The speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 227. The nays 186. The previous question is ordered. The question is on adoption of the resolution. Those in favor say aye. All opposed say no. The ayes have it. Ms. Slaughter mr. 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 fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 221. The nays are 190. The resolution is adopted. Without objection the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. The speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 222. The nays are 190. The resolution is adopted. Without objection the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. Pursuant to House Resolution 500 and rule 18, the chair declares the house in the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for further 354. Deration of h. R. 3 will the gentleman from alabama, mr. Palmer, kindly take the chair. The chair the house is in the committee of the whole on the state of the union for further consideration of h. R. 3354 which the clerk will report by title. The clerk a bill making appropriations for the department of the interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending september 30, 2018, and or other purposes. The speaker pro tempore when the committee of the whole rose earlier today, amendment number 88 printed in part b of house report 115295 as modified offered by the gentleman from iowa, mr. King, has been disposed of. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, proceedings will now resume on the amendments printed in part b of house report 115295 on which further proceedings were postponed in the following order. Amendment number 71 by mr. Castro of texas. Amendment number 74 by ms. Roybalallard of california. Amendment number 75 by mr. Castro of texas. Amendment number 76 by mr. Correa of california. Amendment number 77 by mr. Hunter of california. Amendment number 80 modified by mr. King of iowa. Number 81 by mr. Castro of texas. Amendment number 84 by ms. Jayapal of washington. The chair will reduce to two minutes the minimum time for any electronic vote in this series. The Unfinished Business is the request for recorded vote on amendment number 71 printed in part b of house report 115295 by the gentleman from texas, mr. Castro, on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the noes prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 71, printed in part b of house report number 115295, offered by mr. Castro of texas. The speaker pro tempore a the chair a recorded vote has been requested. Those in support of the request for recorded vote will rise and be counted, a sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. It this will be a twominute 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. ] on this vote the yeas are 205. The nays 207. He amendment is not adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for recorded vote on amendment number 74 printed in part b of house report 115295. By the gentlewoman from california, ms. Roybalallard, on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the noes prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will redesignate the amendment. The chair amendment number 74, printed in part b of house report number 115295, offered by ms. Roybalallard allard of california. The chair a recorded vote has been requested, those in support of the request for recorded vote will rise and be counted. A sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be a twominute 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 chair on this vote the yeas are 170. The nays 241. He amendment is not adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for a recorded vote on amendment number 75 printed in part b of house report 115295 by the gentleman from texas, mr. Castro, on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the noes prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 75 printed in part b of house report 115295 offered by mr. Castro of texas. The chair a recorded vote has been requested. Those in support of the request for a recorded vote will rise and be counted. A sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be a twominute 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 chair on on this vote the eas are the chair on this vote the yeas are 203. The nays 211. He amendment is not adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for a recorded vote on amendment number 76 printed in part b of house report 115295 by the gentleman from california, mr. Correa, on which proceed prgs postponed and on which the noes prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 76 printed in part b of house report 115295 offered by mr. Correa of california. The chair a recorded vote has been requested. Those in support of the request for a recorded vote will rise and be counted. A sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be a twominute 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 chair on this vote the yeas are 182. The nays 229. The amendment is not adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for a recorded vote on amendment number 77 printed in part b of house report 115295 by the gentleman from california, mr. Hunter, on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the yeas prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 77 printed in part b of house report 115295 offered by mr. Hunter of california. The chair a recorded vote has been requested. Those in support of the request for a recorded vote will rise nd be counted. A sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be a twominute 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 chair on this vote the yeas are 245. The nays 1678. The amendment is adopted. The Unfinished Business is the quest for recorded vote on amendment number 80 as modified printed in part b of house report 115295. From the gentleman from iowa, mr. King, on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the yeas prevailed by voice vote. Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 80, printed in part b of house offered ber clerk will redesi, by mr. King of iowa as modified. The chair a recorded vote has been requested. Those in favor of the request for rodded vote will rise and be counted. A sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be a twoone minute 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. ] offered by mr. King of iowa as modified. The chair on this vote the yeas are 173. The nays 240. The amendment is not adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for recorded vote on amendment number 81 printed in of house report and on which the noes prevailed by voice of house report 115295 by the gentleman from texas, mr. Castro, on which further vote. Ings were postponed the clerk will redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 81, printed in part b of house report 115285. Offered by mr. Castro of texas. The clerk will the chair a vorded vote has been requested. Those in support of the request for recorded vote will rise and be counted. A sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be a twin vote. A twominute 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 chair on this vote the yeas are 183. The nays are 230. The amendment is not adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for recorded vote on amendment number 84 printed in part b of house report 115295 by the gentlewoman from washington, ms. Jayapal, on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the noes prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 84 printed in part b of house report number 115295, offered y ms. Jayapal of washington. The chair a recorded vote has been requested. Those in support of the request for recorded vote will rise and be counted. A sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This will be a twominute 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 chair on this vote the yeas are 180, the nays are 230. He amendment is not adopted. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Chairman, pursuant to section 3 of h. Res. 500, as a dessingny of chairman frelinghuysen, i rise to offer en bloc number 4 as part of the consideration of division g of h. R. 3354. The list of the amendments included in the en bloc is at the desk. And has been agreed to by both sides. The chair the clerk will designate the amendment en bloc. The clerk en bloc number 4 consisting of amendments umbered 90, 93, 100, 102, 104, 105, 108, 109, 111 and 117 printed in part b of house report 115295 offered by mr. Rogers of kentucky. The chair pursuant to House Resolution 500, the gentleman from kentucky, mr. Rogers, and the gentlewoman from new york, mrs. Lowey, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from kentucky. Mr. Rogers mr. Chairman, i yield two minutes to the gentleman from michigan, mr. Mitchell. The chair the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Mitchell mr. Chairman, i rise to support my amendment within the en bloc amendments as a step to protect the great lakes Ontario Power Generation company has proposed to build an underground Nuclear Waste facility along the shores of lake hereon which borders my district. Their plan is nothing short of irresponsible. Any failure at this site would have devastating impacts on michigan and canada, who rely on the great lakes for drinking water, tourism and commerce. Canada and o. P. G. Have displayed intransigence in the face of the near universal objection of my constituents and many of the residents of the great lakes region. My amendment serves to further highlight to the canadian government the gravity of this issue. The International Joint commission was developed to resolve binational water disputes between the United States and canada, yet they have not addressed this critical issue for the great lakes. My amendment would prohibit staff from attending or participating in an annual canadian Water Resources conference ironically titled, our common water future. Prohibiting staff from attending this conference does not substantially relate to the i. G. C. s core mission of protecting shared waters but it sends an Important Message to our neighbors in canada. Its time for our canadian neighbors to take this threat seriously. Thank you and yield back. The chair the gentleman reserves, the gentlelady from new york is recognized. Mrs. Lowey im pleased to yield one minute to the gentleman from illinois, mr. Schneider, a member of the Foreign Affairs committee. The chair the gentleman from illinois is recognized for one inute. Mr. Schneider i rise in support of my amendment, included in this en bloc package. Ensure the would xistence of an envoy to combat antisemitism. Antisemitism is still alive and well throughout the world. Just last month in france, omeone attacked a jew, yell, kill the jew. Providing adequate staff for this envoy is incredibly important as they continue to fight antisemitism around he world. I thank my colleagues for including my amendment in the en bloc amendment and ask everyone vote for it. I yield back. The chair the gentleman yields back, the gentlelady reserve the gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Rogers i yield one minute to the gentleman from california the gentleman from california, mr. Valadao. The chair the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Valadao i rise in support of my amendment. As a result of land mines laid during the war, the men, women, and children of the region have lived their lives under the constant threat of crippling injury or death from exploding mines. Ot only have many victims have many families lost loved ones as a result of land mine accidents, families have their entire livelihood suffered. The halo trust has cleared more than approximately 90 of the minefields scattered throughout the area. According to the organization, million will be required to make the region minefree by 2020. My amendment will help secure 1. 