industry in 1909 became a test- versity. She is a former manager of one Board, the Region VII Health and Wel- ing ground of speed, endurance, of the Nation’s busiest airports, fare Advisory Board, and the Safe strength, and the will to win over the McCarran International Airport, and Place Advisory Board. last 110 years. Without the Hulman- has amassed an impressive number of While most of us enjoyed Jay over George family, that story would have professional achievements throughout the years on the television, there are likely ended in the 1940s. her career. those who have been able to work with Madam President, I want to person- The incredible work that Ms. Quigley him personally. And without exception, ally thank the Hulman-George family has done for Southern Nevada has not he is admired, emulated and respected for their amazing commitment and gone unrecognized. She has earned nu- by his coworkers. One of those fortu- contributions to the State of Indiana merous awards for her leadership, inno- nate individuals is my current chief of and the Unites States of America. Both vation, and vision. These awards in- staff in DC, Susan Hawkes Wheeler. are better because of this family.∑ clude but are not limited to the Woman She got her start just out of college

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.039 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6667 working for Jay at KIFI in the mid- uted to the revitalization of the City of look forward to your continued growth 1980s, when Jay was already becoming Paterson and the Great Falls Historic and success.∑ the institution that he remains in District, helping to ensure a vibrant fu- f Idaho broadcasting. His gentle leader- ture for the City and its residents; and REMEMBERING JIMMY KOIKOS ship and kind demeanor did much to Whereas, now as the New Jersey stabilize a work place that can be very Community Development Corporation ∑ Mr. SHELBY. Madam President, I chaotic as news develops, even in small celebrates its 25th Anniversary, I con- rise today to honor the life of James town news stations. He was a patient gratulate its staff and volunteers on Bill ‘‘Jimmy’’ Koikos, beloved coowner teacher, an insightful editor, and a de- this milestone. of Bessemer’s famous Bright Star res- lightful storyteller, clearly evidenced Therefore, in presenting this citation taurant. Jimmy passed away on No- by his enjoyment of some of the special to the New Jersey Community Devel- vember 16, 2019, at the age of 81. I had projects he undertook like the afore- opment Corporation, I, on behalf of the the honor of knowing Jimmy, as I fre- mentioned ‘‘Wednesday’s Child.’’ My People of the State of New Jersey here- quented the Bright Star many times office benefits every day from lessons by congratulate the New Jersey Com- during his 60 years of running the insti- Susan learned through Jay’s leader- munity Development Corporation and tution. ship, and I am grateful for those. its contribution to the community, the Jimmy was born and raised in Bes- In an article about his retirement, City of Paterson, and the State of New semer, AL, just miles from the res- his co-anchor of 30 years, Karole Jersey.∑ taurant. He attended Arlington School Honas, used the words ‘‘solid,’’ f and then Bessemer High School, where ‘‘steady,’’ ‘‘kind,’’ and ‘‘positive’’ to de- he played high school football. Jimmy RECOGNIZING HAMMER DOWN scribe Jay. Professionalism, hard work, then attended the University of Ala- RIVER EXCURSIONS compassion, and optimism are his hall- bama until 1959, when a visit from his marks. Thank you, Jay, for your out- ∑ Mr. RISCH. Madam President, as a mother changed his plans. She in- standing reporting all these years and member and former chairman of the formed him of his uncle’s decision to for working to highlight the needs and Senate Committee on Small Business retire, prompting him to move home to the great achievements in our commu- and Entrepreneurship, each month I manage the Bright Star with his fa- nity. While your reassuring and recognize and celebrate the American ther, Bill Koikos. Jimmy believed in thoughtful presence on our local news entrepreneurial spirit by highlighting the restaurant, and he knew he wanted will no doubt be deeply missed, the car- the success of a small business in my to be a part of the Bright Star’s contin- ing standard you have set will be ever- home State of Idaho. However, in ued success. present. Congratulations on your ex- honor of Veterans Day on November 11, Nine years later, Jimmy’s younger emplary career. I wish you well on this month I will honor a veteran- brother, Nicky, joined him in man- your well-earned retirement. May it be owned small business for each of the 10 aging the restaurant. The two brothers filled with many happy times with days the Senate is in legislative ses- went on to work side-by-side as owner- Sally, your children, grandchildren, sion. The personal sacrifices made by operators of the Bright Star until Jim- and friends.∑ America’s veterans have protected the my’s death. As his brother fondly re- f very freedoms and values that give membered not long ago, ‘‘He’s the each of us and our children the ability heart and soul of the restaurant, and RECOGNIZING NEW JERSEY COM- to achieve the American dream. The it’s going to be hard to replace that.’’ MUNITY DEVELOPMENT COR- skills veterans learn as members of the I will always remember Jimmy for PORATION military are invaluable and undoubt- his kindness and ability to make cus- ∑ Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, I edly contribute to Idaho’s flourishing tomers feel at home when they visited rise today to pay tribute and to recog- veteran business community. I am the Bright Star. He generously greeted nize a New Jersey organization cele- proud of the sacrifices veterans have each person who entered the establish- brating its 25th anniversary, the New made to protect our country and that ment. He promised his father he would Jersey Community Development Cor- they are choosing Idaho to call home take care of the restaurant, and that is poration, NJCDC. I wish to take a mo- when they complete their service in exactly what he did. ment now to honor NJCDC for the im- the military. Because of the hard work of Jimmy portant work it is doing in the State of As your U.S. Senator from the great and others who spent their lives de- New Jersey and the accomplishments State of Idaho, it is my pleasure to rec- voted to the Bright Star, it began to it has achieved over the past 25 years. ognize Hammer Down River Excursions draw national attention. In 2010, the The NJCDC provides hope for a re- in White Bird as the veteran-owned James Beard Foundation honored the warding future through urban revital- Idaho Small Business of the Day for Bright Star with an America’s Classics ization efforts, financial support, edu- November 19, 2019. Award, distinguishing the restaurant cation initiatives, and job creation. Hammer Down River Excursions is for its timeless appeal and quality food The work done by NJCDC has directly owned and operated by U.S. Army vet- that reflects the character of the com- transformed the lives of many, espe- eran Homer Brown. The business offers munity. cially in the city of Paterson. guided tours, dinner cruises, and fish- As a huge Alabama fan, Jimmy was In honor of the accomplishments of ing expeditions to showcase Idaho’s always ecstatic when the Bright Star this organization, I ask that a procla- rich, natural beauty in the heart of attracted Alabama football coaches mation honoring the 25th anniversary Hells Canyon and the Salmon River. like Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings, and of the NJCDC be printed in the RECORD. Professional, experienced guides teach Nick Saban. He would also frequent The material follows: guests how to fish Idaho’s steelhead, Alabama football practices, bringing Whereas, the New Jersey Community trout, bass, and salmon. along some of the famous icebox pies Development Corporation is a non-prof- Brown spent his youth fishing and for the coaches, players, and staff. it community development and social working along the Salmon River before Jimmy even went as far as to ensure service agency based in the City of entering the Army. After completing that the Bright Star would be taken Paterson, New Jersey; his time of service, Brown got his cap- care of when he was gone, asking a Whereas, the New Jersey Community tain’s license so he could return to the younger relative, Andreas Development Corporation and its dedi- Salmon River to work as a jet boat Anastassakis, to move to Bessemer and cated staff empowers individuals to captain. Brown takes pride in sharing carry on the legacy of the Bright Star. transform their lives and offers a vari- Idaho’s beauty with his patrons. Anastassakis was honored. ety of programs and services to assist Congratulations to Homer Brown and Jimmy Koikos’s legacy will live on economically disadvantaged individ- all of the employees at Hammer Down through the people whose lives he uals, at-risk youth, and people with River Excursions for being selected as touched at the Bright Star, in the com- disabilities; the Veteran-owned Idaho Small Busi- munity and throughout the entire Whereas, the New Jersey Community ness of the Day for November 19, 2019. State of Alabama. I offer my deepest Development Corporation has contrib- You make our great State proud, and I condolences to his brother Nick, his

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.023 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6668 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 sister Helen, and all of his loved ones. MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE ing and Urban Development; to the Com- mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- I am proud to have known him, and I At 10:02 a.m., a message from the will always think of him when passing fairs. House of Representatives, delivered by H.R. 4300. An act to provide Federal hous- through Bessemer to visit one of my Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, ∑ ing assistance on behalf of youths who are very favorite places, the Bright Star. announced that the House has passed aging out of foster care, and for other pur- f the following bills, in which it requests poses; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT the concurrence of the Senate: ing, and Urban Affairs. H.R. 4344. An act to amend the Securities H.R. 3702. An act to authorize the Sec- Messages from the President of the Exchange Act of 1934 to allow the Securities retary of Housing and Urban Development to United States were communicated to and Exchange Commission to seek and Fed- provide disaster assistance to States, Puerto eral courts to grant disgorgement of unjust the Senate by Ms. Roberts, one of his Rico, units of general local government, and enrichment, and for other purposes; to the secretaries. Indian tribes under a community develop- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban f ment block grant disaster recovery program, Affairs. and for other purposes. H.R. 4634. An act to reauthorize the Ter- EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED H.R. 4029. An act to amend the McKinney- rorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, and for In executive session the Presiding Of- Vento Homeless Assistance Act to enable In- other purposes; to the Committee on Bank- dian Tribes and tribally designated housing ficer laid before the Senate messages ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. from the President of the United entities to apply for, receive, and administer f States submitting sundry nominations grants and subgrants under the Continuum which were referred to the appropriate of Care Program of the Department of Hous- EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF ing and Urban Development. COMMITTEES committees. H.R. 4300. An act to provide Federal hous- (The messages received today are ing assistance on behalf of youths who are The following executive reports of printed at the end of the Senate pro- aging out of foster care, and for other pur- nominations were submitted: ceedings.) poses. By Mrs. FISCHER for Mr. INHOFE for the f H.R. 4344. An act to amend the Securities Committee on Armed Services. Exchange Act of 1934 to allow the Securities PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE *Joseph Bruce Hamilton, of Texas, to be a and Exchange Commission to seek and Fed- Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities eral courts to grant disgorgement of unjust Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, enrichment, and for other purposes. REPORT RELATIVE TO THE CON- 2022. H.R. 4634. An act to reauthorize the Ter- *Jessie Hill Roberson, of Virginia, to be a TINUATION OF THE NATIONAL rorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, and for Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities EMERGENCY THAT WAS ORIGI- other purposes. Safety Board for a term expiring October 18, NALLY DECLARED IN EXECU- The message further announced that 2023. TIVE ORDER 13712 OF NOVEMBER pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 9455(a), and the *Thomas A. Summers, of Pennsylvania, to 22, 2015, WITH RESPECT TO BU- order of the House of January 3, 2019, be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facili- RUNDI—PM 38 the Speaker appoints the following ties Safety Board for a term expiring Octo- Member on the part of the House of ber 18, 2020. The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- *Dana S. Deasy, of Virginia, to be Chief In- fore the Senate the following message Representatives to the Board of Visi- formation Officer of the Department of De- from the President of the United tors to the United States Air Force fense. States, together with an accompanying Academy: Mr. Lamborn of Colorado. *Lisa W. Hershman, of Indiana, to be Chief report; which was referred to the Com- Management Officer of the Department of mittee on Banking, Housing, and At 4:03 p.m., a message from the Defense. Urban Affairs: House of Representatives, delivered by *Robert John Sander, of Virginia, to be Ms. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- General Counsel of the Department of the To the Congress of the United States: nounced that the House has agreed to Navy. Section 202(d) of the National Emer- the amendment of the Senate to the Army nomination of Col. Patrick R. gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides Michaelis, to be Brigadier General. bill (H.R. 3055) making appropriations Army nomination of Maj. Gen. Daniel L. for the automatic termination of a na- for the Departments of Commerce and tional emergency unless, within 90 Karbler, to be Lieutenant General. Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Army nomination of Col. Stephanie A. days before the anniversary date of its for the fiscal year ending September 30, Purgerson, to be Brigadier General. declaration, the President publishes in 2020, and for other purposes, with an Air Force nominations beginning with Col. the Federal Register and transmits to amendment, in which it requests the Leslie A. Beavers and ending with Col. Adri- the Congress a notice stating that the concurrence of the Senate. an K. White, which nominations were re- emergency is to continue in effect be- The message also announced that the ceived by the Senate and appeared in the yond the anniversary date. In accord- Congressional Record on October 30, 2019. House has agreed to the following cur- Air Force nominations beginning with ance with this provision, I have sent to rent resolution, in which it requests the Federal Register for publication the Brig. Gen. Lee Ann T. Bennett and ending the concurrence of the Senate: enclosed notice stating that the na- with Brig. Gen. Scott A. Sauter, which nomi- nations were received by the Senate and ap- tional emergency with respect to the H. Con. Res. 75. Concurrent resolution di- recting the Clerk of the House of Representa- peared in the Congressional Record on Octo- situation in Burundi declared in Execu- tives to make a correction in the enrollment ber 30, 2019. tive Order 13712 of November 22, 2015, is of H.R. 3055. Air Force nomination of Col. Darrin D. to continue in effect beyond November Lambrigger, to be Brigadier General. f 22, 2019. Army nomination of Brig. Gen. John C. The situation in Burundi, which has MEASURES REFERRED Boyd, to be Major General. been marked by killing and other vio- The following bills were read the first Army nomination of Col. Damon N. Cluck, to be Brigadier General. lence against civilians, unrest, the in- and the second times by unanimous citement of violence, and significant consent, and referred as indicated: Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, for the Committee on Armed Services I report political repression, and which threat- H.R. 3702. An act to authorize the Sec- ens the peace, security, and stability of retary of Housing and Urban Development to favorably the following nomination Burundi and the region, continues to provide disaster assistance to States, Puerto lists which were printed in the pose an unusual and extraordinary Rico, units of general local government, and RECORDS on the dates indicated, and threat to the national security and for- Indian tribes under a community develop- ask unanimous consent, to save the ex- eign policy of the United States. There- ment block grant disaster recovery program, pense of reprinting on the Executive fore, I have determined that it is nec- and for other purposes; to the Committee on Calendar that these nominations lie at essary to continue the national emer- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. the Secretary’s desk for the informa- H.R. 4029. An act to amend the McKinney- gency declared in Executive Order 13712 Vento Homeless Assistance Act to enable In- tion of Senators. with respect to the situation in Bu- dian Tribes and tribally designated housing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without rundi. entities to apply for, receive, and administer objection, it is so ordered. DONALD J. TRUMP. grants and subgrants under the Continuum Air Force nominations beginning with Jef- THE WHITE HOUSE, November 19, 2019. of Care Program of the Department of Hous- frey J. Autrey and ending with Jennifer T.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.041 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6669

Vecchione, which nominations were received By Mr. WICKER: By Mr. RUBIO (for himself, Ms. WAR- by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- S. 2894. A bill to establish a National Ship- REN, Mr. MARKEY, and Mr. SCOTT of sional Record on September 19, 2019. per Advisory Committee; to the Committee Florida): Air Force nominations beginning with on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. S. Res. 434. A resolution honoring the life Thomas Jason Abell and ending with Law- By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and of Nicholas Anthony Buoniconti; considered rence Nahno Yazzie, which nominations were Mr. WHITEHOUSE): and agreed to. received by the Senate and appeared in the S. 2895. A bill to amend the Controlled Sub- f Congressional Record on November 12, 2019. stances Act to more effectively regulate se- Air Force nomination of Joshua B. lective androgen receptor modulators, and ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS Stierwalt, to be Major. for other purposes; to the Committee on the S. 172 Judiciary. Army nomination of Michael W. Torre, to At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Ms. be Major. name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. Army nomination of Austin C. Vann, to be DUCKWORTH): Major. S. 2896. A bill to establish the Pullman Na- COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. Army nomination of Michael J. Blanton, tional Historical Park in the State of Illinois 172, a bill to delay the reimposition of to be Lieutenant Colonel. as a unit of the National Park System, and the annual fee on health insurance pro- Army nomination of Laina G. Cafego, to be for other purposes; to the Committee on En- viders until after 2021. Major. ergy and Natural Resources. S. 350 By Mr. WARNER (for himself, Mr. CAS- Army nomination of Lyle E. Bushong, to At the request of Mr. DAINES, the SIDY, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, and Mrs. CAP- be Major. names of the Senator from Arizona Army nomination of Garth E. Coke, to be ITO): Major. S. 2897. A bill to amend title XI of the So- (Ms. MCSALLY) and the Senator from Army nomination of Brent R. Robertson, cial Security Act to reauthorize the Patient- Utah (Mr. LEE) were added as cospon- to be Major. Centered Outcomes Research Institute, and sors of S. 350, a bill to restore the ap- Army nomination of Gerald J. Hall, to be for other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- plication of the Federal antitrust laws Colonel. nance. to the business of health insurance to Army nomination of Nicole L. Kruse, to be By Mr. INHOFE (for himself, Mr. protect competition and consumers. Major. MORAN, and Mrs. MURRAY): S. 393 Marine Corps nomination of Emma R. S. 2898. A bill to amend title 5, United Shinn, to be Captain. States Code, to provide for a full annuity At the request of Mr. MURPHY, the Marine Corps nomination of Ryan J. supplement for certain air traffic control- name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. Nowlin, to be Major. lers; to the Committee on Commerce, CORTEZ MASTO) was added as a cospon- Navy nomination of John N. Amiral, to be Science, and Transportation. sor of S. 393, a bill to amend title 28, Commander. By Mr. BENNET: United States Code, to provide for a Navy nomination of Thomas Q. Gallagher, S. 2899. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- code of conduct for justices and judges cation Act of 1965 to support apprenticeship to be Captain. of the courts of the United States. By Ms. MURKOWSKI for the Committee on programs; to the Committee on Health, Edu- Energy and Natural Resources. cation, Labor, and Pensions. S. 457 *James P. Danly, of Tennessee, to be a By Ms. BALDWIN (for herself, Mrs. At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory CAPITO, Mr. CASSIDY, and Ms. STABE- name of the Senator from Montana Commission for the remainder of the term NOW): (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor expiring June 30, 2023. S. 2900. A bill to amend the Tariff Act of of S. 457, a bill to require that $1 coins *Katharine MacGregor, of Pennsylvania, to 1930 to prevent the circumvention of anti- issued during 2019 honor President be Deputy Secretary of the Interior. dumping and countervailing duties by non- market economy countries, and for other George H.W. Bush and to direct the *Dan R. Brouillette, of Texas, to be Sec- Secretary of the Treasury to issue bul- retary of Energy. purposes; to the Committee on Finance. By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mrs. lion coins during 2019 in honor of Bar- *Nomination was reported with rec- SHAHEEN): bara Bush. ommendation that it be confirmed sub- S. 2901. A bill to establish within the Office S. 500 ject to the nominee’s commitment to of the Secretary of Health and Human Serv- At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the respond to requests to appear and tes- ices a special task force on ensuring Medi- names of the Senator from Michigan tify before any duly constituted com- care beneficiary access to innovative diabe- (Ms. STABENOW) and the Senator from mittee of the Senate. tes technologies and services; to the Com- Arizona (Ms. MCSALLY) were added as (Nominations without an asterisk mittee on Finance. f cosponsors of S. 500, a bill to amend were reported with the recommenda- title 54, United States Code, to estab- tion that they be confirmed.) SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND lish, fund, and provide for the use of f SENATE RESOLUTIONS amounts in a National Park Service INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND The following concurrent resolutions Legacy Restoration Fund to address JOINT RESOLUTIONS and Senate resolutions were read, and the maintenance backlog of the Na- The following bills and joint resolu- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: tional Park Service, and for other pur- tions were introduced, read the first By Mr. ENZI (for himself and Mr. BAR- poses. and second times by unanimous con- RASSO): S. 505 S. Res. 430. A resolution designating De- sent, and referred as indicated: At the request of Ms. DUCKWORTH, cember 10, 2019, as ‘‘Wyoming Women’s Suf- the name of the Senator from Colorado By Mr. UDALL (for himself, Mr. BOOK- frage Day’’; considered and agreed to. (Mr. BENNET) was added as a cosponsor ER, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. By Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Ms. of S. 505, a bill to ensure due process SANDERS, Mr. TESTER, Ms. SMITH, and COLLINS, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. KING, Ms. WARREN): Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. JONES, Ms. CANT- protections of individuals in the United S. 2891. A bill to require the Secretary of WELL, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Ms. SMITH, States against unlawful detention the Interior to establish Tribal Wildlife Cor- Ms. STABENOW, Mr. BROWN, Mr. based solely on a protected char- ridors, and for other purposes; to the Com- PETERS, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. WAR- acteristic. mittee on Indian Affairs. NER, Mr. MANCHIN, and Mr. COONS): S. 633 By Ms. HASSAN (for herself and Ms. S. Res. 431. A resolution supporting the At the request of Mr. MORAN, the COLLINS): goals and ideals of American Diabetes S. 2892. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Month; considered and agreed to. name of the Senator from Maryland Social Security Act to provide for the dis- By Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. SCOTT (Mr. CARDIN) was added as a cosponsor tribution of additional residency positions to of South Carolina, Mr. CARPER, and of S. 633, a bill to award a Congres- help combat the opioid crisis; to the Com- Ms. ERNST): sional Gold Medal to the members of mittee on Finance. S. Res. 432. A resolution designating No- the Women’s Army Corps who were as- By Mr. SCHUMER (for Ms. HARRIS): vember 2019 as ‘‘National College Applica- signed to the 6888th Central Postal Di- S. 2893. A bill to amend the Comprehensive tion Month’’; considered and agreed to. rectory Battalion, known as the ‘‘Six Environmental Response, Compensation, and By Mr. PETERS (for himself and Ms. Triple Eight’’. Liability Act of 1980 to provide for the con- ERNST): sideration of climate change, and for other S. Res. 433. A resolution designating Feb- S. 727 purposes; to the Committee on Environment ruary 1, 2020, as ‘‘Blue Star Mother’s Day’’; At the request of Mr. COONS, the and Public Works. considered and agreed to. name of the Senator from Connecticut

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.010 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6670 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 (Mr. MURPHY) was added as a cosponsor S. 1088 added as cosponsors of S. 1657, a bill to of S. 727, a bill to combat international At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the provide assistance to combat the esca- extremism by addressing global fra- name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. lating burden of Lyme disease and gility and violence and stabilizing con- BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. other tick and vector-borne diseases flict-affected areas, and for other pur- 1088, a bill to amend the Immigration and disorders. poses. and Nationality Act to require the S. 1772 S. 803 President to set a minimum annual At the request of Mr. YOUNG, the At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the goal for the number of refugees to be name of the Senator from West Vir- name of the Senator from Utah (Mr. admitted, and for other purposes. ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a co- LEE) was added as a cosponsor of S. 803, S. 1188 sponsor of S. 1772, a bill to establish a bill to amend the Internal Revenue At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the the Task Force on the Impact of the Code of 1986 to restore incentives for name of the Senator from California Affordable Housing Crisis, and for investments in qualified improvement (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- other purposes. property. sponsor of S. 1188, a bill to promote S. 1838 S. 892 United States-Mongolia trade by au- At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the thorizing duty-free treatment for cer- At the request of Mr. CASEY, the names of the Senator from New York name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. tain imports from Mongolia, and for (Mr. SCHUMER), the Senator from Wash- other purposes. ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. ington (Mrs. MURRAY) and the Senator 892, a bill to award a Congressional S. 1311 from Montana (Mr. DAINES) were added Gold Medal, collectively, to the women At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the as cosponsors of S. 1838, a bill to amend in the United States who joined the name of the Senator from California the Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, and workforce during World War II, pro- (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- for other purposes. viding the aircraft, vehicles, weaponry, sponsor of S. 1311, a bill to provide last- At the request of Mr. BROWN, his ammunition, and other materials to ing protection for inventoried roadless name was added as a cosponsor of S. win the war, that were referred to as areas within the National Forest Sys- 1838, supra. ‘‘Rosie the Riveter’’, in recognition of tem. S. 1868 their contributions to the United S. 1397 At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the States and the inspiration they have At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, name of the Senator from Missouri provided to ensuing generations. his name was added as a cosponsor of (Mr. HAWLEY) was added as a cosponsor S. 944 S. 1397, a bill to amend the Help Amer- of S. 1868, a bill to provide support to At the request of Mr. SCHATZ, the ica Vote Act of 2002 to provide for a na- States to establish invisible high-risk name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. tional Federal write-in absentee ballot pool or reinsurance programs. CORTEZ MASTO) was added as a cospon- for domestic use. S. 1979 sor of S. 944, a bill to enhance the secu- S. 1531 At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the rity operations of the Transportation At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the name of the Senator from Maryland Security Administration and the sta- name of the Senator from North Da- (Mr. VAN HOLLEN) was added as a co- bility of the transportation security kota (Mr. HOEVEN) was added as a co- sponsor of S. 1979, a bill to amend title workforce by applying a unified per- sponsor of S. 1531, a bill to amend the 49, United States Code, to provide for sonnel system under title 5, United Public Health Service Act to provide the minimum size of crews of freight States Code, to employees of the protections for health insurance con- trains, and for other purposes. Transportation Security Administra- sumers from surprise billing. S. 1992 tion who are responsible for screening S. 1572 At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the passengers and property, and for other At the request of Ms. SMITH, the names of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. purposes. name of the Senator from New Jersey CRAPO), the Senator from Colorado S. 966 (Mr. BOOKER) was added as a cosponsor (Mr. GARDNER), the Senator from Dela- At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the of S. 1572, a bill to amend the Higher ware (Mr. COONS), the Senator from name of the Senator from New Hamp- Education Act of 1965 to require addi- Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Sen- shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- tional reporting on crime and harm ator from Michigan (Mr. PETERS) and sponsor of S. 966, a bill to amend title that occurs during student participa- the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. XVIII of the Social Security Act to tion in programs of study abroad, and HOEVEN) were added as cosponsors of S. modernize the physician self-referral for other purposes. 