In the United States. Theres also an important people to people dimension to the relationship so i think the last figure i saw was 70,000 americans living and working in saudi arabia. At least 30,000 saudi students in the United States. This is a multidimensional relationship that only continues to grow and deepen over the years. In continuing to grow and to deepen going forward. Host a lot more to say but we are out of time. A spokesperson for the embassy of saudi arabia thanks so much for joining us. That is it for todays washington journal we are back again tomorrow morning 7 00 a. M. Eastern. [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2024] house will be in order. The chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. The clerk the speakers rooms. Washington, d. C. May 8, 2024. I hereby appoint the honorable michael cloud to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. Signed, mike johnson, speaker of the house of representatives. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the order of the house of january 9, 2024, the chair will now recognize members from lists submitted by the majority and minority leaders for morning hour debate. The chair will alternate recognition between the parties with time equally allotted between the parties and each member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip limited to five minutes, but in no event shall debate be beyond 11 50 a. M. The chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia, mr. Allen, for five minutes. Mr. Allen thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate Southern Company ogle thorpe power, dalton utilities and all partners involved in plant vogues unit four officially coming online. At the heart of georgias 12th district we are home to plant vogel, where the first two Nuclear Reactors to be constructed in over three decades in the United States are now fully operational. Representing a key investment in georgias energy future. Unit three entered commercial operation in july, 2023, and now unit four has followed suit. This historic achievement has been years in the making and proves that america can still do big things. Plant vogel is now officially the Largest Nuclear power station in the country. And i am proud that georgias 12th district is a leader in Americas Nuclear energy future. As ive said many times before, and all of the above Energy Strategy an alloftheabove Energy Strategy is crucial to maintaining Americas Energy dominance. Nuclear has a pick of toll role to play pivotal role to play. Throughout the nation, we have 11,000 utilityscale electric power plants currently under operation. Less than 60 of which are Nuclear Power plants. Even with such a relatively small footprint, Nuclear Energy accounts for approximately 20 of our Energy Production and approximately 50 of all emissionfree energy generated in the country. Nuclear power plants can operate 24 7, providing a stable base load supply of electricity. This reliable reliability is crucial for maintaining Grid Stability and ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Particularly during periods of high demand or adverse weather conditions. Since being elected to congress, i have visited plant vogel on numerous occasions to witness various stages of progress throughout the unit three and unit four construction process. In fact, i visited there just before loading of the fuel and was inside the container right before we were beginning operation on unit four. Seeing this project come to fruition is nothing short of remarkable. Just last week i was joined by fellow members of congress and Industry Leaders in augusta for an informative Panel Discussion on the benefits of Nuclear Energy expansion in the u. S. , followed by a visit to plant vogel to see the new units up and running. Plant vogel is providing safe, reliable emissionfree energy to consumers and businesses across the peach state and beyond. And each of the new units able to produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses. It will continue to generate power for decades to come. This massive accomplishment certainly came with its challenges along the way. But as we do in georgia, we persevered. This historic milestone is a major win for all georgians and america as a whole. And id like to once again congratulate Southern Company oglethorpe power, dalton utilities and all partners involved in this tremendous success. And through their perseverance. I look forward to continuing my work on the house energy and Commerce Committee to enact Innovative Solutions that further bolster americas clean energy future. And i am proud that our bipartisan Nuclear Energy package will soon be on its way to the president s desk for signature, which includes my bill, the Nuclear Licensing efficiency act. To reform and streamline Nuclear Licensing and the permitting process. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california, mr. Costa. Without objection. Mr. Costa mr. Speaker, for decades head start and Early Head Start programs have provided comprehensive Childhood Development services to millions of children across america. Research has shown that participation in head start can lead to positive outcomes for our children. By providing children with a Strong Foundation in their early years, head start helps level the playing field, especially for disadvantaged children and gives them a better chance at academic success. House democrats have made it clear that investing in americas children will always be among our highest priorities. Thanks to investments, we have investments we have fought for in the budget, were working to ensure federal dollars reach every corner of the country. In my district ive secured 23 million for Fresno County and 22 million for talero county head start and Early Head Start programs. These funds will provide families with health and support services while growing the next generation of leaders in the San Joaquin Valley and in california. Investing, investing in education is investing in our childrens future because what our children when our children succeed, america succeeds. Mr. Speaker, i also rise today to recognize what has been taking place around the week in this country and around the world. And that is commemorating, ending in 1945, recognizing the six million jewish victims that were killed in the holocaust. Sadly, on october 7 last year, 79 years after the holocaust, we witnessed a terrorist organization, hamas, rape, execute and take hostages. Over 1,400 israelis, americans and other nationalities, which was the largest killing of jews since the holocaust. There is clear evidence that rising threat of hate and antisemitism is being spread here at home and across the world. I want to commend President Biden and speaker johnson yesterday for bringing together a bipartisan gathering to speak against antisemitism, challenges here in america. In the United States antisemitism incidents have soared over 140 . In 2023. Breaking all previous records. In america we support free speech and peaceful protest. But disrupting academic education, attacking jewish students and faculty have no place on College Campuses or universities in america and it must be stopped. We must unmask groups like the National Students for justice and palestine for what they are. They celebrated on october 8 the actions of hamas that took 1,400 israeli lives. This is an ex text of groups extension of groups like terrorist groups like hamas. Hamas, Whose Mission statement is to eliminate the state of israel and to kill jews. As referenced in their slogan. From the river to the sea, the river is the jordan river and the sea is the mediterranean. Its to eliminate the state of israel and to kill jewish people. Thats what their purpose is. We must Work Together to break this cycle of hate that is plaguing our