5 million to be used as an important down payment for thevert. Mr. Speaker, ensuring families of the area can live without fear of land mine accidents is indisputable and i urge my colleagues to support my amendment. The chair the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from kentucky reserves. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Mrs. Lowey i am very pleased to yield one minute to the gentlewoman from california, mrs. Torres a member of the foreign affair committees. The chair the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Mrs. Torres thank you, mr. Chairman. I rise to offer my amendment to this appropriations bill. This amendment would strengthen the International Commission against impunity in guatemala and the mission to support fight corruption and impunity in honduras. It would exempt both institutions from the conditions placed by the u. S. On Central America. I am strongly supportive of conditions to aid to Central America but the conditions must not interfere with the work of these groups which have been valuable allies in the fight against corruption and have held the people of honduras and guatemala, have helped them work toward a more secure and prosperous future. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back. The chair the gentlewoman yields back. The gentlewoman from new york reserves. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Rogers i reserve. The chair the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Mrs. Lowey mr. Chairman, i rise in strong support of this amendment. I do support the en bloc amendment and i appreciate the chairmans inclusion of amendments from democratic members as well. Im very pleased that the en bloc includes a procedural amendment to allow me to discuss mr. Eportation status of jackie pallez, a former nazi guard. I filed an amendment that would have directly addressed the deportation status of this man but it was ruled out ofed or by the rules committee. The u. S. State out of order by the rules committee. The u. S. State Department Must ensure that justice is served nd that mr. Pallez is held accountable for his crimes. He served as a guard at a nazi camp. The camp was the site of untold atrocities, including the deaths of thousands of blameless victims at the hand of nazi of the nazi regime. Mr. Pallezs role at the camp served the nazi regime by trapping, men by trapping men, women, and children in inhumane conditions, where they waited for their untimely death. Pallez e holocaust, mr. Came to the United States where he omitted his service at the nazi camp and eventually became a u. S. Citizen. When his crimes during the holocaust came to light, the United States stripped him of his citizenship, but he continues to reside in new york as poland, germany, and ukraine have each declined to take him. I believe that it is time for him to be held accountable for his crime. So again, i thank the chairman for including this in the en loc amendment. The chair does the gentlewoman reserve . Mrs. Lowey i yield back. The chair the gentlewoman yields back. The gentleman from kentucky. Mr. Rogers i yield back the balance of my time and urge the adoption of the en bloc amendment. He chair the gentleman yields does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Rogers would the chair advise whether or not amendment number 103 is included in the en bloc . The speaker pro tempore without objection the clerk will redesignate the amendment en bloc. The clerk en bloc number 4 consisting of amendments 90, 93, 108, 109, 04, 105, 111, and 117 printed in part b of house report 115295, offered by mr. Rogers of kentucky. Mr. Rogers mr. Chairman, i yield back the balance of my time and urge adoption of the amendment. The chair the gentleman moves for adoption of the amendment. The question is on the amendment en bloc. Offered by the gentleman from kentucky. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair the ayes have it. The en bloc amendments are adopted. And agreed to. It is now in order to consider amendment number 91 printed in. Rt b of house report 115295 for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek in addition . Mr. Mckinley i have an amendment at the desk. The chair the clerk will designate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 91 printed in part b of house report 115295, offered by mr. Rothfus of pennsylvania. The chair pursuant to House Resolution 500, the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Rothfus, and the members opposed each will control five minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania. Mr. Rothfus i yield myself such time as i may consume. My submitted amendment, number 91 to division g the state and foreign ops, appropriations bill, transfers 30 million to the narcotics enforcement account. The proposed transfer would allow indley funding to remain consistent funding. As we know our nation is reeling from an out of control opioid ep democrat ex. My district has been particularly hard hit. According to the d. E. A. Overdoses in pennsylvania rose by last year. Attorney general sessions recently said the drug overdoses are the top lethal issue in the country today. Across the board for the mexico, our neighbor is suffering from massive levels of violence and murder. Mostly fueled by Drug Trafficking organizations and the violence levels are increasing. Mexicos monthly murder rate has now reached a 20year high. Mr. Speaker, the Merida Initiative is a partnership between the United States and the Mexican Government that combats drug cartels and organized crime in mexico. It fosters the rule of law and respect