1992, a bill to amend the FAST Act to prohibitions to promote care coordina- S. 1590 repeal a rescission of funds. tion in the merit-based incentive pay- At the request of Mr. MERKLEY, the S. 2012 ment system and to facilitate physi- name of the Senator from Wisconsin At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the cian practice participation in alter- (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. native payment models under the sor of S. 1590, a bill to amend the State DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Medicare program, and for other pur- Department Basic Authorities Act of 2012, a bill to provide that certain regu- poses. 1956 to authorize rewards for thwarting latory actions by the Federal Commu- S. 982 wildlife trafficking linked to nications Commission shall have no At the request of Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, transnational organized crime, and for force or effect. the name of the Senator from New other purposes. S. 2180 Mexico (Mr. UDALL) was added as a co- S. 1601 At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the sponsor of S. 982, a bill to increase At the request of Mr. WICKER, the name of the Senator from Vermont intergovernmental coordination to name of the Senator from Massachu- (Mr. SANDERS) was added as a cospon- identify and combat violent crime setts (Ms. WARREN) was added as a co- sor of S. 2180, a bill to provide over- within Indian lands and of Indians. sponsor of S. 1601, a bill to direct the sight of the border zone in which Fed- S. 1032 Secretary of Transportation to issue a eral agents may conduct vehicle check- At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the rule requiring all new passenger motor points and stops and enter private land names of the Senator from Indiana vehicles to be equipped with a child without a warrant, and to make tech- (Mr. YOUNG) and the Senator from Ne- safety alert system, and for other pur- nical corrections. braska (Mrs. FISCHER) were added as poses. S. 2203 cosponsors of S. 1032, a bill to amend S. 1657 At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the name of the Senator from Nebraska modify the definition of income for names of the Senator from New Hamp- (Mrs. FISCHER) was added as a cospon- purposes of determining the tax-ex- shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) and the Senator sor of S. 2203, a bill to extend the trans- empt status of certain corporations. from Massachusetts (Mr. MARKEY) were fer of Electronic Travel Authorization

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.012 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6671 System fees from the Travel Pro- DUCKWORTH) was added as a cosponsor sponsors of S. 2741, a bill to amend title motion Fund to the Corporation for of S. 2549, a bill to allow nonprofit XVIII of the Social Security Act to ex- Travel Promotion (Brand USA) child care providers to participate in pand access to telehealth services, and through fiscal year 2027, and for other the loan programs of the Small Busi- for other purposes. purposes. ness Administration. S. 2743 S. 2407 S. 2615 At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the At the request of Mr. DAINES, the At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. name of the Senator from Iowa (Ms. names of the Senator from Missouri DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. ERNST) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. BLUNT) and the Senator from Vir- 2743, a bill to establish the China Cen- 2407, a bill to amend title 38, United ginia (Mr. WARNER) were added as co- sorship Monitor and Action Group, and States Code, to provide criminal pen- sponsors of S. 2615, a bill to amend the for other purposes. alties for individuals acting as agents Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to im- S. 2754 or attorneys for the preparation, pres- prove the historic rehabilitation tax At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the entation, or prosecution of a claim credit, and for other purposes. names of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. under a law administered by the Sec- S. 2666 GRASSLEY) and the Senator from Con- retary of Veterans Affairs without At the request of Ms. MCSALLY, the necticut (Mr. MURPHY) were added as being recognized by the Secretary for names of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. cosponsors of S. 2754, a bill to create such purposes, and for other purposes. CRAPO) and the Senator from Nevada jobs and drive innovation and economic S. 2417 (Ms. ROSEN) were added as cosponsors growth in the United States by sup- At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the of S. 2666, a bill to promote the devel- porting and promoting the manufac- name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. opment of renewable energy on public ture of next-generation technologies, PERDUE) was added as a cosponsor of S. land, and for other purposes. including refrigerants, solvents, fire 2417, a bill to provide for payment of S. 2671 suppressants, foam blowing agents, proceeds from savings bonds to a State At the request of Mr. MARKEY, his aerosols, and propellants. with title to such bonds pursuant to name was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2765 the judgment of a court. 2671, a bill to build safer, thriving com- At the request of Mr. ENZI, the names S. 2418 munities, and save lives by investing in of the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the effective violence reduction initiatives. ALEXANDER) and the Senator from Iowa name of the Senator from Mississippi S. 2679 (Ms. ERNST) were added as cosponsors (Mrs. HYDE-SMITH) was added as a co- At the request of Ms. DUCKWORTH, of S. 2765, a bill to improve Federal fis- sponsor of S. 2418, a bill to amend the the name of the Senator from Illinois cal controls and the congressional Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of (Mr. DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor budget process. 2006 to modify a definition and the dis- of S. 2679, a bill to facilitate the auto- S. 2774 position and authorized uses of quali- matic acquisition of citizenship for At the request of Ms. MCSALLY, the fied outer Continental Shelf revenues lawful permanent resident children of name of the Senator from Minnesota under that Act and to exempt State military and Federal Government per- (Ms. SMITH) was added as a cosponsor and county payments under that Act sonnel residing abroad, and for other of S. 2774, a bill to direct the Attorney from sequestration, to provide for the purposes. General to establish and carry out a distribution of certain outer Conti- S. 2680 Veteran Treatment Court Program. nental Shelf revenues to the State of At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the S. 2794 Alaska, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the S. 2446 SCOTT) was added as a cosponsor of S. names of the Senator from Montana At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, her 2680, a bill to impose sanctions with re- (Mr. TESTER) and the Senator from name was added as a cosponsor of S. spect to foreign support for Palestinian Connecticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) were 2446, a bill to provide certain coverage terrorism, and for other purposes. added as cosponsors of S. 2794, a bill to of audiologist services under the Medi- S. 2710 provide for the creation of the Missing care program, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, his Armed Forces Personnel Records Col- S. 2483 name was added as a cosponsor of S. lection at the National Archives, to re- At the request of Mr. WICKER, the 2710, a bill to prohibit the commercial quire the expeditious public trans- name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. export of covered munitions items to mission to the Archivist and public dis- CORNYN) was added as a cosponsor of S. the Hong Kong Police Force. closure of Missing Armed Forces Per- 2483, a bill to counter efforts by foreign At the request of Ms. MCSALLY, her sonnel records, and for other purposes. governments to pursue, harass, or oth- name was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2805 erwise persecute individuals for polit- 2710, supra. At the request of Mr. WICKER, the ical and other unlawful motives over- S. 2732 name of the Senator from Maine (Mr. seas, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. BENNET, the KING) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2491 name of the Senator from Connecticut 2805, a bill to improve transit-oriented At the request of Mr. UDALL, the (Mr. MURPHY) was added as a cosponsor development financing, and for other name of the Senator from Pennsyl- of S. 2732, a bill to amend the Depart- purposes. vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- ment of Agriculture Reorganization S. 2833 sponsor of S. 2491, a bill to terminate Act of 1994 to establish the Advanced At the request of Mr. MERKLEY, the certain rules issued by the Secretary of Research Projects Agency-Terra, and name of the Senator from Connecticut the Interior and the Secretary of Com- for other purposes. (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added as a co- merce relating to endangered and S. 2733 sponsor of S. 2833, a bill to amend the threatened species, and for other pur- At the request of Mr. ROMNEY, the Truth in Lending Act to extend the poses. names of the Senator from Tennessee consumer credit protections provided S. 2539 (Mr. ALEXANDER) and the Senator from to members of the Armed Forces and At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the South Dakota (Mr. ROUNDS) were added their dependents under title 10, United name of the Senator from North Caro- as cosponsors of S. 2733, a bill to save States Code, to all consumers. lina (Mr. TILLIS) was added as a co- and strengthen critical social contract S. 2836 sponsor of S. 2539, a bill to modify and programs of the Federal Government. At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the reauthorize the Tibetan Policy Act of S. 2741 name of the Senator from Montana 2002, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. SCHATZ, the (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor S. 2549 names of the Senator from Alabama of S. 2836, a bill to prohibit the Sec- At the request of Ms. ROSEN, the (Mr. JONES) and the Senator from Mis- retary of Health and Human Services name of the Senator from Illinois (Ms. souri (Mr. BLUNT) were added as co- from taking any action to implement,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.014 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6672 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 enforce, or otherwise give effect to the Res. 429, a resolution recognizing the ican and early civil rights history through final rule, entitled ‘‘Protecting Statu- importance of the Civil Rights Act of the legacy of the Pullman porters, many of tory Conscience Rights in Health Care; 1866 and the laws derived from the Civil whom were ex-slaves and employed in a Delegations of Authority’’. Rights Act of 1866. heavily discriminatory environment imme- diately following the Civil War; S. 2869 f (8) the Pullman porters, who served dili- At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED gently between the 1870s and the 1960s, have name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS been commended for— BRAUN) was added as a cosponsor of S. (A) their level of service and attention to 2869, a bill to amend the Immigration By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and detail; and and Nationality Act to provide for ex- Ms. DUCKWORTH): (B) their contributions to the development tensions of detention of certain aliens S. 2896. A bill to establish the Pull- of the African-American middle class; man National Historical Park in the (9) the information, ideas, and commerce ordered removed, and for other pur- the Pullman porters carried across the coun- poses. State of Illinois as a unit of the Na- tional Park System, and for other pur- try while traveling on trains helped to bring S. RES. 98 poses; to the Committee on Energy and education and wealth to African-American At the request of Mrs. BLACKBURN, Natural Resources. communities throughout the United States; the name of the Senator from Con- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask (10) the positive role of the Pullman por- necticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added ters in the historical image of the first-class unanimous consent that the text of the service that was made available on Pullman as a cosponsor of S. Res. 98, a resolu- bill be printed in the RECORD. tion establishing the Congressional cars is unmistakable; There being no objection, the text of (11) the Pullman community was the sem- Gold Star Family Fellowship Program the bill was ordered to be printed in inal home to the Brotherhood of Sleeping for the placement in offices of Senators the RECORD, as follows: Car Porters, which— of children, spouses, and siblings of S. 2896 (A) was founded by civil rights pioneer A. members of the Armed Forces who are Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Philip Randolph in 1925; hostile casualties or who have died resentatives of the United States of America in (B) was the first African-American labor from a training-related injury. Congress assembled, union with a collective bargaining agree- ment; S. RES. 395 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Pullman Na- (C) fought— At the request of Mr. ISAKSON, the (i) against discrimination; and name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. tional Historical Park Act’’. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. (ii) in support of just labor practices; and CRUZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. Congress finds that— (D) helped lay the groundwork for what be- Res. 395, a resolution recognizing the (1) in 1970, the Secretary of the Interior came the great Civil Rights Movement of the 40th anniversary of the Iran Hostage designated the Pullman Historic District as 20th Century; Crisis, and for other purposes. a National Historic Landmark District be- (12) the Pullman community is— (A) a paramount illustration of the work of S. RES. 411 cause of— (A) the significance of the District to the architect Solon Spencer Beman; At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the (B) a well-preserved example of 19th Cen- name of the Senator from West Vir- labor history, social history, architecture, and urban planning of the United States; and tury community planning, architecture, and ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a co- (B) the pivotal role of events in the Dis- landscape design; and sponsor of S. Res. 411, a resolution af- trict in creating the first national Labor Day (C) comprised of a number of historic firming that States maintain primacy holiday in the world; structures, including the Administration for the regulation of hydraulic frac- (2) between 1880 and 1884, George M. Pull- Clock Tower Building, Hotel Florence, turing for oil and natural gas produc- man, owner of the Pullman Palace Car Com- Greenstone Church, Market Square, and hun- tion on State and private lands, that pany, built the Pullman community, which dreds of units of rowhouses built for Pullman was envisioned by Pullman as an industrial workers; the President has no authority to de- (13) the preservation of the Pullman site clare a moratorium on the use of hy- town that would provide employees with— (A) a model community; and has been threatened by— draulic fracturing on State and private (B) suitable living conditions; (A) plans for demolition in 1960; and lands, and that the President should (3) the town developed by George M. Pull- (B) a fire in 1998, which damaged the iconic not attempt to declare a moratorium man, which consisted of over 1,000 buildings clock tower and the rear erecting shops; on the use of hydraulic fracturing on and homes, was awarded ‘‘The World’s Most (14) the diligent efforts of community orga- Federal lands (including the Outer Con- Perfect Town’’ at the International Hygienic nizations, foundations, nonprofit organiza- tinental Shelf) or lands held in trust and Pharmaceutical Exposition in 1896; tions, residents, the State, and units of local (4) the Pullman factory site is a true sym- government in the restoration and preserva- for an Indian Tribe, unless the morato- tion of the District after the 1998 fire were rium is authorized by an Act of Con- bol of the historic struggle in the United States to achieve fair labor practices for the vital to the protection of the Pullman site; gress. working class, with the original factory serv- (15) due to the historic and architectural S. RES. 418 ing as the catalyst for the first industry- significance of the District, the District is At the request of Mrs. BLACKBURN, wide strike in the United States; designated as— the name of the Senator from Ten- (5) in the midst of economic depression in (A) a registered National Historic Land- mark District; nessee (Mr. ALEXANDER) was added as a 1894, to protest unsafe conditions and reduc- tions in pay, Pullman factory workers initi- (B) an Illinois State Landmark; and cosponsor of S. Res. 418, a resolution (C) a City of Chicago Landmark District; expressing the sense of the Senate re- ated a strike that— (A) when taken up as a cause by the Amer- and garding the Government of Turkey’s ican Railway Union, crippled the entire rail (16) the preservation, enhancement, eco- crackdown on dissent related to its in- industry; nomic, and tourism potential and manage- cursion into northeast Syria, and (B) continued even in the face of a Federal ment of the important historic and architec- broader human rights violations. injunction and a showdown between laborers tural resources of the Park requires coopera- S. RES. 420 and Federal troops that turned violent and tion and partnerships from among local property owners, the Federal Government, At the request of Mr. BROWN, the deadly; and the State, units of local government, the pri- name of the Senator from Minnesota (C) set a national example for the ability of working people in the United States to vate and nonprofit sectors, and the more (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) was added as a co- change the existing system in favor of more than 100 civic organizations that have ex- sponsor of S. Res. 420, a resolution en- just practices for protecting workers rights pressed support for community preservation couraging the President to expand the and safety; through the establishment of the Pullman list of the Department of Veterans Af- (6) following the deaths of a number of National Historical Park. fairs of presumptive medical conditions workers at the hands of the United States SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. associated with exposure to Agent Or- military and United States Marshals during In this Act: ange to include Parkinsonism, bladder the 1894 strike, Congress unanimously voted (1) PARK.—The term ‘‘Park’’ means the cancer, hypertension, and to approve rush legislation that created a Pullman National Historical Park estab- hypothyroidism. national Labor Day holiday, which was lished by section 4(a). signed into law by President Grover Cleve- (2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ S. RES. 429 land 6 days after the end of the strike; means the Secretary of the Interior. At the request of Mr. DURBIN, his (7) the Pullman Palace Car Company also (3) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the name was added as a cosponsor of S. played an important role in African-Amer- State of Illinois.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.016 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6673 SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF PULLMAN NATIONAL the Secretary, in consultation with the ality that Medicare’s coverage denial HISTORICAL PARK. State, shall complete a general management of a particular sensor he needs for his (a) ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE.—There is plan for the Park in accordance with— insulin pump means paying up to $8,000 established in the State a unit of the Na- (1) section 100502 of title 54, United States tional Park System, to be known as the Code; and out-of-pocket each year if he wants to ‘‘Pullman National Historical Park’’— (2) any other applicable laws. continue with his current treatment (1) to preserve and interpret for the benefit (f) EFFECT.—Nothing in this Act modifies regimen. He wrote, ‘‘Because I am now of future generations— any authority of the Federal Government to 65, I am denied care that was available (A) the significant labor, industrial, civil carry out Federal laws on Federal land lo- when I was 64.’’ He continued, ‘‘This rights, and social history of the Park; cated in the Park. (B) the significant architectural structures SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. approach not only puts me at risk but in the Park; and There are authorized to be appropriated is quite likely not cost effective. While (C) the role of the Pullman community in such sums as are necessary to carry out this the sensors are expensive, the cost of the creation of the first national Labor Day Act. ambulance calls and hospitalizations holiday in the world; . . . is certainly more.’’ (2) to coordinate preservation, protection, By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and and interpretation efforts of the Park by the Mrs. SHAHEEN): I couldn’t agree more. To better sup- Federal Government, the State, units of S. 2901. A bill to establish within the port adoption of these technologies, local government, and private and nonprofit Office of the Secretary of Health and our bill would require HHS to create a organizations; and Human Services a special task force on special task force on coverage and pay- (3) to coordinate appropriate management ensuring Medicare beneficiary access options necessary to ensure the protection, ment for innovative diabetes tech- preservation, and interpretation of the many to innovative diabetes technologies nologies that would bring all stake- significant aspects of the Park. and services; to the Committee on Fi- holders—from patients to device manu- (b) PARK BOUNDARY.—The boundary of the nance. facturers to government officials who Park— Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise are making coverage decisions—to the (1) shall be established by the Secretary; today to introduce legislation with my same table. The Task Force would but fellow co-chair of the Senate Diabetes identify and plan for changes in Medi- (2) shall not exceed the boundary of the ap- Caucus, Senator JEANNE SHAHEEN, proximately 300-acre Pullman Historic Dis- care coverage and payment policies to which would improve access to innova- trict in Chicago, which is between— ensure that Medicare beneficiaries (A) 103rd Street on the north; tive diabetes technologies. Our bill, the Improving Medicare Beneficiary Access have access to innovative diabetes (B) 115th Street on the south; technologies that are currently avail- (C) Cottage Grove Avenue on the west; and to Innovative Diabetes Technologies (D) the Norfolk & Western Rail Line on the Act, would create a special task force able, as well as those that are in the east. at the Department of Health and pipeline. The Task Force would also be (c) INCLUSION OF HISTORIC SITES.—On con- Human Services to examine and ad- tasked with developing strategies for veyance by the State to the Secretary, the dress barriers that seniors face in ac- supporting adoption of these tech- Park shall include— nologies. (1) the Pullman Factory Complex, includ- cessing the latest diabetes manage- ing the Clock Tower Building and rear erect- ment technologies. This effort builds on my past advo- Since I founded the bipartisan Senate ing shops; and cacy with Senator SHAHEEN to improve (2) the approximately 13 acres of land on Diabetes Caucus in 1997 Federal fund- the day-to-day life of individuals with which the structures described in paragraph ing for diabetes research has tripled diabetes by improving coverage of in- (1) are located. from $319 million to more than $1 bil- novative diabetes technologies. In Jan- SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION. lion last year, and these research dol- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall ad- lars are yielding results. This past uary 2017, in response to our bipartisan minister land within the boundary of the summer, the Aging Committee held a effort, CMS first approved the use of Park in accordance with— hearing in conjunction with the Juve- continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). (1) this Act; and We also successfully urged CMS last (2) the laws generally applicable to units of nile Diabetes Research Foundation’s the National Park System, including— Children’s Congress titled ‘‘Redefining year to support the use of smartphone (A) section 100101(a), chapter 1003, and sec- Reality: How the Special Diabetes Pro- apps in conjunction with CGMs. These tions 100751(a), 100752, 100753, and 102101 of gram is Changing the Lives of Ameri- proven, lifesaving devices are relied title 54, United States Code; and cans with Type 1 Diabetes.’’ We heard upon by people with diabetes to provide (B) chapter 3201 of title 54, United States compelling testimony from Dr. Griffin them with real-time measurements of Code. P. Rodgers, Director of the National their glucose levels. This information (b) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—The Sec- retary may enter into cooperative agree- Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and is key to preventing costly—and some- ments with the State or other public and Kidney Diseases, and JDRF President times deadly—diabetes complications. nonpublic entities, under which the Sec- and CEO Dr. Aaron Kowalski on the While I am pleased our advocacy has retary may identify, interpret, and provide pipeline from private-public research helped spur these policy changes, I re- assistance for the preservation of non-Fed- to commercially available products. eral land within the boundaries of the Park New diabetes technologies—such as main frustrated with the pace at which and at sites in close proximity to the Park the artificial pancreas and implantable Medicare lags behind commercial in- but located outside the boundaries of the continuous glucose monitoring sys- surers. Greater adoption of new diabe- Park, including providing for placement of tems—allow diabetes patients to better tes technologies can literally change directional and interpretive signage, exhib- our country’s future with regard to ad- its, and technology-based interpretive de- manage and improve glycemic control, vices. assess needed therapy on a timely dressing the explosive growth in the fi- (c) ACQUISITION OF LAND.—The Secretary basis, and adhere to treatment regi- nancial and human tolls of diabetes. may acquire for inclusion in the Park any mens. These technological advances Diabetes accounts for an exorbitant land (including interests in land), buildings, make diabetes easier to manage. The one in three dollars in Medicare spend- or structures owned by the State or any market arrival of cutting-edge diabetes ing. It is paramount that we encourage other political, private, or nonprofit entity HHS to adopt a more cost-effective ap- by donation, transfer, exchange, or purchase technologies, however, does not imme- from a willing seller. diately benefit patients if our nation’s proach to treating this chronic disease (d) TECHNICAL AND PRESERVATION ASSIST- seniors are unable to afford them. that affects more than 30 million ANCE.—The Secretary may provide public in- As Chairman of the Aging Com- Americans. terpretation and technical assistance for the mittee, I have heard from numerous The Improving Medicare Beneficiary preservation of historic structures of, the seniors who, when transitioning from Access to Innovative Diabetes Tech- maintenance of the cultural landscape of, employer-provided insurance to Medi- nologies Act encourages a proactive ap- and local preservation planning for, related care, were shocked to learn that the historic and cultural resources within the technologies they have relied upon for proach to diabetes technology coverage boundaries of the Park. years to manage their diabetes are no and payment, and I encourage my col- (e) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—Not later than 3 leagues to support its adoption. fiscal years after the date on which funds are longer covered. For example, one Main- first made available to carry out this Act, er was unfortunately met with the re- Thank you, Mr. President.