society and putting lives at risk around the world. In an era of rising antisemitism, coupled with fading memory of the holocaust, we must fight conspiracy theories and ensure that lessons of the past are never, ever forgotten. Last month i was in israel and i went to the novembera concert sight nova concert site where 164 concert goers attended. Innocent People Killed on october 7. Last week i participated in a bipartisan visit of members at the Holocaust Museum for an exhibit that clearly raises the issues of antisemitism in america. In the 1920s and the 1930s, led in part by prominent americans like henry ford and charles lindberg, i urge my colleagues and others coming to washington to go and see this comparative analogy of antisemitism from the 1920s and the 1930s and what we are dealing with here today. For it is real and we must do everything together to combat this plague of antisemitism, the poll tisks hate and the politics politics of hate and the politics of fear. For as a famous historian once said, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. And thats why its important that we recognize this anniversary of the holocaust and why we remember that on october 7 of last year, it is not a lingering, distant, fading memory, but its a real reality hit that we have to deal with here today. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from iowa, mrs. Millermeeks, for five minutes. Mrs. Millermeeks thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in honor of military Appreciation Month. With 24 years of service in the army and now representing a Congressional District with a significant active duty and veteran population, i am deeply honored to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our nations heroes. Military Appreciation Month was proposed by the late senator john mccain in february, 1999. Two months later, congress voted to officially designate may as the nationally recognized period for honoring the military, culminating with memorial day. Across the army, navy, marines, air force, coast guard and space force, there are more than 2. 8 million Service Members worldwide tasked with protecting the freedoms we enjoy here at home. I thank all those who serve and have served. May god bless them and may god bless the United States of america. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor the First Responders across iowa who were on the front lines following the recent tornado outbreaks across the state. As iowans, we are no strangers to Severe Weather. Every summer we do what we can to prepare for the inevitable floods, severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes. And while we prepare for the worst, iowas First Responders are the heroes on the ground, quickly jumping into action for people impacted by the horrific storms. Without our First Responders, Severe Weather events like the ones so many iowans experienced on april 26, would be much more catastrophic and deadly. So, mr. Speaker, i ask my colleagues to join me in commending these brave heroes and thanking them for their unbreaking commitment to the safety of all iowans and allamericans. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor wendy donald who was named school nurse of the year for 2024 by the Iowa School Nurse organization. With more than 25 years of nursing experience and seven years serving the School District, wendys dedication shines through. She advocates tirelessly for the inclusion of School Nurses and decision in Decision Making processes and collaborates with educators, parents and Health Care Professionals to meet the diverse needs of our students. Wendys proactive approach extends beyond the school walls, working closely with local Health Care Providers to promote community health. Her initiatives such as raising funds for children in the e. R. Exemplify her innovative thinking and compassion. And as a former nurse, i certainly recognize these attributes. Lets recognize wendys profound impact on our community. Congratulations, wendy, on this welldeserved recognition. Thank you for your service and inspiring us all. Thank you, mr. Speaker, i rise today in recognition of National Skilled trades day which took place on may 1 this year. In iowa and across the nation, our Skilled Trades people arent just contributors to the community, they are the heart beat of our communities. Shaping our infrastructure and crafting the world we live in. From carpenters shaping our homes to hvac technicians keeping us comfortable, these individuals are the Unsung Heroes of our local communities. Today i stand proud to honor their contributions and reaffirm my commitment to champion their interests in congress. Let us continue to support and celebrate the Skilled Trades, ensuring that future generations can fulfill these can pursue these fulfilling and essential careers. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to celebrate iowa hawkeyes cooper degene, eric, tori and logan for being recently drafted into the National Football league. Iowa is world renowned for cultivating athletic talent and these elite athletes will join 37 other hawkeyes currently playing in the nfl. The coach and the entire crew at the university of iowa have worked tirelessly in support of these players and in their journeys to the premier league in football. The coach and his team deserve the utmost credit for developing a firstclass program that makes good players into great players and winners into champions. So, mr. Speaker, i ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating these four drafted players and all of the hawkeyes making their way to the nfl. And by the way, it wasnt a fair catch. With that, as always, go hawkeyes. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from illinois, ms. Ramirez. Ms. Ramirez i ask unanimous consent to address the house for five minutes. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to affirm that were paying attention. Wwe were paying attention when 35,000 palestinians were killed, we were paying attention when over 14,500 children were robbed of their future. 404 doctors and aid workers were killed. 100 journalists and media workers were killed. And we are paying attention as over 1. 1 Million People are on the verge of starving to death. Yesterday we were paying attention when israel seized control of rafah. When President Biden said providing periodic congressional reports to congress enables meaningful oversight. We were paying attention last month when a nonpartisan task force issued an independent credible report outlining the Israeli Governments violations of international humantarian law. In 76 pages of details, they provide example after example of what they call a systematic disregard for International Humanitarian law. And military best practice regarding civilian harm mitigation by the Israel Defense forces, including with u. S. Provided arms. Today, today we are paying attention as President Bidens National Security memorandum 20, what we call the nsm20, congressional reporting deadline on israels use of u. S. Arms comes to be due. We know that netanyahus administration has been and is continuing to assure the u. S. Government that it is using u. S. Weapons in line with International Laws and its not interfering with the delivery of humanitarian aid. Given what we have witnessed over the last 214 days, how can we trust netanyahus assurances that they are complying with International Law . How can we be expected to ignore the violations of International Law and intermeans with the delivery of humanitarian assistance we have witnessed in real time . What are we to say to the constituents whose families are starving . Whose loved ones cannot receive medical care . Or who never received the promised evacuation from gaza. What do we say to the brave and courageous students across campuses,