From california, mr. Correa, each will control 20 minutes. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Gallagher i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their rass their remarks an include extraneous material on the by the speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Gallagher i yield myself such time as i may consume. As we destroy the caliphate in the middle east, foreign fighters and sympathizers have fled the battlefield and are looking for new ways to spread hatred, gain new followers, and disrupt our way of life. The new york city bombing at the the bombing at the new york City Bus Authority was the second bombing in new york in two months. Given the current environment at the direction of chairman mccaul i led a task force to identify specific National Security challenges and how terrorists might infiltrate the homeland and bring harm. We produced a report to fix any identified weaknesses that may be exploited by our enemies. This resulted in several pieces of legislation that have come before the house today. To that end, my bill, the counterterrorism information sharing improvement act seeks to enhance the current information sharing environment that exists within the federal and military communities. Throughout the task force we heard time and time again about the incredible amount of biometric and biographic data being pulled off the battlefield in syria and iraq as u. S. Forces and our allies continue to roll back the territories once held by isis. It is often d. O. D. Personnel that encounter isis fighters on the battlefield which leads to the collection of data. If these fighters or associates move back to the west, d. H. S. Tpwhecks primary entity that will engage them. Therefore it is critical tat data recovered by d. O. D. On the battlefield is able to reach d. H. S. And its systems for effective frontline screening and vetting of known or suspected terrorists. We must ensure that the department of Homeland Security gets access to this data in a timely manner particularly so it can be used for vetting purposes. My bill makes sure that d. H. S. Has biometric and biographic data on individuals associated with a terrorist organization. The bill also directs the secretary to report to congress on these efforts. The u. S. Must prioritize any opportunity to identify bad actors outside the country and expand our ability to dehe ter threats before they reach the deter threats before they reach the homeland. Valuable information may not be available for frontline screening or vetting. Not only is this a bureaucratic challenge given the number of agencies and components involved but legal, capacity and technical issues exist as well. This bill will address these challenges and create improved collaboration between the department of Homeland Security and its other federal and military partners. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to support this bill , and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california. Mr. Correa mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 4569, the counterterrorism information sharing improvement act of 2017, and i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Correa thank you, mr. Speaker. This bill seeks to ensure that d. H. S. Gets access to biometric and biographic Data Collected by the United States government to carry out its counterterrorism efforts. Since 9 11, the democratic members of this committee have been committed to bolstering terrorism information sharing within our government. Today, terrorist threats are decentralized spreading beyond al qaeda, al shabaab and isil, to a patchwork of small cells and lone wolves ready to carry out violence to our country at their whim. Increasingly, this threat also includes homegrown violent extremists and domestic terrorists. Ensuring that d. H. S. Has access to biographic and biomet he rick data on individuals biometric data on individuals associated to a terrorist ganization, its critical to have this information. This legislation also requires that d. H. S. Report on how the data is being received and utilized for screening and vetting purposes. This report will help congress ensure screening and vetting of travelers to the United States is conducted in a riskbased manner. I support this legislation and reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from wisconsin is recognized. Mr. Gallagher mr. Speaker, i have no more speakers and i am prepared to close once the gentleman does. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california. Mr. Correa mr. Speaker, i am prepared to close. I, again, mr. Speaker this legislation ensures d. H. S. Has access to biographic and biometric Data Collected by our government on individuals associated with terrorist organizations. It is important that this information be integrated into d. H. S. s screening and vetting programs to protect our country, our citizens from all forms of terrorism and extremism. I urge passage of this legislation, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from wisconsin. Mr. Gallagher mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Gallagher mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank my colleagues for their hard work in generating the Task Force Report and all the ideas that led to the variety of bills we are hearing today. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yield its yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 4569. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Fitzpatrick, seek recognition . Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 4581, the creening and vetting Passenger Exchange act of 2017. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 4581, a bill to require the secretary of Homeland Security to develop best practices for utilizing advanced passenger information and passenger name record data for counterterrorism screening and vetting operations and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Fitzpatrick, and the gentleman from california, mr. Core aa, correa, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 4581, the screening and passenger vetting Passenger Exchange act of 2017. This will have best practices for vetting passenger information, or a. P. I. , and passenger names record data, or p. N. R. , for counterterrorism screening and vetting operations. It enables the secretary to share those practices with our allies, including countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, and to provide assistance in implementing these practices in those countries. Having access to a. P. I. , which is biographic information, and p. N. R. Data, which is data about reservation and itinerary information, allows our Homeland Security professionals to confirm the identities and travel patterns of potential criminals and terrorists before they enter the United States. Allowing our men and women on the front lines to fight against terrorism to work with Visa Waiver Program countries to make sure they rise fought same standards only increase rises to the same standards only increases the safety of our nation, the safety of all people across the globe. This legislation is the step in the right direction towards addressing further potential emerging threats. I strongly urge my colleagues to support our nations Homeland Security by supporting my bill. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from california. Mr. Correa mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 4581, the screening and vetting Passenger Exchange act of 2017, and i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Correa thank you, mr. Speaker. The screening and vetting passenger act of 2017 requires the secretary of Homeland Security to develop and share best practices for using data provided by passengers in screening and vetting operations with our allies around the world. Since 2014, more than 75 Million International travelers have come to the United States. In recent years, especially during the Obama Administration, Great Strides were made to use the information furnished by these incoming travelers to advance security and vetting processes. Building upon the departments 2017 last point of departure security enhancements that sought to raise the bar in physical screenings, it oversees airports with direct flights to the u. S. , this bill will further reinforce security measures and seek to provide our overseas partners with the capabilities to advance their own vetting and screening. No countrys immune from terrorism, and this bill will ensure that d. H. S. Can be a valued partner to nations that work with us. By providing best practices, our passenger screening, h. R. 4581 seeks to ensure terrorists inflicting to seek harm are not allowed to travel without detection. I urge my house colleagues to support this measure, and reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, its my honor to yield three minutes to the gentleman from texas and the chairman of the Homeland Security committee, mr. Mccaul. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Mccaul thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of the screening and vetting passenger act. I want to thank congressman fitzpatrick for bringing this important legislation. The United States is currently experiencing one of the highest Terror Threat environments since 9 11. Despite crushing the caliphate in iraq and syria, isis continues to demonstrate its capability to inspire attacks on the west, including in the homeland. The two terror attacks in new york city late last year are stark reminders of this reality and the threat facing the United States. Given the nature of this evolving threat, i established a task force on denying terrorist entry into the United States last year and appointed representative Mike Gallagher to head up the effort. Id like to thank all the members of the task force for their hard work and making this effort a success. I charged this task force with examining how terrorists might infiltrate the homeland, identifying challenges with the current u. S. Government information sharing and vetting procedures and reviewing the Screening Agency are structure and bureaucracy. After completing its review, the task force issued a report outlining its findings and providing seven recommendations designed to address the identified gaps. These recommendations were the basis for several of the bills we are considering today. As evidence by the recent state of attacks, theres a Large Population of radicalized individuals in europe who are willing to commit violence in the name of terrorist groups like isis. We must remain vigilant and cannot forget many these individuals that they are just one flight away from the United States. Given the seriousness of this threat, we must do more at home and abroad to screen and vet people seeking to enter the United States. The bills we are considering today will enhance our capabilities by improving information sharing and promoting efficiencies in the screening and vetting process. Helping ensure the homeland is the best is best secured against infiltration. Therefore, i urge my colleagues to support this bill. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from pennsylvania. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i have no more speakers and i am prepared to close once the gentleman does. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from california. Mr. Correa mr. Speaker, im prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, this bill seeks to make International Travel more secure and fosters a stronger relationship between our country and our allies. All nations must increase their vigilance with respect to security screening. There are thousands of isil food soldiers that may seek to enter the western world and other nations to carry out their attacks. This legislation seeks to harness the United States best practices and capabilities to advance the safety of the Global Aviation Community as we face an agile and evolving enemy. I encourage my colleagues to support this measure, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california yields back. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i urge all my colleagues to support this bill, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 4581. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania ask for the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays are requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition . Mr. Fitzpatrick i move the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 4433, the securing d. H. S. Firearms act of 2017, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 4433, a bill to amend the Homeland Security act of 2002 to require the undersecretary for management of the department of Homeland Security to achieve security of sensitive assets among the components of the department of Homeland Security, and for ther purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Fitzpatrick, and the gentleman from california, mr. Correa, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and xtend their remarks the speaker pro tempore and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Fitzpatrick thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i rise in strong support of h. R. 4433, the securing department of Homeland Security firearms act of 2017. A recent report by the department of Homeland Security office of i specter general, or o. I. G. , entitled d. H. S. Controls over firearms and other sensitive assets, found that between fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2016 personnel from d. H. S. And its components misplaced a total of 2,142 highly sensitive assets, including 228 firearms, and 1,889 badges. D. H. S. Is charged with the safety of our nation and its citizens. The o. I. G. Report indicates that not only are there some d. H. S. Personnel not being held accountable for failing to safeguard their sensitive assets, they are also not receiving proper training on how to properly safeguard and keep track of such equipment. Given the importance of d. H. S. s mission, this is unacceptable, mr. Speaker. H. R. 4433 follows the o. I. G. s recommendations and requires d. H. S. s undersecretary for management to promulgate departmentwide directives to d. H. S. Personnel aimed at achieving Adequate Security over d. H. S. Firearms and other sensitive assets. H. R. 4433 mandates that this directive include descriptions of what equipment is classified as a sensitive asset, requirements for securing department issued sensitive assets, and Record Keeping requirements for reporting lost or stolen firearms or other assets. H. R. 4433 also requires d. H. S. To update its personal Property Asset Management Program Manual to include procedures and training on how to safeguard assets both on and off duty in accordance with the directives. I urge all all members to join me in supporting this bill. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Correa mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 4433, the securing d. H. S. Firearms act of 2017. And yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Correa thank you, mr. Speaker. D. H. S. Is a Diverse Department that has the distinction of being the Largest Law Enforcement Agency in the federal government. To help support its Critical Mission, d. H. S. Must maintain and safeguard a variety of sensitive Law Enforcement equipment such as firearms, ammunition, and badges. D. H. S. Equipment in the wrong hands could result in loss of life. According to an october, 2017 report, issued by the d. H. S. Office of inspector general, the department does not have adequate requirements to safeguard its sensitive assets. Approximately 2,100 highly nsitive assets were lost between 2014 and 2016. In response to the report, my legislation between requires d. H. S. To develop and implement policies to secure firearms and sensitive d. H. S. Equipment at the department. The security this security measure requires the undersecretary of management to disseminate a departmentwide directive that includes requirements for securing firearms and sensitive d. H. S. Equipment, as well as reporting these requirements. This measure outlines the responsibilities to properly safeguard firearms and sensitive assets in accordance with the directive. And requiring personnel to properly report lost firearms and equipment. This measure was unanimously approved by the committee of Homeland Security last month and will help foster greater accountability and security within d. H. S. I urge passage of this measure and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i have no other speakers. If the gentleman from california has no other speakers, i prepared to close. Im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california. Mr. Correa mr. Speaker, i am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, my legislation is intended to advance the Critical Mission of d. H. S. And to ensure that firearms and sensitive assets are properly safeguarded and maintained. In my home state of california, n 2015, a 27yearold, antonio ramos, was shot and killed with an i. C. E. Agents stolen nine millimeter weapon. According to the d. H. S. O. I. G. Failures to safeguard important equipment and assets are still not being properly addressed. Given d. H. S. Mission, it is essential that d. H. S. Work force prioritize and properly protect the equipment that is critical to their mission. Mr. Speaker, i urge passage of this measure and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Fitzpatrick mr. Speaker, i once again urge my colleagues to support h. R. 4433, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania yields back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 4433, as amended. So many as are in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from florida seek recognition . Ms. Roslehtinen 00 thank you ms. Roslehtinen thank you, mr. Speaker. I move the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 676. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the resolution. The clerk House Resolution 676, resolution supporting the rights of the people of iran to Free Expression, condemning the Iranian Regime for its crackdown on legitimate protests, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from florida, ms. Roslehtinen, and the gentleman from california, mr. Sherman, will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentlewoman from florida. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and and to heir remarks include extraneous material on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Roslehtinen i appreciate it, mr. Speaker. I want to thank chairman royce and Ranking Member engel for their swift action in putting this important and timely resolution together. The world has been witnessing the people of iran taking to the streets en masse to protest the radical regime in tehran. They have made it clear that the regimes policies have done nothing but harm. We have seen largescale protests in iran before, most notably in 2009, but these protests are different, mr. Speaker. This time, unlike in 2009, america has not shied away from doing the right thing. The administration has expressed vocal support for the people of iran and it has warned the regime that were watching how it responds. The publics discontent is palpable and these protests have exposed the cracks behind the regimes veneer. For decades, the hardline regime has squandered irans vast