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.018 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6674 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS Ross as Director of the United States Mint, tributed to the deaths of more than 252,806 making Ross the first woman to hold that individuals during that year; position; Whereas approximately 4,110 adults in the SENATE RESOLUTION 430—DESIG- Whereas, as Director of the United States United States are diagnosed with diabetes NATING DECEMBER 10, 2019, AS Mint, Nellie Tayloe Ross oversaw the estab- each day; ‘‘WYOMING WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE lishment of the Franklin half dollar and the Whereas the CDC estimates that approxi- DAY’’ beginning of the production of proof coins for mately 1,500,000 adults in the United States public sale; were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2015; Mr. ENZI (for himself and Mr. BAR- Whereas the United States did not endorse Whereas a joint study carried out by the RASSO) submitted the following resolu- women’s suffrage until 1920, with the ratifi- National Institutes of Health and the CDC tion; which was considered and agreed cation of the 19th Amendment to the Con- found that, in the United States during 2011 stitution of the United States, 50 years after to: and 2012— S. RES. 430 Wyoming; Whereas the decision of the people of Wyo- (1) an estimated 17,900 individuals younger Whereas the epithets for the State of Wyo- ming to endorse women’s suffrage dem- ming are the ‘‘Cowboy State’’ and, more than 20 years of age were newly diagnosed onstrates the foresight, bravery, individ- aptly, the ‘‘Equality State’’; with type 1 diabetes; and ualism, and honesty of the citizens of Wyo- Whereas the official State motto of Wyo- ming and the staunch adherence of the citi- (2) 5,300 individuals between the ages of 10 ming is ‘‘Equal Rights’’; zens of Wyoming to the storied ‘‘Code of the and 19 were newly diagnosed with type 2 dia- Whereas, at the founding of the United West’’; betes; States, the inherent right of women to vote Whereas achieving voting rights for all Whereas, in the United States, more than and participate in the political process was women required firm and continuing resolve 9.4 percent of the population, including 25.2 inhibited; percent of individuals who are 65 years of age Whereas the contributions of women to the to overcome reluctance, and even fervent op- fight for the independence, founding, and rise position, to rightful enfranchisement; or older, have diabetes; to prominence of the United States were ex- Whereas the milestones of women’s suf- Whereas the risk of developing diabetes at tensive, vital to those objectives, and worthy frage in Wyoming illuminate and strengthen some point in life is 40 percent for adults in of recognition; the heritage of Wyoming as the ‘‘Equality the United States; Whereas women, like all persons, have al- State’’; Whereas, after accounting for the dif- ways inherently held the right to vote and Whereas December 10, 2019, marks the ference of the average age of each popu- participate in government; 150th anniversary of the date on which wom- lation, data surveying adults in the United Whereas, on December 10, 1869, the Wyo- en’s suffrage became law in Wyoming; and States between 2013 and 2015 indicates that ming Territory approved the first law in the Whereas the ongoing contributions made 7.4 percent of non-Hispanic Whites, 12.7 per- by women to Wyoming and the United States history of the United States to grant women cent of non-Hispanic Blacks, 12.1 percent of the right to vote and hold public office; should be recognized: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— Hispanics, and 8 percent of Asian Americans Whereas, in 1869, the Territorial Legisla- have been diagnosed with diabetes; ture of the Wyoming Territory also passed (1) designates December 10, 2019, as ‘‘Wyo- ming Women’s Suffrage Day’’; and Whereas, according to the American Diabe- legislation formally enabling women to hold tes Association, the United States spent an property and assuring equal pay for teachers; (2) encourages the people of the United estimated $327,000,000,000 on cases of diag- Whereas the government of the Wyoming States to observe the day with appropriate nosed diabetes in 2017, an increase of 26 per- Territory was the first government to explic- ceremonies and activities. cent since 2012, and out-of-pocket costs for itly acknowledge and affirm the inherent f insulin have grown significantly in recent right of women to vote and to hold office; SENATE RESOLUTION 431—SUP- Whereas the Wyoming Territory granted years for many patients; women the right to vote more than 20 years PORTING THE GOALS AND Whereas the American Diabetes Associa- before Wyoming became the 44th State ad- IDEALS OF AMERICAN DIABETES tion reports that care for people with diag- mitted to the Union; MONTH nosed diabetes accounts for 1 in 4 health care dollars spent in the United States; Whereas, when Congress invited Wyoming Mrs. SHAHEEN (for herself, Ms. COL- Whereas, as of November 2019, a cure for di- to join the Union and demanded that wom- LINS, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. KING, Mr. en’s suffrage be revoked, the Wyoming Legis- abetes does not exist; ROUNDS, Mr. JONES, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. lature said, ‘‘We will remain out of the Whereas there are successful means to re- Union one hundred years rather than come VAN HOLLEN, Ms. SMITH, Ms. STABE- duce the incidence, and delay the onset, of in without the women’’; NOW, Mr. BROWN, Mr. PETERS, Ms. KLO- type 2 diabetes; Whereas, on September 6, 1870, Louisa BUCHAR, Mr. WARNER, Mr. MANCHIN, Whereas, with proper management and Gardner Swain became the first woman in and Mr. COONS) submitted the fol- treatment, individuals with diabetes live the world to cast a ballot after being granted lowing resolution; which was consid- healthy and productive lives; and universal suffrage in Wyoming; ered and agreed to: Whereas individuals in the United States Whereas the right of women to vote in Wy- S. RES. 431 celebrate American Diabetes Month in No- oming has been maintained in perpetuity; vember: Now, therefore, be it Whereas, on March 7, 1870, in Laramie, Wy- Whereas, according to the Centers for Dis- oming, the first jury in the United States to ease Control and Prevention (referred to in Resolved, That the Senate— include women was sworn in; this preamble as the ‘‘CDC’’)— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Amer- Whereas, in 1870, Mary Atkinson served as (1) 30,300,000 individuals in the United ican Diabetes Month, including— the first female court bailiff in Laramie, Wy- States have diabetes; and (A) encouraging individuals in the United (2) an estimated 84,100,000 individuals in oming; States to fight diabetes through public the United States who are 18 years of age or Whereas Esther Hobart Morris was ap- older have prediabetes; awareness of prevention and treatment op- pointed to serve as justice of the peace in Whereas diabetes is a serious chronic con- tions; and February 1870, making her the first woman dition that affects individuals of every age, (B) enhancing diabetes education; to serve as a judge in the United States; race, ethnicity, and income level; (2) recognizes the importance of awareness Whereas, in 1892, the women of Wyoming Whereas the CDC reports that— and early detection, including awareness of became the first women to vote in a presi- (1) Hispanic Americans, African Ameri- symptoms and risk factors such as— dential election; cans, Asian Americans, and Native Ameri- (A) being— Whereas, in 1894, the people of Wyoming cans are disproportionately affected by dia- (i) older than 45 years of age; or elected Estelle Reel to serve as the State su- betes and suffer from the disease at much (ii) overweight; and perintendent of public instruction, making higher rates than the general population of (B) having— her one of the first women in the United the United States; and (i) a particular racial and ethnic back- States elected to serve in a statewide office; (2) 23.8 percent of individuals with diabetes ground; Whereas, in 1920, the residents of the town in the United States have not been diagnosed of Jackson, Wyoming, elected a city council (ii) a low level of physical activity; with the disease; (iii) high blood pressure; composed entirely of women, the first all- Whereas, according to the CDC— women government in the United States, (1) an individual who is 20 years of age or (iv) a family history of diabetes; or which was dubbed the ‘‘petticoat govern- older is diagnosed with diabetes every 21 sec- (v) a history of diabetes during pregnancy; ment’’ by the press; onds; and Whereas, in 1924, Wyoming became the (2) the prevalence of diabetes in the United (3) supports decreasing the prevalence of first state to elect a female governor, Nellie States increased more than threefold be- type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes in Tayloe Ross; tween 1990 and 2015; and the United States through research, treat- Whereas, on May 3, 1933, President Frank- (3) in 2015, diabetes was the seventh leading ment, and prevention. lin D. Roosevelt appointed Nellie Tayloe cause of death in the United States and con-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.020 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6675 SENATE RESOLUTION 432—DESIG- Resolved, That the Senate— (B) the important role Blue Star Mothers NATING NOVEMBER 2019 AS ‘‘NA- (1) designates November 2019 as ‘‘National play in supporting each other and members TIONAL COLLEGE APPLICATION College Application Month’’; and veterans of the Armed Forces; and MONTH’’ (2) encourages the people of the United (3) encourages the people of the United States to— States— Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. SCOTT of (A) evaluate options for pursuing higher (A) to observe Blue Star Mother’s Day; and South Carolina, Mr. CARPER, and Ms. education; (B) to support the work of local chapters of ERNST) submitted the following resolu- (B) submit a Free Application for Federal the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. tion; which was considered and agreed Student Aid to understand college financing f to: opportunities; and (C) support every student, regardless of the SENATE RESOLUTION 434—HON- S. RES. 432 background or resources of the student, in ORING THE LIFE OF NICHOLAS Whereas equality of opportunity for all obtaining the skills and knowledge needed to ANTHONY BUONICONTI people is one of the noblest aspirations of the thrive; Mr. RUBIO (for himself, Ms. WARREN, United States; (3) supports efforts to better assist low-in- Whereas the National Center for Education come and first generation students through- Mr. MARKEY, and Mr. SCOTT of Florida) Statistics reports that the employment rate out the financial aid and college application submitted the following resolution; for young adults with a bachelor’s degree process; which was considered and agreed to: and the employment rate for young adults (4) urges public officials, educators, par- S. RES. 434 whose highest credential is a high school di- ents, students, and communities in the Whereas Nicholas Anthony Buoniconti (re- ploma differ by 14 percentage points; United States to observe National College Whereas a 2015 study by Georgetown Uni- ferred to in this preamble as ‘‘Nick Application Month with appropriate activi- Buoniconti’’) passed away at his home in versity identified that the average lifetime ties and programs designed to encourage stu- earnings gap between college graduates and Bridgehampton, New York, on July 30, 2019; dents to consider, research, and apply to col- Whereas Nick Buoniconti was born on De- individuals with only a high school diploma lege and for financial aid; and is $1,000,000; cember 15, 1940, in Springfield, Massachu- (5) commends teachers, counselors, men- setts; Whereas the Pew Economic Mobility tors, and parents who support students Project finds that whether a child born in Whereas the parents of Nick Buoniconti, throughout the college application process, Nicholas Buoniconti Sr. and Pasqualina the lowest income quintile obtains a 4-year as well as the organizations and institutions degree or higher credential is associated (Mercolino) Buoniconti, contributed greatly partnering to eliminate barriers to higher to the Springfield community and ran an with— education. (1) an approximately 70 percent difference Italian bakery named Mercolino’s in the South End neighborhood of the city; in the probability of that child earning an f income outside the lowest income quintile; Whereas the brother of Nick Buoniconti, and SENATE RESOLUTION 433—DESIG- Peter Buoniconti, remembers him as the best (2) a threefold difference in the probability NATING FEBRUARY 1, 2020, AS athlete and the smartest and toughest kid in of that child going on to earn an income in the South End; the highest income quintile; ‘‘BLUE STAR MOTHER’S DAY’’ Whereas Nick Buoniconti played guard on Whereas the Education Commission of the Mr. PETERS (for himself and Ms. offense and linebacker on defense for the States highlights that the number of non- ERNST) submitted the following resolu- football team of the University of Notre traditional students at colleges and univer- tion; which was considered and agreed Dame and graduated from the university in sities is expected to rise 65 percent faster to: 1962; than the number of traditional students dur- Whereas Nick Buoniconti was chosen in ing the 15-year period ending in 2024; S. RES. 433 the 13th round of the 1962 American Football Whereas the Bureau of Labor Statistics re- Whereas, on January 22, 1942, in the midst League (referred to in this preamble as the ports that approximately 31 percent of high of the Second World War, United States ‘‘AFL’’) draft by the Boston Patriots; school graduates in 2018 did not matriculate Army Captain George Maines ran an adver- Whereas Nick Buoniconti played for the to an institution of higher education the fol- tisement in the Flint News Observer calling Patriots from 1962 until 1968; lowing fall semester, representing little for mothers of members of the Armed Forces Whereas Nick Buoniconti appeared in 5 change in the college enrollment of new high to meet; AFL All-Star games and made 24 intercep- school graduates from the prior year; Whereas, on February 1, 1942, 300 mothers tions during his time with the Patriots; Whereas the Bureau of Labor Statistics of members of the Armed Forces held their Whereas, in 1968, Nick Buoniconti earned also reports that the unemployment rate for first meeting at the Durant Hotel in Flint, his juris doctor from Suffolk University Law recent high school graduates not enrolled in Michigan, and February 1, 2020, is the 78th School in Boston and was a member of both college in the fall semester of 2018 was 18.6 anniversary of that meeting; the Florida Bar and the Massachusetts Bar; percent, significantly higher than the na- Whereas, on July 14, 1960, the Blue Star Whereas, in 1969, Nick Buoniconti was tional unemployment rate; Mothers of America, Inc., received its char- traded to the Miami Dolphins, for whom he Whereas many secondary students struggle ter from Congress; played until 1976; to identify and assess postsecondary options Whereas Blue Star Mothers make enor- Whereas Nick Buoniconti was the captain due to a number of factors, including insuffi- mous sacrifices while their sons and daugh- of the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion- cient information on programmatic out- ters are providing for the defense of the ship teams of the Dolphins, including the comes and difficulties in accessing effective United States; undefeated 1972 team; or consistent counseling services and re- Whereas Blue Star Mothers pack and ship Whereas Nick Buoniconti earned the Most sources; thousands of care packages every year to Valuable Player title of the Dolphins 3 times Whereas the complexity of financial aid members of the Armed Forces deployed over- during his career with the team; systems and processes, rising college costs, seas, volunteer to help homeless veterans, Whereas, in 7 seasons with the Dolphins, and a shortage of effective financial edu- provide support for wounded warriors, visit Nick Buoniconti earned 3 Pro Bowl berths cation and literacy programs can serve as with hospitalized veterans, honor fallen he- and