Theyre coming in this afternoon to take up a bill combating Gang Violence and criminal aliens and enhancing public safety, making it easier to deport criminal gang members. Then theyll get back to work on the bill theyve been or for three or four days, the 2018 federal spending package, amendment debate and votes throughout the afternoon. Live house coverage is here on cspan. [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2017] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org] the speaker the house will be in order. The prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father conroy. Chaplain conroy let us pray. Thank you, dear lord, for giving us another day. As the difficult work of appropriations continues in the congress, we ask your blessing upon the members and their staff who have done the detailed work to produce legislation for the government of our nation. May their work be blessed with success to the benefit of all americans. Continue to bless those who are recovering from hurricane destruction and those fighting still the storms of wild fire that plague our western states. Blanket those who fight to overcome these natural disasters with your spirit of strength and endurance and preserve them from all harm. May all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory, amen. The speaker the chair has examined the journal of the last days proceedings and announces to the house his approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1, the journal stands approve the pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentleman from new york, mr. Zeldin. Mr. Zeldin i pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible, with iberty and justice for all. The speaker the chair will entertain up to 15 requests for oneminute speeches on each side of the aisle. For what purpose does the gentleman from South Carolina eek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Wilson i was grateful to visit and thank volunteers at those cilities for displaced from hurricane irma. In pine ridge, governor mcmaster protected citizens. Emergency management director kim simpson professionally hosted over a dozen state agencies with fema coordinator willie nunn, Robert Livingston and the Army National guard who were vital in preparation efforts. While visiting the red cross shelter we were welcomed by the principal ashford, red cross executive rebecca jordan, volunteers dedicated to service. State officials in the South CarolinaArmy National guard have been successful leaders for preparation. Attorney general alan wilson led efforts to reduce price gouging. I appreciate everyone citizens had the resources for safety. In conclusion, god bless our troops and we will never forget september 11 and the global war on terrorism. Our prayers for all those affected by hurricanes harvey and irma. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from rhode island eek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Cicilline mr. Speaker, the American People deserve a better deal. They deserve better jobs, better wages and a future. Thats what democrats are committed to doing and it starts with fulltime jobs that give more americans the opportunity to get ahead. Thats why we proposed doubling the federal sport for apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship training is one of the most effective ways for getting workers started on a successful career path. Over their lifetime, folks who complete an atrent isship will earn 3,000 more than those who dont. You think a president who once hosted a game show called the apprentice would know. He proposed a budget that cuts job training by nearly 40 . Thats not beater deal. Thats not a good deal. Its a raw deal. We can do better. Lets make the expansion of apprenticeship programs a national priority. Lets give young people and folks change careers the tools they need to get ahead. Lets give the American People a better deal. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from utah seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, we address a topic of grave and tragic importance. Every 12 minutes in the United States we experience a suiciderelated death and shockingly for every suicide death there are 25 attempts. These are heartbreaking statistics and sadly they hit very close to home. Mr. Stewart we have the fifth highest rate of suicide in the country. These are our neighbors, coworkers and some cases our family and friends. I think most of us, if not all of us, have been touched by some of these tragic stories. I believe we have a responsibility to do everything we can to help those in need. Thats why i introduced National Suicide improvement act earlier this year. This bill hopes to streamline and provide easy access to potentially lifesaving resources by designing a new national threedigit dial umber similar to 911 for National Suicide prevention and crisis hotline. I believe this will save lives and benefit loved ones who struggle with Mental Illness or suicidal thoughts. Let us do everything we can to help our fellow citizens in need and thats what this legislation will do and with that i yield the floor. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one inute. Mr. Speaker, the Trump Administration has turned its attention to socalled tax reform, and the American People will face a clear choice House Republicans want tax cuts for the healthy and the welloff. Thats a raw deal. House democrats are fighting for tax cuts for working families and middleclass americans. Mr. Jeffries thats a better deal. The American People deserve a country where if you work hard and play by the rules you can provide a comfortable living for your family. But for far too Many Americans, that basic contract has been broken. Thats why House Democrats are fighting for better jobs, better wages and a better future. House democrats are fighting for higher pay, lower costs and tools for the 21st century economy. And House Democrats are fighting for a better deal for every single american. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman from new york is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to bring awareness to the campaign for decency which was launched by lisa, a parttime resident of my district who is today with us in the gallery. Operating out of the first Congressional District of new york and shelter island, the campaign for decency is a Nonpartisan Organization that seeks to bring civility back to our nation. Mr. Zeldin she was inspired to launch this campaign after witnessing much of the Bitter Division in our country and the inability of Many Americans to engage in civil productive discussion. As americans, we cherish our freedom to descent but must bear in mind these debates must be prodetective ductive and substantive. In july, she mailed out 535 decency buttons to every single representative and senator. She sdelibes the campaign as, quote she describes the campaign as, the simple standards of basic decency every american deserves regardless of their political views. I am proudly wearing this button here today to join in her call for unity both here in congress and together as citizens of the greatest country on earth. This campaign sets an example for us all to abide by as we strive to reach across the aisle in a bipartisan fashion. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from rhode island seek recognition . Mr. Langevin i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Langevin mr. Speaker, i rise in honor of our arts and Education Week and the power of art to improve student learning, inspire creativity and boost academic achievement at all ages. The arts speaks to us in different ways and i am inspired by the performing arts while others are drawn to design and others express themselves through music. The exposure to in creative disciplines empowers us to courageously innovate, a key to success in school and beyond. Now, mr. Speaker, in my home state of rhode island, Music Education is encouraged actually in state law. Unfortunately, congress has not demonstrated the same commitment. Im extremely disappointed that the republican appropriations package for fiscal year 2018 education rts in program. Mr. Speaker, we must invest in the arts, not cut funding. Empower the next generation to realize their potential to create. Thank you and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize the extraordinary and selfless acts that have been demonstrated in my home state of texas in the wake of huffer. Mr. Hurd the good folks of houston, rockport and the rest of the gulf coast did not face this devastating storm alone. Among the many helping hands that were lent to the rescue and helping fellow texans were those in san antonio. They worked to prepare for the storm and shifted the Disaster Response along the gulf coast. Given san antonios geographic location within the state, the e. O. C. Has become a crucial Disaster Response point for the state of texas. It provided critical round the clock support to local and statewide efforts in the days and weeks following the hurricane. These efforts, along with other private companies and nonprofit partners have been nothing short but remarkable. Through the donations, san tonio came out to show their support. I was humble to witness a few of these selfless acts firsthand. Im proud of my hometowns Swift Response to our fellow texans in need. I commend the organizations, businesses and neighbors who have touched the lives of thousands of hurricane survivors. They are the reason that we are texas strong. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from california eek recognition . Yes. Well go on to the gentlewoman from delaware. Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized. Mr. Speaker, last friday straight from the train i had the opportunity to join fellow delawarians for their rally and support of dreamers in our state and across the country. These young adult who is were rought to america as children. Ms. Blunt rochester ever single one of them is excelling. They are part of our future. Ending daca will cost delawares g. D. P. 88 million and a loss of nearly 460 billion for our country. America thrives on our diversity. We have a moral obligation to stand up for these americans, and i will continue to join my colleagues in fighting to reinstate daca. Thank you. I yevpblet the speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from illinois rise . Without objection, the gentleman from illinois is recognized for one minute. Mr. Davis mr. Speaker, since i spoke on pediatric cancer month, more than 10,000 children have been diagnosed with cancer and approximately 1,200 died due to this deadly disease. It remains the leading cause of death for children in the United States. In our country alone, nearly one out of every 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer. For those who survive the disease, the vast majority enjoy Health Complications for the regs of their lives. Despite these startling stisticks, progress has been made. The statistics, progress has been made. The 21st century cures act and the race for children act has been signed into law. These bills will incentivize innovation and help us of mo closer to cures. The fact remains 4 of the National Cancer institutes budget supports Childhood Cancer research. Before he lost his battle with cancer, 7yearold johnny wade from jerseyville told me that 4 is not enough. I agree with my friend, johny. Johnny. 4 is not enough. We must continue to support research and innovation to ensure a future where no child, no child ever has cancer. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from oregon seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one inute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. As our country reels from the devastation of hurricanes harvey and irma, another disaster ravages. Mr. Schrader i rise to bring attention to the problem thats decades in the making. Wildfire in our National Forests. The mismanagement of these forests over the last 30 years have destroyed the health of our Beautiful National forests. Our Land Management agencies are paralyzed by litigation. Radical groups dictate the policy. As a result, our forests have never been in worst conditions. Fuel loads are so great once a fire begins theres little hope of being able to contain them. With the 193 million acres in the National Forest system, nearly 40 is vulnerable to wildfire, insects, disease and in need of treatment. Yet, harvest levels on federal lands remain low with tree growth far exceed removal. We need to change this or this will happen. This is eagle creek fire right outside the city of portland by the bridge of gods. Every year we dont act, the problem gets worse. We need to reform our Forest Management practices and we need to do it now. Enough is enough. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Without objection the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Speaker, President Trump doesnt have many fans in the political, pleada, or academic establishment. Mr. Smith the definition of establishment is a ruling class or controlling group. They oppose the president because hes not one of them. They hold different views of immigration, trade, regulations, Political Correctness and media bias. Their beliefs are threatened by his world view, so they are relentlessly trying to discredit his presidency. The president , i believe, sees himself as representing the working men and women of america, republican, democrat, and independents. This is the broad middle class and those who aspire to be part of it. The establishment has linked arms and resist the president s reforms. But all true reform starts with the voice of the people and they are on his side. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek reek in addition . Mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that when the house adjourns today it adjourn to meet at 9 00 a. M. Tomorrow. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so order. Mr. Collins by direction of the committee on rules i call up resolution House Resolution 513 and ask for its immediate consideration. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will reminority resolution. The clerk House Resolution 513, resolved that upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the house he bill h. R. 397, with respect to aliens associated with criminal detaining. The report accompanying this resolution shall be considered as adopt. The bill is a as amended shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill as amended areway. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill as amended and on any further amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one, one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the committee on judiciary and two, money education nogse recommit with or without instructions. Section 2. On any legislative day during the period from september 15, 2017, through september 22, 2017, a, the journal of the proceeds of the previous day shall be considered as approved, and be, the and bmbing, the chair they at any day the claire the house adjourned to meet at any time within clause 4, be announced by the chair in declaring the adjournment. Section 3, the speaker may appoint members to do the duties of the chair within the period as though under clause 8 a of rule 1. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from georgia is recognized for one hour. Mr. Collins for the purpose of debate only i yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from georgia, mr. Hastings, pend chg i yield myself such time as i may consume. All time yielded is for the pup of debate only. I ask unanimous consent that all members five legislative days to revise and extend their rass. The speaker pro tempore without objection, ordered. Mr. Collins mr. Speaker, thank you. I am pleased to bring forward this rule on bhf of the rules committee. The rule provides for consideration of h. R. 3697. The criminal alien gang member removal act. Before i discuss the rule, mechanic, id first like to take this opportunity to thank all the First Responders who have been working tirelessly in the wake of hurricanes harvey and irma and send my thoughts and prayers to those who have suffered loss because of these storms. Georgia saw much of hurricane irmas irmas devastation firsthand and id like to thank the men and women responding to the people in need. Im grateful for the role they have played in this recovery. As someone who is still back home without power i understand the need going on in florida all the way through northeast georgia. This is truly from the beach to the high lands kind of issue and were continuing to thank our Law Enforcement, First Responders and especial he those who work for the Power Companies an others get this utilities become on we take for granted so many days. Mr. Speaker, the rule before us provides for one hour of debate equally divide between the chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. It provides for one motion to recommit. Yesterday the rules committee had the opportunity to hear from two of my deleengs jew deshary committee, mr. Johnson of louisiana, ms. Love greb of california. Much of h. R. 3697 received cofferings the by the Judiciary Committee. After a lengthy and thorough debate the jew deshary committee marked up and reported favorably that legislation on may 24678 as a cosponsor on strong supporter of the davis act, i hope to see the legislation pass before the full house. We have an opportunity to move an important piece of that bill forward as h. R. 3697. I want to recognize representative Barbara Comstock for introtchigse criminal alien gang removal act and also to thank representative comstock and this bills cosponsors, chairman goodlatte, chairman sessions, congressman peter king and congressman labrador for their work on this issue. From fiscal year 20s16 to 2017, i. C. E. Agents made over 8,000 gang related arrests, leading to over 2,600 convictions. Americas families, friends and neighbors are watching the problem of transnational Gang Violence grow and i. C. E. Reports membership of the gangs is comprised largely of foreignborn nationals. Many of the gang members are here illegally. Ms13 in particular has experienced growth at the expense of american neighborhoods and public safety. In fact the department of justice said many s13 has 10,000 member os in the United States and 40,000 worldwide. As if this wasnt a clear enough threat the other transnational gangs are on the rise as well. Sophisticated fwang leaders recognized our immigration system is su september to believe exploitation and taken advantage. Violence has hit communities in boston, new york, virginia and washington, d. C. Particularly hard. But the problem is not limited to these areas. In my home state of georgia, i. C. E. Agents arrested an individual who played a role in a murder in virginia. This is sun this is unacceptable. While its not the only step we can take, one meage way to address the problem is to make sure transnational gang members do not exploit our immigration laws. We need to use all the tools in our toolbox to address this problem of Gang Violence and the underlying bill we are considering today helps us d that. It recognize that transnational gang members have taken have taken advantage of immigration laws. This bill becomes clear that congress will uphold its duty to protect the safety of American People and provide critical tools to Law Enforcement. Importantly, while this bill cracks down on criminal alien gang members and strengthen ours system, it preserves due process and burden of proop protections. The criminal alien gang member removal act takes the common sense step of ensuring criminal gang members are ineligible for asylum, special immigration, juvenile status and temporary protective status. It adds ground of inadmissability for criminal alien gang members and requires that criminal alien gang members are kept in custody prior to and during the Immigration Court proceedings. Under new york citys sanctuary city policy, a criminal alien with an admitted fwang member was allowed to leave reichers island after serving time for another offense. That was particularly egregious case of how flaws in the system are serving gang bus also highlights the clear challenge under economisting statute. The gang members selfaffiliation is not enough to deport them. To be deported they have to be quicked of another independent crime even if he or she admits to being part of a fwang. Two ms13 members kidnapped