Transcripts For CSPAN U.S. House Of Representatives U.S. House 20220928

From my discussions with Mental Health professionals over the years and research that has formed this legislation, it is clear that failure to address these challenges at a young age can harm performance at school and work and can lead to ever worsening mental and Behavioral Health outcomes later in life for individuals and for our country. Anxiety and reading disorders cooccur in approximately 25 of students, and for individuals whose reading challenges persist in adulthood, theres greater likelihood of depression, low selfesteem, and difficulty in social functioning. To break this cycle, the bill i authored would provide help for staff. Individuals and families with brothersponsored Health Insurance must also have robust access to treatment outside of school. Some insurers, unfortunately, have placed arbitrary coverage limits on mental and Behavioral Health care making it hard for patients to access treatment in the same way they would for physical ailments. This legislation makes strides in the fight for Mental Health parity so that families can focus more on staying healthy and less on battling insurers for coverage. Mental health and Suicide Prevention are deeply personal issues for me. Having lost my own father to suicide almost 34 years ago. In advancing this bill, it is my hope that we can prevent many families have having to experience what mine went through several decades ago. Also included in todays rule is the merger filing fee modernization act. This bill person this bipartisan bill will increase filing fees large corporations must pay the federal trade commission in order to conduct a merger. A recent surge in merger filings have placed a strain on f. T. C. s resources an updating the the schedule will help the agency cope with its many demands. Finally well also consider the pava act. Unfortunately programs designed to help those with disabilities vote, native americans or who live in the northern Mariana Islands are not currently able to access the protection and advocacy access funds in the same manner as other federal programs. The pava Program Inclusion act will fix this injustice and send it to President Bidens desk to be signed into law. Members, we have a great opportunity this week to make transformative investments into our nations future and in Mental Health and pass other commonsense legislation. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from minnesota is recognized. Mrs. Fischbach i thank the gentleman for yielding me the customer 30 minutes and i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Mrs. Fischbach we are here to consider the rule for three bills, h. R. 7780, the Mental Health matters act, h. R. 3843, merger filing fee for modernization act, and s. 3969, pava Program Inclusion act. H. R. 4843 would increase funding to the federal trade commission without justification or restrictions on that funding. This is the same agency that through its Strategic Plan for the next four years removed a longstanding clause that states the agency will not unduly burden legitimate business activity. The Supreme Court will hear a case as to whether the f. T. C. Is mission creeping beyond the bounds of its constitutional authority. The f. T. C. Through its initiatives in antitrust enforcement has taken an increasing liberal view of its traditional focus on protecting consumers from fraud and ensuring businesses have clear rules to follow and is instead moving toward an interpretation of reshaping the American Economy through enforcement action. Through the bill before though the bill before us is excuse me. In Judiciary Committee my colleagues offered amendments to put limitations on this funding. Mr. Roy offered an amendment to prohibit appropriated funds from being used to promote Critical Race Theory and one to require funds to be used to enforce antitrust laws as defined in the clayton act. Mr. Fitzgerald offered one to prohibit funds from being used for nonenforcement activities. Mr. Bishop offered one to limit the scope of the bill only to to only apply to mergers involving Large Technology companies. All of these failed on party lines. And i cant understand why unless my colleagues on the left want to encourage the f. T. C. To get involved in issues outside of its purview. The f. T. C. Is out of control thunder administration and cannot be trusted with these additional resources. H. R. 7780 misses the mark. Republicans are committed to addressing the Mental Health crisis facing young people in the country. Unfortunately, this bill is another one size fits all proposal that fails to provide local leaders with the flexibility they need to address the unique problems they face. Republicans support Mental Health parity but this bill will actually do the opposite. It opens insurers and employers to lawsuits when they voluntarily offer to provide Mental Health care benefits. As with so many bills promoted by the majority this congress, provisions of this bill ban arbitration clauses, class action waivers and representation waivers. Discouraging other means of settling disputes and pushing creating even more bottlenecks in our judicial system. During markup, republicans offered an alternative bill that streamlined existing programs. Helped the needs on the ground. Helped all students in need. Regardless of where their school is. And included important accountability metrics. I wish we were discussing the bill that bill here today. Unfortunately, this and every other republican amendment is effectively blocked from discussion under this rule. Mr. Speaker, it is for that reason that i oppose the rule and i ask members to do the same. I reserve, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Desaulnier i appreciate the comments of my friend. On the Mental Health part, we did have hearings in the subcommittee im proud to chair, the health employment, labor and pension. We have had ongoing discussions with both the Ranking Member that subcommittee and the Ranking Committee member of the full committee so i think this is to be continued. I would say on the Mental Health part of the rule the urgency is right now as i outlined in my opening comments. It is something well have to continue to work with and hopefully will in good faith because all of these issues around Mental Health, particularly for young people, i agree, i have agreed with my conversations with my friend, the Ranking Member, ms. Foxx, and mr. Allen and i look forward to continuing that. But i think there is a real urgency on that. On the trust, i would respectfully disagree, given the level of inequality in this country right now i think its important that we support competition in the marketplace and the federal trade commission needs the resources to make sure that that happens. The pava bill obviously has bipartisan support. On all these rules im anxious to get them off the floor today as a rule and look forward to seeing to continued debate tomorrow on the specific bills and the outcome of those bills. With that, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from minnesota is recognized. Mrs. Fischbach i yield two minutes to my colleague from california. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, i reluctantly rise in opposition to this rule and will vote no. Im a supporter of all three bills covered by this rule as they were originally introduced. Im even a cosponsor of representative the nee ambiguous bill to increase filing fees. Unfortunately this bill advances a modified version of that bill, packs on provisions from representative bucks antitrust venue bill and these antitrust provisions are unwise public policy. I vocally opposed them in the markup and kept my leadership apprised of my opposition to them since that time. Ms. Lofgren despite trying to sell these provisions as noncontroversial im far from the only member with concerns. Further, in a highly unusual move, the Administrative Office of the u. S. Courts wrote to congress with their serious concerns about the policies. Opposition also comes from letter from the policy institute and u. S. Chamber of commerce. Propones argue state attorneys general were in favor but i understand it was sold to them as a noncontroversial provision. Of course theyre in favor. Makes life easier for them. Doesnt address the very serious issues outlined by the Administrative Office of the courts and it doesnt make this good, wise policy. So very reluctantly, i will vote no i would gladly support todays rule if these venue provisions were not tacked on to the other good bills, and i would like to ask unanimous consent to put into the record the letter from the courts, the Progressive Policy Institute and the letter from the chamber of commerce. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Lofgren i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from minnesota reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Desaulnier i will say i always respect and admire my friend from the San Francisco bay area sometimes we disagree. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from minnesota is recognized. Mrs. Fischbach i yield two minutes to the gentleman from colorado. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. I thank the gentlelady, my friend. Mr. Speaker, big tech is crushing competition and crushing conservative speech. This h. R. 3843 contain theres important measures that will help america with big tech. The first gives state attorneys general the ability to file their lawsuits and keep those lawsuits in their states. The 48 attorneys general, state attorneys general have asked congress to move this bill forward. It received broad, bipartisan support in the Judiciary Committee. The second is a bill that senator law lee and our colleague, congressman fitzgerald, have supported and it basically prohibits china from buying small, High Tech Companies so that they can steal our innovation. And the third bill that is combined in 3843 raises filing fees. Mr. Buck make no mistake, there are controls on these filing fees. They have to be appropriated for the f. T. C. By the appropriations committee. That is a control. The appropriations committee, i hope, will be under republican control in the next congress and it will be controlled so that nobody in the f. T. C. Is using these funds in an inappropriate way other than reviewing mergers at issue. Mr. Speaker, my friend, senator cruz, has said it absolutely correctly. This, the greatest threat to democracy in this country is big tech. Senators lee, cotton, senator grassley, support the house version of this bill because it is a conservative bill. It is a bipartisan bill. It is a bill that will help america deal with big tech. I hope my colleagues will support h. R. 3843. I thank the chair. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from minnesota reserves. The gentleman from california. Mr. Desaulnier thank you. Id like to insert ask unanimous consent to insert into the record the names of several organizations i will mention just briefly that support, these are 40 different organizations that have written to congress in support of h. R. 3843. The merging filing fee modernization act. And amongst them, accountability tech, american antitrust institute, American Family voices, artists rights alliance, center for democracy and technology, center for digital democracy, consumer action, consumer reports, free pass action, open markets institute and our revolutions, so weve covered a broad group here. The Service Employees international union, the teamsters and the Writers Guild of america west amongst others. I would ask unanimous consent to insert p these supporters and their correspondence into the record. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Desaulnier i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from minnesota is recognized. Mrs. Fischbach if we defeat the previous question, republicans will offer and amendment to the rule allowing for the immediate consideration of h. R. 6148, the halt fentanyl act. I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment into the record along with extraneous material immediately prior to the vote on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mrs. Fischbach over 100,000 people died from fentanyl overdoses in a oneyear span, according to the c. D. C. Thats a 30 increase from the year before. Fentanyl is now the number one cause of death for americans ages 18 to 45. I think we can all agree that something must be done to put a stop to this heartbreaking epidemic. Fentanyl has been temporarily classified as a substance excuse me, a schedule one substance. This classification strengthens Law Enforcements ability to prosecute fentanyl traffickers. And d. E. A. Reports that it has act as an effective deterrent. The halt it would make the schedule 1 classification permanent and promote research by removing regulations. We should do everything we can to put an end to the devastation caused by fentanyl in this country and the halt fentanyl act is one piece of the puzzle. That could make a real difference. To speak further on the amendment, i yield five minutes to the gentleman from virginia. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia is recognized. I rise to oppose the previous question so we can immediately consider my bill h. R. 6184, the halt all lethal trafficking of fentanyl act. Everybody knows someone who has been affected by the drug epidemic. Data from the centers for Disease Control indicates that in 2021 there were more than 107,000 Overdose Deaths that occurred in the United States and incries of 15 from the previous year. These record numbers are due in large part to the increasing presence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs that are more potent than morphine and heroin. It is considered a schedule 2 narcotic. But illicit did he i have viatives, fentanyl related substances do not demonstrate and they are considered schedule 1 substances but only because of a temporary scheduling order which ex expires on december 31. My bill aims to curb Overdose Deaths by scheduling anna logs as schedule 1 substances and strengthen Law Enforcements ability to prosecute. And it promotes research by removing barriers to that research. In committee, we heard there are as many as 4,000 800 anna logs. Our experts have studied roughly 30 of these 4, 800analogs. We can better understand thousand these substances work and prevent potentially harmful effects in the future. Now the problem is if this law expires and doesnt become permanent, those 4, 800ana logs are legal and we will have to pass a law on each of them. And should we discover and this is the Research Component and should we discover one of those or maybe two have a legitimate medical purpose, we can come back in and consider that. But it is easier to figure out what we have done research on when we have done research of 30 of 4, 800 than it is to say wait a minute, we are going to make all of these legal and figure out which ones are the most dangerous. I would submit they are all dangerous and we must the halt fentanyl act now and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from minnesota is recognized. Mrs. Fischbach i yield three minutes to the gentleman from texas. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Burgess i thank the gentlelady. I rise to speak and urge defeat of the previous question so we can take up h. R. 6184 halt fentanyl act. There is a crisis on our southern border due to the policies put in place by the Biden Administration. 2. 5 million migrants have crossed our border. And they seized 11,000 pounds of fentanyl. This is a public Health Crisis and demands immediate attention. The halt fept nil act places fentanylrelated analogs and establishes a process by the departments of health and Human Services and department of veteran affairs. The move to permanently fentanyl to schedule 1 is a necessary tool to work for other agencies and Law Enforcement officials to address the threat of illicit fentanyl. Fentanyl is now the number one cause of death for americans 1845, surpassing covid, suicide and car accidents. Mr. Speaker, we have heard stories about how drug dealers are using apps to infiltrate chats with teens and sell them these illicit drugs. We have no idea what they are selling and whether or not the drug is laced with fentanyl. The energy and Commerce Committee worked hard on the support act to work hard what was called an opiate crisis but we moved on from that and now have a fentanyl crisis. It demands attention at the southern border and analogs being shipped and demands that our Drug Enforcement agency have the tools it needs to address this deadly epidemic of drug Overdose Deaths. We need to equip our communities to address this issue from the source. If has changed so much, imagine what it will look like in 10 years if nothing is done now. I urge members to defeat the previous question so we can take up this important bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time the gentlelady is recognized. Mrs. Fischbach mr. Speaker, i yield four minutes just changed. I yield three minutes to the the gentlemanfrom georgia. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemanfrom georgia is recognized. Mr. Carter i rise today to oppose the previous question so we can immediately consider h. R. 6184, the halt fentanyl act and stop the deadly flow of fentanyl in our communities. The failure of the administration to control the southern border has recognized indeedly synthetic drugs pouring into american communities. This fiscal year over 10,000 pounds of fentanyl has been seized at the southern border with even more slipping through into our country, that is enough to kill every american eight times over. There is little doubt that the seizure of drug seizures is closely connected to drug Overdose Deaths. Every 7 30 someone in the United States dice from fentanyl poisoning. Every 7 30. There is an opportunity to help stem the flow of deadly fentanyl. In my home state of georgia, fentanyl deaths in teens are up 8 100 . 8 100 . Tragic overdoses are happening like this all over the country. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death in u. S. In adults 1845. How can anyone argue that a drug 50 times more potent than hernan proves to be fatal when inguessed should be legal. The president did not request an additional penny for the border or fentanyl crisis. That is dispickable. These products are manufactured illegally and brought to the United States through the southern border. To save lives we must halt the flow of fentanyl. I visited the border several times. Our president has never visited our southern border, never been there. Not even once. With a record high number of illegal immigrants, smugglers and cartels are using this as an opportunity to smuggle fient nil. They have elected to leave our border wide open and inviting to bring fentanyl substances and distribute it on our streets. This should not be a partisan issue. It does not discriminate, if you are a republican or democrat. The cartels are killing us. This isnt going away and getting worse. If the president would visit the border, he would be able to talk to the agents firsthand and see how serious the issue is. Our communities are at risk and our loved ones are dying. President biden has ignored this public Health Crisis for far too long and past time to make this scheduling classification permanent and proud to support the halt fentanyl act. Secure the border and suspend the fentanyl crisis at the border and save lives. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california. Mr. Desaulnier i ask unanimous consent to insert a u. S. Arrests along the topped two million a year for the first time. The numbers dont lie. The apprehensions, fewer mig grants are making it into the country. The notion that biden is doing nothing is absolutely not true. I ask unanimous consent to submit this in the record. And my cochair of the cancer survivors caucus from georgia, we have a wonderful relationship on this, i agree, but i disagree on the process. As somebody who has spent a lot of time on opioid abuse and people like myself who survived cancer, that is a product when used properly can bring relief to people and we know about the abuse. We are against Illegal Drugs hurting americans. We want to support effective remedies. One of the most effective things we can do having a long experience professionally in Behavioral Health is to invest in the kind of bill we have with all due respect with my name on it to make sure people have the evidencebased services so it is not subjective to get the services they need to protect themselves in an unfortunately far too free market when it comes to abuse of legal and Illegal Drugs. I think from my perspective its an argument to engage in the investment in Behavioral Health and Mental Health services and still work with you to make sure people arent bringing these awful across our border. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the the gentlewoman from from minnesota. Mrs. Fischbach i yield four minutes to the the gentlewoman from from florida. Mrs. Cammack thank you to the the gentlewoman from from minnesota, i oppose the previous question so we can consider the halt fentanyl act. I have to address something that was said just now. Im a wife of a first responder. My husband sees these overdoses. We in just this year apprehended of fentanyl stamped with border cartels, stamps on them. We know its coming from the border and being trafficked across both in trucks at borts of entry and also illegally. We know this to be a fact and if we do not secure the border this will continue to happen. And as the wife of a first responder, someone who has responded to these calls and reviving people who have been poisoned by fentanyl. Not if a matter if they overdose but when. I think that members of this chamber need to be held responsible for the open border policies. But i digress, 108,000, that is the number of americans who died from drug overdoses last year. Of those, 80,000 were connected to opioids. The lions share was linked to fentanyl. On important to remember that these numbers are actually people, they are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles. Not statistics, they are humans. They represent millions of families who will never see their sons, daughters, wives, husbands, brothers, sisters, millions of families who feel broken and angry as these substances destroyed their communities and families. Thinks victims represent communities crew crushed by this epidemic swept away. These thousands of people lost laid bare the denial, the weakness and lack of compassion that this administration and my colleagues across the aisle have shown through their ambivalence towards Border Security as tons of fentanyl is trucked and walked across the southern border. 4 a few months ago, a mother cried in my office about her daughter who died from poisoning after taking what she thought was a xanax. That story is not rare. The mother, rebecca, is now working to prevent more deaths from preventible loss. To my colleagues on the left, you control this chamber. Its up to you to decide, how many more mckenzies have to die before you will take action . You can pretend theres no crisis at the border. We see that, thats evidenced in your remarks. But we know thats a lie. You visit any community in this country and you will see that it has been ravaged by the death and destruction wrought by fentanyl. You cant deny it. Your constituents know it. The American People know it. Its time for our colleagues across the aisle to wake up. I stand here once again as i did back in march, fighting against the horrors of the Opioid Epidemic that have a stranglehold on our communities. We once again have an opportunity to take a stand not as republicans or democrats but as americans and concerned citizens. Today, for those that have lost their lives but also for those potentially in the future. The families of those lost deserve this. Today is an opportunity to act. Today is an opportunity to put people above politics. And i want to comment my friend for his great work, the gentleman from virginia, and sticking with this bill and seeing it across the finish line. I urge my colleagues please, think with your hearts. I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question. The speaker pro tempore members are reminded to direct their remarks to the chair. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Desaulnier id like to briefly respond. I have great respect, obviously, for emergency responders. I appreciate what her husband does for a living and what they have to go through. But we on this side agree that weve got to support thoughtful oversight to stop these drugs getting in the hands of people who can do great damage. I have been at the border multiple times both as a member of congress and a member of the california state legislature. Weve got a problem. Its been a problem through republican administrations and democratic administrations, both in the state houses of the border states and here in washington, d. C. So we are not for open borders. We want to stop people being harmed by illicit drugs. So the idea that we are not, i would just respectfully say that is not accurate. I reserve, madam speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from minnesota is recognized. Mrs. Fischbach im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Desaulnier i reserve, im ready to close as well. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from minnesota is recognized. Mrs. Fischbach thank you very much, madam speaker. I want to be in favor of these bills, republicans are in agreement that the underlying problems these bills seek to solve are valid and warrant our attention. There are serious flaws with these bills as written that must be considered first. H. R. 7780 is one is a one size fits all strategy that will not help the people on the ground. What a school in minneapolis needs is not likely what a school in my rural district needs. Furthermore, it pushes people into courts to settle disputes and discourages other methods of resolution. H. R. 3843 trusts the f. T. C. With no Strings Attached funding even though the f. T. C. Is becoming increasingly partisan and cannot be trusted with more resources. Thank you, madam speaker, i oppose the rule and i encourage other members to do the same. I yield the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back the balance of her time. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Deis allny madam speaker, i wanted to read a few numbers particularly on the part of the rule that is the Mental Health matters act which im proud to be the author of with chairman scott. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages of americans 10 to 24. Second for 12 to 18. For adolescents, depression, Substance Abuse and suicide are extremely important concerns, an epidemic, i would say, among adolescents age 12 to 17. In 2018 to 2019, 15. 1 of Young Americans had major depressive episodes. 36. 7 had persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. 4. 1 had a Substance Abuse disorder. 18 seriously considered attempting suicide. 16 made a suicide plan. And 10 attempted suicide. 10 of americas young people have attempted suicide. 2. 5 made suicide attempts requiring medical treatment. For all those reasons, the part of the rule that is the Mental Health matters act is extremely important to this country. Sit perfect . Of course not. From every perspective of 535 members of the congress of or 435 members of the house. But the need is too urgent, in my view, to wait. And thats why its so important that not just this rule passes but the bills pass. We need to put resources in the f. T. C. With the most income inequality and consolidation of wealth through mergers, not always in our best interest. Its important that the f. T. C. Has the resources it needs to actually enforce the statutes as they currently have. With that, madam speaker, we need to help americans and specifically teachers and students get back to doing what they do best. Teaching and learning. The legislation before us on the rule will help provide the resources to improve Mental Health outcomes and educational attainment. With that, i urge a yes vote on the rule and the previous question and i yield back the balance of my time and move the previous question on the resolution. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The question is on ordering the previous question on the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The gentlewoman from minnesota. Mrs. Fischbach i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule 20, this 15minute vote ordering the previous question will be followed by a fiveminute vote on adoption of the resolution if ordered and the motion to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3482. 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 for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida seek recognition . Thank you, madam speaker. As the member designated by mr. Dunn of florida, i inform the house that mr. Dunn will vote nay on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from South Carolina seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Mace of South Carolina, i inform the house that ms. Mace will vote nay on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . As the member designated by representative sherman, vargas and jacobs of california, pursuant to House Resolution 8, i inform the house that those representatives will vote aye on the motion. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from indiana seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Buchanan of florida, i inform the house that mr. Buchanan will vote nay on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from rhode island seek recognition . Mr. Cicilline as the member designated by ms. Jayapal of washington state, ms. Wilson of florida, i inform the house that these members will vote yes on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Mr. Jeffries as the member designated by chair man sean maloney, he will vote yes on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Jacobs of new york, i inform the house that mr. Jacobs will vote nay on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . As the member designated by ms. Wagner of most, i inform the house that ms. Wagner will vote no on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Mr. Pallone as the member designated by plings kirkpatrick, ms. Titus, mr. Fletcher and mr. Defazio, i inform the house that these members will vote yes on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Bilirakis of florida and mr. Palazzo of mississippi, i inform the house that mr. Bilirakis and mr. Palazzo will both vote nay on the previous question. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . As the member designated by mrs. Murphy of florida, i inform the house that mrs. Murphy will vote yes on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from minnesota seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Bacon of nebraska, pursuant to h. Res. 8, i inform the house that mr. Bacon will vote no on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . As the member designated by Congress Member ritchie torres, i inform the house that mr. Torres will vote yes on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new york seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Gimenez of florida, i inform the house that mr. Gimenez will vote nay. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida seek recognition . Ms. Wasserman schultz as the member designated by mr. Soto and deutch of florida, they will vote yes on moving the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas seek recognition . Ms. Garcia as the member designated by jackie spir of california and mr. Gonzalez of texas, these members will vote yes. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Lahood, i inform the house that mr. Lahood will vote nay on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does gentleman seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Lawson and mr. Mfume, they both vote yes on h. R. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from pennsylvania seek recognition . As the member designated by ms. Demmings of florida and mr. Ryan of ohio, i inform the house that these members will vote aye on House Resolution 1396. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . As the member designated by Michelle Steele of california, i inform the house that mrs. Steel will vote no on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Diazbalart of florida and mr. Steube of florida, both will vote no on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from colorado seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Porter and mse house that these members will vote yes on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from virginia seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Chu and ms. Newman, i inform the house that these two members will vote yes on ordering the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from utah seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Curtis from utah, i inform the house that mr. Curtis will vote nay on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, as the member designated by mr. John carter of the great state of texas, i inform the house that mr. John courter will vote nay on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by chairwoman Eddie Bernice johnson, i inform the house that chairwoman johnson will vote yes on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . As the member designated by miss kathleen rice, i inform the house that that miss rice will vote yes on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Cawthorn of north carolina, i inform the house that mr. Cawthorn will vote no on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Bowman, i inform the house that that mr. Bowman will vote yes on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Herrera beutler of washington, pursuant to House Resolution 8, i inform the house that ms. Herrera beutler will vote no on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Conway of california, i inform the house that that ms. Conway will vote nay on the previous question. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Mast of florida, i inform the house that mr. Mast will vote no on the previous question. Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Salazar of florida, i inform the house that ms. Salazar will vote no on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Brown of maryland, i inform the house that mr. Brown will vote yea on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Swalwell, i inform the house that he will vote aye on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Pfluger of texas, i inform the house that mr. Pfluger will vote no on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Kinzinger, excuse me, by mr the speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Thank you, madam speaker. As the member designated by mr. Rice of South Carolina, and mr. Upton of michigan, i inform the house that messrs. Rice and upton will vote nay on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 220, the nays are the speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Gosar of arizona, i inform the house that mr. Gosar will vote no on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 2 20rbgs the nays are 220, the nays are 208. The previous question is ordered. The question is on adoption of the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from minnesota seek recognition . Madam speaker, i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five mississippi vote. 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 for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . Mr. Evans madam speaker, as the member designated by two members, mr. Lawson of florida, mr. Mfume of maryland, they both vote yes on h. R. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new york seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Gimenez of florida, i inform the house that mr. Gimenez will vote nay on the rule. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by representatives scherman, vargas and jakes of california jacobs of california, pursuant to House Resolution 8, i inform the house that those representatives will vote aye on rule h. R. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from indiana seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Buchanan of florida, i inform the house that mr. Buchanan will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mrs. Murphy of florida, i inform the house that mrs. Murphy will vote yes on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . Mr. Fleischmann thank you, madam speaker. As the member designated by mr. Palazzo of mississippi and mr. Bilirakis of florida, i inform the house that both members will vote nay on the rule. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from virginia seek recognition . Mr. Beyer as the member designated by ms. Chu of california, ms. Newman of illinois, i inform the house that these members will vote yes on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from utah seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Curtis of utah, i inform the house that mr. Curtis will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Herrera beutler of washington, i inform the house that ms. Herrera beutler will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida seek recognition . Ms. Wasserman schultz madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Deutch and soto of florida, i inform the house that these members will vote yea on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Carter of texas and mr. Gosar, i inform the house that they will both vote no on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does for what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mrs. Wagner from missouri, i inform the house that mrs. Wagner will vote no on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from colorado seek recognition . Mr. Neguse madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Ocasiocortez and ms. Porter, i inform the house that those two members will vote yes on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Lahood of illinois, i inform the house that mr. Lahood will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Speier and mrd mr. Gonzalez of texas, i inform the house that these members will vote yes on house res. 1396. Thank you, madam speaker. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from minnesota seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Bacon of nebraska, pursuant to House Resolution 8, i inform the house that mr. Bacon will vote no on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . C. I. A. Madam speaker, as the member designated by Congress Member ritchie torres, i inform the house that mr. Torres will vote yes. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Jacobs of new york, i inform the house that mr. Jacobs will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from pennsylvania seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mrs. Demings of florida and mr. Ryan of ohio, i inform the house that these members will vote aye on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Upton of michigan and mr. Rice of South Carolina, i inform the house that messrs. Rice and upton will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from rhode island seek recognition . Mr. Cicilline madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Wilson of florida, i inform the house that ms. Wilson will vote yes on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from pennsylvania mr. Cicilline madam speaker, i wasnt done. Additionally, as the member designated by mr. Steube of florida, i inform the house that mr. Steube will also vote no on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from rhode island seek recognition . Mr. Cicilline as the member designated by ms. Jayapal of washington, i inform the house that ms. Jayapal will vote yes on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Cawthorn of north carolina, i inform the house that mr. Cawthorn will vote no on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Bowman, i inform the house that mr. Bowman will vote yes on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Pfluger of texas, i inform the house that mr. Pfluger will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan seek recognition . Ms. Stevens madam speaker, as the member designated by chair johnson, i inform the house that chair johnson will vote yes on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by michelle steel of california, pursuant to House Resolution 8, i inform the house that mrs. Steel will vote no on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Mr. Pallone madam speaker, as the member designated by mrs. Kirkpatrick, ms. Titus and mrs. Fletcher, mr. Defazio, i inform the house that these members will vote yes on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Conway of california, i inform the house that ms. Conway will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Mr. Jeffries as the member designated by representative sean patrick maloney, i inform the house that he will vote yea on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from South Carolina seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Mace of South Carolina, i inform the house that ms. Mace will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by congresswoman rice of new york, i inform the house that the congresswoman will vote yes on h. Res. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from maryland seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Brown of maryland, i inform the house that mr. Brown will vote yea on h. R. 1396. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Mast of florida, i inform the house that mr. Mast will vote nay on the rule. Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Salazar of florida, i inform the house that ms. Salazar will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida seek recognition . Mrs. Cammack thank you, madam speaker. As the member designated by mr. Dunn of florida, i inform the house that mr. Dunn will vote nay on the rule. The speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 217, the nays are 212. The resolution is adopted. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the Unfinished Business is the vote on the motion of the gentleman from indiana, mr. Carson, to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3482 on which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title. The clerk h. R. 3482, a bill to establish the National Center for the advancement of aviation. 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 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 for what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition . Mr. Evans madam speaker, as the member designated by two members, mr. Lawson of florida, mr. Mfume of maryland, they both are yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . Mr. Fleischmann thank you, madam speaker. As the member designated by mr. Bilirakis of florida and mri inform the house that mr. Palazzo and mr. Bilirakis will both vote yea on h. R. 3482. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose the speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from kale seek recognition . As the member designated by representatives sherman, vargas of california, i inform the house that these members will vote aye on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from utah seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Curtis of utah, i inform the house that mr. Curtis will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from pennsylvania seek recognition . As the member designated by mrs. Demings of florida and mr. Ryan of ohio, i inform the house that these members will vote aye on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Upton of michigan, i inform the house that mr. Upton will vote yea on h. R. 34 2. As the member designated by mr. Rice of South Carolina, i inform the house that mr. Rice will vote nay on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from maryland seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Brown of maryland, mr. Brown will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Herrera beutler of washington, i inform the house that ms. Herrera beutler will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from virginia seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Chu and ms. Newman, i inform the house that these members will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from indiana seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Buchanan of florida, i inform the house that mr. Buchanan will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Deutch and soto of florida, i inform the house that these members will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from new york seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Gimenez of florida, i inform the house that mr. Gimenez will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Bowman, i inform the house that mr. Bowman will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Speaker, as the member designated by mr. John carter of the great state of texas and mrm the house that they will vote no on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by Congress Member ritchie torres, i inform the house that mr. Torres will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Cawthorn of north carolina, i inform the house that mr. Cawthorn will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . As the member designated by congresswoman kathleen rice, i inform the house that miss rice will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from minnesota seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Bacon of nebraska, pursuant to House Resolution 8, i inform the house that mr. Bacon will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan seek recognition . As the member designated by chair behr jeesness in chair bernice johnson, i inform the house that she will vote yes on h. R. 34 2. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman seek recognition . As the member designated by Michele Steele of california, i inform the house that she will vote yes on h. R. 848 2. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Kind of california, ms. Speier of california, ms. Gonzales of texas, i inform the house that these members will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Jacobs of new york, i inform the house that mr. Jacobs will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . As the member designated by mrs. Murphy of florida, i inform the house that mrs. Murphy will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Conway of california, i inform the house that ms. Conway will vote yea on this measure, h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition . Mr. Pallone as the member designated by ms. Ann kirkpatrick, ms. Dina titus, msr defazio, i inform the house that these members will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . As the member designated by mrs. Wagner from missouri, i inform the house that mrs. Wagner will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . As the member designated by representative sean patrick maloney, i inform the house that he will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Lahood of illinois, i inform the house that mr. Lahood will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from colorado seek recognition . As the member designated by ms. Porter and ms. Ocasiocortez, i inform the house that they will vote yes on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . Thank you, madam speaker. As the member designated by Mario Diazbalart of florida, i inform the house that mr. Diazbalart will vote yea on h. R. 3482. Additionally, as the member designated by mr. Steube of florida, i inform the house that mr. Steube will vote no on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Swalwell, i inform the house that mr. Swalwell will vote aye on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from South Carolina seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Mace of South Carolina, i inform the house that ms. Mace will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from rhode island seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by ms. Jayapal of washington, ms. Wilson of florida, i inform the house that these members will vote yes on h. R. 3482. I will join them in affirmative vote as well. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . As the member designated by mr. Pfluger of texas, i inform the house that mr. Pfluger will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . Thank you, madam speaker. As the member designated by mr. Dunn of florida, i inform the house that mr. Dunn will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Excuse me, ms. Salazar of florida, i inform the house that ms. Salazar will vote yea on h. R. 3482. Madam speaker, as the member designated by mr. Mast of florida, i inform the house that mr. Mast will vote yea on h. R. 3482. The speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 369. The nays are 56. 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 nebraska seek recognition . Madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that i may hereafter be considered as first sponsor of h. R. 3477, originally introduced by representative walorski of indiana, for purpose roves printing. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Takano madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3304, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 3304, a bill to amend title 38, United States code, to authorize the secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide or assist in providing an additional vehicle adaptive for operation by disabled individuals to certain eligible persons and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Takano, and the gentleman from illinois, mr. Bost, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have fining legislative five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on h. R. 3304, as amended. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Takano thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 3304, as amended, the auto for vets act. I was proud to join representative Lizzie Fletcher in introducing h. R. 3304, and thank her for her tireless work with the veteran community, which has led to this bill being considered on the floor today. Currently disabled veterans are only allowed a single grant to modify a vehicle to provide them mobility. This means there are cars that are 25, 30 or even 40 years old on the road because the veteran has no other option. When you consider that the average life of an automobile is less than 12 years, were asking veterans to incur additional costs and risks by driving excessively old cars for decades. The auto for vets act finally expands eligibility for disabled veterans to obtain vehicles modified for the disabilities more than once in their lifetime. Upon passage of the law, h. R. 3304 would immediately allow vets who have veterans who have waited decades to acquire a new vehicle, and after giving those veterans priority, would eventually expand the benefit to cover those veterans who updated their vehicle 10 years ago. This legislation also expands the definition of medical services to include certain vehicle modifications so that veterans can attend medical appointments. This legislation has long been a priority for veterans and is supported by d. A. V. , v. F. W. , p. B. A. And countless other veteran organizations. This legislation is fully paid for and delivers for disabled veterans who gave us so much. And i thank the Ranking Member for his support of this legislation. I know we have both wanted to fix this longstanding problem. Madam speaker, i wholeheartedly support this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois is recognized. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I rise today in support of the auto for veterans act, as amended. This bill would help severely serviceconnected veterans purchase and adapt a vehicle 10 years after they purchased the first one. Current law only provides these veterans with the funds for one vehicle during their lifetime. Well, all know that the life of a car is not infinite. Maybe my father didnt, but most people do. For too long disability disabled veterans have had to drive vehicles that have logged hundreds of thousands of miles. You know this bill would help a deserving population with the safe and Reliable Transportation they need. Im also pleased that this bill is fully offset. The underlying bill is very similar to h. R. 1361, the auto for veterans act, which was introduced this congress, and last by our colleague congressman meuser. While i would have preferred that we considered his version for today, this bill will help many disabled veterans and it has my full support. I want to thank the p. B. A. And the d. A. V. For their continued advocacy for this proposal. And i encourage all of my members to support this bill. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano madam speaker, i have no further speakers and im prepared to close and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois is recognized. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. At this time i would like to yield two minutes to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Meuser thank you, madam speaker. I want to thank the Ranking Member, bost, for his leadership on this bill. I do rise in support of the autos for veterans act. This legislation will expand, as stated, access the Veterans Affairs automobile grant which assists disabled veterans. Veterans, especially those in rural community, madam speaker, face transportation challenges, as we all know, that affect their quality of life and independence. Expanding the v. A. Automobile Grant Program is a commonsense step toward improving this program for member and women who made tremendous sacrifices serving our country. Improving access to safe and Reliable Transportation for disabled veterans will ensure they can maintain their independence and lead fulfilling, healthy lives. I have introduced the auto for veterans act, a bill nearly identical to this legislation, in the last congress. And it did receive support from various, Numerous Veteran Service Organizations and garnered over 70 cosponsors, including democrats and republicans. Im glad that my democratic colleagues were able to see the merit of this legislation and i do look forward to the Senate Taking action on this legislation and providing muchneeded support and independence for our wounded veterans. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano i reserve, madam speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. Im ready to close and i encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, again, i ask all my colleagues to join me in passing h. R. 3304, as amended, and with that 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. 3304. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Roy i request 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 question will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Takano madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 8888, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 8888. A bill to amend title 38, United States code, to establish in the department of Veterans Affairs an office of Food Security and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Takano, and the gentleman from illinois, mr. Bost, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on h. R. 8888, as amended. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Takano thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, i rise today in support of h. R. 8888, as amended, the Food Security for all veterans act. This bill establishes an office dedicated to ending veteran hunger at v. A. That will collaborate with internal and external groups to develop and implement policies and procedures to identify and treat veterans at risk of or experiencing hunger. Food insecurity can create or exacerbate other health maladies and is one of many contributing factors that has led to increased suicide rates, diabetes, Heart Disease and depression. Addressing veteran hunger is critical to this committees Suicide Prevention efforts. I thank our newest member from alaska, congresswoman peltola, for taking up this important issue and prioritizing veterans. V. A. Has made tremendous strides in its work to end veteran hunger. V. A. Leads in interagency work an Interagency Working Group and regularly collaborates with its federal counterparts on this issue. V. A. Also instituted a clinical reminder that screens every veteran who receives their care at v. A. For Food Insecurity, and connects those in need with resources. However, until recently, these tasks were carried out by v. A. Employees as ancillary duties. There were no staff dedicated solely to addressing veteran hunger. V. A. Has started the process of building a team that works exclusively on this issue, and congresswoman peltolas bill gives v. A. The infrastructure and resources to ensure those efforts continue for years to come. Now, before the pandemic and still now black, latino, native american and native alaskan veteran families experienced disproportionately higher rates of hunger. This bill requires v. A. To coordinate with the v. A. Office of Tribal Government Affairs and the department of interior to focus on these communities. A critical issue this bill tends to affect is the disparity between v. A. And usda data on veteran hunger. Usda reports about an 11 rate of Food Insecurity among veterans, versus v. A. Which reports a roughly 2 rate among veterans using v. A. Health care. The bill requires v. A. , in consultation with usda, to issue an annual report to congress on the prevalence of veteran hunger. It also requires v. A. To track its progress and success in connecting more veterans with resources like the supplemental nutrition assistance program, or snap. Importantly, the Food Security for all veterans act mandates v. A. Collaborate with the departments of agriculture and defense to develop materials for the Transition Assistance Program to help increase access to food resources for families in need as they navigate the military to civilian transition. September is Hunger Action month and today the white house hosted a conference, a conference on hunger, nutrition and health, that will catalyze the public and private sectors around a coordinated strategy to accelerate progress and drive transformational change in our country to end hunger. This legislations endorsed by Numerous Veteran Service Organizations and hunger advocacy organizations, including student veterans of america, a jewish response to hunger, Food Research action center, disabled american veterans, the American Federation of government employees, National Coalition for homeless veterans, iraq and afghanistan veterans of america, and blue star families. Madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent to insert into the record the following letters from a jewish response to hunger, and the Food Research action center. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Takano i urge the rest of my colleagues to support this legislation and ensure no veteran goes hungry. Thank you, and i reserve the balance of my time, madam speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois is recognized. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I reluctantly support this bill. You know, the Food Insecurity is an issue that impacts thousands of veterans every year. Veterans continue to suffer from skyrocketing food prices caused by the economic mistakes of the Biden Administration. And while i support bringing more attention to veterans hunger, im skeptical that this bill is the correct solution. The bill before us today would try to address these issues by creating a new office of Food Insecurity at the v. A. V. A. Has also already told us that they are working to set up an office at the v. H. A. Dedicated to Food Insecurity. And i look forward to working with our colleagues in the senate to modify the language in this bill, to match the departments efforts. That said, im pleased by the changes that were made today to improve on the text. So, all considered, i reluctantly urge all of my colleagues to support the bill and with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, at this time i would like to yield five minutes to my new friend who is a newly elected member of congress from the beautiful state of alaska. I think this is her first piece of legislation to be brought to the floor and we are proud its coming out of the Veterans Affairs committee. Again, mrs. Peltola, the gentlewoman from alaska, you are recognized for i yield five minutes to the gentlewoman from alaska. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from alaska is recognized for five minutes. Mrs. Peltola thank you, madam speaker. And, mr. Chairman, for providing consideration of my legislation i share my recommendation for working quickly on this issue for the 18 million veterans in our country. I rise to speak on importance to my state where veterans are 10 69 population and many veterans face Food Insecurity. This is my first bill as my member of the house. And veterans and families can enjoy a safe and healthy life. This will bill would create a office of Food Security and would be charged with providing on the availability and elt gibility requirements for federal nutrition assistance programs and work with other programs to help veterans at risk or experiencing Food Insecurity. A report from the center of strategic and international studies. Quote, Food Insecurity is a National Security concern. It multiplies stress on active duty personnel who are more likely to serve in the military and may hinder recruitment for the armed services. I know this bill will not solve the problem entirely but will help alaska and throughout the country. I ask my colleagues to support h. R. 8888 and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back. The gentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois reserves. Mr. Bost i have no speakers. Mr. Takano i have no further speakers and am prepared to close and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost i encourage my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano i ask my colleagues to join me in passing h. R. 8888 as amended and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore those in favor say aye, those opposed no. In the opinion of the chair for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore yeas and nays are requested. A a sufficient number having arisen having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further questions on this question will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Takano i move that the house suspend the rules h. R. 8875 as amended. The clerk h. R. 8875 a bill to amend title 38 United Statescode to expand eligibility of the National Guard for Housing Loans guaranteed by the secretary of Veterans Affairs. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, and the gentleman from illinois each will control 20 minutes. Mr. Takano i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on h. R. 8875. I rise in support of h. R. 8875 expanding home reasons for guards and reserve are acts. This can provide a head start in their transition to civilian life. Two years ago we passed into law to grant National Guard members credit for the days they serve. However through oversight, we have learned how they are missing out on this benefit. This was a technical fix which updates the law by counting active duty when they are trained for things like special forces, aviation or linguistics. They are going through the same courses and training as active duty counterparts taking the same risks and passing the very same requirements. They are removed from the civilian work force and after the training is complete, they transition back to civilian life and find employment and find a place to live. This makes sure she dont miss on on the home Loan Guarantee service. I thank our newest member from new york for taking up this issue and making veterans a priority. As an added bonus this saves the federal government money by bringing more borrowers in attractive rates. I support this bill and i urge my colleagues to do the same and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves and the gentleman from from illinois. Mr. Bost i yield myself as much time as i may consume. Last congress, my bill, h. R. 7445 proposed expanding v. A home loan benefits who severed on active duty. Congressman ryans bill would expand the benefit to members of the National Guard that are on federal active duty. Unfortunately, this is this policy is being rushed in an Election Year gimmick. We are considering this bill has not had the benefit of legislative hearings and i would have liked to have hear the views of v. A. And stakeholders. It would have underring the impact of this legislation could have on the Mortgage Markets and would have provided insight on the effect of this bill could have on recruitment on active National Guard forces. This said, i do not want to stand in the way that can help members of the National Guard and i urge my colleagues to support this bill and with that, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano i have no further speakers and prepared to close and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost i encourage my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back. Mr. Takano again, i ask my colleagues to join me in passing this bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 8875 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 texas seek recognition . Request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. A sufficient number having arisen, the the yeas and nays are ordered are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further questions on this will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Takano i move the house pass the rules a pass h. R. 5918. The clerk a bill to amend title 38 United Statescode to ensure that the secretary of Veterans Affairs repays members of the armed forces for certain contributions made by such members towards post 9 11 educational assistance. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection , so ordered. Mr. Takano i yield myself such time as i may consume. I rise today in support of h. R. 5918 as amended, legislation to ensure veterans can recoupe the money they paid into the month gentlewomany g. I. Bill. Under the current law, they cant can lose out on payments they made into the program. The month gentlewomany g. I. Bill is in the process of being phrased out. Many veterans may not remember the dollars they paid into the program or be aware they are entitled to a refound. The process to reclaim that and there are times when they can lose out on the money. This legislation eliminates that process to make so. The bill is fully offset. I thank representative banks for his work on this legislation and the v. S. O. Community for bringing this issue to our community and i urge the rest of my colleague to support this legislation to make sure no veteran loses out on what is owed to them. I thank you and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The chair recognizes the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost i rise in support of h. R. 5918. This bill would close a financial loophole affecting many servicemembers. Last congress, i supported general bergmans efforts top sunset the montgomery g. I. Bill and to ensure that those servicemembers who paid into the program are repaid. Under current law, current members who switched to to the montgomery would lose about 1, 200 they paid into the program and if they exhausted their benefits while sill on active duty. They receive the 1, 200. This bill would treat servicemembers and veterans equally. Servicemembers earn the benefits and should not be short changed because at the are still on active duty. This bill would include an extension of the home loan funding fees to offset. And i thank the American Legion for bringing this problem to our attention and i thank congressman banks and i urge my colleagues to support the bill. And i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. Mr. Takano i have no further speakers and am prepared to close and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost im ready to close and encourage my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano i ask all my colleagues to join me in passing this bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 518 as amended. Those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative the rules is suspended and the bill is passed and without objection, the bill is passed. Without objection, the title is amended. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Takano madam speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 7589 as amended. The clerk h. R. 7589 to prohibit the imposition or collection of copayments for certain Mental Health payments and for other purposes pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california and the gentleman from illinois each will control 20 minutes. The chair will recognize the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano i ask that members may insert extraneous material on h. R. The bill as amended. I yield myself such time as i may consume. As we all know, september is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and i hope everyone has the new the new number 988 and have it carved on their phones. If you are a veteran, please dial 988 and press 1 to reach. Let me repeat. Dial 988 and press 1 to reach them. Ensuring that all of our nations heroes have access to timely and quality effective Mental Health care. H. R. 7589 to reduce and relimb nature outpatient veteran copays. We reported this bill favorably out of the Veterans Affairs Committee Last week. And i thank Ranking Member boston for his support bos tmp for this bill. And it will make Mental Health appointments free every year. We know that what may seem like low copays can be barriers for many barriers. Our goal is to knock down all barriers for veterans. V. A. Supports this bill. And if we can enact this into law, v. A. Will be the first of all federal Health Care Programs to eliminate copace every year in this way and get people the help they feed. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this h. R. 7589 remove copays act and i reserve. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I rise in support of h. R. 7589, the remove copays act, as its name suggests this bill would remove copayments from every Veterans First three Mental Health outpatient visits. For each calendar year. Now, im pleased to support the remove copays act today and i hope it will encourage veterans to take better care of their Mental Health. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and according to the most recent data from v. A. , the number of veterans who died by suicide decreased from 2019 to 2020. That is encouraging news. However, at least one nonv. A. Study suggests that v. A. Is undercounting the number of veterans who died by suicide by as much as 2. 4 times. And i fear that v. A. s data still has not accounted for the negative effects of covid19 lockdowns, isolation and illness. As long as veterans continue to take their own lives, we have important work to do. Suicide is not just a Mental Health issue, but improving Mental Health has a Critical Role to play in stopping suicide once and for all. Im grateful to chairman takano for his introduction of this bill and i hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting it today. And with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano thank you, madam speaker. I have no further speakers and im prepared to close. And i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. Im prepared to close. I encourage all of my colleagues to support the bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano thank you, madam speaker. Again, i ask all my colleagues to join me in passing h. R. 7589, as amended. I thank my colleague, the Ranking Member. Its an example of standing our ground where we must and finding Common Ground where we can. Lastly, i want to close by saying please dial 988 and press 1 to reach trained responders at the Veterans Crisis line. With that, madam speaker, 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. 7589, 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 on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Takano madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass s. 1198. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk senate 11298 1198. An act to amend title 38, United States code, to improve and expand the Solid Start Program of the department of Veterans Affairs and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Takano, and the gentleman from illinois, mr. Bost, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on s. 1198. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Takano madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker i rise to support madam speaker, i rise to support s. 1198, the bicameral solid start act. This bill is led by senator hassan and in the house this legislative effort is led by my Veterans Affairs committee colleague, representative slotkin. Now, we know that the transition from active duty service to veteran status can bring not only new opportunities, but also substantial adjustment stress. For some veterans it can pose serious Mental Health challenges. The first year of transitioning out of military service is a very highrisk period for veteran suicide. V. A. Initiated its Solid Start Program to address the challenges new veterans may face during this period. V. A. Now contacts veterans in three different periods in that first year to check in, remind veterans of benefits, and services for which theyre eligible, and connect them to resources. Women veterans, like all veterans, deserve to know about all the benefits and services theyve earned with no exceptions. Now, ive heard today that some republican members of this house are suddenly looking to oppose this veteran Suicide Prevention bill and all because it has 16 words that simply ensure Women Veterans are told about the range of benefits and services for which theyre eligible. 