advanced to 3 straight Super Bowl ap- additional deterrents or barriers for students roes during funeral services, and offer a com- pearances, winning 2 of them; and families as they assess the viability of passionate community for the mothers of Whereas Nick Buoniconti was inducted higher education programs as a postsec- men and women of the Armed Forces serving into the National Football League (referred ondary option; in harm’s way; to in this preamble as the ‘‘NFL’’) Pro Foot- Whereas the United States built a thriving Whereas Blue Star Mothers promote the ball Hall of Fame in 2001 for his years as a middle class in part by nurturing the poten- values of the United States, demonstrate a middle linebacker with the Patriots and the tial for colleges and universities to provide patriotic spirit, and advance a national sense Dolphins; avenues to economic opportunity; of pride and appreciation for the men and Whereas Nick Buoniconti served as an Whereas the data on the benefits of higher women of the Armed Forces; and agent to professional athletes and, for 23 sea- education demonstrate that, in spite of ongo- Whereas there are 198 active chapters of sons, co-hosted the weekly sports show ‘‘In- ing barriers to access and student success, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., side the NFL’’; colleges and universities can still provide throughout the United States representing Whereas, on September 8, 2019, the Dol- pathways to economic opportunity; and thousands of military families: Now, there- phins honored the passing of Nick Whereas completion of the Free Applica- fore, be it Buoniconti by wearing a helmet sticker with tion for Federal Student Aid is one of the Resolved, That the Senate— his initials, ‘‘NAB’’, during the regular sea- best predictors of future college enrollment, (1) designates February 1, 2020, as ‘‘Blue son opener of the team; as high school seniors who complete the Star Mother’s Day’’; Whereas current NFL commissioner Roger form are 63 percent more likely to begin (2) honors and recognizes— Goodell praised Nick Buoniconti for his grit, postsecondary education: Now, therefore, be (A) the contributions of the members of fearlessness, and skill while playing with the it the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.; and Patriots and the Dolphins;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.022 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6676 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 Whereas Nick Buoniconti consistently ad- Sec. 8. Sanctions reports. 19, 1984 (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘Joint vocated and fought for the health and safety Sec. 9. Sense of Congress on People’s Repub- Declaration’’); of other NFL players; lic of China state-controlled (B) the International Covenant on Civil Whereas, in 1985, the beloved son of Nick media. and Political Rights, done at New York De- Buoniconti, Marc Buoniconti, became a Sec. 10. Sense of Congress on commercial ex- cember 19, 1966; and quadriplegic after suffering a spinal cord in- ports of crowd control equip- (C) the Universal Declaration of Human jury while playing college football; ment to Hong Kong. Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948; Whereas Nick and Marc Buoniconti were SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. (3) to support the democratic aspirations of among the co-founders of the Miami Project In this Act: the people of Hong Kong, including the ‘‘ulti- to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- mate aim’’ of the selection of the Chief Exec- Miller School of Medicine, a leading research TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional utive and all members of the Legislative center for spinal cord and brain injuries; committees’’ means— Council by universal suffrage, as articulated Whereas Nick Buoniconti founded The (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of in the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Buoniconti Fund, which has raised more the Senate; Administrative Region of the People’s Re- than $500,000,000 to fund the mission of the (B) the Committee on Armed Services of public of China (referred to in this Act as the Miami Project to find a cure for paralysis re- the Senate; ‘‘Basic Law’’); sulting from spinal cord injury; (C) the Committee on Banking, Housing, (4) to urge the Government of the People’s Whereas Nick Buoniconti donated his brain and Urban Affairs of the Senate; Republic of China to uphold its commit- to the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (D) the Committee on Homeland Security ments to Hong Kong, including allowing the (referred to in this preamble as ‘‘CTE’’) Cen- and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; people of Hong Kong to govern Hong Kong ter of Boston University and the Concussion (E) the Committee on the Judiciary of the with a high degree of autonomy and without Legacy Foundation; Senate; undue interference, and ensuring that Hong Whereas, upon making the decision to do- (F) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Kong voters freely enjoy the right to elect nate his brain, Nick Buoniconti expressed his the House of Representatives; the Chief Executive and all members of the hope for a better understanding of the long- (G) the Committee on Armed Services of Hong Kong Legislative Council by universal term effects of CTE and other brain injuries the House of Representatives; suffrage; that impact thousands of individuals each (H) the Committee on Financial Services (5) to support the establishment of a gen- year; and of the House of Representatives; uine democratic option to freely and fairly Whereas Nick Buoniconti served on the (I) the Committee on Homeland Security nominate and elect the Chief Executive of Board of Trustees of the University of Miami of the House of Representatives; and Hong Kong, and the establishment by 2020 of for 27 years and received the Man of the Year (J) the Committee on the Judiciary of the open and direct democratic elections for all ‘‘Helping Hands Award’’ from the Miller House of Representatives. members of the Hong Kong Legislative Coun- School of Medicine: Now, therefore, be it (2) SOCIAL CREDIT SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘so- cil; Resolved, That the Senate— cial credit system’’ means a system proposed (6) to support the robust exercise by resi- (1) extends its heartfelt sympathies to the by the Government of the People’s Republic dents of Hong Kong of the rights to free family, friends, and teammates of Nicholas of China and scheduled for implementation speech, the press, and other fundamental Anthony Buoniconti (referred to in this re- by 2020, which would— freedoms, as provided by the Basic Law, the solving clause as ‘‘Nicholas Buoniconti’’); (A) use existing financial credit systems, Joint Declaration, and the International (2) honors the life and legacy of Nicholas public records, online activity, and other Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; Buoniconti; and tools of surveillance to aggregate data on (7) to support freedom from arbitrary or (3) expresses appreciation for the fight of every Chinese citizen and business; and unlawful arrest, detention, or imprisonment Nicholas Buoniconti both on and off the (B) use such data to monitor, shape, and for all Hong Kong residents, as provided by field. rate certain financial, social, religious, or the Basic Law, the Joint Declaration, and f political behaviors. the International Covenant on Civil and Po- (3) UNITED STATES PERSON.—The term litical Rights; AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND ‘‘United States person’’ means— (8) to draw international attention to any PROPOSED (A) a United States citizen; violations by the Government of the People’s SA 1246. Mr. RUBIO proposed an amend- (B) a lawfully admitted permanent resi- Republic of China of the fundamental rights ment to the bill S. 1838, to amend the Hong dent of the United States; or of the people of Hong Kong, as provided by Kong Policy Act of 1992, and for other pur- (C) an entity organized under the laws of— the International Covenant on Civil and Po- poses. (i) the United States; or litical Rights, and any encroachment upon SA 1247. Mr. MERKLEY proposed an (ii) any jurisdiction within the United the autonomy guaranteed to Hong Kong by amendment to the bill S. 2710, to prohibit States, including a foreign branch of such an the Basic Law and the Joint Declaration; the commercial export of covered munitions entity. (9) to protect United States citizens and items to the Hong Kong Police Force. SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY. long-term permanent residents living in SA 1248. Mr. MERKLEY proposed an It is the policy of the United States— Hong Kong, as well as people visiting and amendment to the bill S. 2710, supra. (1) to reaffirm the principles and objectives transiting through Hong Kong; f set forth in the United States-Hong Kong (10) to maintain the economic and cultural ties that provide significant benefits to both TEXT OF AMENDMENTS Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–383), namely that— the United States and Hong Kong; and SA 1246. Mr. RUBIO proposed an (A) the United States has ‘‘a strong inter- (11) to coordinate with allies, including the amendment to the bill S. 1838, to est in the continued vitality, prosperity, and United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, amend the Hong Kong Policy Act of stability of Hong Kong’’; and the Republic of Korea, to promote de- 1992, and for other purposes; as follows: (B) ‘‘[s]upport for democratization is a fun- mocracy and human rights in Hong Kong. Strike all after the enacting clause and in- damental principle of United States foreign SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES- HONG KONG POLICY ACT OF 1992. sert the following: policy’’ and therefore ‘‘naturally applies to United States policy toward Hong Kong’’; (a) REPORT.—Title II of the United States- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (C) ‘‘the human rights of the people of Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5721 (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as Hong Kong are of great importance to the et seq.) is amended— the ‘‘Hong Kong Human Rights and Democ- United States and are directly relevant to (1) in section 201(b), by striking ‘‘such racy Act of 2019’’. United States interests in Hong Kong [and] date’’ each place such term appears and in- (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- serve as a basis for Hong Kong’s continued serting ‘‘the date of the enactment of the tents for this Act is as follows: economic prosperity’’; and Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. (D) Hong Kong must remain sufficiently Act of 2019’’; and Sec. 2. Definitions. (2) adding at the end the following: Sec. 3. Statement of policy. autonomous from the People’s Republic of Sec. 4. Amendments to the United States- China to ‘‘justify treatment under a par- ‘‘SEC. 205. SECRETARY OF STATE REPORT RE- Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992. ticular law of the United States, or any pro- GARDING THE AUTONOMY OF HONG Sec. 5. Annual report on violations of United vision thereof, different from that accorded KONG. States export control laws and the People’s Republic of China’’; ‘‘(a) CERTIFICATION.— United Nations sanctions oc- (2) to support the high degree of autonomy ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in curring in Hong Kong. and fundamental rights and freedoms of the subsection (b), the Secretary of State, on at Sec. 6. Protecting United States citizens and people of Hong Kong, as enumerated by— least an annual basis, and in conjunction others from rendition to the (A) the Joint Declaration of the Govern- with the report required under section 301, People’s Republic of China. ment of the United Kingdom of Great Britain shall issue a certification to Congress that— Sec. 7. Sanctions relating to undermining and Northern Ireland and the Government of ‘‘(A) indicates whether Hong Kong con- fundamental freedoms and au- the People’s Republic of China on the Ques- tinues to warrant treatment under United tonomy in Hong Kong. tion of Hong Kong, done at Beijing December States law in the same manner as United

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.025 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6677 States laws were applied to Hong Kong be- ‘‘(B) on or before the date on which the SEC. 5. ANNUAL REPORT ON VIOLATIONS OF fore July 1, 1997; waiver takes effect, the Secretary notifies UNITED STATES EXPORT CONTROL ‘‘(B) addresses— the Committee on Foreign Relations of the LAWS AND UNITED NATIONS SANC- TIONS OCCURRING IN HONG KONG. ‘‘(i) commercial agreements; Senate and the Committee on Foreign Af- (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days ‘‘(ii) law enforcement cooperation, includ- fairs of the House of Representatives of the after the date of the enactment of this Act, ing extradition requests; intent to waive such subsection; and annually thereafter until the date that ‘‘(iii) sanctions enforcement; ‘‘(2) PARTIAL WAIVER.—Except for the list is 7 years after the date of the enactment of ‘‘(iv) export controls, and any other agree- of actions described in subsection this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in con- ments and forms of exchange involving dual (a)(1)(C)(iii), the Secretary of State may sultation with the Secretary of the Treasury use, critical, or other sensitive technologies; waive relevant parts of the application of and the Secretary of State, shall submit a ‘‘(v) any formal treaties or agreements be- subsection (a) if the President issues an Ex- report to the committees specified in sub- tween the United States and Hong Kong; ecutive order under section 202 that suspends section (b) that includes— ‘‘(vi) other areas of bilateral cooperation the application of any particular United (1) an assessment of the nature and extent that the Secretary determines to be rel- States law to Hong Kong.’’. of violations of United States export control evant; and (b) VISA APPLICANTS.—Title II of the and sanctions laws occurring in Hong Kong; ‘‘(vii) decision-making within the Govern- United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (2) to the extent possible, the identifica- ment of Hong Kong, including executive, leg- (22 U.S.C. 5721 et seq.), as amended by sub- tion of— islative, and judicial structures, including— section (a), is further amended by adding at (A) any items that were reexported from ‘‘(I) freedom of assembly; the end the following: Hong Kong in violation of the laws referred ‘‘(II) freedom of speech; to in paragraph (1); ‘‘(III) freedom of expression; and ‘‘SEC. 206. TREATMENT OF HONG KONG APPLI- (B) the countries and persons to which the ‘‘(IV) freedom of the press, including the CANTS FOR VISAS TO STUDY OR items referred to in subparagraph (A) were Internet and social media; WORK IN THE UNITED STATES. reexported; and ‘‘(viii) universal suffrage, including the ul- ‘‘(a) VISA ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN HONG (C) how such items were used; timate aim of the selection of the Chief Ex- KONG STUDENTS.