two young girls and killed one. They were in the United States illegally. In yet another instance a sheriffs deputy in frederick county, maryland, was attacked by a known member of ms13. This is disturbing on its own. What makes it even more so is the gang member had been previously ap rehened and released by customs an border patrol. For each story i shared with you today theres another i havent. The violent and brutal acts of the transnational gangs on our soil have led to far too many tragedies as they prey on our vulnerable initial neighborhoods and commit unthinkable crimes. Let me make it clear that these violence gangs are targeting immigrant communities. Ms13 ratcheted up its extortion of immigrant family and business. The gang threatens not only individuals in the United States but their families back home. If these lawabiding immigrant individuals dont meet the gangs demands. Concern for our fellow citizens tell us we should not be admitting these individuals to our country and should be removing them when they commit crimes or yolk themselves to gangs that or yoke themselves to fwangs that perpetrate violence. They should not be aloud back on the streets while their immigration proceedings are ongoing and shouldnt be allowed to exploit our laws to gain benefits reserved for vulnerable individuals seeking to enter our nation. The criminal alien gang removal act makes important strides in protecting the safety of citizens in our community. We in this house taking a stand against the senseless violence and lawlessness and criminal enterprise these gangs bring to our soil. Were strengthening laws against transnational gangs and ensure criminal alien gang members can an will be removed from this nation. With that, mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my too many. Of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. Mr. Hastings thank you, mr. Speaker. I thank my friend, the gentleman from georgia, for yield me the customary 30 minutes for debate. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Hastings i echo the sentiments of my friend from georgia with reference to ongoing recovery of Recovery Period were experiencing in offer four and especially compliments to the federal family of agencies that have been on the ground working in all of our region. Like my friend from georgia, my home is without power and we urge patience. The authorities working with the Utility Companies really do have a lot of people on the ground. And its expected that they will be able to restore power and well be able to take the long range view with reference to recovery. Certainly we want to thank the First Responders, the local authorities have been on their game, at their best, as well as e National OceanicWeather Service that has supplied a lot of information to all of us. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to debate the rule for h. R. 3697 the criminal alien gang member removal act. Todays rule brings a number of closed rules for the 115th congress to 42. In other words, more than 50 of the legislation coming out of the rules committee has been closed off from open and honest debate. Closed off by my republican friends. At the beginning of this congress, we were told by my republican colleagues and the speaker that they would run the government and more particularly the peoples house in an open and trands parent manner. They even championed regular order. Well that spirit has clearly been jettisonned in favor of an overtly partisan approach to governing that is indeed unfortunate. By way of example, the bill we are discussing today was introduced last thursday, brought to the rules Committee Last night, and is now going to be put before the house for a vote without the committee of jurisdiction holding one hearing on the bill or members having the opportunity to offer their amendments, which is too bad because this bill is really in desperate need of help. During our debate last night, one of my republican colleagues on the rules committee posed three hypothetical situations. And asked if this bill were to become law what effect the bill would have in those instances. Not surprisingly, the answers with we got for confusing. Convoluted. And contradictory. And now we find ourselves here today asking the entire membership of the peoples house to vote on something for which no one can honestly say they know what the unintended consequences would be if this bill were to become law. Bad process makes bad bills. And the process weve witnessed with this bill cant get much worse. Mr. Speaker, challenged by a partys leader, Donald John Trump, to fix daca, house leadership instead brings this bill to the floor. A bill that does nothing but peddle in the politics of fear a bill that purports to make communities safer when all it does is serve red meat to the Republican Base and foment xenophobea. Everyone in this house, everyone in this nation can agree that condition fronting and defeating the perpetrate yrs of Gang Violence is a good and worthy goal. In fact, we already have laws on the books that do just that. Already have task forces on gangs in aretually all of our communities. In virtually all of our communities. This bill, on the other hand, will not make our communities safer. It will, however, undermine the rule of law in this country by betraying our commitment to the constitutions guarantee of due process. E bill is also glaringly pretextual in his effect that it can be seen as nothing other than yet another move to implement Donald John Trumps promise to the Republican Base to engage in mass deportation of immigrant communities across our country. Mr. Speaker, theres no doubt that our immigration system is in dire need of attention. It is also clear that we should approach our work in a manner that is fair to all americans and compassionate toward those who have fled unbelievable violence seeking a better life here in the United States. Should be proud that we remain despite the antiimmigrant rhetoric emanating from the white house a beacon of hope for freedomloving people around the world, and we should remain welcoming upon their arrival. This, however, is not the tact taken by many of my republican friends and is certainly not the path taken by house leadership with todays bill. As evidence of their approach, we need only to look at the despair the Republican Party has cast upon the 800,000 dreamers who live in this country. Instead of finally making permanent the status of dreamers in this country as full citizens, the first act the republican majority takes after Donald John Trump tweeted that he would end daca, then tweeted that he would, i quote, revisit the issue in six months, the first thing that they did was to present a bill that is so broadly drafted that a group of five or more nuns could constitute a criminal gang in the eyes of the law. Indeed, the bills harboring provisions under section 274 of the immigration and nationality act are to quote Sister Simone campbell and i quote her, religious workers who provide shelter, transportation or support to undocumented immigrants could be found liable of criminal activity. The federal courts have found harboring includes offering a known undocumented individual a place to stay. Sister simone concludes with this salient point, and i quote her, this statute has been used against religious workers in the past and this bill tries to make it a weapon for the future. Mr. Speaker, it was only a few short years ago that the grand d party in the wake of their electoral loss to president barack obama in 2012 issued their autopsy of what went wrong. That report concluded that republicans must do a better job reaching out to hispanic americans. Yet, instead of heeding their own advice, president Donald John Trump called mexican rapists murderers and on the very first day of his campaign. From that dark point on, hispanic americans have had to watch one of the two Major Political parties in their country descend further and phobia. Into zen democrats stand xenophobia. Democrats stand ready to have a comprehensive conversation about Immigration Reform and Boarder Security and i urge my Border Security and i urge my republican friends to put the red meat aside for the moment and work with us. Myrick, i mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from georgia. Mr. Collins reserves. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from florida. He reserved. Mr. Hastings thank you very much, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i am very pleased to yield to my good friend, the gentlewoman from california, the distinguished Ranking Member of the judiciary subcommittee on immigration and Border Security, cleareyed thinker on this subject and has been the same for protracted period of time, few in this body can rival her abilities on this particular subject, ms. Lofgren. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized. Ms. Lofgren thank you, mr. Speaker. The title of this bill is the criminal alien gang member removal act, but as weve seen in the past, the name of a bill is not always reflected in the actual text of the bill and thats true in this case regrettably. As has been mentioned, section 2a of the bill defines criminal gangs so broadly as to sweep in many individuals that no one would think of as a gang member. The bill, for example, would classify any group of five that engages in harboring as a criminal gang. Now, harboring includes giving shelter to or transporting or providing other kinds of aid to undocumented immigrants. And this means, as has been mentioned, that a religious organization that aids undocumented immigrants could be defined as a criminal gang. And any immigrant clergy or congregation that assists that organization would be deportable if they are legal permanent resident or on a religious worker visa or the like. Now, this isnt just a hypothetical. During the 1980s, members of the religious communities were repeatedly prosecuted for providing transportation to undocumented immigrants. In one fell swoop, this bill could turn nuns into gang members and thats why, and i would ask mr. Speaker, unanimous consent, to place in the record that mr. Hastings referenced from the nuns objecting to this piece of legislation for those reasons. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewomans request is under general leave. Ms. Lofgren now, this bill refers to felony drug offenses. That includes actually use of drugs repeatedly that is lawful in the state where its been approved but still unlawful under federal law. That means, for example, in california the voters of California First approved medical marijuana and then marijuana more broadly. Groups of Cancer Patients take marijuana and also epilepsy sufferers to assist in their medical condition. Under this bill those individuals who are repeatedly using marijuana in groups of five or above would be a criminal gang. Sections 2b and 2c of the bill authorizes d. H. S. Officers and Immigration Judges to deport any immigrant, including lawful permanent residents of the United States without requiring a conviction or even an arrest. Instead, the d. H. S. Would rely on evidence as minimal as the color of a persons shirt, the neighborhood they live in, the individual and their family, the belief of the officer. This is not just unreasonable, its probably unconstitutional. Now, chairman goodlatte had an amendment that apparently recognized this fact that only fixes one part of the problem. Is amendment, which would be effectuated through adoption of the rule, the reason to believe standard with respect to deportation which applies, of course, to permanent residents, other immigrants to the United States. But even with this amendment, the bill authorizes the broad bedeportation of noncriminals, including religious broad deportation of noncriminals, including religious workers, users of medical marijuana. Heres the real kicker. It could deny admission to anyone doing anything suspicious outlined in the bill, using marijuana, religious worker, harboring someone thats undocumented. How would that work . If you are a legal permanent resident in the United States, you go visit in your family in another, when you try to come back in youre stopped and youre denied readmission even if youve been here 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, and theres no appeal, youre out of luck . Thats not fighting ms13. Thats not about gang reduction. Thats really an overreach on this bill that none of us should agree with. Theres another way this would work which is lets say this, for example. Your son marries a woman from another country who is here on a legal visa but she is part of a church thats providing sanction wear sanctuary for a dreamer. She is suspected being part of this criminal gang, a group of five or more, that is harboring this undocumented person. When your son goes to petition for his now wife to become a legal permanent resident, she will be denied. The reasonable belief standard, not the higher standard that mr. Goodlatte tried to impose. Theres no hearing. Theres no appeal on that. Your daughterinlaw and probably son will have to leave the country and your grandchildren raised in another country. This is really not the american way. Its unproductive. Doesnt keep us any safer. And it doesnt do anything about ms13. I would hope that we could vote no on this rule and that we could instead sit down together, reason together, come up with a plan that actually does something about Gang Violence. Im sure that if we worked together we could come up with a bill that meets the requirements of the constitution, that is targeted towards gang members, not nuns, and that actually would make our country safer. So i thank mr. Hastings for allowing my comments on this. I think the bill is mistitled, and it would be a mistake to allow it to proceed without further changes and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The gentleman from georgia is recognized. Mr. Collins thank you, mr. Speaker. Its my pleasure to yield as much time as she may consume, the gentlelady from alabama, mrs. Roby. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized for such time as she may consume. Mrs. Roby thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of this rule and the underlying legislation, h. R. 3697, the criminal alien gang member removal act. I want to thank chairman goodlatte and my fellow Judiciary Committee colleagues for prioritizing cracking down on illegal immigration on the committee this year. All the time i hear from constituents who are frustrated by this countrys unwillingness to address our illegal immigration problem. Theyre also fed up with hearing politicians promise to do something about it only to offer excuses later. Mr. Speaker, i believe this congress and this administration have shown over the last nine months that we are willing to do something about illegal immigration and this legislation is a great example of our commitment to addressing this problem. When it comes to cracking down on illegal immigration, i believe most of us agree that we should target dangerous aliens who put americans at risk. This bill is a commonsense measure that does just that by amending existing law to combat Gang Violence by criminal aliens. Many americans may hear this and wonder, what Gang Violence . The most notorious latin american gang is known as ms13 which began in the 1980s and has grown to an estimated 8,000 members in the United States. They have a violent history of organized crime in the areas of drug trafficking, kidnapping, human smuggling, sex trafficking, murder, assassinations, blackmail and extortion. To give you an idea just how violent ms13 is, the english translation of their motto is kill, steal, rape, control. Mr. Speaker, gangs of criminal aliens are terrorizing American Communities and it is our responsibility to do something about it. H. R. 3697 will amend the law to finally make a persons history of involvement in criminal gang grounds for ined a military into this country inadmirablity into this country. That means drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder or other crimes spelled out in the law. This bill would also allow Law Enforcement agents to automatically detain and Deport Anyone to be a criminal alien gang member. Our First Priority must be to keep americans safe. Our laws and policies should reflect our commitment to this responsibility. H. R. 3697 makes it Crystal Clear that criminal alien gang members are not welcome in this country, and if they should find themselves here, we are dedicated to getting them off the street. Thank you. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from georgia reserves. For what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . Mr. Hastings i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Hastings if we the feet the previous question, im going to offer an amendment to the rule to bring up h. R. 3440, the dream act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would help thousands of young people who are americans in every way except on paper. Mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the record along with extraneous material immediately prior to the vote ton the previous question. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Hastings to discuss our proposal im pleased to yield three minutes to the gentlewoman, my good friend from california, the distinguished vice chair of the democratic caucus, ms. Sanchez. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california is recognized for three minutes, is that correct . Three minutes. Ms. Sanchez thank you, mr. Speaker. Todays bill thats on the floor is nothing more than a harsh measure that seeks to cast a broad net and cast immigrants in general in a poor light by labeling them criminals based on the suspicions but not the actual facts. Whats more, this harsh and reckless measure provides virtually no procedural safeguards for people to challenge a Police Officers opinion as to whether or not they are involved in a gang. A mere suspicion can mean that somebody can be facing removal. Instead of dealing with such draconian legislation, we should be talking about the positive contributions that immigrants make to this country and the fact that we have over 800,000 dreamers in this country who are waiting for this congress to act. Theyve been hoping and waiting for years for this congress to provide a legislative solution to allow them to continue to live in their communities, to contribute to the economy, to pay taxes, and to be part of a country that they consider their own. Many of these dreamers were brought to this country as children, they have no say in the matter, they speak the language here, not even that of their home countries of birth. Many of them have no families or ties there, many of them are outstanding students that are studying law, medicine, engineering. They want to put their talents to work for this country. And yet here today, we are talking about a bill thalled a bill that would basically seek to condemn all immigrants as gang members and try to deport them as quickly as possible. I would ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a letter by the u. S. Conference of Bishop Catholic bishops in support of allowing dreamers, a legislative path to remain in this country, to continue to serve in the military, to fight and tie for this country, to put their and die for this country, to put their godgiven natural talents to work to pay into this system, and to generate good economic results because if you look at the class of dreamers today that contribute to this country, many of them work and go to school. Many of them are breadwinners for their families. They want to stay. And yet weve given them no opportunity do so. They are patriotic. They are talented. And what they contribute to this community, to our country economically, is tremendous. If you think about the number of dreamers that have bank accounts, that have credit cards that purchase goods that are produced here in the United States, and to simply embark on a path of mass deportation isnt going to help our economy and its going to rip apart these families. I would ask for an additional 30 seconds. The speaker pro tempore she also needs to make a direct request, unanimous consent request. She alluded to it but didnt actually ask for it. Ms. Sanchez i ask unanimous consent to enter into the record on behalf of the u. S. Conference of catholic bishops. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so order this egentlelady is recognized for an additional 30 seconds. Ms. Sanchez thank you. Its in opposition to the bill that we are debating today. Speaker ryan and House Republicans need to decide whether they will complicit in the Trump Administrations cowardly assault on dreamers and immigrants, or whether they will join the overwhelming majority of americans in calling on congress to protect these courageous and patriotic young people from the Trump Administrations mass deportation agenda. With that, i would ask my colleagues to please vote no on the underlying bill and please stop giving lip service to these talented young people prorkvide them with a path to hope and a path to be able to contribute to this country. With that i will yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back, her time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Mr. Collins we have no speak thornse side and if he has no further speakers we are ready to close. Mr. Haste k norse mr. Hastings we have no further speakers and are prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from florida is recognized to close. Mr. Hastings i ask unanimous consent that under general leave, statements in opposition to 3697 by the American Civil Liberties union, the Asian Americans advancing justice, the Service Employees international union, the National Hispanic leadership agenda, i ask that those be admitted under general leave. The speaker pro tempore without objection, order. Mr. Hastings mr. Speaker, my friend on the other side of the aisle is a multitalented person. Curricula to his vitae he carries with him the mantle of being a man of the cloth. Know he knows matthews the 25th chapter, 35th verse and it is of thequoted. And wed do well to remember it. Among the things that are said i was verse are, while hungry for i was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. This sentiment must be our guiding principle, our north star, as we work to repair our broken immigration system. Todays bill is in total opposition to this sentiment as it works to demonize with one road and careless and probably unconstitutional stroke an entire group of people, the vast majority of whom simply wish to find refuge from immense hardship in their country of origin. My republican friends should take yet another in a long line of legislative mulligans on this bill and come to the table ready to work in a sensible way to fix our immigration system. I would suggest you could start by bringing the dream act to the floor for an up or down vote. Mr. Speaker, i urge a no vote on the rule and the underlying bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Mr. Collins mr. Speaker, i believe todays debate has made this very clear. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Collins we are talking about gang members from some of the most violent gangs in the world. Were talking about removing s of those gangs who are in this country or attempting to come into this country illegal. We are a nation of laws and we must uphold those laws. We are not talking about singling out certain religious groups or lawabiding citizen. Were talking about strengthening and enforcing laws against known criminal alien gang member whors putting our communities at risk and threatening citizens and legal residents. The federal governments highest response sblet to protect the safety of our nation and American People. Cracking down on illegal criminal alien gang members is one critical way we can do that the criminal alien gang member reprufle act take strides to better combat Gang Violence. I look forward to support this rule and the underlying bill. With that, mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Mr. Collins i just stated, i yield and move the previous question. The speaker pro tempore the question is on ordering the previous question on the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the on of this in the opinion of the chair the ayes have it. Mr. Hastings 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, the chair i recall the chair will reduce to five minutes the minimum time for any electronic vote on the question of adoption of the resolution. This is a 15minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote, the yeas are 222, the nays are 184, the previous question is ordered. The question is on adoption of the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it. For what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . I ask for a recorded vote. The speaker pro tempore a recorded vote is requested. Those favoring a recorded vote will rise. A sufficient number having risen a recorded vote is 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 222, the nays are 186. The resolution is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The house will be in order. House will be in order. Members will take their conversations off the floor. Ouse will be in order, please. The minority leader has an important announcement to make. He house will be in order. The chair will recognize the for what purpose does the gentlelady from california seek recognition . Ms. Pelosi mr. Speaker, i proudly rise to pay tribute to a cherished member of my staff, my alshami. Taff, nadeem the speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized for one minute. Ms. Pelosi my colleagues, thank you for your attention. My office, my colleagues, indeed, the entire democratic caucus, has benefited from the sharp, strategic insight, steady judgment and exceptional character and integrity of nasheem alshami. Born in nashville, spent time in egypt, earned a College Degree in indiana, he followed the love of his life, stacy, to washington, d. C. Here, 25 years ago, he found a job in the senate mail room. Now he departs as a trusted Senior Advisor with one of the top positions on capitol hill. Who holds the respect of members on both sides of the aisle, on both sides of the capitol, indeed, even down pennsylvania avenue. Hes been an invaluable asset in every office in which he has served. For congresswoman barbara boxer, to assistant democratic leader dick durbin and proudly in our house for congresswoman january schakowsky. And for me and my office where he has worked for 10 years. Were deeply grateful for his skill as a manager, grace under pressure, and some of the high stakes matters to come before the congress and the American People. He played a vital role improving the lives of americas working families. He has accomplished himself with the respect members have for his judgment, discretion, and ability. N conclusion, nadeems Exceptional Service entailed sacrifice not just for him but or his beautiful family. Nadeems, were especially grateful to him for the pashesence, love, and support of wife, stacey, who is here with us today, thank you, tacey. Wife, stacey, i hope all the spouses of our staff recognize that recognition for stacey, which applies to them as well. And his children, jenna, noah, and lay louisiana my colleagues my colleagues, please join me in thanking my chief of staff, a man who has served the United States congress with honor and distinction for more than 25 years, nadeem alshami. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. We now recognize for what reason does the gentleman from wisconsin seek recognition . The speaker mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentleman is recognized for one minute. The speaker it is not often that i say this but i rise today to agree wholeheartedly with the democratic leader. I know that what we do in this chamber, it is often portrayed as nothing but always bitterly partisan. But in reality making this place work, making this institution work, it really actually does depend on cooperation across the aisle every day between our leaders, between our teams, and especially between our chiefs of staff. I can tell you that nadeem has always been first class. He can be as formidable as they come. But he is always fair and always straightforward. His word is good. And really, thats everything. It sets a tone of civility as we go about trying to address the big pressing issues of the day. I would say especially to the staff, the example that nadeem beyond being ar the chief of staff. Here is a guy who started in the mail room in the United States senate and rose to one of the most top positions in all of congress. Its an incredible rise. To put beyond being the chief of staff. Here, it certain takes a deep, deep, deep commitment to public 25 years h it takes a willingness to be in the arena and take everything that comes with that. It takes passing over endless great opportunities even as you watch people around you move on. And most of all, it takes the love and support of a beautiful family. Stacey, thank you for being ere. I tell you, none of us would be here without the sacrifices that our loved ones make so we can serve and do good. Nadeem, i just want you to know from this side of the aisle you will leave here with the respect of your colleagues. You will leave here with respect to the members. And whats most impressive is you will leave here even with respect from the media. So on behalf of the whole house i want to congratulate you and thank you for your 25 years to the congress. You devoted yourself to making this institution, this country better. Thank you so much. We wish you every bit of success in the future. Thank you, nadeem. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to House Resolution 504 and rule 18, the chair declares the house in the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for the further consideration of h. R. 3354. Will the gentleman from illinois, mr. Hultgren, kindly esume the chair. The chair the house is in the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for the 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 for other purposes. The chair when the committee of the whole rose on tuesday, september 12, 2017, a request for recorded vote on amendment number 187, printed in house report 115297, offered by the gentleman from ohio, mr. Gibbs, had been postponed. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, proceedings will now resume on those amendments printed in house report 115297, on which further proceedings were postponed in the following order. Amendment number 73 by mr. Mullin of oklahoma. Amendment number 74 by mr. Mullin of oklahoma. Amendment number 75 by mr. Polis of colorado. Amendment number 76 by mr. Polis of colorado. Amendment number 77 by mr. Norman of South Carolina. The chair will reduce to two for any e time electronic vote in this series. The Unfinished Business is the request for recorded vote on amendment number 73 printed in house report 115297 by the gentleman from oklahoma, mr. On which further proceedings were postponed and on which the ayes prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will redesignate amendment. The clerk amendment number 73, printed in house report number 115297, offered by mr. Mullin of oklahoma. 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. On which proceedings were postponed and on which the this is a twominute vote. 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 218. The nays are 195. The amendment is adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for recorded vote on amendment number 74 printed in house report 1125297 by the gentleman from oklahoma, mr. Mullin, on which further proceedings were postponed and which the ayes prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will designate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 74, printed in house report number 115297 offered by mr. Mullin of oklahoma. 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 is a twominute vote. 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 225, the nays are 186, the amendment is adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for a recorded vote on amendment number 5 printed in house report 115297, mr. Polis, on which further proceedings were postponed, on which the noes preintrailed voice vote. The clerk will redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 175, printed if house report 11529 , offered by mr. Polis of colorado. 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 numbering are having risen a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. S that 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 eas are the chair on this vote, the yeas are 20124erk nays are 212, the amendment is not adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for a recorded vote on amendment number 76 printed in house report 115277 on which further proceed wrgs postponed, on which the noes prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will redez ig late redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 176, offered by mr. Polis of colorado. 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 numbering are having a sufficient number having risen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is 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 198, the nays are 212, the amendment is not adopted. The Unfinished Business is the request for a recorded vote on amendment number 77 printed in house report 115297 by the gentleman from South Carolina, mr. Norman, on which further pr seed wrgs postponed, on which the noes prevailed by voice vote. The clerk will redesignate the amendment. The clerk amendment number 77 printed in house report 115297, offered by mr. Norman of South Carolina. The chair a vorded a recorded vote is requested. Those in support of the request for a recorded vote will rise and be counted. A sufficient number having risen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is 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 151, the nays are 260. The amendment is not adopted