Transcripts For CSPAN U.S. 20240704

Weve had this year and were leaving this here to honor our over 40year commitment of live gaveltogavel coverage of congress. House lawmakers are coming back in for more member speeches. They will consider a measure to impose sanctions of chinese producers of synthetic opioid. House leaders are hoping to finish Appropriations Bills for military and construction projects. As always, live coverage of the house on cspan. Pursuan t to clause 8 rule 20 the chair will postponequestions on which a recorded vote of the yeas and nays are ordered or votes objected to under clause 6 of rule 20. The house will resume proceedings on postponement questions at a later time. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . I move the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1684 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. H. R. 1684 a bill to require the secretary of state to submit an annual report to Congress Regarding the ties between criminal gangs of political and economic elites in haiti and impose sanctions involved on such criminal activities. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from kentucky, mr. Barr and the gentleman from new york, mr. Meeks, each will control 20 minutes. Ms. Barragan i ask unanimous consent mr. Barr that all members may have five legislative days. I ask unanimous consent to place into the record the exchange of the letters. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized mr. Barr prolonged political instability, exceptionally high poverty levels, a resurgence of cholera, food insecurity, a crippling inflation crisis, continuous natural disasters, lack to Adequate Health care, distressing levels of insecurity, these are the ongoing cries sees facing the people of haiti and they are being made worse by oligarchs and political elites who use gangs as a tool to advance their personal interests and power. They are for a rise in violence and horrific human rights abuses and wreaking havoc against a vulnerable population. I thank Ranking Member meeks who worked with chairman mccaul and bipartisan cosponsors to confront those predators. This bill ensures the secretary of state will impose sanctions on haitis and political elite responsible for mobilizing these gangs to carry out their dirty work, which has unleashed violence with no end in sight. The bill requires annual reports to congress on the ties between these gangs and political and economic elites in haiti. To help the haitian people restore democratic order, we must hold corrupt elites accountable. Prohibiting these criminals from traveling to and operating in the United States is an important step in that direction. I urge support for this bill and reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kentucky reserves. The gentleman from new york is recognized. Mr. Meeks thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of h. R. 1684, the haitian the haiti criminal collusion Transparency Act of 2023 and i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized mr. Meeks it is no secret that haiti is in a dire situation. A crime report released this year indicated munitions being trafficked into haiti in a rapidly deteriorating security situation. This level of criminal activity is the craft of experienced, well connected individuals who long utilized cries sees and instability in haiti to gain economic control and increase their political speaker of atmosphere of influence. There are as many as 200 gangs in haiti that control 85 of portauprison. Gang violence has resulted in the killing of 1200 people of haiti in the first five months of the year alone. A gang murdered 69 people and injured another 83. Forcing authorities to abandon several police stations. Authorities believe the gang is responsible for killing of 14 Haitian National Police Officers in late january as part of its ongoing violence. Political insecurity following the assassination has further declined the security situation. The Haitian National government last democratic elected official expired in january and new elections are postponed indefinitely. And while we continue to push for haitianled solution for these challenges, the United States must do what it can to not allow corrupt first to travel freely to the United States. And i am committed to holding corrupt officials accountable and prohibiting their travel to the United States and this legislation would help in those efforts. H. R. 1684 authorizes the secretary of state to sanction haitis political and economic elite who use gangs to leverage and maintain power. The bill ensures that congress receives regular reports on haitian Gang Activity and related criminality. The haitian people need to believe that their voices matter and that government exists to improve the equality of life, not make it more burdensome. We know these conditions are causing the rise in migration out of haiti as people seek freedom and safety at any cost. So, mr. Speaker, i believe we have a duty to make sure that we identify and hold accountable those who relish in the chaos those who support gang activities, using kidnapping and rape to control and silence communities and use coercion to bring portauprince into criminal activity. With that, mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york reserves. The gentleman from kentucky. Mr. Barr i continue to reserve. Mr. Meeks i yield three minutes to the gentleman from virginia mr. Connolly. Mr. Connolly mr. Speaker, i rise in support of the haiti criminal collusion and Transparency Act introduced by my friend, the Ranking Member, Gregory Meeks of new york, to Place International pressure on elites in haiti who have ex as he ser baited and benefited from the widespread violence in that turbulent country. Nearly half of the countrys population, close to five million haitians face acute hunger today. Haitians face drastic fuel, food and medical equipment shortages. Cholera are widespread not far from our shore and gangs dominate the daily life through corruption, extortion and brutal violence. In fact the Haitian National police and haitian politicians are so compromised by gangs that lawlessness and instability are the new norm. Mr. Speaker, i thank representative meeks for keeping our attention on haiti. The situation is as he said, dire. And the only way we will stop helping root out corruption is to help. A little over a century ago, u. S. Soldiers landed on hitys shores following the assassination of the then haitian president. With the country once again destabilized following the assassination of another haitian president , its United States must work with allies and partners to give the haitian people a voice and to allow for them to take their country back from the gangs and instability rampant in haiti today. This time we must do so with an appreciation with our nations sordid history in haiti, mistakes we have made and how we can do better by the haitian people. We have a chance to redeem our own history. I thank the Ranking Member, mr. Meeks, for keeping our attention focused on haiti as it hub and bringing this important piece of legislation to the floor and i urge all of my colleagues to support it. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from new york reserves. The gentleman from kentucky. Mr. Barr i continue to recrossexamination reserve i continue to reserve. Mr. Meeks i yield three minutes to the kosm from representative cherfilusmccormick. Mrs. Cherfilusmccormick as the only haitian american member in congress i introduced the act. This bill would require the secretary of state to submit an annual report on the political and economic elites in haiti and impose the necessary sanctions on partisan involved. On criminal gangs continued to wreak havoc spanning the flames and leading mr. To fear for their own safety. We have seen numerous accounts against children a. M. And women. They have gained strength without any accountability. The assassination of the president in 2021 added fuel to the fire by shining a light by these Violent Criminal Enterprises and levying economic sanctions we can better. The instability impacts us. Traveling to haiti is unsafe. Two of my constituents were kidnapped and held for ran some. I am grateful they made it home but no one should endure that. I will continue to support solutions that address the economic and Health Situation and i want to work on both sides of the aisle and once again i would like to thank our Ranking Member, representative meeks, and chairman mccaul for helping to push this forward. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Meeks i yield two minutes to the gentleman from from california. Ms. Kamlagerdove thank you to my Ranking Member, mr. Meeks and chairman mccaul and to you, mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 1684. This timely piece of legislation which i cosponsored calls attention to the humanitarian and security crisis just miles from our shores in haiti and despite reports of sexual violence, kidnappings, displacement and indiscriminate killings have swept the country the International Community has left haitians to fend for themselves again as usual. The last thing we should do is write off haitians struggles as hopeless and insurmountable. Haitians have a history of grit in struggles. This is a society born out of a fight for rights under colonialism and slavery. Haitians have confronted every unthinkable obstacle that has come their way and persevered against the odds. We must continue to support the haitian people with Concerted International Action and intentional policies like this bill. Im glad that this bill takes a strong step in Holding Accountable the economic and political elites who are perpetuating and benefiting from the countrys chronic insecurity. I know there are members on both sides of the aisle who are deeply invested in haitis future and represent haitian constituents. I work with some of them to introduce a resolution calling for a redoubling of diplomatic eaters to help achieve a solution to the current impasse. There is more we can do and theres more we must do, in a strong, bipartisan way. I urge my colleagues not to turn a blind eye to haiti, not to forget the haitian people, and to support this important legislation. Hey tee is our neighbor, hey tee deserves more. Haiti sour neighbor, haiti deserves more. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york reserves. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Barr i reserve. The chair the gentleman from new york. Mr. Meeks i have no further speakers and im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york is reck is recognized. Mr. Meeks thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i introduced and marked up this bill with are bust bipartisan support. So i want to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, chairman mccaul and chair of the subcommittee, chairwoman salazar, and of course my colleagues who just spoke, representative cherfilusmccormick and representative kamlagerdove. And others who worked in a bipartisan way to ensure that Congress Takes steps to address the crisis created by haitian gangs. Mr. Speaker, the people of hey tee deserve to know which organizations and individual support destabilizing criminal activity including those who take advantage of desperate people who are already extremely vulnerable. Trafficking them throughout the region and making gains at every stop along the way. Mr. Speaker, we cannot allow these elites, those who are paying the gangs, those who are incentivizing the gangs, to create and do horrific things just to keep walking without with impunity. Weve got to stand up and state that were going to point them out and sanction them. To give the people of haiti and opportunity to feel that their government and their country can move forward. We can no longer just talk about having elections without having the gangs wiped out. And away from haiti. Because they would control the elections. And so this sends a message to those elites, those who are financing the gangs, those who think they can continue their criminal activity. The United States is going to sanction you and you wont be able to cross the borders and go back and forth. This bill will require this bill requires the secretary of state to submit an annual report to Congress Regarding the ties between criminal gangs and political and economic elites in haiti and impose sanctioned on political and economic elites involved in such criminal activities. I have a lot of haitians in my district. They want some action, they want some relief, from the activities of those criminal gangs and the message that this bill sends and the followup with the administration will say that the United States house of representatives, in a very bipartisan fashion, working collectively together, will not allow you to continue your corrupt, criminal activities. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york yields. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Barr mr. Speaker, whats going on in the nation of haiti is just a human tragedy and i again thank the gentleman from new york, mr. Meeks, for leading this bipartisan bill which, as he eloquently described, would require the secretary of state to submit an annual report to Congress Regarding the ties between criminal gangs and political and economic elites in haiti and thereby enable the secretary of state to identify and impose sangs on political and economic elites with links to criminal gangs and hopefully in that effort improve the conditions that the people of haiti are going through right now. And so this bill deserve ours support and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1684. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Barr i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3203 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 3203, a bill to impose sanctions with respect to chinese producers of synthetic opioids and opioid precursors to hold the chinese accountable for the spread of fentanyl and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kentucky, mr. Barr, and the gentleman from virginia, mr. Connolly, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from kentucky. Mr. Barr i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Barr i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Barr thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of my legislation, the stop chinese fentanyl act that is currently before the house. The fentanyl crisis is one that is affecting families and communities across the United States. As of 2021, 70,601 americans died as a result of synthetic opioid overdoses. As of 2020, 82. 3 of all opioid involved overdoses were the result of synthetic opioids. Last year, almost 70 of all Drug Overdose deaths were caused by fentanyl. Over 100,000 americans, lives destroyed because of. This this is certainly impacted my home state, the commonwealth of kentucky. A recent Drug Overdose report from the Kentucky Office of drug control policy reported that there was a 14. 5 increase in Overdose Deaths in my home state. And according to cases autopsied by the Kentucky Office of the state of medical exerm and toxicology reports submitted by kentucky coroners coroners, the coroners, the rise was due to a rise in the use of fentanyl. Unfortunately, this scourge has spread with the help of our greatest strategic threat, the peoples republic of china and the Chinese Communist party. We know that china has historically been and remains the primary source of fentanyl in global circulation. Since the Trump Administration tightened controls on the shipment of fentanyl into the United States, the c. C. P. Has adjusted their practices and begun producing precursor chemicals and outsourcing final production to cartel laboratories in mexico. To then exploit our porous southern border and poison the American People. In 2020, u. S. Customs and Border Protection seized 4. 8,000 pounds of fentanyl, enough to kill over a billion people. Just a tiny little bit of this very deadly synthetic opioid is enough to kill. This figure more than tripled in just two years to 14. 7 thousand pounds in 2022 and in the first few months of 2023, customs and Border Protectioned seized 12. 5 thousand pounds. And much of this is originating from china, exploiting the cartels and exploiting our open southern border. We must attack the production of fentanyl at its source. By targeting the source of the precursors in china. My legislation places sanctions on chinese producers of synthetic opioids and opioid precursors and holds senior government and chinese political officials accountable for the spread of illicit fentanyl. Specifically it amends the fentanyl sanctions act to expand the definition of a foreign opioid traffickers to include any chinese entity that produce, manufactures, distribute, sell, finances or transports synthetic opioids or active pharmaceutical ingredients used to produce synthetic opioids and fails to take credible steps to detect or prevent opioid trafficking including know your customer procedures or cooperation with u. S. Countermarkets efforts. The expanded definition also includes any senior officials of the p. R. C. Government or other chinese political official that has significant regulatory or Law Enforcement responsibilities and fails to take credible steps to combat foreign opioid traffickers. Their culpability, the culpability of the Chinese Communist party in this epidemic in our country does not end when the precursor products land in mexico or illegal cross our southern border. We must look at every step of fentanyls deadly supply chain. This Bipartisan Legislation passed the House Foreign Affairs committee by voice vote earlier this year and is a needed step to control this deadly drug. I urge support for this bill and reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from virginia is recognized. Mr. Connolly mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 3203, the stop chinese fentanyl act of 2023, and yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Connolly i thank the speaker. On both sides of the aisle we recognize the devastating impact the Opioid Crisis has had on our families and communities. Theres been too much tragic loss of life and too many families torn apart. Challenging problems require our working together to find solutions. Here at home, we need expanded Education Programs for students so that they understand the deadly risks associated with fentanyl consumption. And better funded rehab programs to help people get clean. And we need Law Enforcement and prosecutors to target major trafficking networks. But we should be careful not to repeat the excesses and inequities that undermined the war on drugs previously. In the international context, we need to incentivize countries to work with us but also to demonstrate there are consequences for actions that increase the supply of these dangerous drugs with impunity. This bill takes that latter approach. It will beef up sanctions on Major Chinese fentanyl traffickers that aid and abet opioid traffickers. The legislation bolsters requirements on fentanyl trafficking under the National Emergency declared by the president and includes reforms to the International Economic Emergency Powers act. I want to be clear, we cant sanction our way out of this fentanyl crisis alone. Sanctions are an important tool but well also need cooperation as well. If we want countries to limit the export of fentanyl precursors and work with us to prevent such substances from entering our country and poisoning our people, we will need the cooperation of Law Enforcement in other nations like china. And mexico. Thats a simple fact. Tough talk and asset freezes have their role and i support them. But diplomacy and Law Enforcement cooperation are also part of the picture we need if were going to conquer this problem. I want to thank mr. Barr, my friend from kentucky, and chairman mccaul, for their advocacy on this important issue and bringing this legislation forward. Congress works on behalf of the American People best when we can collaborate. When we can support each other. When we Work Together. And both sides worked in good faith to get this teal done and i salute the gentleman from kentucky for his leadership. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Barr i continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman continues to reserve. The i have no other speakers on this side. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia reserves. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Barr reserve the right to close. Mr. Connolly this is a scourge that has cost way too many lives. And educating our young people about its dangers and also cracking down on those who with abandon are willing to poison our young people and damage our country is an important step. I support mr. Barrs effort and i support this legislation and i urge my colleagues to support this bill. And with that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia yields back. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Barr i thank the gentleman for his bipartisan support for this important legislation and this is a bipartisan bill for good reason, mr. Speaker, because china has blamed the rise in Overdose Deaths in the United States and illicit fentanyl in the United States on the United States. The Chinese Communist party has refused to address its role. And mexico is the principal source of fentanyl, cartels manufacture these drugs with ingredients, precursor chemicals sourced largely from communist china. China is the primary source and this illicit fentanyl made in mexican labs is smuggled into the United States across our southern border and killing americans. Killing Many Americans in my home state of kentucky. Kentucky is not a border state but kentucky is impacted by the fact that these chinese precursors are making its way across our southern border and this is a huge problem and we need to hold those Chinese Communist party first accountable for this scourge for poisoning the American People. With that, mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to defend the American People to stop this scourge and hold the Chinese Communist party for their role and poisoning our borders. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3203 as amended. Those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed. And without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Barr i move the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 1176. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1176, a bill to amend the taiwan allied protection and Enhancement Initiative act of 2019 to provide that the United States as a member of any International Organization should oppose any attempts by the peoples republic of china to resolve taiwans status by policies or procedures of that organization and for other purposes. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from kentucky, mr. Barr, and the gentleman from virginia, mr. Connolly, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizees the gentleman from kentucky. Mr. Barr i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to include extraneous material on this measure. I yield myself such time as i may consume the speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized mr. Barr taiwan, an island of democracy and stability is a key u. S. Partner facing an increasingly aggressive chinese party. Chinese military aggression is the most visible type of coercion against taiwan but c. C. P. Influence is widespread. In almost every International Organization, they are taking and pushing taiwan aside. The c. P. P. As employed a strategic approach to suppress taiwans participation in the International Community. The Chinese Communist party has undermined taiwan and spread propaganda about that democracys ability to participate in International Organizes. We cannot turn a blind eye to this assault on the very institutions we helped build after world war ii. There is no clear example of the Chinese Communist parties tactics than their manipulation of u. N. Resolution 2758. That resolution recognized the p. R. C. As the u. N. Representative for china but nothing about taiwans representation or sovereignty. Yet the c. C. P. Propaganda wrongly claims that this resolution claims that p. R. C. Representation over taiwan and beijing used it as a weapon to prevent taiwan from participating in International Organizations. This resolution, which was intended to bring nations together, has been exploited to isolate taiwan. We cannot allow this blatant assault on freedom to go unchallenged. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy rooted in freedom. Pushing the envelope on advanced Technology Like semiconductors. By supporting taiwans participation in International Organizations, we bolster our own National Security and enhance National Stability and safe guard the interest of the United States and our allies. The consequences of beijings actions extend beyond taiwans borders. It prevents from sharing its valuable expertise in Public Health, technology and humanitarian aid. For example, taiwan is not a member of the w. H. O. Because of the c. C. P. But it was thy taiwan who came forward with an Early Warning of covid19. Meanwhile the c. C. P. Robbed the world to counter the pandemic causing thousands to die around the world. This is what happens when the c. C. P. Manipulates International Organizations and this is what happens when taiwan is excluded from International Organizations. Millions die. By supporting taiwans meaningful participation in International Organizations, we demonstrate to the c. C. P. That we stand firm in our commitment to promoting freedom, democracy and human rights. I thank the gentleman from from virginia and for introducing this bipartisan bill which im a proud original cosponsor. This will send a clear message to the c. C. P. We will not tolerate their attempts to suppress, delegitimize and coerce taiwan and its people. It is the United States policy to maintain their capacity to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion. That policy must include the stance we are taking today to resist the coercive tactics at International Organizations. This bill deserves our unanimous support. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kentucky reserves. The gentleman from virginia is recognized. Mr. Connolly i thank my friend from kentucky and thank you, mr. Speaker and i echo his fervent desire that we merit unanimous support on this piece of legislation. I rise in support of this act which i authored with john curtis of utah to stand up for taiwans participation in International Organizations against the backdrop of an ever bellicose peoples republic of china. By string thing the taipei act of 2019 to clarify u. N. 2758 does not, does not preclude the United States from using its vote, voice and influence to resist the reckless campaign against taiwans rightful place on the world stage. This amends the taipei act of 2019, a bill that passed by a bipartisan vote of 4150. It instructs the u. S. To use its voice vote to distort the language policies or procedures of International Organizes regarding taiwan. It encourages the u. S. To work with allies and partners to oppose peoples republic of chinas efforts to undermine diplomatic relationships globally and expands reporting requirements to include information by the peoples of republic of china to undermine taiwans participation as well as ties and relationships with other countries. Over the past decade, peoples pep of china has weaponnized a distorted of resolutions 2758 which creek nighed the peoples republic of china as chinas representative to that body in 1971. Since then, it is no secret that the peoples of republic of china has leveraged its growing influence in the United Nations to make sure they could exclude taiwans meaningful participation in the International Arena and preclude its technical and scientific expertise as we saw in the parch from which the world can and taiwan were nonvoting in 2009 to 2016. In 2016, the p. R. C. Rescinded that inviatation. The denial of taiwans participation at the International Civil Aviation Organization poses a grect threat to avian ation aviation safety. Taiwan was denied information to information about the drug trade we just talked about. We face unprecedented and Health Security threats and taiwans capabilities, Public Health expertise, democratic governance underscore the need for this legislation. Mr. Speaker, the peoples republic of china has made its intentions Crystal Clear. And they have made ludicrous claims of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea and engaged activity on the indian border, the vietnamese border and across the taiwan strait. Mr. Speaker, i rice to make clear any decision by the p. R. C. To intimidate and bully and exclude taiwan will not be tolerated by the United States of america and not by this congress. The United States in the spirit of the taiwan relations act must continue to reject any unilateral aggression against taiwan including International Organizations and bodies. I urge my colleagues to heed the advice of the the gentleman from kentucky and pass this bill unanimously. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia reserves. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Barr i yield three minutes to the gentleman from utah, mr. Curtis, the republican sponsor of this bill and author of the bill and great friend to the people of taiwan and member of the taiwan caucus. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized mr. Curtis i rise in smort of the Taiwan International solidarity act which i colead with my good friend from virginia, representative connolly. This amends the taipei act which countered chinas poaching of taiwans allies and chains efforts to exclude taiwan from International Organizations. I am proud that we strengthened our relationship with taiwan. China has mounted pressure on International Organizations to claim that taiwan is part of china. The taiwan expands to further the attempt to use International Organizations to claim that taiwan is part of china by and policies and procedures of International Organizations. We all witnessed in an interview at the height of covid that a reporter was asked a question about taiwan. The officer refused to answer and then said, we have already talked about china, implying that taiwan is parted of china. This is unacceptable for International Institutions funded by u. S. Taxpayer dollars to be repeating the c. C. P. Narrative. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and i yield. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Barr continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from virginia. Mr. Connolly mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize mr. Lieu for three minutes. Taiwan is a critically important partner to the United States and taiwan has made significant contributions to International Community. Unfortunately the actions of the government of the peoples republic of china have prevent tide wan from being a part of important International Organizations that help not only the United States but also help the International Community and helps the p. R. C. For example, the p. R. C. Blocks taiwan from being a part of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Thats really stupid because there are people from the p. R. C. Flying into taiwan and flying out. Theres people from the United States flying into taiwan and fly out. Wouldnt you want taiwan to have safer air travel . You absolutely would. The p. R. C. Block tide wan from being in the world health assembly. Factually it turns out taiwan got it right. Taiwan told the entire world that covid could be pass through the human transmission the p. R. C. Lied to the entire world and said that that was not true. Taiwan got it right. And yet the w. H. O. Excludes taiwan. The w. H. O. Should be ashamed of themselves, should let taiwan in. Taiwan is also excluded from interpol. Why wouldnt you want taiwan to help fighting crime around the world . You absolutely would. This bill would require the state department to report to Congress Every year any efforts by the p. R. C. Government to undermine taiwans organizations and report on any p. R. C. Government effort to undermine taiwans relationship wore countries. This will be critical for holding perform r. C. Accountable for their contributions to the International Community. Thank you and i yield back to representative connolly. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from rirnlg is recognized. Mr. Connolly we reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Barr i reserve the right to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserved. The gentleman from virginia from kentucky reserves. The gentleman from virginia is recognized. Mr. Connolly i thank the speaker. Again i want to thank my friend from kentucky, mr. Barr, for his leadership and cosponsorship and my partner, mr. Curtis, for his enormous effort in trying to bring this bill before our committee for markup and to the floor. You know, acting on this bill is not a nice thing to do to recognize an allied partner, but it is actually for practical reasons. There are consequences when taiwan, with independent capability and enormous scientific and technical expertise, cannot participate in deliberations about world Public Health during a pandemic. There are consequences when it cannot participate in interpol and help us in that fentanyl Drug Trafficking coming from the big country just to its north, china. There are consequences when we deny taiwan its legitimate place and voice in international deliberations. So mr. Speaker, passing this bill, i hope will have positive and practical consequences. It will remind our friends and allies and our adversaries that this congress believes taiwan is entitled to its voice and its seat at the table in important International Organizations that are operational and that have consequences, good and bad, for the worlds population. I urge adoption of the bill and i yield back the balance of our time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia yields back. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Barr i would once again, mr. Speaker, commend my colleagues, the gentleman from virginia, the gentleman from utah, for their leadership in introducing the Taiwan International solidarity act for standing with the people of taiwan. Obviously taiwan does hold some status in some regional organizations, International Organizations. It holds observer or other status in several other bodies. But taiwan cannot participate in organizations that are key to transnational issues such as the world health organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization or interpol, as has been pointed out chiasm in a continues to advocate for taiwans exclusion in these International Organizations and blocks taiwans participation in the United Nations. And so, this bill would amend the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative act or taipei act of 2019 to reiterate that the United States as a member of any International Organization should oppose attempts by the peoples republic of china to resolve taiwans status by distorting the decisions, language, policies or proceed easers International Organizations. This bill encourages u. S. Allies and partners to oppose the Chinese Communist efforts to undermine taiwans official diplomatic relationships and its partnerships with countries with which it does not maintain diplomatic relations. The bill adds an additional requirement to report to congress on the p. R. C. s attempts to promote its one china position and undermining taiwans membership or observer status in International Organizations and taiwans ties and relationships with other countries. Mr. Speaker, i traveled to tie pais back to taipei back in soacht last year, this was a major topic of discussion. Taiwans systematic exclusion from International Organizations. And the coercive actions of the Chinese Communist party in working against taiwan being a participant in the International Community. This is wrong. The United States needs to stand with the taiwan people and the democracy, that island of democracy and stability, and thats why every member of this body should support this important legislation and stand for taiwans inclusion and constructive participation in International Organizations. With that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1176. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3395, the u. S. Supply Chain Security review act of 2023, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 116, h. R. 3395, a bill to direct the chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission to seek to enter into agreement with a federally funded research and Development Center to evaluate Foreign Ownership of marine terminals at the 15 largest United States container ports and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. James, and the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. Auchincloss, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan. Mr. James mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials into the record on h. R. 3395 as amended. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. James i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. James h. R. 3395 as amended requires a study on the implication of Foreign Ownership of marine terminals at the United States container ports. Not only will the study examine the nationality of firms owning marine terminals at 15 of the largest United States ports, it will specifically focus on whether ownership is held by entities or nationals of countries adversarial to our nation, including affiliations with china or russia. Further, the study will assess whether Port Infrastructure Development Grant and Port Security grant funds have been awarded to ports that are wholly or partially foreign owned. These findings will help the committee on transportation infrastructure hold the Administration Accountable for how federal funds are allocated and inform the committees work on the efficient movement of goods through the supply chain. I thank the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. Auchincloss, for introducing this bill. As a supply Chain Logistics professional in my prior life, i understand how critical this is to our nations infrastructure and our Economic Prosperity move tbargd in the future. Mr. Speaker, i urge support of this legislation and reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan reserves. The gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Mr. Auchincloss mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. Today i rise in support of my bill h. R. 3395, the u. S. Supply Chain Security review act. Thank you to coast guard and Maritime Transportation chair webster for his support on this legislation. Securing our maritime supply chain is critically important to American Consumers and our Economic Resilience. Covid19, russias war of aggression in ukraine, and the increasing economic and security challenges from the Chinese Communist party emphasize the need for the United States to better understand the influences and incentives in our supply chain, especially our ports. This bill would direct the Federal Maritime Commission to work with an independent academic or federally funded Research Center to study the terminals at the 15 largest ports. It will study the changes in ownership over the last 15 years as well as announced ownership changes coming up with specific focus on ownership by chinese or russian entities. These ports are critical to our National Security and its imperative we have a real time understanding of who is in charge. It also looks at the amount of grant funds that have gone to ports that are foreign owned and dethienls foreign control of these terminals. The study will offer suggestions about improving the port, and if Foreign Ownership of the entity could have an impact on our supply chains. Understanding how our supply chains are and will be impacted by Foreign Ownership of marine terminals is a key aspect of our economic competition and will help the United States develop supply chains that are resilient against ad adversaries. This bill passed unanimously out of committee. I thank chair graves and representative larsen for their support on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation so we can begin to address this critical issue and ensewer the security of our maritime spy chains. Mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from massachusetts reserves. The gentleman from michigan is recognized. Mr. James i have no more speakers, im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from massachusetts. Mr. Auchincloss i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 3395 and yield back. The speaker pro tempore the speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from michigan. Mr. James i yield myself such time as i may consume. This bill will help protect our supply chains against foreign adversaries. As we have seen the last few years, disruptions in supply chains have a wide impact across the nation. We should take the necessary steps to understand vulnerabilities in our supply chain and work to address them. Mr. Speaker, i again thank the sponsor of this bill for his work and urge support. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3395 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative mr. Speaker, i object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Mr. James mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3399, the soo locks security and economic reporting act of 2023. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar 104, h. R. 3399. A bill to study the security of esoo locks and effects on the supply chain resulting from malfunction or failure of soo locks and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from michigan, mr. James, and the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. Auchincloss, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan. Mr. James i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the record on h. R. 3399. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. James i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. James first and foremost im grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues in michigan, general bergman along with represents suozzi and kildee for to cosponsoring this legislation. H. R. 3399 the soo locks security and economic report act of 2023 is proof that fortifying our National Security and strengthening our economy transcends partisan politics. The soo locks are a feat of human ingenuity and point of pride for all michiganders. The army corps of engineers nick named locks as the lynchpin of the great lakes. Think collectic lache conspiracior and hue ron and play a vital role in transporting goods and resources not just throughout the great lakes but around the world. 7,000 vessels pass lieu the locks every through the locks every single year. As the hub of americas vehicle industry and one of the most critical states for our military industry, michigan relies on the locks to get necessary materials in and out of the state. But the soo locks arent just important for my home state, theyre also critical for yours and for our National Security. As stated above, over 90 of the worlds iron ore flows through the soo locks. Michigan is home to the Third Largest land border in the country, and as a member of the house transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the congressman representing michigans 10th Congressional District, americas number one manufacturing district, it is my job to safeguard our National Defense and vital commerce by finding ways to secure our essential infrastructure. An unexpected closure of the soo locks would threaten both. In 2015, the department of Homeland Security found that a sixmonth shutdown would be disastrous. Recession, closed factors, shuttered mines, a pause in u. S. And auto and appliance production for almost a year. Almost 11 million jobs could be lost nationwide. Thats the entirety of michigans population. Think of that. Our economy would be critically harmed and might never recover. A 2018 study concluded that an unexpected outage in the 1200 sthoutdown in shoutdown would wreak havoc in michigan manufacturing, especially automotive. This is why we must, together, pass this legislation. This is a commonsense measure that simply asks the secretaries of transportation and defense, along with the commandant of the coast guard, to study potential security risks of the soo locks. It would examine the economic consequences in the event of operational failure. And finally, it asks these departments to provide recommendations as well as the cost of these recommendations to congress. This legislation, again, is a commonsense step toward protecting the infrastructure that keeps this country driving. Failing to move forward on this bill doesnt just jeopardize americas National Security, it leaves our country vulnerable to an economic crisis that is unacceptable. I urge my colleagues to joint me in supporting h. R. 3399, the soo locks security and economic reporting act of 2023, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan reserves. The gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Mr. Auchincloss mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Auchincloss i rise in support of h. R. 3399, which, like my bill that is also under suspensioned today, will suspension today, will help res restore this industry. The soo locks facilitates the passage of 7,000 cargo ships per year. It connects the great lakes and are directly on the border with canada, making them an important fixture for our National Security. If something were to happen to the soo locks, 11 million jobs would be affected nationwide. This bill will have a study be done. This bill was reported out of the transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously on may 23 of this year, because my colleagues understand that Economic Resilience and National Security are intertwined. A robust and resilient supply chain is the result of deliberate construction, maintenance, and Operational Security of locks, ports, railways. And as the bipartisan infrastructure law understood, investments in our waterways is paramount. It provided millions into waterways which will ensure the viability of the locks and maritime in the great lakes. This bill builds upon the bipartisan infrastructure law by understanding the vulnerabilities from a National Security standpoint and thus better protecting our investments. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from massachusetts reserves. The gentleman from michigan is recognized. Mr. James mr. Speaker, i yield two minutes to the gentleman from minnesota and a Lake Superior State University graduate, mr. Stauber. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from minnesota is recognized. Mr. Stauber yes, i spent the last two years of my College Experience living in dorm rooms that were about 200 yards or 250 yards from the soo locks at the beautiful Lake Superior State University. I rise today in support of h. R. 3399, the soo locks security and economic reporting act, sponsored by my good friend from michigan, congressman john james. Each year, vessels passing through the soo locks haul an estimated 70 million tons of cargo to Critical Industries in the United States and canada. In total, the infrastructure supports more than 123,000 jobs and has a 22. 6 billion Economic Activity price tag. In my first year in congress, i joined congressman jack bergman from michigan on a tour of the soo locks to see the Critical Infrastructure firsthand. Nearly all of the iron ore pellets are essential for the American Steel industry travel through the great lakes. A report by the department of Homeland Security in 2015 found no alternative transportation mode exists for getting iron ore from the minnesota mines to steel mills on the lower great lakes. And the iron range of minnesota produces almost 82 of the pellets that make up the Steel Industry in our nation. National Security Experts and economists have warned that sustained closure of any of the locks would cripple our supply chain and plunge our economy into a recession. It is abundantly clear the protection and modernization of the soo locks is not only a supply chain issue but a National Security issue. The soo locks infrastructure needs significant investment and it needs it now. H. R. 3399 directs the secretary of transportation to study the security risks of the soo locks in sault ste. Marie, michigan, and the economic ramifications in the event of their opera operational failure. This will provide concrete evidence of the importance of the soo locks and demonstrate our need for unwavering support. I encourage all my colleagues to support yes, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan is recognized. Mr. James mr. Speaker, i thank the gentleman for his leadership on this measure and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan reserves. The gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Mr. Auchincloss i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 3399, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from massachusetts yields back. The gentleman from michigan is recognized. Mr. James mr. Speaker, i have no more speakers and im prepared to close. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. James mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may con consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. James the soo locks are critical to International Commerce and to our supply chain and the report directed by this bill would provide Important Information to ensure their continued funding and operation. Mr. Speaker, i urge support of this bill and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 399 h. R. 3399. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative mr. James mr. Speaker, i object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and i make a point of order that a quorum is not present. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1345. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 50. H. R. 1345, a bill to amend the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to establish the office of policy development and cybersecurity, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from ohio, mr. Latta, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Pallone, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta well, thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extr extraneous materials in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of h. R. 1345, the ntia policy and cybersecurity coordination act, led by the gentleman from utahs Third District and the gentlelady from pennsylvanias seventh district. As our world becomes more the distinguished gentleman from advertised and connected di digitalized and connected, cybersecurity threats, rather originating from state actors, criminal organizations, or malicious hackers, pose significant risks to our National Security, economy, and the privacy of our citizens. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks underscore the urgency of this everevolving problem. 9 ntia this act will work with ntia and other relevant federal agencies and renames the existing ntia office of policy and analysis and development to the office of policy development and cybersecurity and codifies the existing activities of the office. H. R. 1345 seeks to promote effective information sharing, collaboration and response efforts established in the security and trusted Communications Act. Moreover, the legislation facilitates Public Private partnerships to implement cybersecurity policies. By encouraging collaboration between Government Agency and stakeholders, we can Work Together to address cyberthreats and vulnerabilities more effectively. This Bipartisan Legislation passed out of the energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 440, and i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 1345. And mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio reserves. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pallone thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pallone mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 1345, the ntia policy and cybersecurity coordination act. Protecting our Nations Communications networks is a vital importance to our National Security, and this is particularly important now when a significant amount of our countrys economic and social activity has moved online and consumers are connecting more devices to these networks. We must build in safeguards to increase the safety of Communication Networks to protect americans while also promoting innovation and competition. H. R. 1345 will help us achieve these goals. This legislation authorizes the existing office of policy analysis and development at the ntia and renames it as the office of policy, development, and cybersecurity. It also codifies the responsibilities of ntia in administering parts of the science and trusted Communications Network act and requires the office to coordinate and develop policy initiatives to enhance cybersecurity efforts with respect to our Communications Networks. The office will also be tasked with developing and analyzing policies that promote innovation, competition, digital inclusion, and Workforce Development in the communications, media, and technology markets. I just want to thank representatives wild and curtis for their bipartisan work on this bill, which will ensure that there is a Firm Foundation within the federal government to oversee the security of our nations Communication Networks. So mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to support this legislation that unanimously advanced out of the energy and Commerce Committee earlier this year, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey reserves. The gentleman from ohio is recognized. Mr. Latta well, thank you, mr. Speaker. I recognize the gentleman from utah, the sponsor of the legislation, for as much time as he may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah is recognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. This E Development of cybersecurity policy at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, natia ntia. This office will work with industry and stakeholders to recommend the cybersecurity practices and policies of the internet and Communications Technology sectors. The office for policy development and cybersecurity will also carry out the Communications Supply Chain risk Information Partnership to facilitate information sharing on cybersecurity risks to small and rural communities. Mr. Curtis state and nonstate actors are working overtime to find vulnerabilities in our networks and infrastructure. We must work even harder to make sure americans are protected from cyber attacks. Id like to thank representative wild for joining me on this bill in the house and the senator for leading in the senate. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio. Mr. Laturner mr. Speaker, i reserve mr. Latta mr. Speaker, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pallone i have no additional speakers. Do you . Mr. Latta no, i dont. Mr. Pallone all right, then i will just say that i think this is an important bill. I would urge everyone to support it on both sides of the aisle and with that, mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from ohio is recognized. Mr. Latta mr. Speaker, i now recognize the gentleman from idaho for as much time as he may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of h. R. 1345, the ntia policy and cybersecurity act. This would promote collaboration, preventing and mitigationing Software Vulnerabilities in Communications Networks. Its also important to codify ntias administering of information sharing, established in the security and trusted Communications Network act. It is signed these attacks include those weve all heard about. Unauthorized access. Distributed denial of service. Man in the middle attacks where Communications Traffic is intercepted and code attacks where malicious code can be passed to a server to make it vulnerable. This is a serious prok. Like the secure and trusted Communications Network act, h. R. 1345 passed with unanimous bipartisan support out of the energy and Commerce Committee. We need to address cyberattacks in a more effective and coordinated fashion after the bad actors attacking americas Communication Networks. I appreciate the good work of my colleagues, representative curtis and wild, i strongly support this bill. And i yield back. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. Im prepared to close. Again, as the gentleman just stated, this bill encourages the collaboration between the Government Agencies and stakeholders, we can Work Together to address the cyberthreats and vulnerabilities more effectively and i urge passage from the house, mr. Speaker. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 1345. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 1338, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1338. A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934, to provide authority for certain licenses and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore ok. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from ohio, mr. Latta, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Pallone, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials on the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Latta i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of h. R. 1338, the satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining act, led by the chair of the energy and Commerce Committee. Over the last several years, the satellite marketplace has changed drastically. Every american now expects fast, reliable access to internet, no matter where they are, and satellite Communications Networks play an Important Role in bridging the digital divide. Today new innovations in the satellite marketplace now enables feeds comparable to the other Internet Service providers. This new and enhanced Satellite Service is especially important in rural ohio and other rural areas across america. For americans who have never had internet, satellite broadband can enable families to connect with distant relatives, children to complete their homework and receive an Education Online and enable access to telehealth services. The new speeds and lowly a thanasi provided by satellite Communications Networks are enabled by several advancements in technology. First, some new satellite Communications Networks operate in low earth orbit, which means their radio signals do not have to travel as far as other satellite communication signals. As a result, Communications Networks operating in low earth orbit can provide services that can deliver a better experience for consumers. Additionally, some new satellite Communication Networks have more satellite radio stations in their network than satellite Communications Networks that rely that were licensed many years ago. In some cases there are thousands of radios, all of which Work Together in concert to provide faster, more reliable connectivity service. Finally, the investment and innovation in new satellite Communications Networks has led to novel electromagnetic spectrum in new ways. By their nature, satellite Communications Networks serve Global Markets and therefore share the use of electromagnetic spectrum. The complex design and architecture of these satellites, as well as how they utilize spectrum, has led to more advanced Satellite Service offerings. However, all of this change has amplified the challenges with the federal Communications Licensing process. A regulatory process that once contemplating only a handful of applications has seen dozens of applicants seeking new applications, modifications to existing applications, and new uses of spectrum that the old Regulatory Regime was not designed to address. To provide needed direction to the f. C. C. And promote competition and innovation, the satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining act is the first legislation in decades to modernize the Regulatory Framework for licensing, commercial, satellite Communications Networks. H. R. 1338 would bring our licensing framework for Satellite Communications into the 21st century, especially as we compete against other countries like china who seek to dominate the United States. The legislation would establish a statutory framework at the f. C. C. That provides a streamline process for considering new Satellite Communications licenses, modifying existing ones, and facilitating the deployment of Innovative Communications technologies. In addition to bringing next generation satellite connectivity to americans and the world, h. R. 1338 would also promote u. S. Technological leadership. By creating a Regulatory Environment that invites investment and rewards innovation, we can turn the United States into the destination of choice for licensing Satellite Communication Systems for providers around the world. While the use of spectrum must be coordinated internationally, ensuring timely access to predictable, reliable use of shared spectrum in the United States will send a signal that the government wants to be a partner, not a roadblock to deploying next generation technologies. This is the key as the United States looks to defend americas technological leadership against china, the satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining act will ensure the United States regulatory process doesnt hold back american innovation. China can act unilaterally to approve changes to their Satellite Communications systems spectrum usage, which is a far cry from the competitive marketbased spectrum licensing system in the United States. In order for the government to be a partner, not a roadblock, and to make sure that Innovative New satellite Spectrum Technologies make it from the lab to orbit in a timely manner, h. R. 1338 will ensure that there is a fair Regulatory Regime built on an objective performancebased system that facilitates the investment needed to maintain our technological leadership. Also, the f. C. C. Currently has authority under the Communications Act to attach conditions to the licenses for Satellite Communication Systems to ensure licensees are acting in the public interest. This authority has been upheld by the courts. The energy and Commerce Committee wants to ensure that the f. C. C. Does not become a space traffic cop and try to manage space Traffic Management functions or provide Space Situational Awareness information. We added rules of construction to clarify that the f. C. C. Does the not have the authority to be that space traffic cop and affirm that nothing in h. R. 1338 would expand the existing authority the f. C. C. Currently has regarding or by thal debris orbital debris and space safety. The rules of construction also clarify that nothing in h. R. 1338 grants the f. C. C. The authority to carry out functions provided under section 2274 of title 10, u. S. C. , related to the provision of Space Situational Awareness services and information. The f. C. C. Uses their Current Authority to attach conditions in spectrum licenses relating to orbital debris and space safety capabilities to prevent the harmful interference among satellite systems and avoid granting licenses to potentially unsafe Satellite Communications systems that would jeopardize space safety and exacerbate orbital debris. This legislation is good governance, it provides boundaries to the f. C. C. Rather than allowing them to try to retrofit old laws for the new marketplace. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 1338, the satellite and telecommunications streaming act, and, mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. Will the gentleman yield for a question . Mr. Latta no. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Pallone thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pallone mr. Speaker, i rise in strong support of h. R. 1338, the satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining act, or the s. A. T. Streamlining act. Within the last decade, satellite capabilities have jumped leaps and bounds. Weve seen significant advancements in satellites providing broad band internet and other consume others to consumers. While this is beneficial to all, it is especially helpful to those living in areas where other types of technologies have not been built out yet due to geographic considerations and other factors. These Technological Breakthroughs are a positive step forward for our country, but it is evident that other countries, including our foreign adversary, are also aggressively trying to dominate this industry. So its imperative that congress act now to retain our countrys leadership position in this satellite marketplace. Now, h. R. 1338 helps to accomplish this goal. This bill will enhance the competitiveness of our nations satellite industry by requiring the f. C. C. To set reasonable rules to prevent harmful interference as satellites utilize spectrum to communicate with one another and with base stations on earth. It does not expand the f. C. C. s jurisdiction over the space industry. Instead it sets new rules of the road with respect to the licensing of electromagnetic spectrum, which is needed to operate satellite systems. For instance, it establishes application requirements for the licensing of the spectrum, sets forth the guidelines for how and when the f. C. C. Should consider these applications, and the time frames for doing so. And we must implement these solutions to ensure the United States remains competitive with our counterparts across the globe, including china, producing cutting edge consumer innovations and fortifying our Public Safety and National Security capabilities. The energy and Commerce Committee, mr. Speaker, has traditionally worked in a bipartisan fashion on Key Telecommunications matters, and i commend chair rogers for continuing this tradition with this legislation. Unfortunately, though, another bipartisan bill that i led with chair rogers and that unanimously passed out of the committee, would have directly addressed the threat of adversaries deploying their satellite systems for use by u. S. Customers. H. R. 675, the secure space act, would extend the framework congress adopted in the bipartisan security and trusted Communications Network act to satellite operators. And this framework ensures that foreign adversaries cannot use our Communications Network for espionage and disruption. The energy and Commerce Committee and then the full Congress Passed last year thenminority whip scalises Bipartisan Legislation to extend that framework to the f. C. C. s equipment authorization process. So it surprised and disappointed me that some members of the Republican Caucus are objecting to the secure space act. Again, a bill passed unanimously out of the energy and Commerce Committee. Unfortunately it cant go forward without amendments limiting its scope and therefore its affect in keeping unquestionably bad actors from infiltrating our networks. We should be passing this bill today rather than allowing a small extreme minority in the house Republican Caucus to have veto power over a policy that is so important to our National Security and that a sigma jotter of this house that a significant majority of this house favors. Its unfortunate that the republican majority continues to cave to the extreme elements of their party. In closing, mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 1338 and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from ohio. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta thank you. At this time i yield to the gentlelady from washington, the chair of the energy and Commerce Committee as much time as she may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mrs. Rodgers i rise in support of h. R. 1338, the satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining act, which im proud to lead with Ranking Member pallone. This is the first legislation in over two decades to update our laws governing how communication services, using satellite technologies, are willed by the pa f. C. C. The Legal Framework for licensing new and innovative satellite technologies has not kept pace with the 21st century. Other adversaries, like china, seek to overtake our lead in developing these next generation technologies. The sat streamlining act would reform and improve the f. C. C. s process to make the United States the destination of choice for licensing satellite commune xags Communication Systems without expanding the f. C. C. s authority. Our goal today is to ensure the f. C. C. Does not become a space traffic cop and try to manage space Traffic Management functions or provide Space Situational Awareness information. We added rules of construction to clarify the f. C. C. Does not have the authority to be the space traffic cop and affirm that nothing in h. R. 1338 would expand the existing authority of the f. Kr c. F. C. C. Currently as they have regarding orbital debris and space safety. And id just like to read the rules of construction. If you look at rules of construction, this is section 3a, Space Situational Awareness, services, and information. Nothing in this subsection, including the rules issued pursuant to paragraph 1a, shall be construed to grant the Commission Authority to carry out the functions provided under section 1227 2274. And then go to section b. Orbital debris. Nothing in this subsection, including the rules issued pursuant to paragraph 1a shall be construed to expand the authority of the commission to establish requirements for or regulate space safety and orbital debris. Subsection 3, authority of the commission in this act, nothing under subparagraph a or b shall be construed to limit the authority with respect to space stations licensed under this act. Those are the rules of construction. This legislation today is to provide certainty to satellite operators by setting out clear performance objectives for Satellite Communication Systems. These changes will ensure that as satellite operators choose a venue for licensing their global systems, the United States regulatory process is more appealing than other nations. The sat act would have an expedited review process for improving minor modifications to Satellite Communication Systems, which will get new technologies into space sooner. Second, the legislation would promote Competition Among satellite communication providers. Spectrum access is a necessary component of global satellite Communications Networks. Innovation takes place at a rapid speed, and the f. C. C. Should have clear guidance from congress on how to evaluate whether a proposed Satellite Communications system can share spectrum with other systems to avoid harmful interference. The sat act sets forth a p framework to ensure spectrum is used efficiently and promotes competition and innovation in the Satellite Communications marketplace. China is currently working to launch and operate a national constellation similar to the american Satellite Communications systems. Unlike other regulatory processes, china can move swiftly to approve new technologies in their quest to dominate america and the world. In order to ensure u. S. Licensed systems stay ahead of our competitors, our Regulatory Environment must keep pace with industry while continuing to ensure responsible spectrum use. We began this effort to develop this new licensing framework for a modern era two years ago, and weve worked with a wide array of stakeholders, from the satellite industry and im pleased we are moving forward today. We must lead with more innovation, more competition, better Communication Systems for American Homes and businesses, and i want to thank Ranking Member pallone and all the stakeholders who have worked with us over the last few years to create a framework that will promote competition, innovation, and predictability. I encourage my colleagues to vote in support of the legislation, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields. The gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Pallone mr. Speaker, i yield three minutes now to the gentleman from virginia, mr. Beyer. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Beyer mr. Speaker, thank you. Mr. Speaker, i rise in strong opposition to h. R. 1338, the satellite and telecommunications streaming act. Mr. Mr. Speaker, with mr. Speaker, with complete respect to the chair and Ranking Member of the energy and Commerce Committee, if this was focused on electromagnetic spectrum use, this would be a very different speech. Improving the federal Communication Commission spectrum licensing is important. However, this bill goes way beyond the spectrum mission. It will provide Unprecedented Authority to provide rules on space safety and orbital debris. This is a serious problem and cause for deep concern. Drafting such rules would detract and avert attention resources from the f. C. C. s primary mission, auctions the the f. C. C. Does not have the sufficient expertise to issue appropriate rules on space safety or orbital debris. Further, today, federal agencies engaged in interagency coordination on orbit abt Debris Organization led by nasa. Rather than follow a cohesive and coordinated approach within the federal government, h. R. 1338 would give authority to the f. C. C. To do its own thing and to act unilaterally without participating in the interagency coordination that is necessary to prevent a fragmented government approach to space activity. Something as important as space safety and orbital debris, this is a troubling thought. The issue of space safety and orbital debris is a pressing concern. The administration through two administrations have been coalescing around the department of commerce as the lead agency on space safety and related orbital debris activities in coordination with other federal Government Agencies. Congress has appropriated funding for commerce to advance civil Space Situational Awareness and related orbital debris activities. This is a critical time for the u. S. Commercial space industry. Clear and predictable roles, responsibilities, and Regulatory Frameworks from the federal government is needed. Having the f. C. C. Regulate orbital debris would dube i will indicate efforts duplicate efforts. Rather than supporting the continuing growth and leadership of the u. S. In commercial space and the interagency process within the department of commerce, h. R. 1338 risks undermining it. I urge my colleagues to vote no, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Pallone i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta i yield to the gentleman from floridas Second District four minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Thank you very much, mr. Speaker. In the everexpanding realm of space architecture, weve witnessed an unprecedented growth in commercial, academic, and military applications over the past two decades. As we enter into a new era of Space Exploration, it has become imperative for the United States to move at the speed of business, embracing agility and efficiency in our regulatory approach. The satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining act, or sat act, represents a transformative step towards ensuring that our regulations keep pace with the dynamic and rapidly evolving Satellite Communications ecosystem. Mr. Dunn this bill directs the f. C. C. To establish new rules for licensing Satellite Communications systems that describe crucial porm objectives performance objectives within a defined time frake of 18 months time frame of 18 months. T they will understand the requirements that must be met in order to avoiding interfering with other space systems. This bill would also direct the agency to decide on new license applications within one year. The s. A. T. Act provides a streamline application process for Satellite Communications, providers, and with the goal of promoting u. S. Leadership of the Satellite Communications industry. During these contentious geopolitical times, the importance of spacebased assets for our National Security cannot be overstated. Many of these assets are critical to safeguarding our nations interests and are exte extensely utilized for the extensively utilized by the applications. By providing an updated and efficient licensing process, the s. A. T. Act ensures these vital space assets remain protected from harmful interference and operation. With the satellite ecosystem constantly evolving aztec nothings and inowe as technologies and innovations come online, its pair mount that regulation paramount that regulations governing them keep pace to remain ahead of ourour adversaries. As the department of defense relies on commercial satellite technology. We must update federal regulations so that industry can deliver requirements to the war fighters at the pace that they demand. I urge my esteemed colleagues to pass the s. T. A. Act, recognizing its potential to drive our nat nations competitiveness in the space domain. By streamlining regulatory processes, we set the stage for a future where american businesses can contribute to our continued leadership in space. Let us unite in embracing this transformative legislation, ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of Communications Technology and innovation in space. Thank you, mr. Speaker. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Pallone mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pallone thank you, mr. Speaker. I listened to what mr. Beyer said, and i know that some of the leadership or the leadership on the Science Committee are opposed to this bill, but i do want to say that despite sciences claims, h. R. 1338, the satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining act, does not infringe on the Science Committees jurisdiction or grant the f. C. C. New authority with respect to space safety and orbital debris. Instead, this bill streamlines existing f. C. C. Licensing procedures so that commercial satellite operators can employer easily obtain the can easily obtain the rights to launch their satellite systems into space. Because the bill deals directly with access to spectrum and the f. C. C. s management of it, this legislation falls squarely within the jurisdiction of the energy and Commerce Committee. To the extent the bill references space safety and orbital debris, it is in the context of ensuring that the f. C. C. Acts within the bounds of the rules adopted by the u. S. Government for orbital debris mitigation. Specifically, the language in the bill simply directs the f. C. C. To align any licensing requirements that it may impose on satellite operators concerning orbital debris and space safety which it can do today consistent with its existing authority with the orbital debris and space Safety Practices established by nasa and others. Mandating such action is good government, mr. Speaker, as it reduces the likelihood of conflicting standards or of requirements and ensures the government continues to speak with one voice on these important matters. But recognizing the Science Committees concerns, language has been added to the bill to make it Crystal Clear that this legislation does not give the f. C. C. Any new authority on space safety and orbital debris. And finally, for those members suggesting that the department of commerce does not support this bill, i want to be clear that this is not true. In reality, the department of commerce has not taken a position on this bill. For all these reasons, h. R. 1338 is a worthwhile bill, and i urge all my colleagues to support it. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta well, thank you, mr. Speaker. At this time i yield 3 1 2 minutes to the gentleman from idaho. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. 3 1 2 minutes. Mr. Simpson thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of h. R. 1338, the satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining act. This bill amends the Communications Act to clarify the federal Communication Commissions statutory role in licensing Satellite Communication Systems. While the f. C. C. Has long exercised the authority to license satellite systems and while congress recognized this authority, this bill provides further direction on the agency when it comes to balancing and considering novel issues throughout its licensing process. Mr. Fulcher for example, for example, the f. C. C. Can use its Current Authority to regulate Satellite Communications systems designed to ensure that related aspects of radio stations in space can continue to serve the public interest. Mr. Fulcher this is on top of using its authority when considering the complex use of electromagnetic spectrum by various satellite systems. This bill would effectively simplify f. C. C. s space station licensing rules, impose f. C. C. Licensing decision timelines and add performance standards to mitigate orbital debris to ensure safe operation in space. It also clarifies f. C. C. Radio frequency sharing obligations to encourage innovation and investment. This bill is very clear that it does not expand the f. C. C. s authority. In terms of innovation, mr. Speaker, spectrum is limited. Our adversaries are not hindered by regulations. We need to streamline this. This bill passed with unanimous bipartisan support out of energy and Commerce Committee in march. And this is not Unprecedented Authority for the f. C. C. I want to respond to my democrat colleague who claimed this allows the f. C. C. To act unilaterally. That is false. In fact, this legislation constrains the f. C. C. s authority to issue rules around space safety, to be aligned with the orbital debris mitigation plan, which is approved by the interagency. I support this bill. With that, mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Pallone mr. Speaker, i think the republicans have a number of speakers. So ill continue to reserve if thats the case. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey reserves. The gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta mr. Speaker, may i ask how much time we have . The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio has 2 1 2 minutes remaining. Mr. Latta thank you very much, mr. Speaker. I yield to the gentleman from texas one minute and 30 seconds. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. I thank the gentleman, mr. Speaker. H. R. 1338 promotes u. S. Leadership in commercial Satellite Communications industry by creating a Regulatory Environment that encourages innovation and investment in the United States. Let me tell you something, energy and Commerce Committee is all about encouraging investment in the United States and in innovation and investment. This bill helps us to beat china. China is actively working to undermine u. S. Leadership in the Satellite Communications marketplace and provide service to other allies so that they can gather intelligence. This bill streamlines the process for modifications to existing Satellite Communications systems. Mr. Weber the bill would ensure that modifications to existing Satellite Communications are not held up by unnecessary new applications that may be more complex. The bill also creates a regulatory fast lane for minor modifications that do not change the spectrum interference landscape in any meaningful way. It incentivizes Satellite Communications systems to be good stewards of the spectrum. By establishing a quantifiable level of protection that defines how each Satellite Communications system licensed by the f. C. C. May use that spectrum, the bill ensures a balance between competition and innovation. It enhances f. C. C. Transparency and efficiency of processing satellite applications. For example, spacex. The bill would provide directions to the f. C. C. On how their Satellite Communications licensing rules should be designed, by creating objective, measurable and technologyneutral performance objectives, satellite operators will have flexibility to design their systems without government overregulations. We need h. R. 1338. I hope our colleagues will support it. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. The gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. Reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Pallone i dont have any additional speakers at this time. So ill continue to reserve because the speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey reserves. Mr. Latta does the gentleman have any further speakers . Im ready to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio reserves. The gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Pallone mr. Speaker, ill just yield myself such time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pallone i just urge for support this bill on a bipartisan basis. The committee voted this out, again, on a bipartisan basis. I think its very important. And i assure my science colleagues that this is not this does not imping on their jurisdiction. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. Weve heard from so many of our speakers this afternoon that how essential h. R. 1345 is to promote effective information sharing, collaboration and response efforts established in the secure and trusted Information Networks act. This facilitates the public and private partnerships to develop and implement cybers relate cybersecurity policies related to the networks and by encouraging this collaboration between the Government Agencies and stakeholders, we can all Work Together to address the cyberthreats and vulnerabilities more effectively. Again, this piece of legislation passed out of the energy and Commerce Committee, we worked together on this in a bipartisan manner. And with a vote of 440, that that bill came out of committee. Its a good piece of legislation, mr. Speaker. And i would urge all my colleagues to support h. R. 1338 and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 1338, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the gentleman from oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, i do not recognize a quorum being present. With that, i demand the yeas and nays, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays have been requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 682, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 682. A bill to facilitate access to electromagnetic spectrum for commercial space launches and commercial space reentries. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from ohio, mr. Latta, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Pallone, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from ohio. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Latta mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of h. R. 682, the launch Communications Act, led by the gentleman from floridas second and ninth districts. Over the last decade, the american commercial space industry has dramatically reduced the cost to enter space, revolutionizing the industry. Investment has increased and innovation has flourished. The number of commercial space launches have increased dramatically. Unfortunately our federal processes have not kept pace. To launch satellites into orbit, launch providers need access to certain radio frequencies known as spectrum. Which requires coordination between several federal agencies. H. R. 682 will take important steps to streamline the process for commercial space launch providers, so as to gain access to the frequencies they need, when they need them, and ensure that a lack of coordination between federal agencies does not hamper the thriving commercial space economy. No space launch should be threatened because of approval for their spectrum access is caught up in a brach delay bureaucratic delay. This will provide more certainty to commercial satellite operators, that when they make the investment in satellite technologies, they will be able to launch them into space. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 682 and, mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pallone mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pallone mr. Speaker, i rise in strong support of h. R. 682, the launch Communications Act. Over the last decade, weve seen the costs for exploring space drop drastically. As a result, space launches in this country have increased dramatically. In 2013 the f. A. A. Authorized eight launches, but by 2022 less than a decade later, the number was 79. And the number of space launches from the United States is only expected to increase in the years to come. We must foster and support this growth in order to enhance our National Security capabilities and cement our nation as a imloabl lead Global Leader in space and other cutting edge technologies. Transporting satellites to space cannot happen without launch tints having reliable access to electromagnetic spectrum. Right now the f. C. C. Only temporarily allocates spectrum for space launches, but this process is becoming increasingly burdensome, given the rise in the number of space launches occurring in our country. The United States for the United States to continue its leadership in spairks its imperative that the f. C. C. Develop an efficient and effective process to license spectrum for commercial space launches, as well as the space reentries that inevitably we must follow. H. R. 682 addresses these challenges, specifically this bill requires the f. C. C. To streamline its process for allocating spectrum usage rights to commercial space launch providers. These efforts will better support these providers as they communicate with their launch vehicles during flight and upon reentry. The bill also directs the f. C. C. To complete a rulemaking proceeding to adopt Service Rules for the spectrum bands identified in the bill for commerce space launches and commerce space reentries. I want to commend representatives soto and dunn for their bipartisan work on this bill. This important bill helps secure americas leadership in the commercial space industry by strengthening our countrys position as a prime destination for launching satellites into space. So, mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to support this legislation, in a bipartisan manner, and i look forward to its consideration in the senate. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey reserves. The gentleman from ohio is recognized. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. At this time i recognize the gentleman from floridas Second District, the sponsor of the legislation, for two minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Its imperative that the United States continues to lead in the Satellite Communications technologies and Space Exploration to ensure our global competitiveness. In todays world, indispensable spectrum resources know no borders or boundaries. And they must be used to enhance space and satellite operations, provide broadband across our country and enhance American Security capabilities. As our private sector partners continue to innovate, the federal government can play a collaborative role through modernization of the launch spectrum licensing process. Mr. Dunn this is why i joined my esteemed colleague from florida, mr. Soto, in reintroducing the launch Communications Act. This act updates and simplifies an outdated regulatory process so that the u. S. Can maintain our competitiveness in Space Exploration. Currently, commercial missions launching from the United States must use government ondcped spectrum to governmentowned spectrum to communicate with rockets during launch and reentry. Additionally, these private Companies Must apply to the f. C. C. Who must then coordinate with the ntia to receive special temporary authorities to such spectrum each time they launch. The launch Communications Act will lift the burden of obtaining many authorizations and enable the private companies to temporarily use certain spectrum bands for satellite launches when needed on multiple occasions. This legislation requires the f. C. C. To streamline the launch authorization process for commercial launches, eliminating special temporary authorities and permitting multilaunch authorities and automating the frequency review process. Its consistent with space policy directive 2 issued by President Trump in may of 2018 to refine federal spectrum regulations and minimize regulatory burdens. And with that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio is recognized. Mr. Latta thank you, mr. Speaker. Reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio reserves. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pallone thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield now three minutes to the democrat sponsor of this bill, the gentleman from florida, and a graduate of rutgers university, mr. Soto. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Soto thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of h. R. 682, the launch Communications Act. In central florida, the busiest space port in the world is right in our backyard in cape canaveral. We had a record year of 57 launches from the cape in 2022, and were expecting a total of 87 launches or more this year. So quite often we see two or more in a single week. When we see bad weather, as you can imagine, some of these launches start to stack up. Which is why having a lengthy f. C. C. License process for each launch can be cumbersome and costly. Thats why i introduced this bill with my colleague and fellow floridian, dr. Dunn, to streamline the process. And ensure our space force continues to be the most efficient in the world. The launch the launch Communications Act allocates certain spectrum for commercial launches and reentries. It streamlines the process for authorization while also keeping it available to other users and ensuring coordination to prevent any interference with government systems. As we continue to break launch records year after year, we need to streamline these processes to continue to ensure that america remains the world lead for the space and this bill does exactly that. In closing, mr. Speaker, i want to thank my colleagues on the energy and Commerce Committee, chair latta, chair mcmorris rodgers, Ranking Member pallone, Ranking Member matsui and my fellow floridian, dr. Dunn, for passing this bill out of committee unanimously. I urge my colleagues to support the launch Communications Act and reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pallone i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey reserves. The gentleman from ohio is recognized. Mr. Latta may i inquire of the gentleman from florida, we have no further speakers. Do you have other speakers . Mr. Pallone i have no further speakers. This is a bipartisan bill coming out of the energy and Commerce Committee. I urge support of the legislation and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Latta this legislation will be providing more certainty to commercial satellite operators so when they make investments in satellite technologies theyll be able to launch them into space. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 682 and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass bill h. R. 682 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from indiana seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 2544. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 111, h. R. 2544, a bill to improve organ pro keurmt and trans procurement and Transplantation Network and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from indiana bucshon and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Pallone, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from indiana. Mr. Bucshon i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Bucshon i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bucshon thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of my bill, h. R. 2544, the securing the u. S. Organ procurement and Transplantation Network act, introduced in partnership with representative kelly of illinois. This critical legislation would improve the organ procurement and transplant network by allowing the Health Resources and Services Administration to make the optm contracting process competitive. The same entity has operated the optm contract since it was established nearly 40 years ago. Recent reports and bipartisan congressional investigations have shed light on logistical and technological flaws within the optn that may have jeopardized Patient Safety and may have led to lifesaving organs not being transplanted. We must pass h. R. 2544 to increase competition and make sure the best organization is shreked to operate the optn. This will hopefully need to lead to more organs being transplanted and save lives. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation and reserve the balance of anytime. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pallone thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pallone h. R. 2544, the securing u. S. Organ procurement and Transportation Network act seeks to secure the organ procurement and Transportation Network, optn. This network is responsible for maintaining a National Registry for organ matching and it is operated by a private organization under federal contract. A number of investigations in the past few years have found that the optn struggles to obtain and distribute organs in a timely and efficient manner. In fact, more than 6,000 americans die each year while waiting for Organ Transplants and this problem is even more pronounce for people of color and rural residents. More than 100,000 americans are currently on the transplant waiting list and 17 americans die each wayday awaiting transplants. This is unacceptable and we need to do better. The optn needs to be improved and modernized in a number of ways. They have undertaken efforts to modernize the optn and this bill complements those efforts. It would ensure that they have the authority to award multiple contracts to carry out the many functions of the optn and would make the optn contracts more competitive in order to increase oversight and transparency and to enhance the performance of the program. The organ Transplantation Network is a lifesaving system that is in desperate need of repair. This bill will go a long way to improve it and it is a huge win for some of the most vulnerable patients in this country. So i want to thank representative buse spohn and kelly for their bipartisan leadership on this bill. Im pleased its before us today and i encourage all my colleagues to vote yes on this important legislation and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from indiana is recognized. Mr. Bucshon i dont have any other speakers, im prepared to close. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pallone again, this is a bipartisan bill, really important, i urge my colleagues to support it in a bipartisan basis. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from indiana is recognized. Mr. Bucshon h. R. 2544 allows them to impreux the optn program. It clarifies that hursa does not have to implement a single contract for all aspects of the program and encourages a competitive process to choose the best contract grors each optn function. Nothing in this legislation procleudz them from awarding unos a contract for each function. As a physician in congress my focus with this legislation is on ensuring that hursa has the authority it needs to act on behalf of patients an ensure that the best innovators are able to compete and play their part in saving lives. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 2544. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the house is the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from indiana seek recognition . Mr. Bucshon i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 752 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 752, a bill to require select u. S. A. To coordinate with state Level Economic Development organizations to increase Foreign Direct Investment in Semiconductor Related manufacturing and production. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from indiana, mr. Bucshon, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Pallone, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from indiana. Mr. Bucshon i ask unanimous consent that all splebs five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Bucshon i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bucshon thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of h. R. 752, securing semisucket Semiconductor Supply Chains act of 2023, sponsored by ms. Eshoo of california and mr. Pence of indiana. I am pleased that we can look at ways to attract investment into our country as opposed to shifting more demands onto our taxpayers. This legislation requires select u. S. A. To find ways that we can bolster Foreign Direct Investment in u. S. Semiconductor supply chains. Semiconductor Technology Powers much of our modern economy from payment cards, automobiles, cell phone, the list goes on. While we have led in chip design over the years, we have seen chip manufacturing and its surrounding supply chains shift overseas. And among the many lessons we learned from covid19 and the pan democrat sick that the United States must lead in both the design and production of Semiconductor Chips to ensure we do not fall behind china. I encourage my colleagues to support this measure and this legislation and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from indiana reserves. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pallone thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pallone i rise to speak in support of h. R. 752, the securing Semiconductor Supply Chains act. Semiconductors are necessary for the production of everything from Consumer Electronics to automobiles to our National Defense weapons systems. The United States was once a global powerhouse of Semiconductor Fabrication but over the years it has become dangerously reliant on other countries for the production of these chips which are vital to both our National Economic and security interests. Thats why i was proud to lead the effort last congress when democrats were in the majority here in the house to pass and enact the chips and science act. This law was transformational. It will strengthen our manufacturing base, help create goodpaying jobs for American Workers, unleash innovation and lower costs for consumers. It does this by investing more than 52 billion into domestic semiconductor research, development and manufacturing so more semiconductors are built here in the United States by American Workers. When you travel to the industrial heartland, spend time in our industrial communities and talk to hardworking middle class americans whose manufacturing jobs have been offshored, its clear we still have to do more. H. R. 752 will provide valuable information about how we can increase Foreign Direct Investment to further advance our efforts to strengthen the Semiconductor Supply Chains, create more jobs, and continue to revitalize American Manufacturing. I want to commend representative eshoo and also mr. Pence, representative pence, for their bipartisan leadership on this issue and i urge my colleagues to support this bill. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from indiana is recognized. Mr. Bucshon i yield as much time as he may consume to one of the primary sponsors of the bill, mr. Pence of indiana. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pence thank you to my esteemed friend and chairman from indiana, mr. Bucshon. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting h. R. 752, the securing Semiconductor Supply Chains act, which i coled with congresswoman eshoo who i thank for her leadership. This bipartisan bill seeks to uncover barriers that could expand Foreign Direct Investment into domestic manufacturing for Semiconductor Chips. Over the past few years, hoosiers in Southern Indiana felt the ripples in our economy caused by the shortages of Semiconductor Chips. Auto manufacturers like honda and cummings in indiana told me firsthand the potential impacts on daytoday operations because of this shortage. We learned the hard way that our economy cannot rely solely on adadversarial nations like china to secure chips for our economy. My greatest priority in congress has been fighting for policies that have the opportunity to create good paying jobs for our hoosiers and for all americans. I urge support for this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bucshon i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pallone thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield three minutes to the democratic sponsor of this bill, the chairman of our energy and Commerce Health subcommittee, the gentlewoman from california, ms. Eshoo. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Eshoo i thank the Ranking Member for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, in support of i want to thank him for the support of my bill and the security Semiconductor Supply Chains. My Congressional District is was named for the materials that semiconductors are made of. Silicon valley. 30 years ago the United States manufactured nearly 40 of all semiconductors. Today, we produce only 12 . This lack of dmessic Semiconductor Manufacturing poses a significant risk to our economy and our National Security. The semiconductor supply is fragile and it can be disrupted easily with serious consequences to our daily lives. To bolster Domestic Semiconductor Production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, my legislation directs the department of commerces select u. S. A. Program to develop strategies to deliver investment in u. S. Semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains. It will leverage the considerable down Payment Congress made in the chips act and the chips and science act, and expand opportunities for the private sector to invest in American Manufacturing. This this bipartisan, bicameral legislation, along with the investments made in the chips and science act, will bring the u. S. Back to be number one in the world in Semiconductor Manufacturing and maintain leadership in technological innovation. I want to thank congressman pence for his partnership on this legislation and my colleagues, and i urge my colleagues to vote for it. This is a very good bill and its going to build on what we need to bring this manufacturing back to the United States and make us number one in the world. And with that, i yield back, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields. Does the gentleman from new jersey reserve . The gentleman from new jersey reserves. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from indiana. Mr. Bucshon i have no further speakers, madam chair, and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The chair recognizes the gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Pallone thank you, madam speaker. Let me urge support for this bipartisan bill, which continues our efforts to deal with chips, basically a followup on the chips and science act, which is so important in bringing back American Manufacturing and american innovation. And with that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from indiana. Mr. Bucshon madam speaker, i also urge support for h. R. 752, the securing Semiconductor Supply Chains act of 2023. And yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 752, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended and the bill is passed. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from mississippi seek recognition . Madam speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 4470, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 121. H. R. 4470. A bill to extend the authorization of the chemical facilities antiterrorism Standards Program of the department of Homeland Security. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from mississippi, mr. Guest, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Payne, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from mississippi. Mr. Guest madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on h. R. 4470. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Guest thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Guest i rise today in support of h. R. 4470, the chemical facilities antiterrorist Standards Program, also known as cfats, which is the only federal program that focuses on security at facilities with chemicals of interest. The authority for this Program Expires in just two days. While Congress Continues to look at improvements and changes with feedback from industry, it is imperative that we reauthorize the program to remain in place to continue to provide stability to the chemical facilities industries. I thank my colleague, ms. Lee, for her hard work leading this initiative. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 4470, and with that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Payne madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. T the speaker pro tempore so recognized. Mr. Payne moirnlings the chemical facility antiterrorism standards or cfats program is a vital National Security program whereby d. H. S. Works with the nations highest risk chemical facilities to make sure they are secure against an attack by a terrorist or other bad actor. Since 2007, cfats has helped thousands of facilities strengthen their Security Posture and reduce onsite risks stiernlings lowering their risks, sometimes lowering their risk profile so much that they are no longer subject to regulation. This program has been so effective that in the 15 years since it was established, the number of highrisk facilities has dropped by half, from more than 7,000 to fewer than 3,500. Once more, cfats regulated facilities are some of the programs most a. F. C. I had supporters avid supporters. Thats because the regulations are flexible, nonprescriptive and focused on outcomes, rather than micromanaging security decisions or imposing onesizefitsall requirements. Still, cfats Statutory Authority will lapse a few days from now and if if congress does not act. We cannot let that happen. But cfats is far from perfect. The program suffers from longstanding, welldocumented issues that need to be fixed in legislation. However, h. R. 4470 makes no effort to address them. In committee, i joined my democratic colleagues to offer 10 modest targeted amendments that sought to improve information sharing with First Responders training for inspectors and our understanding of potential weaknesses in the program. We had hoped that our republican colleagues might have adopted at least a few of these modest measures. Unfortunately they did not. But not because they disagreed with the substance. They did so and they said out of fear that any change might complicate reauthorization in the senate. It is a shame that it took so long for the committee to act on a reauthorization, especially since its just a date change bill. When democrats took the gavel in 2019, cfats was just a few weeks away from sunsetting. We had a shortterm extension bill on the floor within a few days and immediately got to work on legislation to improve the program, not just extend it. I was, however, heartened to hear many of my republican colleagues acknowledge the longstanding issues with the program and express support for many of the amendments that we offered. We also appreciate that at the markup, the chairman committed to standing up a Bipartisan Working Group within the committee to get these changes enacted into law. I hope that once we get this date change bill done, our committee will get to work on making the Program Better in short order. And with that, madam speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from mississippi is recognized. Mr. Guest madam speaker, i yield two minutes to the gentlewoman from the great state of florida, ms. Lee. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from florida is recognized for two minutes. Ms. Lee madam speaker, i am proud to lead h. R. 4470, protecting and securing chemical facilities from terrorist attacks act of 2023. The chemical facilities antiterrorism standards or cfats program identifies and regulates highrisk chemical facilities to ensure they are protected from terrorist attacks. This program must be reauthorized by july 27 to ensure these standards of protection against cyber and physical risks remain in place. On july 20, the committee on Homeland Security voted unanimously and on a bipartisan basis to reauthorize cfats and i encourage my colleagues to support this bill. Cfats is a Regulatory Program that is broadly supported by industry. This twoyear extension will ensure couldnt neunt and security continuity and security, while enabling the cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection subcommittee to work with regulated entities, to identify any needed enhancements and changes. I thank chairman green for moving this bill expeditiously through committee and i urge my colleagues to vote in support of this legislation. Thank you and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from mississippi is recognized. Mr. Guest madam speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Payne i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from mississippi is recognized. Mr. Guest madam speaker, i yield two minutes to the gentleman from the great state of texas, mr. Pfluger. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Pfluger thank you, madam speaker. In 2006 congress authorized the department of Homeland Security to regulate security practices at chemical facilities to reduce the risk of terrorists triggering an intentional release or stealing chemicals for an attack elsewhere. Cfats as its known requires several facilities whose possession of chemicals above certain levels present high levels of security risks to assess their vulnerabilities and implement security measures to minimize terrorism risk posed by these vulnerabilities. On july 27, this thursday, the Statutory Authority for cfats program is scheduled to sunset. And as i said previously at a Homeland Security markup of this legislation, i will support this legislation to cleanly extend the program for an additional two years, but i am disappointed that it is such a short authorization period. Companies of all sizes invest millions of dollars into cfats compliance and they deserve the certainty of knowing what the longterm standards for compliance will be when they look to reinvest money in technologies and infrastructure. Its important to note that these facilities fall under a variety of sectors critical to our communities, including energy and utilities, food production, health care and pharmaceuticals, laboratories and more. I will support this legislation today, to extend and cleanly extend the program, but i hope that this body can work towards a longterm reauthorization in the future. Its clear that the threats that gave rise to cfats persists today and we must take these threats seriously. In addition, its also important to note that industry is asking for this authorization, which is unlike some of the other Regulatory Overreach that we see from the administration today, what were talking about is industry asking to work with government. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on h. R. 4470, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from mississippi is recognized. Mr. Guest madam speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from mississippi reserves. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Payne madam speaker, i continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey reserves. The gentleman from mississippi is recognized. Mr. Guest madam speaker, i yield three minutes to the gentleman from the great state of ohio, mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson thank you, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio is recognized. Representative johnson. Mr. Johnson thank you. Today i rise in support of h. R. 4470 and i urge all members to support this important legislation. Keeping our American Homeland secure has been part of my life for over four decades. Through the threats to our though the threats to our nation have changed since i first entered United States air force in 1973, i am reminded of our former commander in chief, Ronald Reagan, who once said, peace does not exist of its own will. We must always remember that peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance. This is an important admonition we should keep in mind because on july 27, 2023, this week, the Legal Authority for the chemical facilities antiterrorism Standard Program or cfats for short will sunset. This means that everything about it right down to its fundamental legal structure disappears. Including federal outreach and networking to prevent terrorism against these facilities. Now, to be clear, from our perspective on the energy and Commerce Committee, we should be authorizing this program for longer. But time is of the essence. And today it is vitally important to pass this clean 26month cfats extension. American businesses have invested billions of dollars in security, expecting a strong return for their efforts. We should not nullify these investments that would send a bad message to those who wish to do our nation harm. A message that congress doesnt take security at our chemical facilities seriously. The chemical facility antiterrorism standards act is an important antiterrorism focused program. It is not a perfect tool, but cfats is an important, unique Program Based upon collaboration between the federal government and the private sector. Unlike other programs at the e. P. A. Or the department of labor, cfats is foes cussed and it serve focused and it serves as a bulwark against the threat of terrorism here in the United States. It doesnt mandate the answer or it doesnt mandate the answer or specific technology but asks facilities to identify their own vulnerabilities and meet riskbased performance standards in a way that makes sense for. The im aware there are those who, because cfats is a Compulsory Program for some, may question the value of the current program. Cfats does not need to be stroirpd have its mission overhauled though no federal program is without need of improvement in some area, but the immediate answer should not lie in trying to destabilize or dismantle it altogether. Rather, the question should be whether congress has thoroughly overseen the program to understand the programs Statutory Authority, how its operation line once congressional direction, whether it is effective and efficient, and if it has the will and Statutory Authority to correct deficits or if the law needs to be changed. Because of that ongoing oversight work, and the seemingly improved history of the program, im comfortable voting to continue it. To those colleagues who are still skeptical of the cfats program the speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Mr. Guest i yield 30 seconds. Mr. Johnson while this gives time for more assessment and cfats to demonstrate its progress, i urge you to see past this as a tim to take the program hostage or detract from its security related terrorism prevention focus. I urge all members to vote for passage of h. R. 4470 and urge the senate to not delay in its passing as well. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from mississippi is recognized. Mr. Guest i have no more speakers and im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Payne madam speaker, i yield myself the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Payne madam speaker, while h. R. 4470 is not cfats reauthorization bill i had hoped for, it is absolutely necessary that we pass it for one simple reason. It will prevent cfats Statutory Authority from lapsing and will allow the program to keep working to protect chemical facilities from terrorist attacks. I am pleased that in the course of debate in committee, the chairman has committed to work with the Committee Democrats on a more wholesome reauthorization bill. I look forward to starting that work in short order. With that, madam speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from mississippi is recognized. Mr. Guest i yield myself the balance of my time. I engurnlg i again urge my colleagues to support h. R. 4470 and quickly move this legislation to the senate. With that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 4470 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection madam speaker. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition . Mr. Guest i ask for a recorded vote and request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman requests the yeas and nays. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. Proceedings will resume on questions previously postponed. Votes will be taken if the knoll lowing in the following order. Motions to sprawls and pass h. R. 1338 and h. R. 4470, and agreeing to the speakers approval of the journal if ordered. The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15minute vote. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule 20, remaining electronic votes will be conducted as fiveminute votes. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the Unfinished Business is the vote on the motion of the gentleman from ohio, mr. Latta, to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 1338 as amended. On which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title. The clerk h. R. 1338, a bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide authority for certain licenses and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 249, the nays are 162, one present. 2 3 not being in the affirmative the speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 250. The nays are 1634. 2 3 not being in the affirmative, the rules are not suspended and the bill is not passed. The house will be in order. For what purpose does the gentleman from california rise . I ask unanimous consent to speak out of order. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. The speaker the house is not in order. The speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The house will be in order. Please take your seats. The speaker i rise today to honor a remarkable woman and Public Servant who works in this chamber every single day. Ms. Joyce hamlett. Joyce, with that support, i should have had you run my speakers race. Last week on the house floor for joyce. After 35 years of working in congress, she is about to begin a wellearned retirement where she will spend time with her loved ones. This is an end to an era. Joyce is the first africanamerican woman to be appointed as the keeper of the mace. Now we can tell we all know joyce and knows each and every one of us. She has gotten to know some of you even better than others. For those at home, joyce is the keeper of the rules and just so you know, she has faired to all and being speaker i thought i could have my own rules and i asked the people outside, could i can bring someone on the floor . You are the speaker, go ahead. I walked in those doors and somebody stopped me. It was joyce. So if its not just me speaking on the floor me or a proper attire, you have been reminded by joyce. I have watched where we werent getting along with one another and the tensions were high and i was afraid to talk to some of my own members, but when joyce go walked up with that unbelievable smile and tell them they were doing something wrong, it was like she was the teacher and they were in the first grade, yes, miss joyce. You see, joyce has devoted her entire career to this institution, the peoples house. In the early 1980s, she started working as a cook in the capitol cafeteria along side her mother betty and served as an elevator operator before taking a position with the security. She has given more than 35 years of her life to the house of representatives. This is why she cares so deeply about these chambers and works to ensure that everyone who walks through these doors treats this institution with the respect it deserves. Joyce has had one of the most important responsibilities in the house. When the people think of congress, they think of the dome, the symbol of american democracy. But when people think of the house, we have our own symbol, the mace of the house of representatives. The day begins with the mace is raised and the day ends when the mace is lifted and symbol of responsibility and duty for this institution in which we are honored to serve. Since 2007, joyce has been charged with protecting and protecting the mace. I dont know if you look at her broach. When i became speaker, she came to see me. She writes a lot. She sells it and i look to buy. And brought me this one piece of jewelry and only to have it is Speaker Pelosi and i watched Speaker Pelosi wear that broach. And she provided it to me. And i remember the things i enjoy the most about this job is when i get to put the floor into session. I get to know joyce and spend time behind there, she is holding the mace, and i thought what would be a great gift for retirement. In the back of my mind, she told me she was leaving and i thought we could present this to her and i said i need to present it to her now. And the look on her face and the broach on her pin, she wears that every day proudly and wears it because she has earned it as the keeper of the mace. I have told her time and again, going to be sad to see her again and joyce is looking to spending more time with her family in North Carolina, two sons, david junior and donald and grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. On behalf of the house, a grateful thank you. Thank you for your service and friendship and thank you for your commitment to the peoples house. We are a better institution because of joyce. We are better members in some of of some of our darkest times because of the warning from joyce. And you will always be welcomed back into this house. May you enjoy all the happiness in this world that this wellearned retirement brings. I just want to thank you for the work, for the commitment and the friendship and with that, i would like to yield to leader jeffries. Mr. Jeffries thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to commend a faithful Public Servant of this Great Institution on the occasion of her retirement. For decades, our very own Joyce Hamlett has worked in this chamber, upholding and protecting our traditions. On behalf of House Democrats, it is a distinct privilege to publicly honor her incredible career of service to the United States house of representatives. 35 years of poise, professionalism and particular art. And in the early 1990s after spending time in the prior decade as a cafeteria and elevator operator, she secured a position with the sergeant at arms where she began to firmly enforce the rules of decorum on the house floor. Emphasis on the word firmly. Upon arisk in the congress as a new member, i quickly came to the conclusion, dont mess with joyce. As House Democratic leader, i came to the same conclusion, dont mess with joyce. In connection with her Exemplary Service with chamber security, joyce was elevated in 2007 to the position of keeper of the mace, as has been mentioned, the first black woman to hold that role in the 234year history of this Great Institution. Joyces career in the house has spanned seven different president s, including Ronald Reagan and barack obama as well as eight different speakers beginning with jim wright and including nancy pelosi and concluding with speaker kevin mccarthy. Joyce has searched in the chamber with legendary members, from john lewis, the iconic civil rights hero to don young, the longest serving republican in the house and authentic frontier spirit who always told us what was on his mind. The American Public may not have had the opportunity to intim matily get to know officers of the capitol like joyce, who serve here each and every day, but thankfully, we do. And we know our work would be impossible without the diligence, dedication and devotion of Public Servants like joyce. Her deeprooted faith in god and her sense of duty was instilled during her childhood while growing up in rural North Carolina, having been raised in a godfearing Church Community by her loving grandfather. Joyce learned the importance of service and faithfulness. That faith has served the members of this institution well throughout the years, including on september 112 when she 11 when she helped members evacuate in the midst of a terrorist. On january 6 when a violent mob tried to breach the chamber, joyce executed her role with the you utmost care helping to secure the House Chamber and ensuring the safety and protection of the members and the congressional mace. When we reconvened on the house floor that night, it was joyce, with the mace, who brought us back into session. As i close, we are grateful on today that throughout the years, as the scripture says, joyce has been faithful over a few things. Faithful to the chamber. Faithful to the congress. Faithful to the country. Faithful to the constitution. Shes been faithful over a few things. And so as joyce prepares to go back home to North Carolina, i think we can confidently express the sentiment found in matthew 25 and 23, well done, thy good and faithful servant, well done. Congratulations on your retirement. I yield back. The speaker tomorrow at 11 00 in the rayburn room, leaders jeffries and i will host a reception for her retirement and you can all come by, all right. So lets not make the week go longer just for joyce. Lets end on a positive note for joyce. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20 the Unfinished Business is the vote on the motion of the gentleman from mississippi, mr. Guest, to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 4470 as amended on which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title. The clerk h. R. 4470, a bill to extend the authorization of the chemical facility antiterrorism Standards Program of the department of Homeland Security. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 409. The nays are 1. 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the Unfinished Business is the question on agreeing to the speakers approval of the journal which the chair will put de novo. The question is on agreeing to the speakers approval of the journal. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The journal stands approved. The house will be in order. The house will be in order. Members will remove their conversations. The chair asks that the house now observe a moment of silence in memory of officer jacob j. Chestnut and detective john m. Gibson of the United States Capitol Police who were killed in the line of duty defending the capitol on july 24, 1998. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from mississippi seek recognition . Madam speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1501 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1501, a bill to prohibit the secretary of Homeland Security from operating or procuring certain foreignmade, Unmanned Aircraft systems and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from mississippi, mr. Guest, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Payne, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from mississippi, mr. Guest. Mr. Guest madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on h. R. 1501. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Guest thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Guest i rise in support of h. R. 1501. It is imperative that the department of Homeland Security is equipped to protect the nation against all threats. This protection includes ensuring that the Unmanned Aerial Systems or drones that d. H. S. Uses and buys are not made in Foreign Countries that do not align with our interests, countries like china. D. H. S. Requires that dominant air capabilities that drones provide to accomplish many of its land and maritime mission. D. H. S. Uses drones from everything from surveilling the border to the coast guard National Security cutter operational needs for a persistent Airborne Surveillance capacity, utilizing drones is a cost efficient way to cover large areas of the homeland. However, many of the commercial drones used in the United States are manufactured in china, which dominates the United States market. Of the top 10 drone manufacturers that supply the United States market, a single chinese manufacturer towers above all others which nearly 77 of the market share. Because of this threat, several other departments, such as commerce and interior, have taken actions to ground their drone fleet until the threat to u. S. Government data can be determined. D. H. S. Has also issued warnings in recent years about chinesemade drones. Specifically citing concerns that they may be sending Sensitive Data to their manufacturers in china where they can then be assessed by the chinese government. Our colleagues in the senate share our concerns. In fact, senator rick scott and senator mark warner have introduced similar legislative bans to ban the purchase and use of these drones across the federal government, not just the d. H. S. Given the roles drones have in protecting Homeland Security, it is more important than ever to require d. H. S. To assess its drone fleet. Once d. H. S. Has identified the extent of the problem, we can then work with the department to find a suitable solution. This bill would require d. H. S. To provide a threat assessment, to make that report to congress on whether the agency has analyzed the threat of its drones that are manufactured in other countries. It would also require that they report the number of these drones to the department that they have in operation and the extent to which the information gathered by these drones may be a threat to the homeland or Economic Security of the United States. Second, the bill would prohibit d. H. S. From buying or using drones made in a covered foreign country going forward. Im proud to say that this bill was passed out of the house Homeland Security committee in a bipartisan fashion. I would like to thank my friend and to thank chairman green for being an original cosponsor of this Bipartisan Legislation and congressman cuellar for being a cosponsor of this bill. I am grateful this Congress Passed this in a bipartisan fashion and im optimistic we will do so today. With china as a growing threat on the horizon, maintaining our Homeland Security is of the utmost importance and i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 1501. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Payne i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized mr. Payne madam speaker, to help carry out its many missions, the department ofHomeland Security has increasingly come to rely on Unmanned Aircraft systems or drones. D. H. S. Utilizees these eyes in the skies to make timely expenses about damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters in instances where the federal Emergency Management agency cannot deploy personnel to affected areas. The coast guard uses drones totaling collect and disseminate information on maritime hazards or threats. In remote parts of the landborder, d. H. S. Uses them to defect and defect illicit activities. Many Unmanned Systems are manufactured in nations considered foreign adversaries. As such, there is there are legitimate security concerns about the integrity of the data drones collect. Recent reports suggest that chinese manufactured drones might be compromised and used to send Sensitive Information to the chinese government. In response to security concerns, the department of interior and defense have taken steps to limit their use of foreignmade drones. H. R. 1501, the unmapped aerial security act, would direct the department ofHomeland Security to take similar measures. It would prohibit t. H. S. Of using drone systems manufactured in a foreign country that is deemed to be an adversary by either the intelligence communities or the secretary of Homeland Security. Importantly, h. R. 1501, allows the secretary of Homeland Security to waive the prohibition in certain circumstances such as National Interests of the United States or for research or intelligence purposes. Finally, the bill requires d. H. S. To report to congress on information related to drones, including the results of any threat assessments conducted. H. R. 1501 has bipartisan support and was reported out of Homeland Security by a committee voice vote. With that madam speaker, i want to commend my colleague from mississippi, mr. Guest for introducing this bill to ensure the security and integrity of the drone system that the department ofHomeland Security operates and with that. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time the gentleman from mississippi is recognized. Guest i yield myself the balance of my time. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 1501 and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1501 as amended. Those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative for what purpose does the gentleman from mississippi seek recognition . Guest i object to the ground that a quorum is not present. The speaker pro tempore further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from mississippi seek recognition . Guest i move to suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3254. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar h. R. 3254 a bill to amend the Homeland Security to review applications for certain grants to purchase equipment or systems that do not exceed standards and for other purposes pursuant to the rule the gentleman from mississippi, mr. Guest, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Payne, each will control 20 minutes. Guest i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials. The speaker pro tempore without objection guest i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized guest i rise in support of h. R. 3254 First Responders access to Innovative Technologies act. It is a great piece of commonsense legislation that will put in place a Better Process for our First Responders to access fema grants. I commend mr. Payne for his work on this legislation and his support of First Responders. H. R. 4254 passed out of committee and with that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Payne i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized mr. Payne madam speaker, our communities look to our First Responders to keep us safe. They are our hometown heroes and it is a local and National Strategy whenever a First Responder loses their life in the line of duty. I believe it is critical for First Responders to be prepared by having the tools and equipment necessary to execute their Mission Safely and efficiently. Congress supports First Responders through d. H. S. Grant program. However, communities cannot use such funding to purchase novel state of the art equipment because it is not on femas authorizized equipment list. This equipment is ineligible not because it is inferior but ineligible because it is so innovative that does not meet or exceed the conscious standards that fema relies upon. I first introduced this bill in the 114th congress to require fema to have a process for such equipment to be evaluated. The house approved this legislation three times already. Each time it stalled in the senate. But today i feel confident that the fourth time is a charm. And with the support of the National Association of fire chiefs, i am hopeful that this bill will get action in the senate. With that, i encourage my colleagues to join me in sending a strong message to the senate with a decisive yes on this bill. Our First Responders are always there to help us. Now it is time to help them with the most modern equipment available to do their jobs. With that, madam speaker, i encourage my colleagues me to join me in supporting h. R. 3254 and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves and the gentleman from mississippi. Guest i have no more speakers on this piece of legislation and am prepared to close whenever the gentleman from new york is ready. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Payne i am ready to close. Madam speaker, we owe it to our hometown heroes to give them the necessary tools safely and efficiently. H. R. 3254 would allow communities to Purchase Advanced Life Saving Technology such as systems to track firefighters in burning buildings or wildfires. It was cosponsored by the gentleman from alabama, representative strong, and endorsed by the interNational Association of fire chiefs. The house approved the First Responders access in the 114th, 115th and 11th congresses. It is time to get this bill enacted. Madam speaker, this is very timely legislation. I am sure that people saw the tragedy that we had in northern new jersey where we lost two firefighters fighting a fire on a ship in the port of newark. They need this type of equipment. And with that, madam speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from mississippi is recognized. Guest i yield myself the balance of my time. I urge my colleagues in the house and the senate to support this legislation h. R. 3254 which would support our First Responders. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. Will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3254. Those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair for what purpose does the gentleman from mississippi seek recognition . Guest i object on the ground that the quorum is not present. The speaker pro tempore further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from rhode island seek recognition . Mr. Magaziner i ask unanimous consent that i may be considered to be the primary sponsor of h. R. 2752, a bill introduced by representative cicilline for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pusht to clause 7 of rule 12. The speaker pro tempore without objection the chair will now entertain requests for oneminute speeches. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition snr mr. Thompson i request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Thompson thank you, madam speaker. I rise today as National Hire a veteran day. This day is crucial to the spirit and health of American Veterans and our communities. Set aside to ray awareness to skills and abilities for servicemembers after military service. We must use this day to recognize the strength of our veterans. In americas private and public sector, qualities like determination antennassity are valuable. These are fostered and can be more useful in nonmilitary employment. And as 2,000 military members become retired, more and more employees are eligible to join the greater American Work force. As employers look to hire, they must value the talent presented amongst our american troops. Each and every servicemembers create a positive impact after they made sacrifices to defend our great nation. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the jar yields. For what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . I request unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Jacked for one minute. The gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Payne mr. Speaker, i rise today to celebrate trevor bap tease World Champion lacrosse player. He is a professional player for the philadelphia wings of the National Lacrosse league and the at last league club of the premiere lacrosse he was born and grew up in newark, new jersey, before becoming a lacrosse star at the university of denver. In his four years there, trevor was a fourtime first team all american. And national champion. After college, trevor won two World Championships with the mens National Lacrosse team and he has been an allstar every year as a professional. His specialty is winning faceoffs. In college he owns the National Record for faceoffs won and the highest winning percentage. For team u. S. A. , he has the highest faceoff winning percentage in team history. Trevor is an exceptional lacrosse player and im proud to highlight him on the house floor today. With that, mr. Speaker madam speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. For what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i rise today in support of United States Navy Lieutenant lij alconis who has been unjustly jailed for 30 days. We need to bring rich home and bring him home now. America needs to be bring rich home for justices sake. America needs to bring rich home for to the send a message to the 50,000 troop we was stationed in japan that the brass bur kralts and politicians have their brass, bureaucrats and politicians have their backs. We need to bring are rich home to demonstrate to the japanese that we are the yates of america, the worlds superpower, and our commitment to their defense against china and north korea comes with a few conditions and one of them is to treat our troops fairly. Mr. Lalota our government has released pushed for the release of other american who was done for a less. A year in prison is far too long. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. I still remember the first few month heres almost five years ago. One of the people who i looked for was a young woman, sitting to the left of the House Chamber. I would lock eyes with her and when she smiled at me it was always with a warm welcome. Joyce will be sorely miss as she retires as keeper of the mace and assistant sergeant at arms. She took her role very seriously. I know because i was one of the members who she reminded from time to time of the rules of the house. Ms. Tlaib ms. Joyce worked so hard for the last 45 years here in the capitol. Her story sin spiring. Shes not only the first black woman to hold this post but she was so proud of growing up in the tobacco fields of broadway, North Carolina and then come here to congress. She never forgot her roots and the strong beliefs her grandparents instilled in her. She always remained kind and fair to all. I will dearly miss mother joyce and never forget her hugs on some of the toughest days in this chamber. She may be considered the keeper of the mace for many here but shes always be my [speaking another language]. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from nevada seek recognition . To address the house for one minute and revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. I rise in support of the hardworking labor force across this country. Today on this hot, muggy washington, d. C. , day, a third strike and vigil was held on our house steps. I was proud to join my colleague from texas, congressman greg casar, and the men and women highlighting the dangerous new policy in texas as they held their thirst strike on the steps of the u. S. Capitol. Mr. Horsford as a representative for nevada and the las vegas area, i can tell you i know how dangerous the summer heat can be. The texas governors dangerous new policy eliminates water break protections while texas, nevada and many other arias of our country are experiencing recordbreaking heat. Meanwhile the brave men and women working in jut door jobs like construction workers, mail carriers and so many others, continue working in the heat. Madam speaker, we need federal action to protect these workers who are simply trying to provide for their families and to keep a roof over their heads. I urge osha and the Biden Administration to take action and protect our workers. We deserve a water break. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from for what purpose does the gentleman from indiana seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized is recognized for one minute. I rise today to express my deep appreciation for the inclusion of the Community Project funding request for indianas first Congressional District in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations measure. Im grateful that a transparent process was established for all members to include projects in these measures. And believe that this process is an essential component to our ability to advocate for our districts. Notably im proud that funding is included to attract new jobs and Economic Activity in northwest indiana through improvements to the gary, chicago, international airport, road constructions for Central Avenue and portage and Water Infrastructure in the city of la port. Mr. Mor van i also mr. Mrvan i also appreciate the action for Law Enforcement including specific funds for Police Departments of gary, hammond, muenster and other cities. I look forward to moving these measures forward and complete this constitutional responsibility as soon as possible. Thank you, madam speaker, and i yield back my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair lays before the house the physical lowing enrolled bills. The clerk h. R. 1096, an act to require the secretary of the treasury to mint coins in commemoration to have the 250th anniversary of the United States marine corps and support program theats marine corps heritage center. The speaker pro tempore under the speakers announced policy of january 9, 2023, the gentleman from illinois, mr. Jackson, is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader mr. Jackson thank you, madam speaker. I yield to the honorable congresswoman from florida, sheila cherfilusmccormick. Mrs. Cherfilusmccormick thank you, my coanchor. I ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of this special order hour. It is with the speaker pro tempore without objection. Mrs. Cherfilusmccormick it is with great honor that i rise today to coanchor the c. B. C. Special order hour along with my distinguished colleague rep jackson. For the next 60 minutes members of the c. B. C. Have the opportunity to speak directly to the American People on gun violence prevention and Public Safety, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, congress, constituents and all americans. Its my pleasure to yield first to our chairman, Steven Horsford from nevada. Mr. Horsford i want to thank congresswoman sheila cherfilusmccormick for her tremendous leadership for yielding time, and also congressman jonathan jackson. The two have been great cochairs for our special order hour, a time when the Congressional Black Caucus comes to the floor to discuss important issues affecting all of america. And today, my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus are here to recognize the impact that gun violence has on black communities and communities all around our country. In recent years our nation has bore witness to horrific acts of gun violence in our communities. From the racist murder of nine parishioners at the mother emanuel a. M. E. Church in charles torn, south carolina, to the attack at a Grocery Store in buffalo, new york. To Police Involved shootings of unarmed black men, women, and children. Time and again, when these tragic events happen, we hear politicians in washington offer their thoughts and prayers. But we know that thoughts and prayers are simply not enough. Theyre not enough to end the violence that traumatizes entire Community Communities and rips Family Members and friends away from their loved ones. Theyre not enough to end the cycles of violence created by the systemic and structural disadvantages of generations of racism and disinvestment in our communities. We must do more than offer thoughts and prayers alone. In order to solve this crisis, we must find first understand the problem before us. Day to data shows that black americans are dispronoorgtsly impacted by gun violence in our country. Specifically black americans experience 12 times the gun homicides, 18 times the gun assault injuries, and nearly three times the Fatal Police Shootings of white americans. On top of this we know that these guns are not manufactured in our communities. And that is why we believe gun manufacturers should be held accountable and those who allow access to guns should be held accountable. Alarmingly, despite the fact that black boys and men account for just 6 of the total population, they comprise more than half of all gun homicide victims in our nation. Madam speaker, to the chairs, i know personally the effects of losing a loved one to gun violence. My father was shot and killed when i was 19 years old. A freshman in college. I remember getting the call that so many loved ones fear getting. And now in serving the district, the call that so many of my constituents tell me that they experience. The call that says that you dont get to say goodbye, that you dont get to tell your loved one once again that you love them. That they dont have the opportunity to see you, as my father didnt have with me, finish my education, to raise three children, to serve my community and to be here on the floor of the house of representatives, speaking about the issue of gun safety. Not just in my community, but in communities all across the country. These are problems that can be attributed to a number of factors, including the combination of weak gun laws, as well as systemic racial inequities, including unequal access to safe housing and adequate educational and employment opportunities. And a history of disinvestment in Public Infrastructure and services in communities of color. To remedy the ongoing issue of gun violence, we must continue to advance policies aimed at saving lives and making our communities safer. In the last congress, the Congressional Black Caucus was instrumental in the house passing the most significant piece of gun reform legislation in nearly 30 years work the bipartisan Safer Communities act which was signed into law by President Biden. The bipartisan Safer Communities act took meaningful steps to protect our children, to keep our schools safe and to reduce the overall threat of gun violence around our country by extending background checks for firearm purchases, clarifying licensing requirements, funding red flag laws and crisis intervention programs. And weakening the boyfriend loophole. This landmark piece of legislation was a positive step toward curbing gun violence in our communities, but we need to take more action to reimagine Public Safety. Including holding Law Enforcement officers more accountable. Using Public Health resources to address Mental Health crises. And ensuring all communities are well resourced with access to job opportunities. Affordable childcare. And social services that improve quality of life. So i want to thank my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus as well as the partners of nonprofit organizations like giffords, brady, and everytown for their tireless work to advance Safer Communities and to save lives. And to the people who have made this congress act. Last congress and who will demand that we act now. We know that Public Safety is not a red or blue issue. It is an american issue. And theres no reason that in the most powerful country in the world we cant do more to break to save lives, to reduce crime, and to break the cycle of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are simply not enough. We need action. I want to thank you, congresswoman cherfilusmccormick, for your leadership on these issues. Congressman jackson, who experiences these tragedies every day in the communities that you both serve. You have the commitment of the Congressional Black Caucus and its members that we will continue to advance safety for all of our communities. With that, i yield back. Mr. Jackson thank you, congressman horsford. It is now my privilege to yield to the honorable sheila cherfilusmccormick from the great state of florida. Mrs. Cherfilusmccormick thank you so much, representative jackson. I rise today as a voice before residents whose lives have been cut short by the gun epidemic that is ravaging our communities. Guns became the leading cause of death among children and teenagers in the United States, claiming more lives than car accidents, cancer or Drug Overdoses. This year alone the United States has experienced over 400 Mass Shootings. My home state of florida accounts for at least 20 of these. South florida is no stranger to gun violence. Over what should have been a peaceful memorial day weekend this year, a total of nine people were shot on hollywood on the hollywood boardwalk. Four of them were kids. Yet in the face of these incidents, we have witnessed a persistent denial amongst republicans. In florida, the extreme g. O. P. State legislature is making it easier, not harder, for individuals to purchase guns. It is maddonning to watch as maddenning to watch as lives are needlessly taken and families are torn apart. How have we let this become our new normal . How have we not curbed this epidemic . How have we not acted . We have collective responsibility to build upon the landmark bipartisan Safer Communities act and implement commonsense measures to keep weapons out of the hands of those who pose a danger to others. The bipartisan law is essential in cushing the gun violence epidemic and safeguarding our loved ones. But we cannot stop there. Now is the time for us to unite across party lines and work collectively to find real solutions. We must prioritize the safety of our communities by implementing responsible gun control measures. Providing mental Health Resources and dismantling the cycle of violence. Let us seize the opportunity to create a safe america, while all families can thrive without looming shadow of gun violence. I ask all members of this caucus and all members of the florida delegation to stand with us to make sure that we can end this gun violence epidemic. I yield back to my coanchor, jonathan jackson. Mr. Jackson thank you, congresswoman cherfilusmccormick, from the great state of florida. Now it is my privilege to yield to the honorable congressman payne from the state of new jersey. Mr. Payne madam speaker, let me thank the gentleman from illinois for the opportunity to speak tonight on an issue that paralyzes this nation. Madam speaker, i rise today to discuss and address our countrys gun violence epidemic. And promote the Commonsense Solutions from the House Democrats that would save lives nationwide. This year our country has suffered more than 400 Mass Shootings and mass murders. 400. And gun violence has killed or injured more than 40,000 americans. This number includes more than 3,500 children or teens. In america, gun violence happens in Grocery Stores, elementary schools, College Campuses and private homes. And that is a National Tragedy that demands immediate action. My bill, the safer neighborhoods gun buyback act, would use federal grants to get guns out of the hands of criminals. It would reduce gun violence and make communities safer. And it is one solution of many in congress that we have offered to date. House democrats have introduced or will introduce at least 54 bills to reduce gun violence across the country. If passed, they would make gun owners and dealers accountable for their weapons. They would keep weapons out of the hands of criminals and they would help Law Enforcement officials catch criminals who use guns to commit crimes. For example, the bipartisan background checks act of 2023 would require that every sale of a firearm include a background check. It is supported by 90 of democrats and republicans in congress. And the enhanced background checks act of 2023 would provide the time necessary to conduct an effective background check on gun owners. The assault weapons ban of 2023 would stop the sale, manufacture, transfer or possession of assault weapons. These are weapons of war and need to be removed from our streets. The closing the bump stock loophole act of 2023 would ban bump stocks in the same manner as assault weapons. Bump stocks are designed to increase the firing rate of guns. And it makes it dangerously more lethal. They have no place in a civil society, madam speaker. Federal standards for safe gun storage, it would decrease the chance of a Family Member dying from the use of an unsecured firearm. The pause for gun safety act would require a sevenday waiting period before a gun purchase can be possessed and get that weapon. The stop Online Ammunition sales act of 2023 would require photo identification before the purchase of a gun or ammunition online. The office of gun violence prevention act of 2023 would establish an office of gun violence prevention in the department of justice and offer legal policy. This bill would allow the country to finally create a National Gun Violence strategy. The equal access to justice for victims of gun violence act would remove dubious Legal Protections for gun manufacturers. And possibly make them liable for the harms and damage they inflict on communities across this country. The ammunition identification act would require ammunition to have serial numbers. Then Law Enforcement officials could use those numbers to catch possible criminals based on gun ownership. And the unacceptable firearms act of 2023 would regulate the production and sale of ghost guns. These guns are made in secret and cannot be traced and they are a threat to every community in america. These bills represent Commonsense Solutions that americans want to protect their families and loved ones from gun violence. We need to act on my bill and the others like it to create a safer country. The longer we wait, the more lives we lose and one day it could come to your door. With that, madam speaker, i yield back. Mr. Jackson thank you, honorable congressman payne from the great state of new jersey. Now it is my privilege to yield to the honorable congresswoman mcbetting from the state of georgia mcbath from the stae of georgia. Mrs. Mcbath thank you so much to representatives jackson and cherfilusmccormick and to the Congressional Black Caucus for this special order hour, in particular for gun safety. Thank you so much for everything youre doing to convene this this evening. And thank you, madam speaker. Fellow members of congress, this past weekend the United States surpassed 400 Mass Shootings. In just this year alone. We have seen nearly double the amount of tragedies than the amount of days that we have lived this year. It is an unmistakable reality that this grave challenge has only grown. And until we are fully dealing with this very dangerous gun culture that were living in, it will continue to grow. No amount of condolences will ever rectify the grief of loved ones. Those that i talk to week after week after week, survivors like myself that are crying out to this body, when will we act . If faith without works is dead, then we must know that when thoughts and prayers end, meaningful action must begin. My federal red flag law bill, it mirrors a commonsense measure that is already in place in many states around the country. Actually republican states. It has allowed for loved ones to work with Law Enforcement to get guns out of the hands of those loved ones or people that they deem are in crisis and it will truly help those who see the first signs of tragedy and they can help to prevent it. These are effective laws that stop gun violence. We know that. Studies have proven that. Statistics have shown that. In both republican and democratic states around the country. And the American People are just calling on us to act. They are tired of waiting for us to act. They are calling on us to save lives. Now, yes, last year President Biden did sign into law, last summer, the bipartisan Safer Communities law. It is the most comprehensive gun safety legislation that this body has enacted in decades. Weve been investing in red flag laws, state red flag laws, funding for states that want to enact these lifesaving measures. Community violence intervention funding. I think everyone can agree weve got to get to the root causes of the violence. You pull out the root. You deal with the foundation, the foundational problems that are causing the violence, which causes gun violence. We were able through the bipartisan Safer Communities law to define who is a bona fide gunseller. Gun seller. We were able to make it a federal crime for gun trafficking and straw purchases. We were able to secure funding for Mental Health for our public schools, but also for Law Enforcement. It expanded background checks for gun sales. Now, we know, and ive been doing this work on gun safety for the last 10 years since i lost my own son unnecessarily, and statistics have shown us again and again and again and surveys have shown us again and again that 97 of the American Public, and this is including lawabiding gun owners, know that we have a Public Health crisis with the gun culture in this country. And they believe that we must place some commonsense measures on our existing gun laws. Victims such as myself, survivors, they live in daily angst just waiting for this body to act. Waiting for us to do more. Were living in a violent culture. There are no safe spaces in america anymore. And survivors continue to live in the pain of having lost their loved ones unnecessarily and knowing that they too themselves at some point in time may also be a victim of gun violence. More guns in america do not make us safer. Thats a misnomer. That is not the truth. Commonsense gun Safety Measures with respect to putting Public Safety over profit by our gun manufacturers and gunsellers, thats gun sellers, thats what the American People are crying out for. In this country, you are 25 times more likely to die, this is a major industrialized nation, and were 25 times more likely to die here in the United States than anywhere else in the world. This body, i pray every single day that this body will put their oath to protect and serve over the profit of this extremist gun culture that were living in. And i yield back. Mr. Jackson i thank the honorable congresswoman mcbath from the great state of georgia. It is now my privilege to yield to the honorable congressman carter from the great state of louisiana. Mr. Carter madam speaker, thank you very much. And mr. Carter madam speaker, thank you very much, to my esteemed colleague from illinois, representative jackson, i thank you for your incredible leadership in governing this special order hour. This june, we had the anniversary of the bipartisan Safer Communities act. I proudly voted for this bill because the gun violence epidemic affects all of us daily in our country. 365 days later, theres still so much work to be done. As we have seen an extreme increase in Mass Shootings this summer, our friends, our neighbors, and loved ones are living in fear every day. As they go to shopping malls, movie theaters, schools, Grocery Stores, concerts, and yes, even places of worship. I can go on and on but as of today, the gun violence archives report that the United States reports that the United States experiences some 400 shootings already, thats just this year alone. Countless lives lost. Communities devastated. And families that will never be the same. When does it stop . We all have to take a deep, deep inventory of ourselves and ask the question, when does it stop . To be clear, none of the actions that we suggest, promote, or introduce are efforts to diminish the value of your constitutional rights. To challenge the Second Amendment is not our effort. We recognize and support the importance of the Second Amendment. But we also recognize the importance of making sure that we have safe communities. Communities are for all people, not just democrats. But safe for republicans, democrats, independents, and others. For people of all races, backgrounds, creeds, religions, beliefs. For everyone. This is an american issue. This is an issue that affects our communities. And i dare say, and i dare pray, that if this is not touched your community yet, that it doesnt. Unfortunately, if statistics bear true, its a matter of time before it reaches, yes, your community. Your neighborhood. Your church. Your school. Your child. We have the power to change that. Collectively. Republican and democrat. We have the power to change that. We have the power to say, no more. We have the power to stand against the profits from the National Rifle association and say continue to manufacture legal weapons. But make sure that we have sensible gun measures. Continue to profit from the paraphernalia that comes with it. But lets make sure that we have sensible, sensible gun measures. To protect our communities. Yes, we have the power. It is within us. Let us not wait until we find ourselves leaning over a coffin, crying because weve lost someone, let the lives that have already been lost be the last. So there are no more mothers like my dear friend lucy mcbath so there are no more sons like my dear friend Steven Horsford. Like theres so many others out there parents, loved ones, siblings, friends. Fathers. Morse. That have lost a love lost loved ones to senseless violence. Let us, together, demonstrate to the American People that were bigger, were better, were smarter, and were stronger, and we will make a difference. We should not have to live like this. I implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to come to the table. Come to the table, putting aside our partisan politics. Come to the table with the understanding that we care. Come to the table with the understanding that we can, we can make a difference for all of us. Madam speaker, i yield back. Mr. Jackson i thank the honorable congressman carter from the great state of louisiana. Madam speaker, today i stand in solidarity with my colleagues in this chamber, and with citizens across this nation in condemning the pervasive violence thats taken root in america. The scourge of violence has become an epidemic. Regrettably, the depth of its impact and its implications for our societys fabric remain inadequately grasped. We must recognize that violence is not solely defined as the act of wielding a gun. The violence that engulfs our nation goes beyond the confines of weaponry. By the time hands are raised in aggression, the cultural anjou dicial strains have already transformed fellow citizens into adversaries. And the staggering reality of 400 million guns in a nation with 300 million citizens underscores a deepseated issue. Its hardly shocking then in such an environment that individuals increasingly view one another as foes rather than fellow countrymen. The prevailing political and cultural mood of our nation is manipulated by the insidious use of fear. Some of the most profound acts of violence in this country have been executed not just by those with firearms, but those exploiting fear to amplify their privilege and magnify their influence. Sit not an act of violence to belittle 400 years of africanamerican resilience . A battle we should never have had to fight. A battle no one should be forced to endure. Yet in a single afternoon, the Supreme Court chose to undercut what took 400 years for the black community to establish. Comprehensive policies that recognize and affirm our place against practices that they aimed to dismiss. Isnt this violence too . How can it not be considered violence when Harvard Universitys told it cannot use race as a criteria for admission but it sees no restriction placed on legacy or wealth . The Supreme Court seems to suggest that being black doesnt inherently carry merit but being affluent certainly does. Perhaps a fellow member here can enlighten me. When have the wealthy ever been disadvantaged in this nation . That theyve needed further benefits because of their wealth . Can anyone refer me to such a time in history . The Supreme Court seemed to believe that in a mere 50 years, weve surpassed the need to factor in race, yet overlook the fact that privilege has played a larger role in Ivy League Admission than race ever has. Where in the majority decision did the Court Address the inherent advantages of unearned privileges . Where is the dedication to meriting oncy in such a stance. Get its relegal revealing that many champion the cause of equality if it does not level the Playing Field much in favor of true equality. In this nation, uniquely certain demographics perceive true equality as an affront to their status. For countless black and brown individuals witnessing the impact of this flawed ruling, the past fortnight has felt like a period of systemic aggression. When discussing violence in america, our focus shouldnt solely be on the acts committed by those who misuse firearms. Floridas governor didnt need a firearm to ban books. And dismissed the Educational Value of africanAmerican History. The florida board of education didnt wield a gun when they sidelined africanamerican studies in their advanced placement curriculum. Recently, we were dismayed to learn that floridas newly approved middle School Syllabus had the audacity to suggest that slavery was somehow advantageous for black individuals. In 2023, its disheartening to note that in florida, an educational curriculum was sanctioned by those brazen enough to insinuate that slavery could be deemed beneficial in any manner. And there had been silence by so many in this body. This silence is tantamount to violence. Those who sanction this content, attempted to defend their stance, asserting that sleevery taught black individuals skills like agriculture, painting, carpentry, blacksmithing, tailoring, and transportation. This emphasizes the importance of lawmakers fully understanding the laws they create. Had they read some of the very literature they very history sought to ban, they would have recognized the sheer absurdity of such claims. Black civilizations were the architects behind the pyramids. The fertile crescent of the nile valley stands testament to their prowess in agriculture and innovation. Timbuktu houses one of the worlds most renowned yeufers. ,000 years were hippocrates, amenhotep was already learned. So how could a cadre of illinformed rn unenlightened policymakers in florida presume to say that they needed slavery to grasp shoe making . How dare they suggest that absent slavery, artistry one nonexistent when picasso drew art from african masks. They ignore the fact that they navigated the congos waters well before europeans embarked on their maiden voyages. Slavery served to starkly remind black individuals how america often fell short of its proclaimed values. It underscored the bitter truth that one could be despised without the slightest effort to understand their history or heritage. To anyone who cannot see the inherent harm in teaching young black students that slavery was somehow a boon, youre solely mistaken about the essence of institutional and educational violence. What Governor Desantis did was violence. According to record, Governor Ron Desantis great grandmother landed on american shores in february, 1917. She arrived in new york, eager to embrace her new identity as an italian american. And she was fully entitled to. Regardless of her great grandsons current disposition she undoubtedly contributed to this nation. And her contribution was as pivotal as anyone elses. But let me also remind you that the first africans came to america in 1619, landing in jamestown, virginia. 298 years separate 1619 from 1917. 298 years. Yet we have a governor in florida, a descendant of those who arrived nearly three centuries after my ancestors, presuming to dictate my understanding of the africanamerican experience in this country. How dare you, Governor Desantis. You are absolutely a disgrace. No ron desantis come lately will tell people the value of our contributions to america. Thats why all of us on this side of the aisle are elated to sema dam Vice President of the United States take the fight for black history directly to florida. Thank you, madam Vice President , kamala harris, for speaking out against ridiculous claims being made by the florida board of education. Across this nation, individuals with a sense of justice commend Vice President harris for her unwavering stand for truth and righteousness. Yet, this is the adversity we face. Firearms merely represent the latest form of hostility directed at black and brown communities. Over 400 Mass Shootings have occurred in 2023. And this year isnt over yet. Discussing the glaring imbalance of having 100 million more firearms than we have citizens, while not addressing 25 million american schoolage children who cant read, is an incomplete picture. The link is apparent. Children lacking literacy skills may become adults more prone to resort to crime, potentially involving guns. If were going to have a serious debate about violence in america, then we must be willing to talk about this issue at every level. When the Supreme Court said it was legal for a website designer to deny lgbtq people service, what kind of violence did that do to the Lgbtq Community . What kind of psychological, emotional, if not spiritual violence did that decision bring to bear in the lives of black and brown people. I firmly stand with those who say that we need a National Solution to solve a National Problem of gun violence. But i challenge all of us not to view this issue so narrowly. Gun violence stands at the intersection of gun violence needs to be understood in this way. We cannot become so enamored with the effects of the bullet and that we forget the economics of the gun. The root of the violence isnt merely in the act of pulling the trigger. But in the lived experiences of those who resort to such extremes. The bidenharris administrations success in enacting the first substantial gun laws in nearly three decades is commendable. With executive orders, President Biden has significantly addressed the gun crisis. Yet even in a scenario where guns are scarce, the ramifications of americas inherent violence will persist. As it stems from prejudice and intoll ranls intolerance. This kind of violence of which i speak is the progenity of fear. It is the offspring of what happens when people use revenge to play games with the resentment of White Working Class people. This kind of violence cannot be arrested and merely thrown in jail. Regrettably, it cannot be legislated out of the hearts and minds of people who use it to make a name for themselves. Once you allow your politics to become sufficiently murderous, the kind of social evil it produces can never be truly contained. And what today what is today a conversation about the inequities associated with race will tomorrow become the first line of a sad eulogy written about the american dream. This is what weve tried to get america to see. The willingness to mistreat black history means that there are People Living among us who are more than willing to mishandle American History as a whole. So let us ultimately deal with every form of violence in america. Systemic cruelty like the violence in the streets destroys the lives and tears families apart. Judicial roughness is no less a threat to black children than the spector of Gang Violence and all illegal guns being used to destroy black bodies without justification or remorse. Donald trump only taught us what political brutality can do to the moral fiber of a nation that has slowly begun to forget its constitutional ideals. And while it is altogether fitting to talk about Gang Violence in chicago, murders in memphis and Mass Shootings in texas, dont forget to talk about the kind of economic violence, about being visited upon black families this country sees every day. But the members of the Congressional Black Caucus will always mention it. We will always talk about it because our countrys future depends upon it. Honest an honest assessment of who we are and what it is that we owe to one another. To truly end violence in our nation, its not enough to just regulate guns. We must also address and rectify americas deeprooted issues with privilege, power and hatred. Addressing one issue without the other is tackling an issue that will not be secured. We must render our efforts as effective so that we will be a blessed nation. C. B. C. Chair, my dear colleague, the honorable sheila cherfilusmccormick, and i, madam speaker, we yield back our time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields his time. Under the speakers announced policy of january 9, 2023, the gentleman from arizona, mr. Schweikert, is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader. Mr. Schweikert thank you, madam speaker. Im going to yield to my friend from new york as much time as he may consume. Thank you very much to the gentleman for yielding. Madam speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 4368, the agricultural appropriations bill. Which includes funding to combat the spotted lantern fly invasion in the northeastern United States of america. This provision invests 19 million to protect our farmers, safeguard our crops and preserve the future of our agricultural communities from the devastating effects of this pest. The spotted lantern fly, native of asia, has proven to be an aggressive and destructive pest that threatens our specialty crops. Including grapes and apples in areas like western new york and the Southern Tier of new york that i represent. This Invasive Species also puts thousands of agricultural jobs at risk. We owe it to our farmers to ensure that their hard work, their dedication, their blood, their sweat, their tears is not in vain due to a destructive pest. By investing in research and development of creative solutions, we can find effective strategies to combat the spotted lantern fly and save our agricultural economy from a potential disaster. Mr. Langworthy im proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in addressing this pest and i want to encourage the rest of my colleagues to support the fiscal year 2023 agricultural appropriations bill to help protect our farms, our crops and our agricultural heritage. And i yield back to the gentleman from arizona who was so kind to yield to me. Mr. Schweikert thank you. And, madam speaker, tonight were actually going to sort of continue on the theme, im going to try to dial back sounding like a jerk tonight. And but ive been trying to make a point on the scale of the debt, the level were at, the misunderstanding on its growth, and some potential solutions. Were also going to spend a little bit of time tonight, and this is what i was sort of preapologizing for, im going to show that some of my brothers and sisters ideas from the left on raise this tax, do this, do that, dont even count as rounding errors. And so lets actually start with some of the boards here. Ive shown this a half dozen times and i keep showing it because this is what i have bad dreams about. If you live in a world of math and i know this is functionally a mathfree zone, but when we finish the debt ceiling deal, we basically got some applause by economists saying, oh, guys, you basically moved yourself from maybe 120 to maybe 115 of debt to g. D. P. At the end of the nine years. Ok. So that was the c. B. O. Number. But then some of the outside economists came in. Moodys analystics say moodys analystics said, analytics said, there are other things going on. The higher interest rate, the dramatic increase in spending in medicare. Remember, the first seven months of this year we spent 16 more on medicare. Next years interest will functionally be 3 4 of 1 trillion. We werent supposed to hit numbers like that for years. But the one that took my breath away was when the bloomberg economists, and these arent slowchs, and they have a really good data system said, their model was coming back and saying, ok, higher interest rate, Higher Health care costs, lower labor force participation, some of the and some of the other things we dont talk about because it doesnt really fit our scenario, one and im going to hypersimplify this, im trying to get the concept through. So as part of the deal, what, six weeks ago, the 700 billion thats in the nondefense discretionary, were going to cut 100 billion of that. Ok. Great. Bloomberg economists basically say the removal of that 100 billion, its necessary, it also slows down the economy by about a half a percent of g. D. P. We dont seem to understand, when we do policies like this, which we need to do, you also have to be adopting policies that backfill the growth. And this place can barely walk and chew gum. And thats why this number here was so terrifying when the bloomberg economists are saying, hey, at functionally that nineyear window 10 years from now, the reason we say nine years is because were already working on next years budget in appropriations and spending, is 130 of debt to g. D. P. 51 trillion of borrowing. And if Interest Rates even go back to a somewhat more normal number, thats almost 2 trillion a year in interest. Thats functionally nine years from now. And were going to do what . Were not going to talk about it. Were going to be just giddy that, hey, look at the hard work we did. We removed 100 billion out of discretionary and lets see, this year, and know my math is different than congressional budget office, and come the end of september, well find out which one of us had a better calculator, but ive been right more times this year than they have. And i know thats boastful but i can prove it because go back and look at some of my floor speeches and weve gotten the quarterly reports from treasury. I have this fiscal year us coming in around 1 1,840,000,000,000 of borrowing. Why is that important . The 2023 fiscal year discretionary, defense included so, defense and nondefense discretionary was supposed to be total spend, 1. 8 billion, basically meaning every dime of what you think of as government is on borrowed money this year. When we go home and talk to our constituents, do we basically say, hey, do you know all of defense, all of the Supreme Court, all of the state department, all of everything you think of as government is on borrowed money . Is that what we do . Because how many times do we go home and we get someone that says, we just got rid of foreign aid if we just got rid of foreign aid, and then i show them my chart that shows that foreign aid is 12 days of borrowing. Then they say, its waste and fraud. Its this. But the democrats do something that drives me insane. If we just taxed rich people more. So im going to show you some boards here that basically show thats theater. Its not real math. So lets actually walk through some of the things going on right now. And im going to do back and forth on some of these boards. And theres going to be a reason why im doing it this way. I spent the last two weeks, when i came to this microphone, talking about obesity and diabetes. And thats a really dangerous thing sometimes to come and talk about. But diabetes is 33 of all u. S. Health care. Its 31 of all medicare spending. We need to talk about it. Our brothers and sisters in this country are dying. And were afraid to talk about it. So im going to spend the first part here sounding like an economist on steroids amend im going to try to and im going to try to explain what the cost here is, then im going to talk a little bit about the simple morality of not doing anything here. So lets actually play a little bit of a game here. Estimated deficit reduction for 2023, if you actually were just to take on obesityrelated illnesses, this fiscal year, so were using current math, 283 billion. Ok. But remember, the democrats tax proposal, the president s tax proposal was, hey, were going to go from 37 to 39 for top earners. Ok. Stagnant number. None of these are dynamically scored on the effects on the economy. Because if you made people healthier on this side, the economy would grow. When you raise peoples taxes, the economy shrinks. But the stagnant number is 30 billion. So lets see. Just obesityrelated spending will be 283 billion this fiscal year to the taxpayers. And the democrats, the president s tax hike, produces 30 billion. Does anyone see the insanity here . So we basically did the math for everyone. Saying, if democrats would have to increase the top tax rate to 62 , to raise the same amount of money as getting rid of obesity for people on government programs. Ok, thats uncomfortable to talk about, but think about that. Youd basically have to raise the top tax rate to 62 just to produce the revenues, receipts, for this population here. Its a different way im struggling just trying to find a creative way to get people to think about that the path of having a healthier america is both moral and its great economics. So lets try it another way. Estimated deficit reduction for fiscal year 2024 to 2033, nine fiscal years. We expect federal spending on severe, this is severe obesity, not the mainstream, to be 1. 7 trillion and if anyone wants to see this report, once its officially voted on, then its a report, this will be on the republican side of the joint Economic Committee, chapter 3, read it, its brilliant. 1,720,000,000,000 over that psych. Just for severely obese populations. These are for medicare, medicaid, Indian Health services, veterans, on taking care of our brothers and sisters because of the illnesses that come with this. You would haveto increase the top tax rate to 49 to raise the same amount of money as getting rid of severe, were not talking obesity, just the severe obesity. Remember last week i brought the charts on how its rated. One disease that were told that of the 4,000 human conditions, illnesses, misery, half of them are related to obesity. Are we willing to talk about it as we do the farm legislation, ill touch on these, are we willing to talk about it as it relates to prime age working males are not in the labor force and the number one thing were seeing isnt substance abuse, its close, its actually Health Related to obesity. Lets try another one here. Lets see if i can make myself a complete pariah around here from telling the truth on the math. Estimated deficit reduction for 2023 projected federal spending on severe obesity. This is just that very top threshold. This budget year will be 115 billion. And this is once again just in medicare, medicaid, Indian Health services, veterans. Democrats would have to raise the top tax rate to 47 just to raise the amount of money just this population cost. Am i at least making a point here that the discussion, just raise taxes, that takes care of it, because remember the last 12 months, what do we borrow per second over the last 12 months . 63,000 every second. Is what weve borrowed over the last 12 months. Ok. One more of these. Estimated deficit reduction between 2024 and 2033. Estimated. Deficit reduction. Projected federal spending on all obesity related illnesses. Remember, this is a static number. Theres also we estimate about another dlnt 1. 5 another 1. 5 trillion because they come back and participate in society. But over that time over 4 trillion is what our government will spend. Now add another half 1. 5 trillion on the economic try vie tallty you gain. You would actually have to have a marginal tax rate for the top earners in this country of 65 to come close to covering that cost. And thats for one illness. Now its the illness that is the most expensive in our society because its related to diabetes and kidney failure and heart attacks and everything else. But am i sort of making the point . Because were seeing over 4 trillion just in the disease and the biden tax proposal produces 375 billion over 10 years. For those of you who are not really good at math, 375 billion is a hell of a lot less than 4 trillion. And this is the lunacy here, where the theater is so much more important than the reality of the math so lets actually walk through this. Joint Economic Committee republicans. Estimate the cost of obesity other the 10 year, the 10 yearsre about to start the budget cycle on is 5. 6 trillion. If you want to start to stabilize debt to g. D. P. , can we at least have a conversation about this . Will you start to see the mortality statistics in this country, the number of working age people, people who should be actually living their lives, who are dying, theyre dying early. Im going to show you a chart, a little bit of our young people. Whats going on there. The game of avoiding this discussion needs to come to an end because the economics and the morality of it are here. So lets pull our heads out, lets actually time to have that difficult conversation. So lets do the next one. This one is really interesting. Estimated economic cost. This is actually 2. 6 trillion of growth in the g. D. P. This isnt spending. I just showed you a few trillion dollars of spending. This would be actual growth in the size of the economy and participation because our brothers and sisters actually are not sick. Their ability to come back and be part of society. 2. 6 trillion over that 10 years. We worked hard on this math. We spent months. Vetting it. And i will warn you its incredibly conservative math. So. Lets have a little more fun here. Maybe you just dont care. Maybe youre one of these people that, you know, sends in things to my office and all you care about is, you want more money for something. Fine. Do you at least care about your kids and grandkids . I have two young kids and i look around and im terrified what i see. But were actually looking at the growth of obesity amongst our kids. Do you understand what happens to their life, their Life Expectancy, their ability to participate in their society, when you start to see numbers growing like this were actually starting to see a world where the end of this decade, 12 of our children will be morbidly obese. Uncomfortable to say but thats the math. In 10 years, half of our kids, half our half of our kids are technically is this moral . Should we not talk about it . Because its going on. This is this is the math. And understand what it does to the society. An Unhealthy Society doesnt grow. It doesnt have the economic vitality. And then you start to wonder why all day long our hallways are full of people say, i need you to spend more money on this because we cant find workers, we cant do this yet we come back and show data that says theres 3. 5 million prime age working males not in the economy and the economists come back and do the stats, the dmoker if comes in demographer somes in, cents there, rattles off the number, realized the number one cause wasnt substance abuse, it was obesity. So am i starting to make a point here . Life expectancy for 18 years old and older by their b. M. I. Class. You understand functionally the last four years Life Expectancy in the United States has fallen. Is that moral . Does anyone care . Even when you adjust for covid, our life spans are falling in this country. It turns out in digging and digging and digging the numbers, the primary reason is this. We have this stratisfied by ethnicities, genders, but you start to actually see what were seeing here in the numbers. When you start seeing some of our populations that when the Life Expectancy is 66 years. So a little while ago, the Congressional Black Caucus took the first hour. And they talked about the morality of their issues. I would argue this is their issue. This is all of our issue. But no one else will talk about it. So. And yes, there is some happy stuff coming. So part of the point ive been trying to make over and over and over, so lets just talk about diabetes. Diabetes, 31 of all medicare spending is just diabetes. One in four tricare dollars in the United States is just diabetes. 33 of medicare benefits are spent for folks with diabetes. 67 of the 327 billion spent on diabetes is by Government Insurance and thats from way back in 2017. Today its dramatically higher. But that was the last year we could actually get the number. And five of the top 10 part d drugs. This one drives me crazy. Remember were having all this debate, all this money, spending too much money on pharmaceuticals, these part d drugs are driving so much of the debt and deficit. Half of those top 10 drugs half of them, half of those part d drugs, are drugs for diabetes. Anyone see sort of the trend here . Am i making sort of a flow of a concept . Is consciousness coming with us. Joint Economic Committee republicans, medicare spending will double. Functionally being 22 trillion over the next 10 years. I have come here for the last couple of years and brought the chart that basically shows over the next 30 years, 100 of the 130 trillion of borrowing, all borrowing growth, 75 is the shortfall of medicare. 25 is shortfall of Social Security if we choose to backfill it. And were functionally nine years away from the Social Security trust fund being gone. And in the same 10 years the Transportation Trust fund is gone. Medicare part a trust fund is gone. And we dink around with stupid stuff around here not taking seriously, the wheels are coming off. And it turns out there are some things that are absolutely moral that we could be doing. If anyone actually gave a d amn. A damn. All right. A couple more of these concepts. Then well do some of the positive stuff. Some of the plan. J. E. C. , joint economic republicans, project annual Health Care Costs attributed to severe obesity. Now this is interesting. This is for the sick person. This is the for the person with obesity. Severe obesity. Noting re severe. They spend another 14,000 a year on top of other Health Care Costs. The problem is a huge portion of this population is also on governmentpaidfor health care. Heres one i expect to get the nastygrams on tomorrow so lets have at it. Joint economic republicans annual increase of medicare expenses caused by obesity related health, 3,500 per year per taxpayer. 3,500 a year per taxpayer. Functionally what obesity costs. Ok. Thats me sound like the accountant on steroids. But the math always wins. You know. Im sorry if its uncomfortable. Bless you. But the math always wins. So lets actually come back and say all right. Lets say ive actually convinced someone out there that maybe we should make america healthier and actually have an honest discussion about whats going on because these numbers have just gone skyrocketing over the last 10 years. So lets talk about a couple of things here. This is just another example, ive brought a handful of these. Its a blood glucose monitor. You can have in your body. Fairly cheap. And incredibly effective. In stabilizing someone with type i with prediabetic condition. Were ability to have a pill for obesity. Its the next generation of, youve been looking at these g. O. P. One, its coming, its almost through the process. Theres a whole series of other categories. Of weight loss drugs that are coming. That are remarkably effective. Studies actually sort of breaking down, it turns out that one of the most moral things we could do is use the technology we have. So if i came to you tomorrow and said, lets do a plan. Maybe we should make some changes in the farm legislation. Really hard to do. Lobbyists marching up and down the hallways wont be happy with it. Number two, go back to access for people to manage their blood glucose. Number three, maybe we should start to look at the accessibility for those who are on medicare, medicaid, veterans, who really, really, really, have lots of diseases because of their weight and diabetes, maybe the moral thing is make these drugs available to them. And here is part of the holy grail. I have come back and talked about multiple times. I dont mean to be screw it, i mean to personalize it. And treat patients with type one diabetes. And there is half a doses yep of these that are in the f. D. A. Approval changes. But the first one is fully approved now. That therapy can start accepting except of eye dlet let cells. Its here. So do you see the flow . If we said which need a healthier society and it is amazing what it does, it is moral and it would mean they can come back in society. We have a way to help people manage with technology and people to get their weight down and those people get it down to 30 or so, their body is so damaged, we can replace their eyelet. It is moral and joyful. When is the idiot and saying, i actually have a solution. It only solves a portion of it. But damn it. This would do more than all the jaw moving around here that you have heard so far this year and it is doable and is this republican or democrat . I would just argue, its the right thing to do. Is this place capable. Is it place capable, madam speaker of actually doing the right thing . Is it capable of doing something, it is also great math, morally wonderful and it would be really good for everyone. Thank god, i hope so. And thank you for tolerating my tantrum, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman have a motion . Sike sike i move that the house stand adjourned. Questio n is on the motion to adjourn. Those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, no. The motion is adopted. The house stands adjourned for 10 00 to combat opioid trafficking. House leaders hope to finish work on to federal spending bills later this week for agriculture and military construction projects. As always, live coverage of the house on cspan. If you ever miss cspans coverage, you can find it online at cspan. Org. Videos of key hearings, debates and other events feature markers that guide you to interesting highlights. These points of interest appear on the right side of your screen, when you hit play on select videos. The timeline makes it easy to quickly get an idea of what was debated in washington. Scroll through, and spend a few minutes on cspan points of interest. 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