—Notwithstanding any other (3) an assessment of whether sensitive ecutive and all members of the Legislative provision of law, applications for visas to dual-use items subject to the export control Council by universal suffrage; enter, study, or work in the United States, laws of the United States are being— ‘‘(ix) judicial independence; which are submitted by otherwise qualified (A) transshipped through Hong Kong; and ‘‘(x) police and security functions; applicants who resided in Hong Kong in 2014 (B) used to develop— ‘‘(xi) education; and later, may not be denied primarily on (i) the Sharp Eyes, Skynet, Integrated ‘‘(xii) laws or regulations regarding trea- the basis of the applicant’s subjection to po- Joint Operations Platform, or other systems son, secession, sedition, subversion against litically-motivated arrest, detention, or of mass surveillance and predictive policing; the Central People’s Government of the Peo- other adverse government action. or ple’s Republic of China, or theft of state se- (ii) the ‘‘social credit system’’ of the Peo- crets; ‘‘(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Secretary of ple’s Republic of China; ‘‘(xiii) laws or regulations regarding for- State shall take such steps as may be nec- (4) an assessment of the efforts by the Gov- eign political organizations or bodies; essary to ensure that consular officers are ernment of the People’s Republic of China to ‘‘(xiv) laws or regulations regarding polit- aware of the policy described in subsection use the status of Hong Kong as a separate ical organizations; and (a) and receive appropriate training and sup- customs territory to import items into the ‘‘(xv) other rights enumerated in the Uni- port to ensure that the policy is carried out People’s Republic of China from Hong Kong versal Declaration of Human Rights, done at so that affected individuals do not face dis- in violation of the export control laws of the Paris December 10, 1948, and the Inter- crimination or unnecessary delay in the United States, whether as part of the Great- national Covenant on Civil and Political processing of their visa applications, includ- er Bay Area plan, through the assignment by Rights, done at New York December 19, 1966; ing— Beijing of Hong Kong as a national tech- and ‘‘(1) providing specialized training for all nology and innovation center, or through ‘‘(C) includes— consular officers posted to the United States other programs that may exploit Hong Kong ‘‘(i) an assessment of the degree of any ero- Embassy in Beijing or to any United States as a conduit for controlled sensitive tech- sions to Hong Kong’s autonomy in each cat- consulate in the People’s Republic of China, nology; egory listed in subparagraph (B) resulting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Re- (5) an assessment of whether the Govern- from actions by the Government of the Peo- gion, or the Macau Special Administrative ment of Hong Kong has adequately enforced ple’s Republic of China that are inconsistent Region; sanctions imposed by the United Nations; with its commitments under the Basic Law ‘‘(2) instructing the United States Con- (6) a description of the types of goods and or the Joint Declaration; sulate in Hong Kong to maintain an active services transshipped or reexported through ‘‘(ii) an evaluation of the specific impacts list of individuals who are known to have Hong Kong in violation of such sanctions to any areas of cooperation between the been formally charged, detained, or con- to— United States and Hong Kong resulting from victed by the Government of Hong Kong Spe- (A) North Korea or Iran; or erosions of autonomy in Hong Kong or fail- cial Administrative Region or by the Gov- (B) other countries, regimes, or persons ures of the Government of Hong Kong to ful- ernment of the People’s Republic of China, subject to such sanctions for engaging in ac- fill obligations to the United States under or intermediaries of such governments, based tivities— international agreements within the cat- on politically-motivated considerations re- (i) relating to international terrorism, egories listed in subparagraph (B); and lated to their exercise of rights enumerated international narcotics trafficking, or the ‘‘(iii) a list of any specific actions taken by in the Universal Declaration of Human proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; the United States Government in response to Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948, or or any erosion of autonomy or failures to fulfill the International Covenant on Civil and Po- (ii) that otherwise present a threat to the obligations to the United States under inter- litical Rights, done at New York December national security, foreign policy, or economy national agreements identified in this cer- 19, 1966, to facilitate the cross-checking of of the United States; and tification and the report required under sec- visa applications for Hong Kong residents; (7) an assessment of whether shortcomings tion 301. and in the enforcement of export controls or sanctions by the Government of Hong Kong ‘‘(2) FACTOR FOR CONSIDERATION.—In mak- ‘‘(3) updating any relevant United States ing each certification under paragraph (1), Government websites with information on necessitates the assignment of additional Department of the Treasury, Department of the Secretary of State should consider the the policy described in subsection (a). Commerce, or Department of State per- terms, obligations, and expectations ex- ‘‘(c) COOPERATION WITH LIKE-MINDED COUN- sonnel to the United States Consulate in pressed in the Joint Declaration with respect TRIES.—The Secretary of State shall contact Hong Kong. to Hong Kong. appropriate representatives of other demo- (b) COMMITTEES SPECIFIED.—The commit- ‘‘(3) ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS.—The cer- cratic countries, particularly those who re- tees specified in this subsection are— tification under section (1) shall be issued ceive a large number of applicants for stu- (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of annually, but the Secretary may issue addi- dent and employment visas from Hong the Senate; tional certifications at any time if the Sec- Kong— (2) the Committee on Banking, Housing, retary determines it is warranted by cir- ‘‘(1) to inform them of the United States and Urban Affairs of the Senate; cumstances in Hong Kong. policy regarding arrests for participation in (3) the Committee on Commerce, Science, ‘‘(b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.— nonviolent protests in Hong Kong; and and Transportation of the Senate; ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State ‘‘(2) to encourage them to take similar (4) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the may waive the application of subsection (a) steps to ensure the rights of nonviolent pro- House of Representatives; and if— testers are protected from discrimination (5) the Committee on Energy and Com- ‘‘(A) the Secretary determines that such a due to the actions of the Government of merce of the House of Representatives waiver is in the national security interests Hong Kong and of the Government of the (c) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required of the United States; and People’s Republic of China.’’. under subsection (a) shall be submitted in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.027 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6678 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 unclassified form, but may include a classi- subsection (b) based on the discovery of new seq.) or any authorized intelligence activi- fied annex. information described in paragraph (1). ties of the United States. SEC. 6. PROTECTING UNITED STATES CITIZENS (3) CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN INFORMA- (2) EXCEPTION TO COMPLY WITH INTER- AND OTHERS FROM RENDITION TO TION.—In preparing the report required under NATIONAL OBLIGATIONS AND FOR LAW ENFORCE- THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. paragraph (1), the President shall consider— MENT ACTIVITIES.—Sanctions under sub- (a) POLICY STATEMENTS.—It is the policy of (A) information provided jointly by the section (c)(2) shall not apply with respect to the United States— chairperson and ranking member of each of an alien if admitting or paroling the alien (1) to safeguard United States citizens the appropriate congressional committees; into the United States is necessary— from extradition, rendition, or abduction to and (A) to permit the United States to comply the People’s Republic of China from Hong (B) information obtained by other coun- with the Agreement regarding the Head- Kong for trial, detention, or any other pur- tries or reputable nongovernmental organi- quarters of the United Nations, signed at pose; zations that monitor violations of human Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into (2) to safeguard United States businesses in rights abuses. force November 21, 1947, between the United Hong Kong from economic coercion and in- (4) FORM.—The report required under para- Nations and the United States, or other ap- tellectual property theft; graph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified plicable international obligations; or (3) pursuant to section 103(7) of the United form, but may include a classified annex. (B) to carry out or assist law enforcement States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 (b) IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS.—The Presi- activity in the United States. U.S.C. 5713(7)), to encourage United States dent shall impose the sanctions described in (3) EXCEPTION RELATING TO IMPORTATION OF businesses ‘‘to continue to operate in Hong subsection (c) with respect to each foreign GOODS.— Kong, in accordance with applicable United person identified in the report required (A) IN GENERAL.—The authorities and re- States and Hong Kong law’’; and under subsection (a)(1). quirements to impose sanctions authorized (4) pursuant to section 201(b) of such Act (c) SANCTIONS DESCRIBED.—The sanctions under this section shall not include the au- (22 U.S.C. 5721(b)), to evaluate, not less fre- described in this subsection are the fol- thority or a requirement to impose sanctions quently than annually and as circumstances, lowing: on the importation of goods. dictate whether the Government of Hong (1) ASSET BLOCKING.—The President shall (B) GOOD DEFINED.—In this paragraph, the Kong is ‘‘legally competent to carry out its exercise all of the powers granted to the term ‘‘good’’ means any article, natural or obligations’’ under treaties and inter- President under the International Emer- manmade substance, material, supply, or national agreements established between the gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 manufactured product, including inspection United States and Hong Kong. et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and and test equipment, and excluding technical prohibit all transactions in property and in- (b) RESPONSE TO THREAT OF RENDITION.— data. terests in property of a foreign person identi- Not later than 30 days after the President de- (g) TERMINATION OF SANCTIONS.—The Presi- fied in the report required under subsection termines that legislation proposed or en- dent may terminate the application of sanc- (a)(1) if such property and interests in prop- acted by the Government of Hong Kong tions under this section with respect to a erty are in the United States, come within would put United States citizens at risk of person if the President determines and re- the United States, or come within the pos- extradition or rendition to the People’s Re- ports to the appropriate congressional com- session or control of a United States person. public of China or to other countries that mittees not less than 15 days before the ter- (2) INELIGIBILITY FOR VISAS, ADMISSION, OR lack protections for the rights of defendants, mination takes effect that— PAROLE.— the President shall submit a report to the (1) information exists that the person did (A) VISAS, ADMISSION, OR PAROLE.—An alien appropriate congressional committees that— not engage in the activity for which sanc- described in subsection (a)(1) is— (1) contains a strategy for protecting tions were imposed; (i) inadmissible to the United States; United States citizens and businesses in (2) the person has been prosecuted appro- (ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other doc- Hong Kong; priately for the activity for which sanctions umentation to enter the United States; and (2) assesses the potential risks of the legis- were imposed; (iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or lation to United States citizens residing in, (3) the person has credibly demonstrated a paroled into the United States or to receive traveling to, or transiting through Hong significant change in behavior, has paid an any other benefit under the Immigration and Kong; and appropriate consequence for the activity for Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.). (3) determines whether— which sanctions were imposed, and has (B) CURRENT VISAS REVOKED.— (A) additional resources are needed for credibly committed to not engage in an ac- (i) IN GENERAL.—An alien described in sub- American Citizen Services at the United tivity described in subsection (a)(1) in the fu- section (a)(1) is subject to revocation of any States Consulate in Hong Kong; and ture; or visa or other entry documentation regardless (B) the Government of Hong Kong is ‘‘le- (4) the termination of the sanctions is in of when the visa or other entry documenta- gally competent’’ to administer the United the national security interests of the United tion is or was issued. States-Hong Kong Agreement for the Sur- States. (ii) IMMEDIATE EFFECT.—A revocation render of Fugitive Offenders, done at Hong under clause (i) shall— (h) SUNSET.—This section, and any sanc- Kong December 20, 1996, or other relevant (I) take effect immediately; and tions imposed under this section, shall ter- law enforcement agreements between the (II) automatically cancel any other valid minate on the date that is 5 years after the United States and Hong Kong. visa or entry documentation that is in the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 7. SANCTIONS RELATING TO UNDERMINING alien’s possession. (i) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AND AU- (3) PENALTIES.—The penalties provided for (1) ADMISSION; ADMITTED; ALIEN.—The TONOMY IN HONG KONG. in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the terms ‘‘admission’’, ‘‘admitted’’, and ‘‘alien’’ (a) IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS RESPON- International Emergency Economic Powers have the meanings given those terms in sec- SIBLE FOR UNDERMINING FUNDAMENTAL FREE- Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) shall apply to a foreign tion 101 of the Immigration and Nationality DOMS AND AUTONOMY IN HONG KONG.— person that violates, attempts to violate, Act (8 U.S.C. 1101). (1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall sub- conspires to violate, or causes a violation of (2) FOREIGN PERSON.—The term ‘‘foreign mit a report to the appropriate congressional paragraph (1) to the same extent that such person’’ means a person that is not a United committees, in accordance with paragraph penalties apply to a person that commits an States person. (2), that identifies each foreign person that unlawful act described in subsection (a) of the President determines is responsible for— SEC. 8. SANCTIONS REPORTS. such section 206. (A) the extrajudicial rendition, arbitrary (d) IMPLEMENTATION.—The President may (a) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with sec- detention, or torture of any person in Hong exercise all authorities provided under sec- tion 7, the President shall submit, to the ap- Kong; or tions 203 and 205 of the International Emer- propriate congressional committees, a report (B) other gross violations of internation- gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 that includes— ally recognized human rights in Hong Kong. and 1704) to carry out this section. (1) a list of each foreign person with re- (2) TIMING OF REPORTS.—The President (e) WAIVER.—The President may waive the spect to which the President imposed sanc- shall submit to the appropriate congres- application of sanctions under this section tions during the year preceding the submis- sional committees— with respect to a person identified in the re- sion of the report; (A) the report required under paragraph port required under subsection (a)(1) if the (2) a description of the type of sanctions (1)— President determines and certifies to the ap- imposed with respect to each such person; (i) not later than 180 days after the date of propriate congressional committees that (3) the number of foreign persons with re- the enactment of this Act; and such a waiver is in the national interest of spect to which the President terminated (ii) not less frequently than annually the United States. sanctions under section 7 during that year; thereafter in conjunction with the publica- (f) EXCEPTIONS.— (4) the dates on which such sanctions were tion of the report required under section 301 (1) EXCEPTION FOR INTELLIGENCE ACTIVI- imposed or terminated, as applicable; of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act TIES.—Sanctions under this section shall not (5) the reasons for imposing or terminating of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5731); and apply to any activity subject to the report- such sanctions; and (B) an update to the report not later than ing requirements under title V of the Na- (6) a description of the efforts of the Presi- 15 days after any new action is taken under tional Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et dent to encourage the governments of other