resources in pursuit of spreading the revolutionary ideology and of achieving an Illicit Nuclear weapons program. The regimes rule by fear, rule by intimidation, the human rights abuses, the silencing of the opposition, the abuses of ethnic and religious minorities, the restrictions imposed against women under haria law, and the corruption none of these are being taken any more sitting down by millions of iranians. Let us not be fooled, mr. Speaker. Rouhani is no moderate. Hes an opportunist rouhani is no moderate. Hes an opportunist. Hes a lifelong add heernt to the regime adherent to the regime and hateful ideology. Thats why this resolution is so important. We must make it clear that we truly support the people of iran and their aspirations for a free and democratic society. Their protests are a referendum on the regime. And we must make it clear to all the regime officials that they will be held accountable for any human rights abuses in response to these protests. But, mr. Speaker, we must also not lose sight of the bigger picture. These protests are important, and it is important that we take action on human rights abuses. But this is just one aspect of the regimes illicit behavior. And sanctions against human rights violators is but one tool that we have at our disposal. The totality of the regimes nefarious and Illicit Activity is what the people of iran are protesting against. It would be unwise for us to lose focus of that bigger picture. So while it is important that we stand here today in support of the people of iran, and we make it clear that there will be consequences for human rights abuses, we must make sure that we see the whole board here and connect the dots. And that means, mr. Speaker, using all the tools at our disposal because they are not isolated issues. Connected. So with that, i urge my colleagues to support this resolution and to continue supporting a connected. Strong response to all of irans Illicit Activity and the use of all of the tools that we have at our disposal. With that, mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from california s is recognized. Mr. Sherman i rise in support of this bill and i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Sherman in this house were on both sides of the iran nuclear deal. But we were united in knowing that iran is not an ally of the United States. At least the Islamic Republic of iran is not. And this house never agreed to ignore extreme human rights abuses. Simply because the government of iran has agreed to limitations on its nuclear program. This resolution puts us on the right side of history. By stating that the house of representatives stands with the people of iran and condemns the Iranian Regimes serious human rights abuses. And it goes on to encourage the administration to expedite the licensing of Communications Technology to entities to approve the ability of the iranian people to speak freely. And also calls on companies around the world not to sell this regime any device, any technology that will allow it to cut the iranian people from the social media and from other communications platforms. We have seen in iran a people dedicated to democracy, dedicated to improving their own lives. But over a thousand iranians have been arrested, at least two dozen have been killed. This in a country with a great first perhaps the human rights document in World History and a model of it stands in the United Nations to commemorate the dedication of the iranian people to human rights. Today they shout no because they know this regimes involvement in supporting terrorism around the world has not only devastated syria where assad clings to power and half a Million People died, not only brings death and destruction to lebanon and yemen but has devastated the iranian economy, because this regime insists on supporting hamas, hezbollah and the houthi and those are the only terrorist regimes whose names begin with h. And of course this regime has killed over 5,000 members of the Lgbtq Community solely for who they are and whom they love. This is a regime whose human rights record should indeed be criticized by the formal adoption of a resolution by this house of representatives. I also want to point out that the travel ban or muslim ban implemented by this administration is harming our efforts to support the iranian people at this time of crisis. Because it says that if leaders of these demonstrations want to come to my community where they have tens and tens of thousands of iranian american supporters, they cant do it. And if, god forbid, they fear for their lives and want to flee even if theyre carefully vetted, they cannot step foot on american soil. So i look forward to us standing with the people of iran and eliminating the muslim ban. And i look forward to this house saying that we stand with the people who are putting their lives on the line to fight for democracy and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california reserves. The gentlewoman from florida is recognized. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you, mr. Speaker. Im so pleased to yield one minute to the gentleman from california, mr. Rohrabacher, whos the chairman of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on europe and emerging threats. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Rohrabacher thank you very much. 676, in support of h. R. Which puts america squarely on the side of courageous iranians who risk their lives in opposition to the corruption and oppression of the mulea regime in tehran mullah regime in tehran. It is made up of oppressed minorities. Kurds are more in iran than iraq. The about a luche, yes, anticlerical persians. These people lived under the regime that terrorize the population, their population into submission, and supports terrorist attacks on other nations. Unlike our last president who closed his ears to the pleas of the iranian oppressed and brutalized peoples, and also i might add, facilitated the transfer of billions of dollars to that regime in the name of an arms control agreement. No, that president is gone and our new president is making us proud today by endorsing the rights of those who are struggling for freedom and putting our country and our people squarely on the side of those people who share our values in freedom and justice hroughout the world. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentlewoman from florida. The gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from california. Mr. Sherman i yield to the gentleman from illinois, mr. Schneider. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois is recognized. Mr. Schneider thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the bipartisan resolution 676 offered by my friends, chairman ed royce and Ranking Member eliot engel of the house Foreign Affairs committee. I want to thank my friend from florida, my friend from california for leading us in this conversation today. Less than two weeks ago on december 28 protest began in towns and villages throughout iran. These quickly and organically grew to become the largest antigovernment demonstration the country witnessed since those remarkable demonstrations during the summer of 2009. Iranian citizens have taken to the streets to decry the regimes corruption. Economic mismanagement and destabilizing activities abroad, including support for such groups terrorist groups as hezbollah. The iranian people, the good men and women seeking relief from the failings of the current regime, deserve our support. Their voices deserve to be heard. Not surprisingly, the response of the regime in tehran to these protests have been predictably draconian. News reports suggest dozens of iranians have been killed and the crackdown on protesters, more than 1,000 iranians have been arrested. In an effort to silence the protesters, the iranian government has blocked access to social media platforms used to organize and spread the word of the demonstrations. This most recent crackdown is part of a long history of human rights abuses by the iranian government. Both at home and throughout the violent oppression and abroad through funding of groups who support terror. Mr. Speaker, i am proud that last month the house passed my amendment to the iranian leadership asset Transparency Act to help crack down on the iranian human rights abusers and to ensure u. S. Sanctions are best positioned to improve the human rights situation in iran. This is but one step. We need to do more to stop irans persecution of different religious faiths including sunni muslims, christians and ba hai bahais. We must do more to protect the iranians peoples right to freedom of expression. Can i have 15 seconds . Mr. Sherman i yield the gentleman 30 seconds. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for 30 seconds. Mr. Schneider this resolution is a way to condemn the malign activities of the oppressive Iranian Regime. In the days ahead, i urge this administration to hold the Iranian Regime accountable to its International Human rights obligations. As well as work with our allies at the United Nations to condemn and sanction iran for its ongoing human rights violations. The government in iran is seeking to silence its people. Todays resolution shows we are watching and that we stand with the people of iran. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. I thank my colleague, brad sherman, for the extra time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from california. The gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from florida. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you so much, mr. Speaker. Im proud to yield two minutes to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Smith, who is the chairman of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on africa, Global Health, global human rights, and international operations. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Smith i rise today in strong support of h. Res. 676, in solidarity with the people of iran who courageously took to the streets in the recent weeks to protest their countrys barbaric dictatorship. I want to thank my good friends ed royce and eliot engel in bringing this resolution to the floor and chairwoman emeritus for her work towards the years about iran and trying to get a policy to help them and end their terrorism. Mr. Speaker, over the past several weeks tens of thousands of iranians participated in nationwide protests to condemn the corruption, repression and brutality that together represent the unique legacy of irans nearly 40yearold theocracy. The regime responded with characteristic coercion, intimidating activists and their families and deploying governmentsponsored thugs and military units to quell the unrest. Approximately 20 protesters died in clashes with security forces. At least 1,000 people were arrested. And im sure those 1,000 are being tortured as we meet today. In some estimates the number is closer to 4,000 people. This unrest is the inevitable consequence of a dictatorship built on brutality and corruption and the service of domestic repression and hugeminy. Ambassador hay lie said when the rights of the people are denied the people rightly resist. Peace and security are inevitably threatened. I am very proud of the Work Congress has done over the years in my subcommittee. We held human rights abuse hearings in china, iran, including with one who did a tremendous job, his wife trying to effectuate his release. We must hold iran for the treatment of countless of jailed protesters and not let their faiths be forgotten with the next new cycle. We must work tirelessly to secure the liberty of our own citizens, including a graduate student from my own state of new jersey who spent the past 519 days in a prison complex. Again, i urge support for the bill. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you. We reserve, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Sherman i yield two minutes to the gentleman from new york. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york is recognized. Mr. Suozzi the people live like paupers while the muleas live like gods. The people live like paupers while the mullahs live like gods. Iranians have courageously stood up in over 70 cities and chanted, the people live like paupers while the mullahs live like gods. That he challenge their failed government. They have done so in the face of violent oppression, imprisonment, torture and even death. Why . Because theyre fed up. Fed up with poverty and unemployment. Fed up with economic deprivation and rampant corruption. Fed up with an oppressive, thee krattic regime who mismansion its own country, mistreats its own people and spends billions of dollars sewing the seeds of war and funding terrorists while their people suffer. The ayatollahs recklessly pursued nuke weapons instead of creating jobs and Building Infrastructure for theiren people. They say these policies are popular, they gave iranians a national sense of pride, restoring their pace as a Regional Power. A Regional Power . More like regional thugs. In iraq the iranian backed militias have executed and beat civilians, looted homes. Hezbollah aims tens of thousands of rockets at israeli backs al nd in syria, assads regime. It has become the biggest prevayor of mayhem in the middle east. Their own people are impoverished. Today i rise with my colleagues to support the iranian protesters and the bipartisan House Resolution 676. The United States and our allies should use the menu of sanctions available to us to target human rights violators and the ayatollahs thugs who forcefully repress their fellow citizens. We must ensure that the protesters have access to social media and must let them know we support them. The ayatollahs must know the free world are watching. The people live like paupers while the mullahs live like gods. Its time for the American People to rise up and change. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentlewoman from florida is recognized. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you, mr. Speaker. Im so pleased to yield to the gentleman from texas, mr. Mccaul, who is the chairman of the committee on Homeland Security, as well as the Senior Member on the committee on Foreign Affairs. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Mccaul thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of this resolution condemning the Iranian Regimes crackdown on legitimate protest and to show the world that america stands with the iranian people who want peace, prosperity and freedom. For many years we have known the regime in iran has fueled radicalism and violence across the middle east as the worlds leading state sponsor of terror. But over the last few weeks, weve seen the brutal tactics that irans leaders are willing to take to silence protesters who are fed up with extremism, corruption, and incompetence coming from their capital. The protesters deserve to have their voices heard without fear of retaliation. And today iranians are not citizens who are free to choose their own destinies. They are subjects to a fanatical dictatorship that fears the peoples rules by denying their freedoms. Sadly, the Obama Administration believed that the ayatollah and his radical clerics, would be willing partners for peace in a very naive strategy to reward them with billions of dollars in sanction relief. It is clear, however, that since the signing of the flawed iran deal, the regimes behavior has only gotten worse by continuing its support for terror groups like hezbollah and its cracking down and backing of the Houthi Rebels in yemen, all in pursuit of establishing the shiia crescent. Fortunately, the Current Administration and this congress will not be so easily fooled or complicit in their foreign adventurism. Leaders of rogue states will say whatever they must to bring unearned concessions from great powers. But if it is real change that is desired, we must apply more pressure. We cannot trust a countrys government to be a peaceful one with other nations if it resorts to violence against its own people it is supposed to protect. And that is why just this morning i will introduce legislation that requires the Trump Administration to determine whether senior plebs of the government of iran members of the government of iran are responsible or complicit in human rights abuses, corruption, or censorship. The bill also calls out the Iranian Regimes practice of taking american citizens ms. Roslehtinen id like to yield an additional 30 seconds to mr. Mccaul. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for 30 seconds. Mr. Mccaul the bill also calls out the practice of taking american citizens and other foreign nationals hostage and laying out several steps the administration should take in conjunction with our allies to put an end to this practice. The time will come when the tyrants of tehran are held accountable for their actions, and after many ack declaration aids of rule decades of rule, the people will remember who stood by their side. So i urge my colleagues to support this resolution and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. The gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Sherman i yield two minutes to the gentleman from florida, mr. Deutch. The speaker pro tempore mr. Deutch is recognized. Mr. Deutch thank you, mr. Speaker. In the past couple weeks tens of thousands of iranian citizens from a broad crosssection of society took to the streets to demand accountability and change in their country. This was the largest protest since the green revolution in 2009. Tragically both ended in the same predictable darkness. Harsh government crackdowns in which innocent protestors were arrested, jailed, and killed. In the latest episode more than 3,700 iranian protestors were arrested. Nearly two dozen were killed. The iranian people deserve better. They deserve the support of all peoples who value andern for people and yearn for people. Todays resolution supports an Important Message to identity rainian people that we stand with them in their reforms from a regime that would silence their voices and steal their fundamental liberties. I also believe we should do more. So i am proud to vint duesed with chairman mccaul, along with the support of chairman royce and Ranking Member engel, the iran human rights and hostage taking accountability act that goes one step further than condemnation to actually impose sanctions against those iranian officials perpetrating these human rights violations, as well as those responsible for kidnapping americans, americans like my own constituent, bob levinson, who has now spent more than 10 years in captivity. Last week, we welcomed in a new year. And bobs family again ushered in that new year without bob by their side. For his sake and for the sake of the iranian people trying to hold their regime accountable to care more about assad and hamas than they do about their own citizens i urge my colleagues to vote yes on House Resolution 676, help bring the human rights and hostage taking act to the floor, and make sure human rights remain exactly where they should in American Foreign policy right at the center of our agenda. I thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from florida. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you, mr. Speaker. Im proud to yield two minutes to the gentleman from texas, mr. Poe, chairman of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on terrorism. Nonproliferation, and trade who tells it just like it is. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Poe i thank the gentlelady. Make no doubt about it, mr. Speaker. The number one terrorist in the world is the ayatollah in charge of the butchery against his own people in iran. Hes the number one guy. In the wanted man world, as far as im concerned, for terrorism lies at his feet. He along with the mullahs of iran continue to crack down violently on the people of iran that are exercising human right to protest the government that is in in the world, charge. The regimes brutality against its people knows no limit. The silence of their crimes in iran has blocked much of the internet and social media. Including the telegram and instagram. The silence of the crimes of the ayatollah. We must make sure that this important line of communication ays open for the iranian people. In 2009, there are about a million folks in iran that had access to social media. Now there are about 20 Million People i understand have to social media. Our Administration Must make sure that the american businesses and technology are Still Available to allow the iranian people to document the regimes to social media. Our Administration Must make sure that the crimes against th people. The iranian people can bring about change on their own, but we must help by providing necessary tools to empower democratic movements that the mullahs stand in fear of. Mr. Speaker, 2009, the iranians rose up against the mullahs, but our government merely watched the arena of freedom in the streets of iran while our government sat in the stands as a spectater spectator. This is not a spectator sport. This is about freedom and human dignity. The United States must politically, public, and economically support the people of iran. Let them know we will not be in the stands as a spectator any longer. We must penalize the mullahs and the ayatollah economically for their crimes. Thats just the way it is. I yield back to the gentlelady. The gentleman now. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Sherman i yield two minutes to the gentlelady from texas, ms. Jackson lee. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from texas is recognized. Ms. Jackson lee let me thank both gentlemen from california on their leadership and for from california for their leadership and for their important work on a very important crisis, fight for human rights and freedom. Just yesterday i rose to the floor of the house to recount my experience over the weekend joining the Iranian American Community in houston on a busy corner at post oak and westhimer. We joined together as americans to begin to articulate that there is no divide when it comes to the freedom of speech, freedom for allle to have access to protests and democracy. So today i rise to support h. Res. 676 and i rise to speak in horror of the thousand iranians that have been arrested and almost two dozen killed. We mourn their loss. We recognize it has to be all of us, our allies included, that must stand and join in the language of this resolution we recognize it has to be all of us, our. And it is, of course, to ensure that sanctions are pointedly targeted those who want to oppress the protestors. Interestingly enough, the protestors are now from rural and the middle class. The questions of the economy are very much a part of it. That iranians are not able to live, to be able to have economic opportunity. Their young people have no growth. This is farreaching, which is, of course, surprising to the regime. They were hoping to quash this. They have no answers. And the answers to be a concerted committed and dedicated group of allies, including the United States, eading the support for these protestors. I rise today to join in standing with the people of iran in their legitimate and peaceful protests. I ask that the regime be condemned. And i ask that the communications, mr. Speaker, be allowed to continue and that our companies the speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. Mr. Sherman i yield 30 more seconds. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is yielded an additional 30 seconds. Ms. Jackson lee i thank the speaker for his kindness. And i thank the manager for his 30 seconds. I believe it is so important that the communication, the work that were getting ready to do here in the United States to provide Communications Technology, needs to go forward. We must include in our petition, meaning our petition as members of congress, that our companies do not deny or quash the rights of iranians to communicate with each other for peace, freedom, and democracy. And our message to the regime is, it is time to open the doors of freedom in iran. And iranian americans, americans, United States congress, and of course all of our government stand for peace, freedom, dignity, and democracy for the people of iran. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The gentlewoman from florida is recognized. Ms. Roslehtinen thank you so much, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent to yield the remainder of my time to chairman royce and ask that he be able to control that time. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentleman from california, mr. Royce, is recognized. Mr. Royce i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Royce thank you, mr. Speaker. Today we stand with the people of iran. We stand with people who are engaged in legitimate protests against an oppressive corrupt regime. And there is a certain irony to this. This is a great people, the people of iran. It was the persian king, cyrus the great, who drafted the first declaration of human rights. The cyrus cylinder. As you enter the United Nations, you see this quotation from him, this was a document ant to protect other cultures. And it secured a special place in the history of civilization. His humanitarian values that he laid laid out of freedom for all peoples, respect for ulture, for religious liberty, recognition of the fact that it is better to be loved than to be feared, these are values tha attributes, especially at that point in time. And they were handed down as part of this deep persian culture. And we who live in free societies owe a great debt to the iranian people. They are the heirs to this culture. They are those who hold those values and ideas for governance that originally inspired the european enlightenment, leaders of our own government here, our own founding fathers, it was Thomas Jefferson who told his grandson, these are the ideals you