for human rights. Mr. Chairman, the majority of heroin and other narcotics, including fentanyl, smuggled in the United States comes from mexico or passes through it. Preventing drugs from ever crossing the boarder is a crucial step to healing our nation. In order to reduce the flow of narcotics coming over the border, we need to do everything we can to help our International Law enforcement partners fight drug traffickers in our own country. We have previous successes with these types of interdictions particularly in colombia in the 1990s. We can replicate that success if we invest. The chair the gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. For what purpose does the gentleman from maryland seek recognition . Mr. Chairman, i claim time in opposition to the amendment. The chair the gentleman is recognized for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Whatever priority or alternative use of these funds is being proposed, i cant imagine that it would compete with where this money is being taken away from. The 30 million thats been identified would be taken away from the Fulbright Program, which is one of the most effective programs of Public Diplomacy the United States has ever produced. Authored by william fulbright, it is it has established Cultural Exchange for decades between the United States and countries around the world and done so much good in terms of projecting American Values abroad and inviting people from other countries to come here to the United States to learn about our nation and what we stand for. I admit im biased. I had the privilege and honor back in 1984 to go to greece on a fulbright scholarship and i saw firsthand the benefits of that program. There are 37 current and former heads of state where government and 5 noble laureates who are alumni of the Fulbright Program. Its a signature of international exchange. The various programs of international Cultural Exchange that we have in this country, its really the crown jewel of those programs and to take any money away from the program, i think is a very serious mistake. I would also add that investment in the Fulbright Program leverages a tremendous amount of Additional Resources when you look at what other countries have put into the equation. The program now operates in 165 countries around the world. 49 of those countries match or exceed the funding that the United States puts into the program. So in other words, weve invited countries around the world to step up and partner with us through the Fulbright Program on international exchange. They have taken that invitation seriously. Theyve put significant resources behind it which has kept the program strong even though funding recently here in this country has been flat. If anything, we should be increasing our investment in a program like this at a time when Public Diplomacy and making sure that people around the world understand who we are and what we stand for should be a number one priority. Mr. Rge my colleagues, chairman, to reject this amendment. Think its a mistake. 1,300 u. S. Colleges and universities, half of which are public and more than 125 of which are minorityserving now benefit from hosting fulbright scholars here in the United States. So i urge opposition to the amendment. I reserve my time. The chair the gentleman from maryland reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Rothfus mr. Chairman this amendment should not be viewed as any criticism of the merit they was Fulbright Program, i dont have any. But were talking about prioritization. The inkley program has been cut by 36 million. We are the we are in the throes of a catastrophic Opioid Epidemic in this country and mexico is suffering from untold violence. The headlines tell the story. Mexicos bloody drug war is killing more people than ever, los angeles times, july, 2017. People killed in mexico gun violence, l. A. Times, july 56789 mexico city has mostly been spared from grisly drug violence, now that may be changing, the washington post, july 26, 2017. Acapulco is now mexicos new murder capital, washington post, august 24, 2017. The deadliest assignment reporting in mexico, cbs news, august 21. Gunmen killed prominent mexican journalist who kill who overed drug cartels, july. Mexican reporter was in a program to the 10 rgget journalist this year. Then there are the headlines in our districts. A coroner sounding the alarms a Overdose Deaths accelerate. A young couple died of overdose, police say, their baby died of starvation days later. Eaths still on the rise. Alghani Allegheny County drug Overdose Deaths surged, breaking a record. Heroin overdose of 11yearold pittsburgh girl, not a sign of childhood epidemic, expert says. Mother grieves for her son, asks god to damn heroin. Johnstown tribute democrat, march, 2016. Mr. Chairman, we have budget constraints. We need to be putting the resources in where the problem is. We have an Opioid Epidemic in this country, we have violence in latin america. The funds that i seek to move will help to stem these crises. With that i reserve. The chair the gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from maryland is recognized. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I certainly dont war he will with the concerns and priorities war he will with the concerns and priority quarrel with the concerns and priorities my colleague has set forth. Lets not take those resources from a proven valuable program. Id like to yield a minute and a half to chairwoman lowey. Ranking member lowey. Mrs. Lowey thank you. I appreciate my colleagues effort to boost funding for a successful Assistance Program such as the initiative. The flow of drugs into the United States is a serious concern and more emphasis should be put on both the demand and the supply side of the issue. However, i cannot support an amendment to take from another very Successful Program such the full bright program. The Fullbright Program is our flagship Public Diplomacy program. It is run for it has run for over 70 years and boasts more than 370,000 alumni that are now in leadership positions and have a positive connection with the United States. These alumni include 37 current or former heads of state, 57 nobel loreats, 82 Pulitzer Prize winners, 29 mccargetter foundation fellows, 16 president ial medal of freedom recipients, and thousands of leaders across the privatepublic and nonprofit sectors. 