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.027 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6679 countries to impose sanctions that are simi- thorized to meet during today’s session today: S. Res. 430, S. Res. 431, S. Res. lar to the sanctions authorized under section of the Senate: 432, S. Res. 433, and S. Res. 434. 7. COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL There being no objection, the Senate (b) NONAPPLICABILITY OF CONFIDENTIALITY RESOURCES proceeded to consider the resolutions REQUIREMENT WITH RESPECT TO VISA en bloc. RECORDS.—The President shall publish the The Committee on Energy and Nat- report required under subsection (a) without ural Resources is authorized to meet Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I regard to the requirements of section 222(f) during the session of the Senate on ask unanimous consent that the reso- of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 10 a.m., lutions be agreed to, that the pre- U.S.C. 1202(f)) with respect to confidentiality to conduct a hearing on the following ambles be agreed to, and that the mo- of records pertaining to the issuance or re- nominations: Dan R. Brouillette, of tions to reconsider be considered made fusal of visas or permits to enter the United Texas, to be Secretary of Energy, and laid upon the table all en bloc. States. James P. Danly, of Tennessee, to be a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SEC. 9. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PEOPLE’S RE- Member of the Federal Energy Regu- objection, it is so ordered. PUBLIC OF CHINA STATE-CON- The resolutions were agreed to. TROLLED MEDIA. latory Commission, and Katharine It is the sense of Congress that— MacGregor, of Pennsylvania, to be Dep- The preambles were agreed to. (The resolutions, with their pre- (1) the United States condemns the delib- uty Secretary of the Interior. erate targeting and harassment of democ- ambles, are printed in today’s RECORD COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC racy activists, diplomatic personnel of the under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) WORKS United States and other nations, and their f families by media organizations controlled The Committee on Environment and by the Government of the People’s Republic Public Works is authorized to meet REAUTHORIZING SECURITY FOR of China, including Wen Wei Po and Ta Kung during the session of the Senate on SUPREME COURT JUSTICES ACT Po; Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 10 a.m., OF 2019 (2) the Secretary of State should clearly to conduct a hearing. Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I inform the Government of the People’s Re- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY public of China that the use of media outlets ask unanimous consent that the Sen- to spread disinformation or to intimidate The Committee on the Judiciary is ate proceed to the immediate consider- and threaten its perceived enemies in Hong authorized to meet during the session ation of H.R. 4258, which was received Kong or in other countries is unacceptable; of the Senate on Tuesday, November from the House and is at the desk. and 19, 2019, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hear- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The (3) the Secretary of State should take any ing. clerk will report the bill by title. activities described in paragraph (1) or (2) SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE The senior assistant legislative clerk into consideration when granting visas for read as follows: travel and work in the United States to jour- The Select Committee on Intel- A bill (H.R. 4258) to authorize the Marshal nalists from the People’s Republic of China ligence is authorized to meet during of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court who are affiliated with any such media orga- the session of the Senate on Tuesday, Police to protect the Justices, employees, nizations. November 19, 2019, at 2:30 p.m., to con- and official guests of the Supreme Court out- SEC. 10. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COMMERCIAL duct a closed briefing. side of the Supreme Court grounds, and for EXPORTS OF CROWD CONTROL PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS EQUIPMENT TO HONG KONG. other purposes. It is sense of Congress that the Depart- The Permanent Subcommittee on In- There being no objection, the Senate ment of Commerce, in conjunction with vestigations of the Committee on proceeded to consider the bill. other relevant Federal departments and Homeland Security and Governmental Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I agencies, should consider appropriate adjust- Affairs is authorized to meet during ask unanimous consent that the bill be ments to the current United States export the session of the Senate on Tuesday, considered read a third time and passed controls with respect to Hong Kong to pre- November 19, 2019, at 10 a.m., to con- and that the motion to reconsider be vent the supply of crowd control and surveil- duct a hearing. considered made and laid upon the lance equipment that could be used inappro- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I have priately in Hong Kong. table with no intervening action or de- request for one committee to meet dur- bate. SA 1247. Mr. MERKLEY proposed an ing today’s session of the Senate. It The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without amendment to the bill S. 2710, to pro- has the approval of the Majority and objection, it is so ordered. hibit the commercial export of covered Minority leaders. The bill (H.R. 4258) was ordered to a munitions items to the Hong Kong Po- Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph third reading, was read the third time, lice Force; as follows: 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- and passed. On page 1, line 7, insert ‘‘the Committee on ate, the following committee is author- f ized to meet during today’s session of Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and’’ ORDER OF BUSINESS before ‘‘the Committee on Foreign Rela- the Senate: tions’’. COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I The Committee on Armed Services is ask unanimous consent that the SA 1248. Mr. MERKLEY proposed an authorized to meet during the session postcloture time on the Lagoa nomina- amendment to the bill S. 2710, to pro- of the Senate on Tuesday, November tion be considered expired at 11:30 a.m. hibit the commercial export of covered 19, 2019, at 9 a.m., to conduct a hearing on Wednesday, November 20. I further munitions items to the Hong Kong Po- on pending nominations. ask that if confirmed, the motion to re- lice Force; as follows: consider be considered made and laid f At the end, add the following upon the table and the President be im- SEC. 3 SUNSET. PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR mediately notified of the Senate’s ac- tion. The prohibition under section 2 shall ex- Mr. MERKLEY. Madam President, I pire one year after the date of the enactment The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of this Act. ask unanimous consent that my intern objection, it is so ordered. Olivia Geveden be granted privileges of f the floor for the remainder of the day. f AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MEET objection, it is so ordered. NOVEMBER 20, 2019 Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I have f Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I 5 requests for committees to meet dur- ask unanimous consent that when the ing today’s session of the Senate. They RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY Senate completes its business today, it have the approval of the Majority and Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I adjourn until 10 a.m., Wednesday, No- Minority leaders. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- vember 20; further, that following the Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph ate now proceed to the en bloc consid- prayer and pledge, the morning hour be 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- eration of the following Senate resolu- deemed expired, the Journal of pro- ate, the following committees are au- tions, which were submitted earlier ceedings be approved to date, the time

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19NO6.027 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6680 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 19, 2019 for the two leaders be reserved for their NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE To be major use later in the day, morning business HUMANITIES MARJORIE A. KUIPERS be closed, and the Senate proceed to CROSBY KEMPER III, OF MISSOURI, TO BE DIRECTOR OF THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY executive session and resume consider- FOR A TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE KATHRYN K. MAT- MEDICAL SERVICE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SEC- ation of the Lagoa nomination under THEW, TERM EXPIRED. TIONS 624 AND 7064: the previous order. THE JUDICIARY To be major The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without MARK A. ROBBINS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO YUANDRE G. DIEUJUSTE BE AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF objection, it is so ordered. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FOR THE TERM OF FIFTEEN THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT YEARS, VICE MICHAEL L. RANKIN, RETIRED. TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY f CARL EZEKIEL ROSS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: TO BE AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT To be major OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FOR THE TERM OF FIF- ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. TEEN YEARS, VICE JUDITH BARTNOFF, RETIRED. CHRISTOPHER M. FEROLI TOMORROW KATHRYN C. DAVIS, OF MARYLAND, TO BE A JUDGE OF THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS FOR A TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, if TERM OF FIFTEEN YEARS, VICE CHARLES F. LETTOW, UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: TERM EXPIRED. there is no further business to come be- EDWARD HULVEY MEYERS, OF MARYLAND, TO BE A To be lieutenant colonel fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- JUDGE OF THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS FOR A TERM OF FIFTEEN YEARS, VICE LAW- THOMAS E. AXTELL sent that it stand adjourned under the RENCE J. BLOCK, RETIRED. THE FOLLOWING OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE previous order. IN THE ARMY GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY MED- There being no objection, the Senate, ICAL SPECIALIST CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SEC- THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT TIONS 624 AND 7064: at 6:23 p.m., adjourned until Wednes- IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED To be major day, November 20, 2019, at 10 a.m. WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: D014331 f To be lieutenant general IN THE COAST GUARD MAJ. GEN. DOUGLAS M. GABRAM THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT NOMINATIONS IN THE COAST GUARD IN THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD RESERVE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 10 U.S.C., SECTION Executive nominations received by THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT 12203(A): IN THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD TO THE GRADE IN- the Senate: DICATED UNDER TITLE 14 U.S.C., SECTION 2121(D): To be captain THE JUDICIARY To be rear admiral JENNIFER J. CONKLIN DIANE M. CROFF ALINA I. MARSHALL, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE A JUDGE OF REAR ADM. (LH) THOMAS G. ALLAN KIMBERLY K. GUEDRY THE UNITED STATES TAX COURT FOR A TERM OF FIF- REAR ADM. (LH) LAURA M. DICKEY KARL A. HANSEN TEEN YEARS, VICE L. PAIGE MARVEL, TERM EXPIRING. REAR ADM. (LH) DOUGLAS M. FEARS JAMES J. JOHNSON CHRISTIAN N. WEILER, OF LOUISIANA, TO BE A JUDGE REAR ADM. (LH) JOHN W. MAUGER BECKY K. JONES OF THE UNITED STATES TAX COURT FOR A TERM OF FIF- REAR ADM. (LH) NATHAN A. MOORE MAUREEN R. KALLGREN TEEN YEARS, VICE ALBERT G. LAUBER, TERM EXPIRING. REAR ADM. (LH) BRIAN K. PENOYER BRUCE G. MACK EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND REAR ADM. (LH) MATTHEW W. SIBLEY NATALIE M. MURPHY DEVELOPMENT IN THE ARMY GENNARO A. RUOCCO J. STEVEN DOWD, OF FLORIDA, TO BE UNITED STATES THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT f DIRECTOR OF THE EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUC- TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TION AND DEVELOPMENT, VICE JUDY LYNN SHELTON, MEDICAL CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 CONFIRMATION RESIGNED. AND 7064: DEPARTMENT OF STATE To be major Executive nomination confirmed by HENRY T. WOOSTER, OF VIRGINIA, A CAREER MEMBER ANDREW J. OLIVER the Senate November 19, 2019: OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER– THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE JUDICIARY COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VETERINARY CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS ROBERT J. LUCK, OF FLORIDA, TO BE UNITED STATES TO THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN. 624 AND 7064: CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:18 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\G19NO6.058 S19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE