Transcripts For CSPAN U.S. House Of Representatives U.S. Hou

The clerk h. R. 2877. A bill to add ireland to the e3 nonimmigrant visa program. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from pennsylvania, ms. Ms. Scanlan, and the gentleman, mr. Armstrong, will each control 2340eu7bs. The chair now recognizes the gentlewoman from pennsylvania. Ms. Scanlon thank you. I ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Scanlon i yield smife such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Scanlon i rise in support of h. R. 2877, a bill to add ireland to the e3 nonimmigrant program. In 2005, soon after the United States and australia finalized the australiau. S. Free trade agreement, congress created the e3 visa program. That Program Provides up to 10,500 temporary visas for australian nationals who are preapproved by u. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to work in a specialty occupation for a sponsoring United States employer. A specialty occupation is one that requires the theoretical and Practical Application of a body of highly Specialized Knowledge in fields such as science, engineering and research and development in emerging technologies. Since the programs inception, australia has only ever used a fraction of the 10,500 e3 visas that are available each year. For example, in fiscal year 2019, only 5 had, 800 e3 visas were issued to australian nationals. H. R. 2877 does not increase the number of visas that may be issued, but instead allows irish nationals to use any unused visas. That bill would take the number of e3 visas that are left unused by australia in a given fiscal year and make that same number of visas available to irish nationals the following fiscal year. This is a commonsense bill that recognizes the important bond we share with two of our countrys closest and most steadfast allies. This bill is not controversial and in fact it passed the house by voice vote in 2018 when my republican colleagues held the majority in this chamber. I congratulate my friend, mr. Neal, chairman of the ways and means committee, for continuing to champion this bill. With that, i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 2877, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from north dakota is recognized. Mr. Armstrong thank you, mr. Chair. I yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Armstrong i rise today in support of h. R. 2877, a bill to add ireland to the e3 nonimmigrant program. As we approach st. Patricks day, this bill recognizes the unique friendship and working relationship between the United States and ireland. H. R. 2877 allows nationals of ireland to be eligible to apply for unused e3 nonimmigrant visas. Subject to ireland providing reciprocal access to u. S. Nationals. Holders of the e3 temporary work visa must be working in a specialty occupation while in the United States. A specialty occupation is one that is defined in the immigrant and nationality act as requiring, one, theoretical and Practical Application of a body of highly Specialized Knowledge, and, two, the attainment of a bachelors or higher degree in the specific specialty. Or its equivalent as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States. The e3 applicant must have a job offer from an employer in the United States and that employer must get a foreign labor certification from the u. S. Department of labor prior to filling a petition with the u. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. H. R. 2877 also requires that employers using irish e3 visa holders in their work force area and will remain participants in Good Standing in the everify program. This means that such employers must use everify to ensure those that they employ are eligible to work in the United States. E3 nonimmigrant visas are currently only available to nationals of australia and are capped at 10,500 per year. Australia australian nationals have never used all of the 10,500 authorized visas in a given year. Nor have they even come close to doing so. In fact, the highest number used was during the last fiscal year, when 5,807 were issued. H. R. 2877 provides that nationals of ireland can utilize the visas not used by australians in a given calendar year. For operational purposes, the visa can be issued for the following year but will be counted against the previous years cap. So the bill does not increase the number of visas authorized and allows australia, for whose nationals the program was originally created, to have first access to those numbers. H. R. 2877 is a simple bill that reflects the continued friendship between ireland and the United States. I urge my colleagues to support the bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from pennsylvania is recognized. Ms. Scanlon mr. Speaker, i yield four minutes to the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. Neal. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from massachusetts is recognized for four minutes. Mr. Neal thank you, mr. Speaker. Let me thank the gentlelady as well for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, i rise in strong support of h. R. 2877, to make irish nationals eligible for temporary admission to the United States through the existing e3 visa program, and i want to thank the gentleman from north dakota for his offering today and his support. I worked last year with chairman sensenbrenner on this as well. This legislation has broad support, in the last session it passed the congress unanimously. Created in 2005, as part of the u. S. Australian trade agreement, which i voted for, supported and spoke in support of, the agreement said essentially that e3 visa programs, as constructed, would make for 10,500 visas annually available to skilled australian nationals for temporary work. This program has been a successful pathway for qualified australian citizens to gain valuable professional experience in the United States. However, our australian friends have only used roughly half of the available visas during the past decade. E3 visas are limited to professionals visiting the United States, to perform services in specialty occupations, in a confirmed job from a United States employer. E3 visa applicants also must have a University Degree or its equivalent as a minimum point of entry into the United States. The e3 visa allows the holder to stay in america for two years with the option to renew. This legislation, and i want to make sure that we emphasize this, this legislation does not change the requirements of current e3 visa program recipients, or increase the number of visas made available. In broad strokes, my bill will simply enable qualified irish workers to annually access unused australian e3 visas from the previous fiscal year. Once passed, the Irish Government has pledged to adopt a reciprocal arrangement that would allow americans to work in ireland under the same guidelines. The e3 visas, combined with these reciprocal arrangements, would provide a welcome and long overdue movement of citizens between ireland and the United States in both directions. Which is so important to irish america, the United States and, indeed, ireland. As many of you in this chamber already know, legal migration between the United States and ireland has been extremely limited now for many, many years. Support that we have across the United States and unanimously in the congress. It has the backing of both the white house and the Irish Government whose Prime Minister will be welcomed to the capitol on thursday for the annual st. Patricks day luncheon. In my opinion this bill is a winwin opportunity for the United States and for ireland and for the citizens of both countries who will benefit from this very innovative and Beneficial Exchange program. Let me thank judiciary chairman, jerry nadler, of the and immigration subcommittee chairwoman, zoe lofgren, for swiftly moving this legislation to the floor. And i do want to take special note of jim sensenbrenners contribution to helping us get to this moment. I urge our colleagues to join in supporting h. R. 2877 and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from north dakota is recognized. Mr. Armstrong i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from pennsylvania is recognized. Ms. Scanlon im prepared to close. I would inquire whether the gentleman from north dakota is ready to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from north dakota is recognized. Mr. Armstrong mr. Speaker, the bills pretty simple. The opening is the closing. This is one of thimes where i think common sense prevails. Were not increasing visas, were continuing a strong relationship between ireland and the United States. And thank you. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman yield back . Mr. Armstrong i do. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from pennsylvania is recognized. Ms. Scanlon mr. Speaker, once again, i would urge my colleagues to support this bill and with that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back the balance of her time. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 2877. 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 guam seek recognition . Sanction sanction i move that the house mr. San nicolas i move that the house suspend the rules and concur to h. R. 1365 the clerk h. R. 1365. An act to make technical corrections to the guam world war ii loyalty recognition act, Senate Amendment. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from guam, mr. San nicolas, and the gentleman from utah, mr. Bishop, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from guam. Mr. San nicolas 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 include extraneous material on the measure under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. San nicolas mr. Speaker, i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. San nicolas thank you, mr. Speaker. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, today is a very historic day. Particularly in the relationship between the United States and the people of guam. More specifically, the people of guam, a generation in particular that endured the sufferings of world war ii. I was here, mr. Speaker, about eight months ago when i first brought h. R. 1365 to the floor of this house, after securing unanimous consent in the committee on natural resources, and after bringing this measure to the floor eight months ago, and also securing unanimous consent. H. R. 1365 made its way to the senate. In going through the senate, it was able to also receive the necessary unanimous support and receive a very minor change that brings to us this floor today. Is making echnically what would appear to be a minor change to language that was already enacted in 2010 ndaa. But in my short time as a freshman member of this house, ive learned that there is no such thing as a simple technicality. The mere addition of a few words can make all the difference between the gravity of the hurdles that you need to overcome in order to enact legislation. And i have learned the language contained in h. R. 1365 while technical in nature is incredibly with respect to what it means for the members of this house to consider. In our process, mr. Speaker, legislation that has certain language triggers certain events. H. R. 1365 is intended to allow for money that has been set aside to actually be paid out to the people who suffered under the brutality of Imperial Japan during world war ii. This was a process initiated over many decades and has come to a place that we await the ability to cut the checks. But it has been the ability to cut those checks that language gets very, very complicated and causes certain things to be reconsidered. The language in h. R. 1365 would, in effect, create what we know as a score here in this congress, meaning there may be an expenditure that the body would need to consider. And the actual Funding Source of setais side for monies due to guam with the money accumulated and being paid out to these war survivors. The reason the United States is assuming these obligations, at the end of world war ii, United States and solved japan to move the entire world forward after the conclusion of the war and they happened to absolve them of their obligation to make whole the war crimes of the people who suffered because they were inhabiting the United States territory of guam. The people suffered beheadings, forced marches, rapes and lost of incomes and their arms. And it has taken us now 76 years to finally come to this point. And i say this is historic, mr. Speaker, because it in a large respect represents an original sin in terms of the inability for us to reconcile our territorial relationships in a manner that really makes for plain and simple justice. And im deeply moved, mr. Speaker, to handle these proceedings today and to be able see 131365 come before this house once more because as we all know in this current political environment, any hurdle that legislation faces is a hurdle too much. And so as we have gone through this process and gotten to this point, there were many times i was deeply concerned about whether or not something technical was actually going to be dead on arrival. But by the grace of god, mr. Speaker, the small territory of guam has been able to garner the unanimous support of this house, unanimous support of the senate and we are here again today ddressing a matter that really triggers certain concerns, but really has gotten us to the point where we are really able to see in a there are some things that are bigger than the nuances of language and semantics of procedure. And so its with a deep sense of pride that i stand here as a member of this house, nonvoting delegate that i am, because i can stand here in witness with hat, that at some point in time, justice really does find its way in the United States of america. I urge my colleagues to please support this measure. We are this close and just a hairline away and in passing this house, this measure would go before the president for signature and finally make whole a generation that suffered because they were loyal to america. Thank you, mr. Speaker. And i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from guam reserves. The gentleman from utah is recognized. Mr. Bishop thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself all our time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah, mr. Bishop, is recognized. Mr. Bishop you know, this is a problem that has been vexing from our members from guam. And i appreciate the gentleman from guam who has adequately explained what he is attempting to do and i congratulate him on this bill which is finally going to recognize and compensate a very small group, but a Significant Group of people who literally sacrificed for this country. This is the right thing to do. This house has done this before. This passed out of our committee on a voice vote and the floor and the senate felt compelled to make changes as they want to do. In lightning speed, the senate in only eight months was able to strike the 22 lines and return this bill to us. Lets revehicles and ask them to do Something Else and i urge everyone to give this a yes vote and send it to the president. I reserve. You dont have any other speakers, do you . I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah yields back. Mr. San nicolas 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 concur in enate amendments to h. R. 1365. 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 Senate Amendment is agreed to and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution 754 expressing the sense of the house of representatives that the United States shall conth to support the people of nicaragua in their peaceful effort to promote democracy and human rights and use the tools under United States law to increase financial and political pressure on the government as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the resolution. The clerk United States<\/a> and australia finalized the australiau. S. Free trade agreement, congress created the e3 visa program. That Program Provides<\/a> up to 10,500 temporary visas for australian nationals who are preapproved by u. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/a> to work in a specialty occupation for a sponsoring United States<\/a> employer. A specialty occupation is one that requires the theoretical and Practical Application<\/a> of a body of highly Specialized Knowledge<\/a> in fields such as science, engineering and research and development in emerging technologies. Since the programs inception, australia has only ever used a fraction of the 10,500 e3 visas that are available each year. For example, in fiscal year 2019, only 5 had, 800 e3 visas were issued to australian nationals. H. R. 2877 does not increase the number of visas that may be issued, but instead allows irish nationals to use any unused visas. That bill would take the number of e3 visas that are left unused by australia in a given fiscal year and make that same number of visas available to irish nationals the following fiscal year. This is a commonsense bill that recognizes the important bond we share with two of our countrys closest and most steadfast allies. This bill is not controversial and in fact it passed the house by voice vote in 2018 when my republican colleagues held the majority in this chamber. I congratulate my friend, mr. Neal, chairman of the ways and means committee, for continuing to champion this bill. With that, i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 2877, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from north dakota is recognized. Mr. Armstrong thank you, mr. Chair. I yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Armstrong i rise today in support of h. R. 2877, a bill to add ireland to the e3 nonimmigrant program. As we approach st. Patricks day, this bill recognizes the unique friendship and working relationship between the United States<\/a> and ireland. H. R. 2877 allows nationals of ireland to be eligible to apply for unused e3 nonimmigrant visas. Subject to ireland providing reciprocal access to u. S. Nationals. Holders of the e3 temporary work visa must be working in a specialty occupation while in the United States<\/a>. A specialty occupation is one that is defined in the immigrant and nationality act as requiring, one, theoretical and Practical Application<\/a> of a body of highly Specialized Knowledge<\/a>, and, two, the attainment of a bachelors or higher degree in the specific specialty. Or its equivalent as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States<\/a>. The e3 applicant must have a job offer from an employer in the United States<\/a> and that employer must get a foreign labor certification from the u. S. Department of labor prior to filling a petition with the u. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/a>. H. R. 2877 also requires that employers using irish e3 visa holders in their work force area and will remain participants in Good Standing<\/a> in the everify program. This means that such employers must use everify to ensure those that they employ are eligible to work in the United States<\/a>. E3 nonimmigrant visas are currently only available to nationals of australia and are capped at 10,500 per year. Australia australian nationals have never used all of the 10,500 authorized visas in a given year. Nor have they even come close to doing so. In fact, the highest number used was during the last fiscal year, when 5,807 were issued. H. R. 2877 provides that nationals of ireland can utilize the visas not used by australians in a given calendar year. For operational purposes, the visa can be issued for the following year but will be counted against the previous years cap. So the bill does not increase the number of visas authorized and allows australia, for whose nationals the program was originally created, to have first access to those numbers. H. R. 2877 is a simple bill that reflects the continued friendship between ireland and the United States<\/a>. I urge my colleagues to support the bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from pennsylvania is recognized. Ms. Scanlon mr. Speaker, i yield four minutes to the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. Neal. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from massachusetts is recognized for four minutes. Mr. Neal thank you, mr. Speaker. Let me thank the gentlelady as well for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, i rise in strong support of h. R. 2877, to make irish nationals eligible for temporary admission to the United States<\/a> through the existing e3 visa program, and i want to thank the gentleman from north dakota for his offering today and his support. I worked last year with chairman sensenbrenner on this as well. This legislation has broad support, in the last session it passed the congress unanimously. Created in 2005, as part of the u. S. Australian trade agreement, which i voted for, supported and spoke in support of, the agreement said essentially that e3 visa programs, as constructed, would make for 10,500 visas annually available to skilled australian nationals for temporary work. This program has been a successful pathway for qualified australian citizens to gain valuable professional experience in the United States<\/a>. However, our australian friends have only used roughly half of the available visas during the past decade. E3 visas are limited to professionals visiting the United States<\/a>, to perform services in specialty occupations, in a confirmed job from a United States<\/a> employer. E3 visa applicants also must have a University Degree<\/a> or its equivalent as a minimum point of entry into the United States<\/a>. The e3 visa allows the holder to stay in america for two years with the option to renew. This legislation, and i want to make sure that we emphasize this, this legislation does not change the requirements of current e3 visa program recipients, or increase the number of visas made available. In broad strokes, my bill will simply enable qualified irish workers to annually access unused australian e3 visas from the previous fiscal year. Once passed, the Irish Government<\/a> has pledged to adopt a reciprocal arrangement that would allow americans to work in ireland under the same guidelines. The e3 visas, combined with these reciprocal arrangements, would provide a welcome and long overdue movement of citizens between ireland and the United States<\/a> in both directions. Which is so important to irish america, the United States<\/a> and, indeed, ireland. As many of you in this chamber already know, legal migration between the United States<\/a> and ireland has been extremely limited now for many, many years. Support that we have across the United States<\/a> and unanimously in the congress. It has the backing of both the white house and the Irish Government<\/a> whose Prime Minister<\/a> will be welcomed to the capitol on thursday for the annual st. Patricks day luncheon. In my opinion this bill is a winwin opportunity for the United States<\/a> and for ireland and for the citizens of both countries who will benefit from this very innovative and Beneficial Exchange<\/a> program. Let me thank judiciary chairman, jerry nadler, of the and immigration subcommittee chairwoman, zoe lofgren, for swiftly moving this legislation to the floor. And i do want to take special note of jim sensenbrenners contribution to helping us get to this moment. I urge our colleagues to join in supporting h. R. 2877 and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from north dakota is recognized. Mr. Armstrong i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from pennsylvania is recognized. Ms. Scanlon im prepared to close. I would inquire whether the gentleman from north dakota is ready to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from north dakota is recognized. Mr. Armstrong mr. Speaker, the bills pretty simple. The opening is the closing. This is one of thimes where i think common sense prevails. Were not increasing visas, were continuing a strong relationship between ireland and the United States<\/a>. And thank you. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman yield back . Mr. Armstrong i do. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from pennsylvania is recognized. Ms. Scanlon mr. Speaker, once again, i would urge my colleagues to support this bill and with that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back the balance of her time. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 2877. 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 guam seek recognition . Sanction sanction i move that the house mr. San nicolas i move that the house suspend the rules and concur to h. R. 1365 the clerk h. R. 1365. An act to make technical corrections to the guam world war ii loyalty recognition act, Senate Amendment<\/a>. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from guam, mr. San nicolas, and the gentleman from utah, mr. Bishop, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from guam. Mr. San nicolas 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 include extraneous material on the measure under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. San nicolas mr. Speaker, i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. San nicolas thank you, mr. Speaker. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, today is a very historic day. Particularly in the relationship between the United States<\/a> and the people of guam. More specifically, the people of guam, a generation in particular that endured the sufferings of world war ii. I was here, mr. Speaker, about eight months ago when i first brought h. R. 1365 to the floor of this house, after securing unanimous consent in the committee on natural resources, and after bringing this measure to the floor eight months ago, and also securing unanimous consent. H. R. 1365 made its way to the senate. In going through the senate, it was able to also receive the necessary unanimous support and receive a very minor change that brings to us this floor today. Is making echnically what would appear to be a minor change to language that was already enacted in 2010 ndaa. But in my short time as a freshman member of this house, ive learned that there is no such thing as a simple technicality. The mere addition of a few words can make all the difference between the gravity of the hurdles that you need to overcome in order to enact legislation. And i have learned the language contained in h. R. 1365 while technical in nature is incredibly with respect to what it means for the members of this house to consider. In our process, mr. Speaker, legislation that has certain language triggers certain events. H. R. 1365 is intended to allow for money that has been set aside to actually be paid out to the people who suffered under the brutality of Imperial Japan<\/a> during world war ii. This was a process initiated over many decades and has come to a place that we await the ability to cut the checks. But it has been the ability to cut those checks that language gets very, very complicated and causes certain things to be reconsidered. The language in h. R. 1365 would, in effect, create what we know as a score here in this congress, meaning there may be an expenditure that the body would need to consider. And the actual Funding Source<\/a> of setais side for monies due to guam with the money accumulated and being paid out to these war survivors. The reason the United States<\/a> is assuming these obligations, at the end of world war ii, United States<\/a> and solved japan to move the entire world forward after the conclusion of the war and they happened to absolve them of their obligation to make whole the war crimes of the people who suffered because they were inhabiting the United States<\/a> territory of guam. The people suffered beheadings, forced marches, rapes and lost of incomes and their arms. And it has taken us now 76 years to finally come to this point. And i say this is historic, mr. Speaker, because it in a large respect represents an original sin in terms of the inability for us to reconcile our territorial relationships in a manner that really makes for plain and simple justice. And im deeply moved, mr. Speaker, to handle these proceedings today and to be able see 131365 come before this house once more because as we all know in this current political environment, any hurdle that legislation faces is a hurdle too much. And so as we have gone through this process and gotten to this point, there were many times i was deeply concerned about whether or not something technical was actually going to be dead on arrival. But by the grace of god, mr. Speaker, the small territory of guam has been able to garner the unanimous support of this house, unanimous support of the senate and we are here again today ddressing a matter that really triggers certain concerns, but really has gotten us to the point where we are really able to see in a there are some things that are bigger than the nuances of language and semantics of procedure. And so its with a deep sense of pride that i stand here as a member of this house, nonvoting delegate that i am, because i can stand here in witness with hat, that at some point in time, justice really does find its way in the United States<\/a> of america. I urge my colleagues to please support this measure. We are this close and just a hairline away and in passing this house, this measure would go before the president for signature and finally make whole a generation that suffered because they were loyal to america. Thank you, mr. Speaker. And i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from guam reserves. The gentleman from utah is recognized. Mr. Bishop thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself all our time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah, mr. Bishop, is recognized. Mr. Bishop you know, this is a problem that has been vexing from our members from guam. And i appreciate the gentleman from guam who has adequately explained what he is attempting to do and i congratulate him on this bill which is finally going to recognize and compensate a very small group, but a Significant Group<\/a> of people who literally sacrificed for this country. This is the right thing to do. This house has done this before. This passed out of our committee on a voice vote and the floor and the senate felt compelled to make changes as they want to do. In lightning speed, the senate in only eight months was able to strike the 22 lines and return this bill to us. Lets revehicles and ask them to do Something Else<\/a> and i urge everyone to give this a yes vote and send it to the president. I reserve. You dont have any other speakers, do you . I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah yields back. Mr. San nicolas 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 concur in enate amendments to h. R. 1365. 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 Senate Amendment<\/a> is agreed to and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution<\/a> 754 expressing the sense of the house of representatives that the United States<\/a> shall conth to support the people of nicaragua in their peaceful effort to promote democracy and human rights and use the tools under United States<\/a> law to increase financial and political pressure on the government as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the resolution. The clerk House Resolution<\/a> 7854, resolution expressing the sense of the house of representatives that the United States<\/a> should continue to support the people of nicaragua in their peaceful efforts to promote democracy and human rights and use the tools under United States<\/a> law to increase political and financial pressure on the government of ortega. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Sires, and the gentleman from florida, mr. Yoho, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Sires i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Sires i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Sires i want to thank chairman engel and Ranking Member<\/a> mccaul for their continued focus on the human rights situation in nicaragua. I would like to thank my colleague, Ranking Member<\/a> Francis Rooney<\/a> for introducing this resolution. This resolution highlights the severe human rights abuses that have taken place in nicaragua and conveys bipartisan support for the people as they seek to reclaim their fundamental rights. Security epression by forces resulted in 325 deaths. According to the International Man<\/a> rights groups, they used shooting to kill committing abuses that rose to the level of crimes against humanity. Ile president ortega has seemingly in an effort to reduce pressure there are 56 Political Prisoners<\/a> in nicaragua. Many of those who are released are routinely harassed by the authorities. Political prisoners in nicaragua are subjected to sexual abuse, suffocation with plastic bags and electric shocks. Over 80,000 have fled the country since february, 2018, many of them to escape persecution. I urge the administration not to turn its back to the people of nicaragua fleeing the violence and persecution. This resolution makes clear that the United States<\/a> Congress Stands<\/a> with the people of nicaragua who are demanding accountability in the face of such brutal repression. It calls for tangible steps from the government of nicaragua and release of Political Prisoners<\/a> and implementation of electoral reforms by Civil Society<\/a> organizations. I hope that my colleagues will join me in sending this strong bipartisan message in support of the people of nicaragua. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey reserves. The gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Yoho mr. Speaker, i rise in support of House Resolution<\/a> expressing the support of the people of nicaragua in peaceful effort to promote democracy and human rights authored by the chir chairman of the subcommittee, mr. Sirs. Daniel ortega and his socialist government continue to hold on to power through corruption, intimidation and violence against the people of nicaragua. Since his return to power, and dismantledaduro have nicaraguas Democratic Institution<\/a> and enriched himself at the hands of the poorest countries. Security icaragua orces violently suppressed protests that resulted in 325 deaths and arbitrary detention of 800. Since then, ortega has resisted calls by the International Community<\/a> for respect in human rights and allow free and fair elections. The United States<\/a> imposed individual sanctions on the people of anything raug what and two of the sons. The Treasury Department<\/a> sanctioned one of their main banks and mostly one of the police was continuing to facilitate corruption and carry out human rights violations. This resolution condemns the action of the ortega regime and expresses full support for the freedomloving people of nick raug was in their struggle from ortegas tyranny. This resolution recognizes the administrations effort to promote democracy in nicaragua and the actions to hold corrupt filibusters and human rights abusers accountable. The United States<\/a> remains committed to democracy and respect for human rights in the western hemisphere and this resolution urges its International Community<\/a> in joining us in these efforts. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and i yield the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from new jersey is ecognized. Mr. Sires i yield myself such time as i may consume for the purpose of closing. Consideration of this resolution comes at a critical time. It will be key it will be key for the International Community<\/a> to speak with one voice in amending that specific conditions be met for the elections to be deemed credible. As a first step, president ortega must take immediate action to allow for a newly comprised and independent electoral council. The reliable registry and granting of full access of observers. Absent immediate and tangible steps to implement these electoral reforms, the United States<\/a> should increase its pressure on the on ortega and his inner circle. I hope our allies will step up their efforts and work with the United States<\/a> towards a coordinated strategy. I thank my colleagues for sending this bipartisan message that will continue to stand that we will stand with the people of nicaragua in their efforts to restore democracy in their country. Join me in supporting the passage of this resolution and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore 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 resolution is agreed to and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to h. R. 410, encouraging reunions of divided korean American Families<\/a>, as amended. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman wish to call up House Resolution<\/a> 410 . As amended. Mr. Sires yes. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the resolution. The clerk House Resolution<\/a> 410. Resolution encouraging reunions of divided korean American Families<\/a>. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Sires, and the gentleman from florida, mr. Yoho, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Sires i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous aterial on h. R. H. Res. 410. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Sires i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the honorable gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires thank you, mr. Speaker. I want to thank representative bass for sponsoring this resolution. Which draws attention to a pressing humanitarian issue affecting the korean american community. This june will mark 70 years since the beginning of the korean war. Which separated 10 million koreans from their immediate family members. Since 1985, family reunions carry out between the north and the carried out between the north and the south briefly united more than 24 million family members but there are still thousands more who have brothers, sisters, parents that. Ave been separated it must be a humanitarian priority for the United States<\/a> to facilitate reunions for these separated families. Considering the many years that have passed, many of these families are older and if we dont act soon, they may never see their loved ones again. The measure before us underscores the long history of u. S. Support for family reunification between korean americans and their relatives still in north korea. It outlines different ways that north korea and the United States<\/a> can respectfully take action, including a Pilot Program<\/a> for family reunions. A family registry supported by the red cross and other organizations and the use of technology to allow reunions for those who might not be physically able to travel for in opinion person he will unions. This is a good for inperson reunions. This is a good, commonsense resolution to reunite families split by the korean war. I support it and i urge my colleagues to do the same. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Yoho thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of representative bass resolution. And i want to congratulate you for doing this. This resolution reaffirms the house commitment to support our korean American Families<\/a> seeking to reunite with relatives who are trapped in north korea. This resolution rightly observes that the family reunification is a humanitarian priority. I urge my colleagues to support this measure and 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. Sires mr. Speaker, i yield five minutes to the author of this important resolution. The chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs<\/a> subcommittee on africa, global health, global human rights, and international organizations, the gentlewoman from california, ms. Bass. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized for five minutes. Ms. Bass thank you. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to strongly support h. Res. 410, the purpose of this resolution is to encourage reunions of divided korean American Families<\/a>. Last year i had the opportunity to meet a 90yearold korean american man from virginia. Mr. Lee has not seen his three older brothers and sisters since he fled north korea more than 70 years ago. But he prays for them daily. He has no idea if they are even still alive. Tears stream down his face during that streamed down his face during that meeting as he held my hand and urged me to do what i can to help korean families to be reunited. This resolution originated at a town hall meeting where a group of constituents called this issue to my attention. As i learned more about these aging korean americans who just want to be able to see their siblings and parents, i knew that i in fact had to do all that we could do to raise this issue. The division of the Korean Peninsula<\/a> and the south korea and north korea separated thousands of koreans from family members. Many korean americans have not southeastern communicated with family members in more than 60 years. Their children have grown up here in america without knowing what their cousins, aunts or uncles even look like. Over the years south korea and north korea have arranged for selected groups to visit each other, but these reunions have been dependent on the political situation between the countries. Since 2000 there have been at least 20 rounds of family reunions but none have included korean americans. Meanwhile, the situation is now grow grow growing more urgent as many who are being many who have been separated are getting older. Thats why i introduced this resolution that calls on the United States<\/a> and north korea to begin the process of reuniting korean americans, divided family divided an americans from their families. With that, i urge you to support this resolution that calls on the United States<\/a> and north korea to pursue reunions as a humanitarian priority of immediate concern. I also urge you to report to support h. R. 1771, the divided families reunification act introduced by my colleague, representive meng, that takes up the same issue. Thank you, mr. Speaker. And i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back the balance of her time. The gentleman from new jersey reserves. The gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Yoho mr. Speaker, in closing, i urge my colleagues to support representative bass resolution to stand with korean americans seeking to reunite with family members stranded inside north korea and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i yield myself as much time as i may consume for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, most of us cant imagine the pain going decades without knowing if your relative is alive or dead. That is the daily struggle for thousands of families torn apart by the korean war. This measure underscores our support for reuniting these families, bringing solace and closure to this deep wound left by the war. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution and 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 agree to House Resolution<\/a> 410, 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 mr. Sires mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Sires on that, i ask for the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are 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 uestion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 2444, the Eastern European<\/a> security act, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 2444, a bill to authorize the secretary of state to make direct loans under section 23 of the arms export control act, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Sires, and the gentleman from florida, mr. Yoho, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on h. R. 2444. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Sires i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 2444, the Eastern European<\/a> security act. I want to thank Ranking Member<\/a> mccaul for working on this excellent measure that mirrors chairman eliot engels bill, the nato defense financing act, in pursuit of a stronger transatlantic partnership. Mr. Speaker, the United States<\/a> and its european allies have together built the most successful alliance in the history of the world. The Nato Alliance<\/a> is strengthened by our shared values, mutual trust, ability to Work Together<\/a>, and, if necessary, to fight together. Its crucial that nato is ready and able to defend against external threats and engage in comeback. For that to happen, all of our allies must be able to Work Together<\/a> seamlessly. But right now some of our Eastern European<\/a> allies still rely on russian or sovietera equipment. Modernizing these military forces is a National Security<\/a> imperative. The Eastern European<\/a> security act puts in place direct loans to our Security Partners<\/a> so they can update their military equipment to better address the shifting and complex security needs. As adversaries like russia continue to test our alliances, dose of and cohesion, these defenses and cohesion, these loans would be a meaningful step toward ensuring that we are ready and able to face evolving threats on the horizon. These loans would complement, not replace, our ongoing u. S. Security assistant effort to europe and will be continued upon our allies upholding their own constitutions and the democratic value of the alliance. The United States<\/a> must not only support the militaries of our nato allies but also safeguard the continued strength of the Democratic Values<\/a> upon from which the alliance is built. I hope all members will join me in approving this measure that better supports our European Alliance<\/a> and advances our security interests. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from florida is recognized. Mr. Yoho mr. Speaker, i rise today in support of the Eastern European<\/a> support act introduced by the lead republican of the Foreign Affairs<\/a> committee, mr. Michael mccaul. This bipartisan bill supports our nato allies in american jobs and is the best way to secure the Nato Alliance<\/a>. The Nato Alliance<\/a> is essential to our National Security<\/a>, but it is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. Some newer member countries are smaller economies want to purchase American Military<\/a> hardware but such purchases are often out of reach. As a result, these partner nations are forced to purchase less expensive and often less reliable military equipment from other allies or eastern our or even our strategic competitors, russia, and or china. Such purchases threaten americas security, as well as the security of alliances. This bill would give the executive branch the flexibility it needs to help secure the sale of American Military<\/a> equipment to our nato allies, which will not only promote our National Security<\/a> interest, but also promote american jobs and bring in revenue to the treasury over the life of the loan. This legislation is long overdue and i ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this very important bipartisan bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself as much time as i may consume for the purpose of closing. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Sires i again want to thank congressman mccaul for his hard work on this measure. Hes been a tireless advocate on behalf of this issue. Nato security is u. S. Security and the continued protection of every american is dependent upon a strong Nato Alliance<\/a>. Our allies selfish selflessly demonstrated this commitment when they came to americas aid after the terrorist attack on 9 11 and it is important that the United States<\/a> remain committed to our allies and our shared Democratic Values<\/a> as well. This is a good measure and i am pleased to support it. I urge all members to do the same. 