1,300 u. S. Institutionses actively participate in the Fullbright Program, either receiving or sending students to become global citizens. A requirement in todays interconnected economy. So in our challenging times, my friends, we cannot hinder such an effective diplomatic tool as the Fullbright Program. The chair the gentlewomans time has expired. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. R. Rothfus i reserve. The chair the gentleman has the only time remaining. Mr. Rothfus mr. Chairman, again, this amendment is not meant to detract from the Fullbright Program. Even with the amendment, the Fullbright Program will be funded at more than 200 million to support the initiatives that the opponents of the amendment would cite. Again, i talk about priorities. I talk about the grips of the crisis that were seeing in this country and our neighbor to the south, mexico. We need to be working together to adjust this problem. Programs like the initiative are key to solving both the crisis in mexico and the crisis here in the United States. And i urge the adoption of my amendment. With that i yield back. The chair the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from pennsylvania. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the. Es have it the amendment is agreed to. Mrs. Lowey i ask for a recorded vote. The chair pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from pennsylvania will e postponed. It is now in order to consider amendment number 92 printed in 115295 house report for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . The clerk will designate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 92 printed in part b of house report 115295 offered by mr. Austin scott of georgia. The chair pursuant to House Resolution 500, the gentleman from georgia, mr. Austin scott, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia. Mr. Scott thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this amendment would increase the appropriation for the western hemisphere Regional Security cooperation by 10 million and reduce the appropriation for contributions to the International Organizations by 10 million. These funds will be appropriated to the international nar narcotics and Law Enforcement account and are available for two years, thus the state department would have to obligate the funds within that time frame. Mr. Speaker, we lose between 4,000 and 5,000 of our fellow americans every month to drug overdoses. This amendment reallocates 10 million to the International Narcotics and law account at the state department. This will provide Additional Resources to combat the dangerous and illegal actions of Transnational Criminal Organizations by supporting the efforts of the government of colombia and enhanced Regional Security capabilities to provide training and Technical Assistance to partners in central and south america. Over the years, colombia has made continuous progress in abating narcotics trafficking through various eradication operations and Law Enforcement efforts. Between 2009 and 2013, colombia trained more than 22,000 military and Law Enforcement officers from Central America and the caribbean. Countries in Security Operations and human and Drug Trafficking interdiction. By increasing funding for training and assistance activities conducted by Colombian Police and military forces, we enable colombia to train even more Regional Police forces to function independent nptly and efficiently. As it is here in the u. S. , local Law Enforcement serves as the foundation for interdiction and counterdrug operations in Central America and caribbean countries. Our Strategic Partnership with colombia is aimed at producing both short and longterm results in Regional Security, over time colombian training and expertise provided to underdeveloped regions, Regional Police forces will decrease reliance on u. S. Fuft funding. Part of this progress includes the development of colombias rural police force where a vast majority of narcotics are produced and prepared for export to the United States. Just a few months ago i had the opportunity to visit joint Interagency Task force south and southcoms headquarters in florida to see firsthand the challenges that migrant drug interdiction within the caribbean region pose on homeland and national security. I can tell that you it was an eyeopening experience and i appreciate even more the work of our federal and local enforcement agencies are doing in the interdiction and intervention. When it comes to stemming flow of narcotics to the United States, a big part of overcoming the challenges we face is ensuring that our Strategic Partners have the support they need to continue their efforts to tackle these threats headon. We must continue to support these efforts, they play a Critical Role in not only reducing the drug flow over our borders, but promoting stability and peace throughout central and south america. Mr. Speaker, its no secret that the United States faceses a drug epidemic that touches all corners of our nation. This amendment is just one more contribution to a multieffort, multinational approach to all Law Enforcement personnel involved in these efforts, as well as our allies in the region. Thank you for the important work you do in reducing the flow of drugs into the United States, to my colleagues, i