16 words, when were talking about 16 veteran suicides, deaths, a day. Were talking about benefits like the g. I. Bill and compensation for toxic exposure presumptions. Breast cancer screening. Treatment for military sexual trauma. And, yes, the freedom to discuss their options around pregnancy. All benefits that theyve earned through their service, because they chose to serve our nation. I would say to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, to take your fight against Women Veterans elsewhere. Criminalizing and denying Women Veterans, take your fight elsewhere. There is no bar that prevents v. A. Providers from discussing a single benefit with male veterans. But my colleagues want a double standard for Women Veterans. This is about two lines in an entire bill meant to help veterans who recently left active duty. All veterans. Republicans wont pass this bill unless we delete women from it. And i refuse to do that. Women veterans are veterans. A conversation with a woman veteran about coming to the v. A. Could prevent her death from suicide. It could also prevent needless suffering and possible death from health conditions, including pregnancy. Republicans have gotten so extreme with their fear of women having autonomy over their own bodies and lives that theyre willing to play political games with veterans lives and tank a veteran Suicide Prevention bill. I would also remind those considering blocking this bill that this very same language has already passed in the house, back on june 23 of this year, this chamber passed the strong veterans act of 2022. It passed under a simple voice vote. The Senate Unanimously passed the solid start act after v. A. s new rule on abortion counseling and services had been announced. September is national Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and this legislation would help us Better Connect veterans with resources needed to save lives. Sadly, each day we are losing roughly 16 veterans to suicide. Im not willing to let 16 words about womens freedom to discuss their own benefits contained in this legislation prevent us from saving the lives of 16 veterans who die by suicide each day. So i thank senator hassan and representative slotkin for the work on this important issue and im pleased we could take up this bill during Suicide Prevention month. Madam speaker, i strongly urge my colleagues to vote yes on s. 1198 and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance thegentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois is recognized. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I rise today in reluctant opposition to s. 1198. The solid start act of 2021. The Solid Start Program was created by President Trump in 2019 to better support veterans as they transition out of the military. I know firsthand that leaving the military can be tough. I would like to say, when i left the military as a young marine, the only tap program that i got was a tap on the back and said, see ya later. Now, im glad that things have improved a lot since then. And the Solid Start Program has helped improve Service Members transitions even more. Now, im a fan, real big fan, of the Solid Start Program. The strong act, my bill, with chairman takano, includes identical language to this bill and would permanently authorize the Solid Start Program. The strong act passed the house in june with full support, and my full support. However, earlier this month secretary mcdonald announced that v. A. Would begin providing abortions, and i believe it is not only immoral but it is also illegal. Congress prohibited v. A. Providing abortions in 1992. Congress has never repealed that prohibition. I have never been just so you know, it has never been superseded. Secretary mcdonald has claimed that hes taking this action in defense of Womens Health. Setting aside the fact that abortion is not health care. By making this that claim, the secretary has made it clear that he views Womens Health as one and the same with abortion. This bill would require v. A. To provide Women Veterans with, quote, quote, information that is tailored to their specific health care and benefit needs, end quote. We have offered to remove, if we would just remove that language and say veterans. That would not include information about abortion, given the secretarys views. That is unacceptable to me and to many others. Our democracy is based on the rule of law. I wish the secretary would follow the law, especially when it is in the matter of life and death. If he did i would fully support this bill, just like did i in june i did in june. Before the v. A. s new illegal rule. Instead i regret that i must oppose it today and i urge my colleagues to oppose the bill. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, before i yield to my first speaker, let me just respond that every day my colleagues are making threats to file lawsuit to stop the interim final rule, like the Ranking Member believes, as do many on his side of the aisle, that the reel rule is illegal, based on that the rule is illegal, based on the 1992 law. But ill remind him that in 1996, congress authorized the v. A. Secretary to define the benefits package, the medical benefits package. So i disagree with his interpretation of this rule as being illegal. But let let me mention one thing further. I have not seen any lawsuit yet filed, even though he asserted that he would seek to have this rule staid. Im assuming that the delay in final failling sinces filing since the hearing that we had is because hes still looking for a perfect judge to hear it. But in the meantime, theyre hijacking this opportunity to once again blind and gag Women Veterans under the premise that veterans should not be allowed to know the Health Care Options and benefits that are available to them. This is not only this is not only an insult to veterans but to the veteran Service Organizations that have endorsed and supported this bill. So at this time id like to yield five minutes to my good friend who serves on the disability assistance and Memorial Affairs subcommittee of the Veterans Affairs committee, the gentlewoman from michigan, ms. Slotkin. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Slotkin thank you, madam speaker. I rise today in support of the solid start act, a truly bipartisan bill that i originally introduced on veterans day in 2020. This bill requires the v. A. To connect with veterans during their first year when they transition out of service to ensure they are aware of the benefits and resources that they have earned. I was thrilled to see this Bipartisan Legislation pass the senate twice, both times by unanimous consent. And it passed the house as part of the strong veterans act with overwhelming support by voice vote. First, id like to thank my veterans Advisory Board back in michigan and the other stake holders in my district who helped to craft this bill. Id like to thank the American Legion, disabled american veterans, and the v. F. W. For their support. And the countless veterans and veteran families in the district who gave me their feedback to help us craft this bill. It comes directly from their experience, where overwhelmingly the sentiment was in that first year of separation veterans do not understand all of the resources from education to health care that they are eligible for. 40 of the veterans in michigan are unconnected totally from the v. A. And this is unacceptable. Every veteran has their own story whether three years or three decades. I watched this up close with my my husband. And job status, lifestyle, education, a period of enormous change and a period of vulnerable. And rates of suicide are tumultuous. Veterans are entitled to resources but only can access them if they know about them. I introduced the solid start act with congressman joyce. This was initiated under President Trump and shows great promise. This bill has been thrown into jeopardy and from games manship. The prolife caucus has on the other side of the aisle has asked to stop the bill to prevent the 16 words that are on this page. This language has been in the bill since its inception when we created that. Prepregnancy health, and prosthetics for women, disordered eating, sexual assault, there is a long list of specific Health Issues that are specific to women. Instead, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are holding this hostage. 16 words they object is essential for Womens Health care that is covered by the and it doesnt change one thing about Veterans Benefits or services and makes no changes to what they are entitled to. All it does is require the v. A. To reach out to servicemembers three times. It increases outreach to veterans. Lets talk about what this is really about. Earlier today, a letter went out from Ranking Member boft saying while they supported it previously should turn it against it. While publicly supporting this, they are now leaving it. And why . Because they are concerned about v. A. Policy. They are concerned about the v. A. s decision to provide v. A. Women to access to abortion when they have been raped and victims of family increst or when it is a risker, not abortion on demand, not extreme policies and these instances when a woman veteran has gone through hell and has no other option. The other side of the aisle, to be clear is objecting to bill because they object to any exceptions. It is a political game and putting politics ahead of the 18 million veterans and 200,000 each year. It is our responsibility. And i find it distshing that you would play politics in this way. I ask the other side of the aisle to reconsider and support this bill. Mr. Bost i would like to respond to the few things that were not said correctly. No one has said about a lawsuit. Especially from the Ranking Member. Two, the Hyde Amendment says life that the rape, incease, life of the mother. And put the health and life of mother. It where we are at and opens to the point of longterm abortion and has been verified by the v. A. There is not a whole list that we want to remove. If we believe that men and women are all veterans and should be considered and should be advised as veterans and putting that language in. After the administration has violated the law of 1962, the chairman said there is another law and look at that law, that never goes directly to abortion. And if it was directed towards abortion they would have put it in the law. They wouldnt have made that broad statement and it is a misinterpretation of the v. A. With that, i would like to yield to my colleague from new jersey, mr. Chris smith, for four minutes, if i may. Mr. Smith i thank my good friend for yielding. As the former chairman on the chairman of veteran affairs including the assistance act in several health care bills. I have strongly supported the unique mission of v. A. Health care. Comprised of 172 medical centers, the v. A. Operates the Largest Network in the entire world. V. A. Medical personnel and support staff are absolutely committed to healing, nurturing and rehabilitating. It is beyond disappointing that President Biden issued an illegal rule and i was here when section 106 was enacted and couldnt have been clearer. Into new venues for abortion on demand. It couldnt have been more clear and the opinion should by the Supreme Court. They defined health and used the World Health Organization and it is everything including any kind of mental stress. So it is a wide open abortion on demand language. It is rape, life or incease. The new abortion rule forces taxpayers to fund the violent death of unborn baby girls and baby boys by what . By beheading, dismembererment and forced expulsion and deadly poisons at any time. Abortion is not health care unless one construes the precious life or a disease to be varchg issued. Abortion advocates have ignored the battered baby victim. Thanks to ultrasound, unborn babies are more visible. Science informs us that birth is an event and not the beginning of life. Modern science and medicine treats unborn children with disabilities or disease as a patient in need of diagnosis and treatment. Unborn babies are societys unborn patients. Not medicines that kill. The weakest and most vulnerable deserve our respect, our empathy, protection and love. The legislation before us today will be used to promote v. A. s new promotion and i urge my colleagues to oppose it and we will see a change in the policy that are President Biden has issued. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano how much time remains . The speaker pro tempore the gentleman has 9. 30 remaining. Mr. Takano before i yield three minutes to the the gentlewoman from michigan, if the minority is so insistent and fervent in the belief that this final rule is illegal, i do not understand why there has been no lawsuit filed to enjoin the rule. This is very peculiar that with such passion that they argue that this rule is illegal. With that, i yield three minutes to my colleagues from the state of michigan. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. There has been a lot of talk on the other side of the aisle and i want to be clear, no one in this room is in the Judicial Branch and no one is a medical doctor. If you believe that the provisions that the v. A. Has put forward, you have the right to take up that case and put it through the courts. We are the legislative branch. We make laws and pass laws. Ms. Slotkin take it to a court, that is your right. In making decisions on behalf of women and lets do it. What you are saying and saying in front of the American People is you believe a veteran who has been raped, victim of incease and who is having a dangerous miscarriage. Unless you tell me what you believe a woman deserves to have when she has been raped and if you cant state it and be clear you believe in no exceptions for women, a cold heartless, violent approach to Womens Health. You want to ban all abortions. Many of you have been open and if you flip the house, you will put a ban for bans on all states and turn the veterans bill into and not one of you is a medical doctor. What the v. A. Guidelines if you have been raped and medical professional and one of four women in this country who has had a miscourage and many in this room that you are better judge who gets to decide the future of their life and not a medical doctor, who do you think you are . You are a politician. We are all on this floor elected officials and not medicalf it was your wife or daughter suffering through a miss carriage and tell her she cant until she is bleeding harder . That is what is happening in the state of texas. If that is what you want for veterans, shame on you. Shame on you. Im sorry. I south your support particularly and making it a political issue. You have pictures of veterans and proud to show your pride in our veterans and should be the most bipartisan issue. And you are making it political . Shame on you. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the chair would remind all members to address all remarks to the chair. Mr. Bost let me tell you, madam chair, the question is not on rape, incease, its on health. And this is a very personal issue to a lot of people and im sure it is to everyone on both sides of the aisle, but who has ever held a child that has been through 25 weeks in the womb . I have. I held one granddaughter who died in the womb and one who died in my arms after she was out of womb. What the v. A. Has done with this rule, by tweaking it so they think its for the right reasons, right or wrong what you consider, rape, incest, life of the mother. It will allow for the lateterm abortions, folks, thats life. Our constitution is very clear. Very clear. Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. The first being life. You cant, if you ever held a child like that that died in your arms and say that is not life. Its not us, its the Biden Administration and done it through taking the v. A. And question me and question me on veterans. I served. My father served, my grandfather served and grandson served. And my granddaughter is now in navy boot camp. I will stand for the veterans but not stand for the death of children regardless of who this administration is or what they believe is a good political move. I yield three minutes with that, i yield three minutes to my good friend from texas, mr. Roy. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Roy i thank my friend, the Ranking Memberment and i appreciate his service and member. And i appreciate his service and his passion on this issue. I listened here as my colleagues want to lecture us about making decisions about life. Who are my colleagues to decide when life begins . Talking about where are the doctors in the room, who are my colleagues, where is god in the room . About determining when life begins. It is my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who have out of step views about the extent of abortion in this country, to terminate life right up to the point of birth. It is out of step with the entirety of the world. It is a radical position and the entirety of this country knows it. And what were talking about right now when we used to be able to have some peaceful debates on in this in this body, we have the Hyde Amendment recognizing our differences on the issue and trying to pull it out of the debate of funding. But my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to respect the Hyde Amendment. And now you have an administration making up law. And my colleague on the other side of the aisle wants to lecture about where you go, having a dispute about law, oh, run to the courts, they say. Run to article 3. Were article 1 and we make decisions about the law every single day. And as maybe of this body, i introduced the article 1 act under President Trump. Questioning executive authority. I subpoenaed records from the white house questioning unaccompanied alien children data. Because i believe in the primesy of article 1. But we should on a bipartisan basis believe that we make these decisions and you dont have the v. A. Arbitrarily making law and stepping over the 1992 law which has never been repealed. It has never been set aside. And to suggest that it has makes a mockery of the laws that we pass. And we should agree on that on a bipartisan basis. The Ranking Member is speaking for all of us when he says were trying to stand up in support of the Solid Start Program. But it has now been turned on its head by a radical decision by the executive branch. And so now we are no longer going to support this program as it exists. As the chairman said, 16 words is the hang up. Then change the 16 words. And lets fix what needs to be fixed to honor what we know is the law from the 1992 law. And i yield back to the Ranking Member. Mr. Bost reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, what the gentleman from texas is suggesting that we do is delete women from s. 1198. That i will not do. And, yes, i strongly believe in article 1. And the accusation that secretary mcdonough issued a radical rule. What is this socalled radical rule hes mentioning . That hes issued . The rule that secretary mcdonough issued, the interim final rule, says that abortion is available based on the 1996 law which gave him the authority to define medical benefits available at the v. A. That is very clear what congress did. So its under that authority that this secretary has made not a radical rule but simply a rule which allows veteran women to enjoy the same rights that they had when they were serving in the military, as active duty Service Members. Women serving in the military have access to abortions when they have been raped, when they are victims of incest. And, yes, when their pregnancies pose a danger to their life. This is who is trying to play god here are the members on the other side of the aisle who wish to deny women who have worn the cloth of this country, who have served our country, who fought for all our freedoms, to deny them the freedom to be able to consider the full range of medical procedures that they need in order to preserve their own life. What is extreme here is that they want to deny women to even be able to access abortion counseling. Counseling which may save their lives. So with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The chair recognizes the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I think its important to realize the d. O. D. Actually follows the Hyde Amendment which is rape, incest and the life of the mother. Which is exactly what the chairman just quoted. What the v. A. Does is rape, incest, life and health, including Mental Health, of the mother. Which can be a claim that maybe im under stress. All of these things. And thats why we need clarification. But not only do we need clarification, we need to follow the law. And the argument that the other law that allows the v. A. Secretary to make these decisions, it never mentioned abortion in there and i think that would have done that. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, i have no further speakers and im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I am prepared to close. With that, i would like to tell, im encouraging my members to vote no on this bill. I would love to be able to vote on this bill when we get this problem straightened out. I believe our veterans deserve to have the other benefits that are here and available in the bill, as everybody knows, did i vote for it before in the other form, before the v. A. Stepped down this path. And with that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, again, i ask my colleagues to join me in passing s. 1198 and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass senate 1198. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, for what purpose does the gentleman from illinois seek recognition . Mr. Bost madam speaker, i request 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 question will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Takano madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 8510, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 8501, a bill 8510, a bill to amend title 38, United States code, to make improvements to the whistleblower protection of the department of Veterans Affairs and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Takano, and the gentleman from illinois, mr. Bost, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on h. R. 8510, as amended. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Takano thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, h. R. Le 510 is h. R. 8510, the strengthening whistleblower protections at the department of Veterans Affairs act, is an important bill that will protect and support v. A. Employees who report wrongdoing within the department. I commend representatives pappas and mann, chairman and Ranking Member of our oversight and investigations subcommittee, for their work over the past three years on this issue. The subcommittee has been tireless in its examination of v. A. Policies and procedures for protecting whistleblowers and disciplining those who retaliate against them. When retaliation occurs, v. A. Must make whole a whistleblower who is unfairly punished for speaking truth to power. This is not only the right thing to do, it is the law. During the subcommittees hearings on this issue, we heard firsthand accounts from several individuals who experienced long waits for justice, despite confirming despite confirmed findings of retaliation. V. A. Can and must do more to protect whistleblowers. I support chairman pappas and Ranking Member manns Bipartisan Legislation. It would promote independence and strengthen the mission of v. A. s office of accountability and whistleblower protection. It would also streamline duplicative investigations and send a clear message that retaliation against those who report wrongdoing will not be tolerated. This bill has the support of several National Organizations that advocate on behalf of government whistleblowers and was favorably reported by the full veterans a Veterans Affairs Committee Last week p i urge all of my colleagues last week. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The chair recognizes the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. I rise today in support of h. R. 8510, as amend. Following the as amended. Fatting the following the access scandal of 2014, we adopted the accountability act. Its meant to make it easier for v. A. To hold bad employees responsible for their actions. The law also created a new v. A. Office intended to protect whistleblowers and conduct investigations. Unfortunately this office has never lived up to the standard that whistleblowers deserve. In 2021, 80 of the oawp recommendations for discipline were ignored by the v. A. In its and its time to refocus their mission. H. R. 8510, as amended, would require v. A. Employees with complaints to be referred to the office of special counsel. The o. S. C. Is an independent office which has the authority to receive, manage, investigate allegations of whistleblowerring retaliation whistleblowing retaliation at the v. A. The o. S. C. Has a respected history of conducting objective investigations. As such, i am convinced that the o. S. C. Will do a better job of Holding Senior v. A. Employees accountable than the oawp. This bill was drafted with valuable input from stakeholders and enjoys broad support. Now, im pleased that congressman pappas and congressman mann have come together to author this important bipartisan proposal and i urge my colleagues to support the bill and with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano madam speaker, at this time id like to yield five minutes to my good friend who serves as chairman of the subcommittee on oversight and investigations for the Veterans Affairs committee, the gentleman from new hampshire, mr. Pappas. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Pappas thank you, madam speaker. And thank you, mr. Chairman. I rise in support of my Bipartisan Legislation, h. R. 8510. The strengthening whistleblower protections at the department of Veterans Affairs act. Its a bill him that proves policies and procedures to better protect v. A. Whistleblowers. It also promotes independence and removes conflicts of interest at v. A. s office of accountability and whistleblower protection. Whistleblowers play a Critical Role in holding the federal government and its agencies accountable against waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement. When employees of the department of Veterans Affairs witness issues that put the health, safety and wellbeing of veterans at risk, v. A. s staff should feel encouraged to speak out without fear of retaliation. This would encourage corrective action to be taken and no harm to the whistleblower. In reality, however, too often the messager is messenger is punished. The subcommittee that i chair has done years of work on this issue and alongside Ranking Member tracey mann, weve conducted multiple hearings looking into this problem. Our efforts have highlighted the individual stories of whistleblowers who have lost their jobs or faced other retaliatory actions as a result of their disclosures. Further, whistleblowers often wait years to be made whole after experiencing retaliation under Current Department policies and procedures. The testimony from three previous v. A. Employees disclosed v. A. Whistleblowers are likely to face retaliation, including the loss of their position and are forced to wait years for justice. So this bipartisan bill will make major changes to how whistleblower claims are handles, strengthening accountability through the process. The bill ends v. A. s authority to investigate whistleblower retaliation complaints and instead relies on the independent u. S. Office of special counsel to ensure objectivity over the process. O. S. C. Is an independent federal Investigative Agency that has high trust within the whistleblower community. They have the resources and autonomy needed to do this work. It will also require v. A. s office of accountability and whistleblower protection to strengthen accountability over settlement agreements for v. A. Employees who suffered retaliation. Which provide financial restitution and guarantees of reemployment reemployment. Further, the bill will reaffirm oawps responsibility to provide resources to v. A. Employees on whistleblower rights, including training. These reforms will ensure whistleblowers feel safe reporting issues within the department. We cant continue to allow whistleblowers to be punished for speaking out. And weve got to make sure were doing all we can to protect v. A. Whistleblowers. Its not only the law, its also the right thing to do to protect whistleblowers from retaliation. And my colleague and Ranking Member of the oversight and investigation subcommittee, congressman tracey mann, coled this bill with me to promote independence and strengthen the mission of v. A. s whistleblowers office. 2019 thank congressman i want to thank congressman mann and his staff for their work on this. And i want to say that i appreciate the support from the whistleblower advocacy groups, including the project on government oversight, the whistleblowers of america, and the Government Accountability project, as well as v. A. s labor union, afge. Once this is enacted, this bill will ensure that the protections are on the books at the department of Veterans Affairs that will strengthen independence and the mission of v. A. s whistleblower office. So i urge the full house to support passage and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california reserves. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bost i yield mr. Man three minutes mr. Mann three minutes, who has worked so hard on this issue. Mr. Mann i rise in support of this issue h. R. 8510, strengthening whistleblower protections at the department of Veterans Affairs act. Holding the government accountable takes accountability. The v. A. s office of accountability and whistleblower protection was created with good intentions but has never lived up to its promise. In 2021, 80 of the disciplinary actions made were changed or ignored. Here are two troubling stories we naryd our hearings. At one point, they recommended a raise of discipline from 12 days suspension to removal of three supervisors who endwaijed in real tailings. The department disagreed and there was no action. At another facility they moved for removal of an employee who retaliated against an employee. They felt it was lacking evidence and no action was taken. Veterans, existle blowers and taxpayers deserve better. This would remove oawt authority and direct them to the office of special counsel which has a much better track record for investigations. This also enables them to track settlements and agreements between employees and the department and roe refocus on providing training. This is an example of the good that congress can do when we work together. I look forward to swift passage through the house and urge my colleagues to support this important bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano i have no further speakers, im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost i am ready to close. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill and yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano i ask my colleagues to join me in passing h. R. 8510 as amended, the strengthening whistleblower protections at the department of Veterans Affairs act 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. 8510 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. 2 3 being in the affirmative for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. The yeas and nays are ordered. Further proceedings on the question will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Takano i move that the house suspend the rules the rule and pass h. R. S. 279 4. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk senate 2794, an act to amend title 38 United States code to increase automatic maximum coverage under the Service Members Group Life Insurance program and a veterans Group Life Insurance program and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Takano, and the gentleman from illinois, mr. Bost, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on s. 2794. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Takano Life Insurance is designed to offer pr text from loss and serves as a death benefit. For a veteran or service member, v. A. Life insurance offers security and confidence that loved ones will be covered and made financially whole if a source of income is lost. While no amount of money can replace the life of a beloved family member, v. A. Service members and Group Life Insurance exists to provide an important option for a fiscal shield for you are survivors. Neither Insurance Program has experienced a coverage limit increase since 2005. This bill increases the maximum amount of coverage for Service Members and veterans Group Life Insurance by 100,000 which means expanded coverage of up to 500,000 for each option. Madam speaker, i support this bill and urge all of my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The chair recognizes the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Bost i rise in support of s. 2794, the supporting families of the fallen act. Now i would also like to thank senator tuberville and congressman roy for their leading this effort in the senate and house respectively. This bill makes muchneeded updates to the coverage amounts for the Service Members Group Life Insurance and the veterans Group Life Insurance program. Specifically this bill would allow v. A. To raise the max payment for both programs from 400,000 to 500,000. An additional 100,000 would make it easier for surviving spouses to keep a roof over their familys head, food on the table following the loss of their loved ones. As many of you know, v. A. s Life Insurance programs may be the only affordable option available to the Service Members and veterans. This is because some veterans may not be eligible for private Life Insurance. Due to the added risk of military service or because they have a serviceconnected disability like ptsd or cancer. When we send our military into harms way, v. A. Insurance programs provide them and their families with financial security. However, the max rate of 400,000, which was established in 2005, does not meet the needs of todays survivors. 2005 American Families have seen a cost of living continuously rise. This is especially true right now due to historic inflation under the Biden Administration. Now this bill would provide families with Insurance Coverage that will better meet their needs. S. 2794 on our nations promises to care for the families of those lost in service to our country. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Takano i have no further speakers and im prepared to close. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost i now would like to yield three minutes to my good friend the gentleman from texas, representative roy. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Roy i thank the Ranking Member and the chairman. I am pleased to rise in support of my bill which in this case is the s. Version, the Senate Version that was introduced by senator tuberville of alabama, s. 2794, the supporting families of the fallen act. The Ranking Member just articulated why this legislation is important. You know, i think one of the things we have to remember is the extent to which our men and women in uniform have to be able to keep up, keep pace with inflation. And we thought this was important. I had a constituent in my district who raised this issue. Sat down with that constituent and then met with a bunch of other constituents who were running into the same problem. Talked to a number of my veteran colleagues. We believed this was an important solution. As many know im not one to want to put forward legislation that isnt paid for. This bill for the most part pays for itself with the exception of active duty combat individuals and i believe thats an exception worth making when we talk about things that are not paid for. Its straightforward. It simply increases s. G. O. I. And v. G. O. I. From 400,000 to 500,000 so Service Members can customize the amount they need. I thank the Ranking Member and chairman for their support and yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california. Mr. Takano i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from illinois. Mr. Bost im prepared to close. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from california is is recognized. Mr. Takano i want to thank, again, all of the folks that came together for this bill. And i ask all my colleagues join me in passing s. 2794, which upon passage today will be sent on to the president s desk for signature. With that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house spruls and pass senate 2794. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair 2 3 being in the affirmative, the gentleman from texas is recognized. Got to be consistent. Request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays the gentleman from california. Mr. Takano really . The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. 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 coclause 8 of rule pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. Mr. Takano i i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 86 1, the john lewis Civil Rights Act of 2022. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title. The clerk h. R. 8681, the john lewis civil rights fellowship to provide internships for early to mid professionals to study nonviolent movements and protect civil rights around the world. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from texas, mr. Castro, and the gentlewoman from california, ms. Kim, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas. Mr. Castro i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on h. R. 8681 as amended. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Castro i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Castro i rise in strong support of h. R. 6861, the john lewis civil rights fellowship act of 2022, and i thank ms. Williams for offering this important bill. I want to begin with a passage from an essay written by representative john lewis before his death which was publish those opposed, no day of his funeral. Representative john lewis in reflecting on the past and looking to the future said, quote, you must also study and learn the lessons of history because basic humanity has been involved in this soulwrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes through decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Continue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others. These words are a call to action and h. R. 8681, the john lewis civil rights fellowship act, seeks to meet that call, to learn from history and find solutions to the challenges of our time. The john lewis fellowship will be part of the Fulbright Scholarship Program administered by the state department, and will advance the teaching of the history of nonviolent movements around the world by fostering research and International Exchange. The followship supports 25 Young Scholars in studying the history of nonviolent Civil Rights Movements around the world and improving the understanding of nonviolence as a critical tool for change. Fostering constructive methods of zivic expression is vital for healthy, flourishing society. Thanks to johns leadership by example, thousands of people around the world, the world over, have learned to confront the injustices of their own societies through nonviolent means. Now the duty of honoring his legacy in shepherding a new generation of leaders falls on our shoulders. I can think of no better time than now to pass this bill that honors the legacy of the great john lewis. I strongly urge all members to vote in support of this important legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from california is recognized. Mrs. Kim i rise in support of the john lewis civil rights fellowship act and yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Mrs. Kim john lewis was a powerful, john lewis along with his mentor and friend, he put his life and personal safety on the line as leader that profoundly changed our nation for the better. His boldness in pursuit of justice was rooted in faith and love as he described it, quote, at a very early stage of the movement, i accepted the teaching of jesus and way of nonviolence and the idea of hate is too heavy a burden to bear. To help pass these values onto the future generations, this established the Fulbright Program at the department of state. And thics change program has enjoyed bipartisan support. As part of fulbright, the john lewis by promoting studies and research and International Exchange in the subject of nonviolent movements that protected civil rights. This bill is worth the way of honoring a great man who sacrificed so much to make america and the world a better place. I reserve. Ism the speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas. I recognize the gentlewoman from georgia. I rise in support of h. R. 8681. Following in the footsteps is no easy detail. He was known as the conscience of this body and i tell people i will never fill his shoes but i strive daily and my friend and mentor and predecessors leg as. And scholars and opportunity to the inspiring of the civil rights moment. They have been working mr. Hardy on social on political change around the world. Congressman lewis was shaped from nonviolent movements and the philosophy and movements from gandhi. And of course, people across the globe have been inspired by the Civil Rights Movement led by john lewis himself. From the lunchcounter sitins to the freedom rides and 1965 march across the brimming, he taught the wold to bend the arc is rooted in the discipline of nonviolence. And for the impact at home, congressman lewis wished he would have had the opportunity to study abroad. This is a tribute sending them to study his influence in his name. We hope this program will unlock an opportunity would not otherwise have an opportunity to do Research Across the globe. The fellowship will be a beacon and i look for exchange for fellowship and support. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves . I do. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized. We have no other speakers and ready to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. We have no other speakers. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. And mr. Speaker, john lewis lived a life dedicated to pursuing purchase and the price he played in the struggle against injustice changed the course of injustice. This bill to create a program in his name is a tribute to his legacy, and i support this bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back. In closing, i want to reiterate my staunch support. This legislation encouragings of peaceful expression and invigorates leaders with the same spirits that drove john and his leadership was pivotal for the pursuit of happiness for all americans. Many of us may not be standing here but for his contributions to racial equality. We have that drive and purpose. Promoteing the use of nonviolent civil rights. I hope my colleagues join me in supporting this bill. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house pass the bill. Those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 in the affirmative for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore a sufficient number having arisen, yeas and nays are ordered pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, further questions on this will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition snr mr. Castro i move that the the global Food Security reauthorization act. H. R. 846 to extend the global Food Security act of 2016. Mr. Castro i ask that all members may have have five days to revise and extend their remarks as amended. The speaker pro tempore without objection mr. Castro i yield myself such time. I rise in strong support of this bill that reauthorizes the global Food Security act and i thank mr. Mccollum and mr. Meeks and mccaul. As the world deals with the climate, the pandemic and the global impacts, the u. S. Must stand up to help foodinsecure people in all corners of the world. We need to give them the tools they need. This was passed in 2016 and reauthorized in 2018 and critical that congress and not only does this increase to the future initiative and building resilience and forming local partnerships. This will play a Critical Role in delivering food while creating food systems for tomorrow. This is instability and violent and combatting human hunger and in our National Security interests. Bypassing this legislation that the United States will provide 2. Billion, we will make important strides towards incheffing our goal. This important Bipartisan Legislation will continue the support to feed the future initiative that has lifted millions out of and i urge my colleagues to do the same. And i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from from california. I yield myself such time as i may consume. Madam speaker, today, 50 Million People in 45 countries are living on the brink of famine and facing Food Insecurity. This is a staggering increase from last year. Russias unprovoked produced the bread basket of europe has worsened and food crisis and destabilizing fragile states. Global food prices are expected to increase by 20 percent and could be higher on important commodities from ukraine and russia. They are creating shortages and stability that affect our constituents. First enacted in 2016 and amended in 2018, it provides critical authorities toll respond toll immediate global food needs and advance longer Economic Growth. Im a cosponsor of this legislation to refine and expand those authorities for another five years through 2018. I want to thank my colleagues, congresswoman mccollum and congresswoman smith and in their leadership. In order to prevent the next food increase, we must increase to shots like natural disasters and food shortages. This is why the u. S. Is working with partner countries to advance to increase productivity. Invest in food systems and marketbased approaches to Economic Growth and support communities ability to provide for themselves. These strategic activities are a critical investment to preventing dependency on foreign aid. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. I yield three minutes to the the gentlewoman from minnesota. Ms. Mccollum i thank from texas. The global Food Security reauthorization act, a bipartisan bill which i worked with mr. Smith on to he reaffirm to fit hunger. This bill builds upon the act of 2016 and reauthorizes the successful feed the future initiative which has carried out programs and this will legislation towards reauthorization to 2028 makes updates toll reflect the and this bill agricultural led, and strengthening resilience and global covid19 pandemic. This will help by supporting Small Farmers and women farmers, we can increase income so families may improve their way of life. This legislation will create a more stable world by helping millions of people to become selfsufficient. As chair of the appropriation subcommittee on defense, i know all too well the human, economic and National Security costs of global insecurity and too high for congress to. This cannot come soon enough. I am proud to work on this legislation. I worked on this for over 14 years with senator lugar after being in africa and after lack of food and clean water affected our ability to make the heyed program to go forward. So i am proud to have worked on this legislation on global and interaction and 1,000 days, care, save the children and so many more. I want to thank them for their expertise to lift this legislation up and thank chairman meeks and Ranking Member mccaul and thank you to representative smith for their work on this legislation. This is important work. I urge the passage of this bill, and i yield back, madam the speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman is recognized. Mrs. Kim im pleased to yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Smith. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Smith i rise in strong support of the bicameral, bipartisan global Food Security act of 2022 and i especially want to thank my good friend and colleague, betty mccollum, for her authorship of this important legislation that will help so many. Todays vote on global Food Security will show we can come together to advance the good. The global Food Security act is a model of cooperation, for cooperation between from cooperation between congresswoman mccollum and i on previous iterations that began back in 2014 when i first introduced and the house passed ages. Passed legislation. Like pepfar, the emergency plan for aids relief, our Food Security policy is a remarkably effective, relatively lowcost, lifesave, lifeep hanceing initiative championed by both republican and democrat administrations. Indeed we are fortunate that president bush, beginning in 2002, had the initial foresight to elevate the Important Role of Food Security in u. S. Foreign policy, especially in africa, via the initiative to end hung for the africa or ieha, funded through Development Assistance and implemented through usaid. The objective was to help immediate the meet the nutritional needs of millions and elevate selfsufficiency over dependency. At the same time the Millennium Challenge Corporation began making substantial investments in agled Economic Growth programs, particularly in africa. The food crisis of 20072008 accelerated and underscored the need for robust security policy, Food Security. President obama, in 2009, announced further enhancements to our Food Security strategy at the g8 summit in italy. This became known as the feed the future initiative. Our emphasis on agled Economic Development and Food Security, selfsufficiency, continued through the Trump Administration and now into the Biden Administration. Madam speaker, last week, a World Food Program and food and agricultural organization, wfb and fao report said the world faces, quote, its largest food crisis many modern history. Report sounds the alarm. 2022 as they put it is a year of unprecedented hunger. As many as 828 Million People go to bed hungry every night, they write. The number of those facing acute Food Insecurity has soared from 135 million to 345 million since 2019. Total of 50 Million People in 45 countries are teetering on the edge of famine. Conflict, they point out, is still the biggest driver of hunger. 60 of the worlds hungry living in areas afflicted by wars and violence. Events are unfolding in ukraine are further proof of how conflict feeds hunger, forcing people out of their homes and wiping out their sources of income. As we all know the weakest, and most vulnerable are dying and many, many more are at risk of death while millions more remain susceptible to opportunistic diseases while many children continue to suffer from stunting. Many, however, are rallying to mitigate the suffering as my good friend and colleague from minnesota pointed out, many of the organizations that have done so much for so long are doing even more now to make sure that we get to the point where people are food secure. Of course that includes the secular group, the faithbased groups all working in tandem for this noble goal. One of the objectives of the global Food Security act was to take a whole of government approach led by usaid in promoting Food Security. In conducting oversight hearings with regards to its implementation, however, we found there were several places where a whole of agency approach, let alone a whole of government approach, was lacking. One area that needed attention was to make sure that our nutrition efforts were firing on all cylinders. While the original bill, law, and subsequent reauthorization, placed great emphasis on reducing stunting, and ive seen it all over africa, as have betty and many other, you go to nigeria and stunting is endemic to the moment, and that can be eliminated with the right nutritional interventions, including the first 1,000 days of life from conception to second birthday and nutrition that helps with mothers and babies. We have seen pictures of children with distended bellies caused by worms that rob them of needed nutrients. I chaired several hearings on worlds, horrible things to see, growing in little kids, causing them to die and to be very sick in most cases. Usaid when it came to deworming often had a more stovepiped aprof to it. This integrates the idea of deworming with Food Security so we dont feed the worm we feed the future and we need these wonderful children, all those who are at risk. We also have put in and continue the integration of water sanitation and hygiene, or wash, programming, which is also extraordinarily effective. This is a great bill. I hope it gets total support of this body. Looking forward to this vote and enacting this bill. The speaker pro tempore does the gentlelady from california reserve . The gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Castro id like to offer a minute to the my colleague from texas, ms. Jackson lee. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Jackson lee i thank the gentleman from texas, my colleague, thank him also for participating in the congressional childrens caucus hearing this past monday on the uvalde murder. Of children. I rise to join my colleagues in supporting the global Food Security reauthorization act of 2022 and compliment representative mccollum and others who have strongly supported this legislation over the years. It is particularly timely because i have just finished meeting with the foreign minister of pakistan and was able to visit in pakistan in Early September after the catastrophic and momentous floods that went on of biblical proportion. What we saw was the potential of extreme starvation of families and children. 33 Million People were displaced. The families in the region had lost their wheat, their cotton, and their livestock. The idea of the speaker pro tempore the gentlewomans time has expired. Mr. Castro i yield another minute. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Jackson lee the idea of the emphasis on Food Security is so crucial. Both in terms of the climate change, such as impacted in eritrea and ethiopia, and the issues of catastrophic flood conditions. So i rise to support this with the idea that we have right in our midst conditions that would suggest Food Insecurity and this legislation that focusing on ensuring the people the world can eat and the children of the world will not starve is a crucial and needed legislation of which i support and which emphasizes again the important element in Foreign Affairs of food. Food helps save the world. I support this legislation and i commend my colleagues to continue to work with devastating conditions around the world to ensure the safety and security of children and particularly Food Security. With that, i yield back. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Castro i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from california. Mrs. Kim madam speaker, im ready to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Castro the speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized. Mrs. Kim thank you. Madam speaker im proud to support this bipartisan bill to refine and extend statutory authorities needed to respond to the global food crisis and prevent future aid dependency. It updates the policy definitions and the strategy requirements of the current law. It also strengthens oversight and accountability and ensures continued focus on core programs that have strong, bipartisan support. At its core the bill embodies the saying, give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. These are effective, Strategic Investments in Agricultural Development to help ensure that communities and families are able to provide for themselves. I urge support for this bill and i hope that our Senate Colleagues will take it up promptly. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Castro thank you. I yield myself such time as i may consume for the pup pouf closing. Madam speaker as the world continues to experience climaterelated devastation, downstream effects of covid19 on supply chains and the tripling effects of the russian invasion of ukraine on food production, the United States must continue to support those vulnerable to Food Insecurity. Now is not the time to continue business as usual. The United States must step up to meet the moment and adapt our policy to also and foreign assistance to do the same. H. R. 8446 ensures that the United States maintains Global Leadership in combating the Global Hunger crisis by tsaoing the seeds of Food Security for the future. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important piece of legislation 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. 8446 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 georgia seek recognition . I request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those in favor of taking the 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. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Castro i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 8463, the Millennium Challenge Corporation eligibility expansion act. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 8463, a bill to modify the requirements under the millennium challenge act of 2003 for candidate countries and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from texas, mr. Castro, and the gentlewoman from california, ms. Kim, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas. Mr. Castro 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. 8463. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Castro i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Castro thank you, madam speaker. Im glad to bring this Bipartisan Legislation which i authored together with my colleague, representative young kim of california, to the house floor. It will allow the Millennium Challenge Corporation, m. C. C. , to continue to work where it can to Foster Development and reduce poverty. When congress established the m. C. C. Almost 20 years ago it was envisioned as a selective agency that would work collaboratively with the best governed developing countries. Perhaps the biggest part of their rigorous Selection Process is its scorecard which evaluates more than 20 different policy indicators of good governance. Congress also set an incomebased threshold for nations where m. C. C. Could work. It was intended to make sure m. C. C. Focused on developing countries and on helping the people who need it most. I strongly support that focus and nothing in this bill is intended to alter that core part of m. C. C. s mission and mandate. But the way we define that threshold based on who falls within two categories in the world banks estimates of per Capita Gross National Income has led to several issues this legislation seeks to address. In the decades since the original standard was defined, the number of potential countries eligible for m. C. C. Compacts has shrunk by almost a third. These compact which need to be ratified by both the United States and the partner country, can take years to negotiate, ratify and implement. Under the income thresholds current structure, countries can suddenly become ineligible for assistance in the middle of a multiyear negotiation. Global disruptions like a pandemic or major conflict can also lead to changes in a countrys eligibility. Under my legislation, the m. C. C. Would continue to use world bank measures of g. M. I. Per capita as the basis to calculate eligible while expanding eligibility for compaqs to the 125 poorest countries. This will ensure theres a stable number of candidates even as we continue to make progress in the fight against global poverty. The new pool of potentially eligible countries could wover 98 of the worlds poor and 90 of the countries m. C. C. Has identified as facing substantial vulnerability including to this bill does not change the scorecard criteria. To qualify, countries must be eligible to receive foreign assistance and other provisions. And the expansion act includes protections to ensure that countries do not crowd out support for low or middleIncome Countries that qualify. For example, it would have a Prioritize Development need and impact. The legislation would identify appropriate national chiropractics during compact goirks and wealthier countries would and i expect them to compare this Income Countries in developing this. This would provide them with more certainty and stability. With your support today, we can ensure he we continuities important work fighting poverty. And with that, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from california is recognized. I rise in support of this bill and i yield myself such time as i may consume. I was proud to introduce the Millennium Challenge Corporation ell guilt expansion act with mr. Castro. In the 20 years, the millennium has demonstrated a strong record of success and combatting poverty. The has enjoyed bipartisan support through through strict criteria and holding them to a higher standard of accountability. But the agency and its the chinese communityist communist policy. And the world is facing a Food Security crisis andor effects of russias unprovoked war in ukraine. Many countries risk risk losing. This bill will ensure that the worlds poorest countries are eligible as a candidate countries in the Selection Process. It adds stability to the partnerships and it ensures its ability to focus on the worlds poorest population where the most vol enable. And this bill is important step to equipping to operate in todays environment so it can use its proven evidencebased model to build Economic Growth, transparency and stability. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. I reserve. We have no other speakers and ready to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. The Millennium Challenge Corporation has done its work to promote Economic Growth and transparency around the world. We must make sure that the agency is equipped to address the challenges and threats of today including those by our rivals who are attempting to increase global influence. I thank mr. Castro and bipartisan cosponsors and chairman meeks and Ranking Member mccaul for moving this bill forward. I urge support and i yield back. Ism the gentlelady yields back. Mr. Castro i yield myself. The Millennium Challenge Corporation mr. Ellzey gibility will benefit moist. I thank my colleagues and representative young kim for the bipartisan work that has brought this legislation forward. I urge the house to pass this legislation and i hope the senate will take it up swiftly. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules. Those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 in the affirmative, for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition disbr i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore all those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will. Pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, further proceedings on this will be postponed. Mr. Castro i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 4821, combatting the persecution of religious groups. The clerk a bill toll hold accountable senior officials of the peoples republic of china who are complicit and persecuted people in china and for other purposes pursuant to the rule, mr. Castro and the gentlewoman from california, ms. Kim, each will control 20 minutes. Mr. Castro i ask that all members may have five legislative taste to include materials. I ask to include in the exchange of letters on h. R. 4821 as amended. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered mr. Castro i yield myself such time. I rise in support of h. R. 4821. Introduced by my colleague vicky hartzler. It has been alarming for several years. Despite of real dpows freedom, the p. R. C. Suppresses this fundamental right. And uighur people and other religious minorities has been broadcasted. , they have long experienced persecution in china. The ability to practice ones religion has continued to deteriorate. Those who speak out or refuse to join religious organizations and human rights abuses. Thousands of worshippers have been abused and sentenced to prison and due to religious affiliation. Some have been pressured to renounce religious beliefs. They have removed like symbols from places of worship to have align it. This is unacceptable and infringement on personal rights. Nobody should be forced because of their religion anywhere in the world. Congress must act now to protect and promote freedom in china and all religious faiths and call out the p. R. C. Faiths and take actions. By passing this legislation that it will be hilled accountable. I thank representative hartzler for authoring this legislation and i was proud to move through the foreign Affairs Committee. And i join to support it. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from california is recognized. I yield myself as much time as i may consume. The chinese communest party is at war with religious freedom. They see as threats those allegiancees that it does not control. They are required to are prohibit the. National law prohibits young people in china from receiving any religious education. President xi and expressly demanding that religious groups support the control. And the con see quepses of those who refuse to submit are brutal. Underground catholics and uighur muslims and other people who seek to worship freely are repressed. The report notes that is in police custody. They state that the p. R. C. Tortures and physically abused, arrested, detained and sentenced to forced labor d. M. Anand both registered and unregistered groups to their religious beliefs and they have correctly recognized the brutal crackdown and uighur muslims as a genocide ininvolving crimes against humanity. More than 800,000 children have been separated from their families. Just this week, nineyearold is on trial in hong kong. One of several Catholic Bish hops im bishops. They remain in detention and the government and they deserve our prayers and owrp respect and support. This bill before us today will ensure that c. C. P. Officials response i will for this persecution are denied visas in the United States. And they have earned designation of particular concern under the the act and calls for the United States including diplomacy to promote the protection of christians and others and expresses the sense of congress that the u. N. Human Rights Council should condemn the p. R. C. As well as persecution of other religious groups and to condemn is an indictment of its effectiveness. I want to thank the gentlelady from moiz of which im a cosponsor. And i reserve. Ism the gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. The speaker pro tempore jarred. I am pleased to yield three minutes to the gentlelady from missouri mrs. Hartzler. Mrs. Hartzler i advocate for h. R. 4821 the combatting the persecution in china act. This will hold legislation accountable tore the human rights and persecution of christians in china. We believe any religion threat yeps its control over society. As a result. They are carrying a crackdown on all religions to control and manipulate every aspect of faith and closing and destruction of churches, installing surveillance equipment and teaches to conform with the objectivity of the government and wrongful imprisonment of thousands of individuals. Im an advocate for freeing. Pastor jo nmp g and others, itch were for practicing their faith. This is unacceptable and it must end. As a nation built on the fundamental preliminary, we have aresponsibility by passing this legislation, the house of representatives will be sending a clear message to china we will not stand by as they brutally abused their citizens. No one should live in fear, for practicing their faith and china must be held accountable for their criminal human rights violations. I would like to think the foreign Affairs Committee members, and staff are their hard work in bringing this legislation. I my colleagues to support it. The gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Madame speaker, i am pleased to yield four minutes to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Smith. I went to think nikki for offering this very important and timely resolution. Under xi jinping, the Chinese Party is waging war against all faiths. Christians, tibetan buddhists, muslims, uighurs and is committing genocide against the uighurs. He has been doing it for some time. Thankfully, this congress spoke out before of the uighurs. We need to speak out again, on the christians who are suffering. The most persecuted groups china. Let me say that calling for sanctions, we have sanctions the woman didnt ski act and other sanctions are in place. The violation of the religious freedom act of 1998, and the sanctioning that occurred there. The cpc country. I believe we need to do more, to hold individuals collectively the communist party to account. That goes for trump when he was in office and President Biden now. We should have done more, we need to do more. It is all out war on religion. Comport to exee jinpings horrible nightmares needs to be incorporated and whole text, the bible texts and sacred scriptures of all faiths being rewritten in order to comport again with his socialist ideology. In 1994, after tee enman square tenman square tiannmen square, i went there. And there was a pastor, being tortured, being deprived of food, they are terrible, terrible usages of cattle prods and other things in chinese prisons. I couldnt believe when he looked me in the eyes and said, i pray for my persecutors. We all get we get a bad editorial or something politically, heres a man saying he endured all of this and prays for the people of china and his prosecutors. I held a hearing as chairman of the human rights commission, asking where is bishop xu . He disappeared. May have passed away due to the mistreatment. Thats what they do. People all of a sudden just disappear. Whole numbers of christians and other believers just go off the face of the earth. This resolution couldnt be more timely. Our hope is the Chinese Communist party will realize they bring goases dishonor to china. Thankful to the u. N. High commissioner as we all know. Just released a report. Calling out china for its genocide. They called it crimes against humanity. Thats good. Hopefully the u. N. Human Rights Council will take this up as well. We need to do sanctioning, and we need to do it now. I thank my good friend for his leadership. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Castro im ready to close, and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from california. Mrs. Kim i yield myself the remainder of my time for the purposes of closing. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mrs. Kim the Chinese Communist party persecutes religious believers who will not submit their religious convictions to c. C. P. Control. It reacts with brutality against any attempted religious practice outside of the five religious organizations allowed and controlled by the regime. This bill tells the truth about the dangers faced by christians, uighur muslims, tibbett tan buddhists and other religious minorities in china and takes steps to sanction their c. C. P. Persecutors. Im an enthusiastic cosponsor of this bill by my colleague from missouri and urge its unanimous passage. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Castro i yield myself such time as i may consume for the purpose of closing. H. R. 4821 sends a strong and unequivocal message that the United States stands firmly in support of worshipers of all religious traditions and faiths and their ability to freely practice their religion or engage in worship without fear of discrimination or persecution. This legislation signals strong, bipartisan house support for the administration to hold accountable all those responsible for the severe violations of religious freedom and persecution of religious groups in china. 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 question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 4821 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 georgia seek recognition . Madam speaker, i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. 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. The chair will now entertain requests for oneminute speeches. For what purpose does the gentleman from wisconsin seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to speak for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Grothman in the last couple of weeks, there have been stories, again, about our southern border. Which i think is the biggest crisis facing america today. Well refresh the American Public and remind them, two years ago, 5,000 to 10,000 people were crossing our border and being let in the country, we are now in an average month over 150,000 entering the country. In any event, there are rumors that right now venezuela is, as there were rumors about cuba about 40 years ago, is letting people who are prisoners out of venezuela to come to the United States. And given that venezuela considers the United States an enemy, a country that theyre hostile to, why wouldnt they . The question is, where is the press corps and why isnt the press corps demanding more information about the type of people that are crossing our southern border and particularly about venezuelans coming into the countries and whether there are any particular traits that these peoplevvment so i beg the press corps to wake up a little bit and do a Little Research here. Thank you very much. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from connecticut seek recognition . Revise and extend my remarks and cocompliment you, madam speaker, on your service to this great nation of ours. I have very much enjoyed the privilege and honor of serving with you. I also wanted to rise and thank the Clerks Office for all the work that you do day in and day out. The speaker pro tempore is the gentleman seeking to address the house for one minute. Yes, i am. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Larson i repeat again how much i have enjoyed working with ms. Bourdeaux and her service to her country and rise to compliment the work of the Clerks Office. People who tune in on cspan, the long days and hours you put in, extending well into the evening, yet on both sides of the aisle the staff that work so hard, but day in and day out, its the Clerks Office that are here that carries on the work and governance of this great country of ours. I thank you for your service. God bless you, god bless america. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to section 1 of House Resolution 1230, the house stands adjourned until 10 00 a. M. Tomorrow