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 h. R. 2444, 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, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid n the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 1771, the divided families reunification act, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1771. A bill to require consultations on reuniting korean americans with family members in north korea. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Sires, and the gentleman from florida, mr. Yoho, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from new jersey. Mr. Sires i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on h. R. 1771. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Sires i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Sires thank you, mr. Speaker. I thank ms. Mange for sponsoring this good bill to provide much needed relief to koreanamericans who have been separated from their family members and many of them for decades now. The korean war tore families itrt almost 70 years ago and is a humanitarian tragedy. It is long past time for these families to be able to reunite. People who lost their parents are now Senior Citizens<\/a> with children and grandchildren of their own sm the divided families reunification act requires the state department to consult with our south korean allies and the south Korean Community<\/a> to make these renunes happen as soon as possible. Anyone who has seen footage can attest to this profound significance. They demonstrate that the boppeds of family cannot be severed by war, by distance or government repression. This bill requires the department of state to report to congress to facilitate more reunions by video connection which is important to allow all koreanamericans including those who might have traveled long distances, a real opportunity to reconnect with their family members. And Important Role<\/a> in executing this humanitarian policy is the special envoy on north korean human rights issues and it is deeply concerning that the Trump Administration<\/a> has left this position vacant since january of 2017. This is a priority for this congress, but if we are going to if he cantively advance these policies, we need to make sure that we have the people in place to execute them. The divided families reunification act is an excellent bipartisan bill to reunite families torn apart by the korean war havent i hope all members will join me in supporting it. And with that, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. Mr. Yoho i rise in support of h. R. 1771. Mr. Speaker, the sad legacy is even with us today, almost 70 years after the agreement was signed. The Korean Peninsula<\/a> remains divided between a nation of free people and a nation that subjects its people to tyranny. The kim regime threatens the peace and security of the region and the world. Families remain broken. To those who have family members trapped in north korea. Our community fulfills this strongly. Commend congresswoman mange which can asks the state department to reunite families separated by the d. M. Z. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from florida yields back. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires i yield myself such time as i may consume for the purpose of closing. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Sires this is a good bill to support the thousands of koreanamericans whose families were torn apart by the korean war. One of the most important tests carried out by the state department is the reunion of americans with their family members and this act will focus that good work on a group of people who have waited decades for their chance. I strongly support the passage of this legislation. And i urge my colleagues to support the same. I yield 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 h. R. 1771 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative mr. Sires mr. Speaker, on that, i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those in favor of taking this vote will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. Pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1, the chair declares the house members return at 6 30 p. M. Eastern for votes and speeches. The chambers been working on several bills, including two measures that aim to help reunify korean americans with relatives in north korea. This week, expected debate on a joint resolution that directs the removal of u. S. Forces from hostilities against iran. If those hostilities have not been authorized by congress. Also this week, legislation that repeals president trumps 2017 travel been a on certain countries while limiting the president s authority to issue new entry bans and work also on a measure that seeks to ensure u. S. Citizens or those with legal status have access to Legal Counsel<\/a> if theyre detained by u. S. Customs and Border Protection<\/a> for more than an hour. Follow the house live on cspan when members return at 6 30 astern for votes and speeches. 2020 democratic president ial candidate joe biden hold as Campaign Event<\/a> in detroit. Watch live Coverage Today<\/a> at 7 30 p. M. Eastern on cspan2, online at cspan. Org, or listen live with the free cspan radio app. On tuesday the director of the centers for Disease Control<\/a> and prevention, dr. Robert redfield, testifies before a House Appropriations<\/a> subcommittee on the governments response to the coronavirus outbreak and president trumps 2021 budget request for his agency. Watch live at 10 00 a. M. Eastern on cspan3, online at cspan. Org, or listen live on the free cspan radio app. Follow the federal response to the coronavirus at cspan. Org coronavirus. You can find white house briefings, hearings with Key Public Health<\/a> officials, and interviews with Public Health<\/a> specialists. Review the latest events any ime at cspan. Org coronavirus. If it comes out to be a campaign in which we have one candidate who is standing up for the working class and the middle class, were going to win that election. For those who been knocked down, counted out, left behind, this is your campaign. The president ial prime ears and caucuses continue tuesday for six states. Including idaho, michigan, mississippi, missouri, north dakota, and washington. Watch our campaign 2020 coverage of the candidate speeches and results tuesday evening live on cspan, cspan. Org, or listen from wherever you are on the free cspan radio app. Next, remarks from Deputy Assistant<\/a> secretary of state on the state departments efforts to maintain and enforce sanctions, specifically those aimed at iran and venezuela. This was held earli","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia902903.us.archive.org\/11\/items\/CSPAN_20200309_200100_U.S._House_of_Representatives_U.S._House_of_Representatives\/CSPAN_20200309_200100_U.S._House_of_Representatives_U.S._House_of_Representatives.thumbs\/CSPAN_20200309_200100_U.S._House_of_Representatives_U.S._House_of_Representatives_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240716T12:35:10+00:00"}