encourage adoption of the amendment and reserve the balance of my time. The chair the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Mr. Chairman, i rise in opposition to the amendment. The chair the gentleman is recognized for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Mr. Engel this amendment unfortunately would harm American Leadership on the global stage, cutting our investment in the International Organizations account by 10 million. Mr. Chairman, this bill already underunder underfunds diplomacy and development, when we should be investing more in these critical components of our national security. Cutting resources for our work in International Organizations would take us further in the wrong direction. Just so were clear about what International Organizations were talking about, were talking about nato, the World Health Organization, the International Atomic energy agency, do we really want to damage the effectiveness of these organizations and our ability to lead from within them . Congress just passed critical sanctions on russia. Nato is the Main Organization defending europe against Vladimir Putins aggression. Instead of bolstering the nato alliance, this amendment would only reinforce the reluctance to support the North Atlantic Alliance by some in the administration. This should worry lawmakers on both side of the aisle, as well as americans at home following the debate. How about the World Health Organization . Last time i looked, the World Health Organization was fighting the zika and ebola outbreaks, do we now want to slash its funding and undermine its role of responding to the next major pandemic . I can assure thought diseases we dont combat are brought today eventually will reach our shores. North korea is threatening globe globe with nuclear weapon. Iran remains not far behind. So i cannot fathom why we would want to cut funding for the i. A. E. A. Iaea, given its crucial role in monitoring Nuclear Safety around the world. And of course this amendment would also reduce our support for the u. N. Regular budget, which holding this funding could cause the withholding this funding could cause the United States to fall behind at the u. N. , further diminishing our standing in the world, calling into question our commitment as a Global Leader and ceding ground to putin putin and otherses who Vladimir Putin and others who are happy to expand their reach but do not share our values. Even a Senior Administration official, our own am basses do the united nations, has said on many occasions that while she supports efforts to reform the u. N. , she does not support a slash and burn approach. This amendment unfortunately is a slash and burn approach, mr. Chairman. And i urge my colleagues to join me in opposing it ands my pleasure to yield and its my pleasure to yield one minute to my esteemed colleague, the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, a new yorker, mrs. Lowey. The chair the gentlewoman is recognized. Mrs. Lowey mr. Chairman, i rise in strong opposition to this amendment. I agree with the gentlemans sentiments to put greater emphasis and engagement with our southern neighbors. The United States can and should be very involved with the issues in our own backyard, especially those involving crime and drug smuggling. However, to fund this increased engagement, this amendment takes a further cut from the contributions to International Organizations account, which funds our contributions to the u. N. And other international bodies. This account is already 188 million below our current enacted level. And will put us in further arears to our international partners. I also think its important to note that the offset proposed by the gentlemans amendment would also come at the expense of our support to regional partners such as the organization of american states, pan american Health Organization and the interamerican institute for cooperation on agriculture. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. The chair the gentlemans time has expired. Mr. Engel reclaiming my time. I think if i have time. I think the gentleman is trying to put money in place for something with which i agree. Its not that i disagree with it. But i disagree with where hes taking the money from. I think that is the problem with it. So hopefully we can it comes time for a final budget, we can include both of these. But to borrow from peter to pay paul i think is not a good idea. So i oppose the amendment and i yield back the balance of my time. The chair the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from georgia is recognized. Mr. Scott thank you, mr. Speaker. I would reiterate that it removes less than 1 , less than 1 of the account. So 99 of the account remains in place. And it will help reduce the flow of drugs into the United States, where we will lose between 4,000 and 5,000 americans next month with that i yield the remainder of my time to the chairman, mr. Rogers. Mr. Rogers i thank the gentleman for yielding. The gentleman has offered i think a reasonably good amendment. And we would like to see it adopted. So i urge an aye vote and yield back to the gentleman. Mr. Scott thank you, mr. Chairman. With that i yield the remainder of my time. The chair the gentleman yields back the balance of his time the question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from georgia. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, further proceedings on this amendment offered by the gentleman from georgia will be postponed. That l the gentlewoman is recognized for five the gentlewoman is recognized for five minutes. Theres bipartisan agreement as boinch asuld be possible. Thats why im concerned that amendments about Womens Health were blocked. With know the disastrous effects of the global gag rule which force Reproductive Health providers to choose between receiving u. S. Funds or providing comprehensive health care. But this bill would exponentially increase the damage of the global gag rule by expanding its application to all Global Health assistance. It is unconscionable to insert abortion politics into lifesaving programs that prevent pandemics, lower rates of maternal and child death and treat those suffering from malnutrition, hivaids, and malaria. Since may, organizations have been trying to ensure compliance with unclear guidance. Most do not yet know the impact on their programs or whether they will be able to find new partners in hardtoserve areas. Expanding this policy without knowing the impact is senseless and will jeopardize lives. The bill also prohibits funding for unfpa a primary u. S. Partner, ensuring women fleeing violence have safe maternal care. The United States neither can nor should conduct programs in every country. We currently conduct bilateral Family Planning programs in 34 countries by contributing to unfpa, we can help women in nearly 100 additional countries get access to needed services. This bill ignores the fact that Family Planning is the most effective way to prevent abortion and unwanted pregnancies and it decimates the effectiveness of our Global Programs for millions. Now id like to yield to my colleague on the state foreign operations subcommittee, ms. Lee, who has been an effective, afwressive advocate on a whole range of issues and an invaluable member of our committee. Ms. Lee. The chair the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Lee thank you, mr. Chairman. I want to thank our Ranking Member for yielding but also i just want to thank her for her tireless leadership on our subcommittee and full committee. You truly are a champion for all americans, especially women and girls not only in our own country but around the world. Its too bad we have to stand here and debate this again but thank you again for your leadership. I am proud to speak in support of our Ranking Members amendment to strike two poison pill riders in this bill my colleagues and i have offered amendments to strike these ideological, thats what they are, ideological provisions both in the full Appropriations Committee and again during the rules committee. Its outrageous, quite frankly, that the majority refused to allow these amendments to even come to the floor for a debate. I have fought long and hard against the global gag rule which denies Family Planning funding to organizations who want to help women plan their families. Weve been fighting this now for at least, myself, two decades. This policy is really a political football, putting lives at risk just to score a few cheap political points. For President Trump and this republican majority have taken this extreme policy to the limit, expanded it to all Global Health funding. Let me be clear. This policy will cost lives. This administrations actions have consequences and sadly its the most Vulnerable Women and girls who will pay the price. The expanded global gag rule also undermines our long standing bipartisan foreign aid priorities like finding genderbased violence and ending aids. On top of that, this bill includes a prohibition of funding for unfpa again based on pure ideology. Unfpa works in some of the most dangerous places, giving care to those who need it most. They treat victims of Sexual Violence and provide Menstrual Hygiene services and Maternity Care in many risky settings. I have visited projects around the world and seen firsthand the tremendous impact these programs have on the lives those they serve. Defunding these programs truly will kill women. I urge my colleagues to reject these harmful riders, reject this bill and get back to regular order. Its time to stop trying to push through these untenable bills that are really very dangerous to women and girls throughout the world and babies. I want to thank you now and i yield back. Mrs. Lowey i yield back. The chair the gentlewoman yields back. The committee will rise informally to receive a message. The speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The chair will receive a message. The messenger mr. Speaker. A message from the senate. The secretary mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore madam secretary. The secretary i have been directed by the senate to inform the house that the senate concur in the house amendment to the Senate Amendment number 6 with an amendment to h. R. 601 cited as the reinforcing Education Accountability and Development Act in which the concurrence of he house is requested. The speaker pro tempore the committee will resume its sitting. The chair the committee will be in order. It is now in order to consider amendment number 94 printed in art b of house report 115295. For what purpose does the gentleman from colorado seek recognition . Mr. Chairman, i have an amendment at the desk. The chair the clerk will designate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 94 printed in part b of house report 115295 offered by mr. Buck of colorado. The chair pursuant to House Resolution 500, the gentleman from colorado, mr. Buck, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from colorado. Mr. Buck thank you for the opportunity to speak about my amendment to the state and Foreign Operations Division of h. R. 3354. Mr. Chairman, we are facing some tough choices. Our nation is nearly 20 trillion in debt. We are going to debate lifting the debt ceiling in the coming days. Simply put, we cannot afford to continue recklessly spenting on due public ty and wasteful programs. The United States institute of peace is a perfect example of a Duplicative Program that must be reexamined. The institutes Charter States that the organization was established to promote International Peace and the resolution of conflicts among the nations and peoples of the World Without recourse to violence. These laudable and worthy goals. But it sounds like but it sounds a lot like the Mission Statement of another taxpayerbacked diplomatic organization, the department of state. The state departments Operational Mission is to create a more secure, democratic, prosperous world for the ben noist American People and the international community. Why is Congress Funding an independent think tank that supports the same mission as another federal Government Agency . The u. S. Institute of peace is for from the only organization on the ground working to foster peace around the globe. Since its inception, the u. S. Institute of peace has award thousands of grants to other peace organizations. These are also more than 150 colleges and universities offering peace studies programs aross the United States. Why are we earmarking an additional 35. 3 million in public funds to support a think tank that duplicates the state departments mission, uses public funds to support other peacepromoting organizations and can raise millions of dollars in private funds to promote its work. Members on both sides of the aisle have supported this amendment. A similar amendment was offered in the past by a democrat member. The white house proposed eliminating funding to this, noting it duplicates not only other federal program bus other private and nonprofit organizations. The institutes authorization has expire. The underlying futcheding contained in the bill is not allowed under house rule this eauthorization process is vital to ensuring that the american taxpayer is protected from waste. At the very least, we should withhold funding until the institute is reauthorized. Our kids and grandkids are relying on us to find a cheaper find a solution to this problem rather than continuing to dig the hole deeper. I urge my colleagues to support theament and reserve the balance of my time. The chair the gentleman reserves. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Im opposed and rise to claim time against the amendment. The chair the gentleman is recognized. Each and every one of us has a moral only fwation to challenge ourselves to make obligation to challenge ourselves to make this piece of real estate we call earth better for generations yet unborn. Usip does good and great work by teaching people around the world to strive to commeecree ate society at peace with itself and its neighbors. We spend millions and billions of dollars on guns, bombs and missiles. Can we spend just a few pennies few dimes, a few dollars on peace . Mr. Lewis this world this hoard, not ours to waste and destroy. I ask you what is wrong with supporting the way of peace, the way of love . The way of nonviolence . What is wrong with teaching communities to respect the dignity and worth of every human being . What is wrong with presenting conflict and preventing conflict and keeping our military personnel safe and out of harms way . Mr. Chairman, on the question of preventing war and on the challenge for keeping peace, there should be no price tag, usip does good and great work on a shoe string budget. It is a small agency which teaches the way of peace, the way of love and small staffs help communities to solve problems through dialogue rather than weapons. Mr. Chairman, this is not the first time that we consider an amendment to abolish the u. S. Institute of peace but i hope this will be the last. I urge each and every one of my colleagues to vote against this amendment. Mr. Chairman, i reserve the balance of my time. The chair the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from colorado is ecognized. I yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania such time as he may consume. The u. S. Institute of peace is intended to be a nonpartisan, independent National Institute funded by congress and i question both the nonpartisan nature of the institute and the need, quite honestly if the federal government to fund it now at least 1 billion over these many years at 35 million a year and as the gentleman from colorado said, in a duplicative effort. Nobody is against peace and nobody is against love. The question is, do we need the state department doing it at the cost of billions of dollars and then this organization doing the same work at the cost of another 35 million annually when were 20 trillion in debt and more, maybe up to 200 trillion in unfunded liabilities. Mr. Perry then to add insult to injury regarding the nonpartisan independent nature the taxpayers are forced to fund, on january 5, of 2016, on an episode of cspan, the acting havent for the middle east and African Center conducted a highly divisive partisan attack on thenleading republican primary candidate donald trump and the Republican Party as a whole. Some of her more egregious statements include, and i quote, what trump is doing is inciting violence, comma, make no mistake about it hsm ehas blood on his hands, unquote. And quote, trump, another republican rhetoric have validated that type of violence against muslims. Its given them an excuse to turn the negative rhetoric into violence, unquote. Her comments followed Violent Attacks in San Bernardino and in paris. To my knowledge, no punitive action was taken against ms. Omar and she continued to serve as the associate Vice President for the middle east and Africa Center at usip. I wrote the institute a letter in that regard inquiring as to her status and if there would be punitive measures taken to this obvious partisan and vicious attack on the Republican Party and the candidate that was then leading and of course i didnt hear back until, oh, i dont know, two days ago when we saw that there was an amendment to defund the u. S. Institute of peace. Again, mr. Chairman, to add this place spent 35 million including telling the American People what they should think
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