study first of cyrus the great in terms of governance. Ow, it is amazing that iranians at this moment enjoy far fewer rights than their forefathers did. Cyrus was lauded for the protections he offered religious and ethnic minorities. We look at the state of affairs today and you see the repression of irans ethnic and religious minority population from the azerbaijanis, to the rds, arabs, bahais, and christians, and others. Citizen the most basic human rights. They do it through harassment and intimidation and detention and violence and if you want to know what kind of violence, talk to the young persians or talk to the young minorities who have suffered through the torture in those prisons. Why do they suffer through it . Because they are trying to bring attention to the oppressiveness of that regime. D those young people yearn for human rights. They stand for the celebrated culture of the persian people and for human rights. And as this resolution makes clear, the United States house of representatives fully supports those who have taken to the streets in iran to exercise the fundamental freedom of expression and assembly. We join them in the hope that their bravery will build the foundation for the emergence of a freely elected, open Democratic Political system in iran. It is a moral imperative to support those who risk their lives, risk their lives demanding the freedoms that ople in free societies enjoy every day. And thats why this resolution calls on all democratic governments and institutions worldwide to join us in clearly every day. Supporting the iranian peoples right to live in a free society. We all face a clear voice, and we stand with the protestors. We stand with those who demand the basic rights and opportunities enjoyed in free societies. To stand with the oppressors. Those who steal the wealth of a great nation to enrich themselves and to Fund Violence abroad. Supporting the people of iran is a strategic imperative. These brave men and women are standing up against the revolutionary guards violent intervention in syria and lebanon as well. We must join them in demanding an end to the single greatest source of instability in the middle east in this and this is the obsession that the regime has with this ideology. In standing with the iranian people, we must explain that they are not the target of our sanctions. U. S. Sanctions target the oppressive, destabilizing regime. Not the people of iran. Thats why this resolution makes clear congress has provide the the authority to license Communications Technology, that improves the ability the iranian people to speak freely. Today we call on the agencies involved to expedite those licenses. U. S. International broadcasting must also turn up the volume of its efforts in iran and convey a message of hope and support. And this should be conveyed by the young, that know that this debate today and the americans people oust is about this issue. Iranians must know that they are not alone in their struggle for freedom. And we also call on companies to reject requests by the regime to cut off the iranian people from social media. These technologies are at their best when they are used to empower people, and undermine the efforts of oppressive regimes. There is more we can do and i welcome chairman mccaul and congressman deutschs introduction of Bipartisan Legislation that will give the administration greater leverage to target those responsible for ordering and carrying out human rights abuses in iran, and this includes the regimes practice of Holding Americans and other foreigners hostage. Many of the regimes hostages are people of iranian descent who came to visit family members. Ame to visit loved ones. Im also working to introduce legislation that has the same goal as those who have bravely taken to the streets to push the corrupt revolutionary guard out im also working to introduce legislation that has of the ira in doing so it seeks to deny the guards the funds they use to hold power over the iranian people while destablizing syria and destabilizing lebanon. Mr. Speaker, congress and the administration have a great. Pportunity we must Work Together on an approach to iran that empowers the iranian people and targets the corrupt regime which oppresses a great people. We cannot be quiet. With the passage of this resolution we state that the United States stands with the ianian iranian people. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. I commend the gentleman for an outstanding speech and yield three minutes to mr. Gottheimer. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Gottheimer i rise to urge spoort for this bipartisan resolution support for this bipartisan resolution to help stop terror. I want to thank chairman royce and my good friend, eliot engel, and im glad this has proceeded swiftly to the a vote on the house floor. The revolution of 1979 marked an normous step backwards for the iranian people. From its beginning, the Islamic Republic of iran has repeatedly violated fundamental human rights of its own people. In august they highlighted the regimes many ongoing abuses including the arbitrary detention, quote, arbitrary detention and properties cushion of individuals for their legitimate exercise of a broad range of right, eprosecution of human rights defenders, human rights leaders and artists. The use of torture and ill treatment, widespread violations of the right to fair trial and due process of law, especially before revolutionary courts and a high level of discrimination against women and ethnic minorities. Beginning late last month protest verse taken to the streets to decry their dismaam economic prospects. Irans costly, aggressive and destabilizing actions across the region and a regime that stifles their rights and aspirations and supports terrorists. These brave men and women have engaged in Peaceful Demonstrations and have every right to demand better treatment from their government. Ile they live under brutal theocracy at home their government insists on funding terrorism abroad. They have increased the funding of heinous terrorist organizations as well as propping up the murderous regime of assad in sir yasm as the worlds leading sponsor of terror, iran provides more than 800 million annually to hezbollah and iranian backed forces are attempting to gain a foothold in syria to threaten our vital ally and leading democracy in the region. There should be nothing partisan about having the backs of brave men and women everywhere or anywhere who risk death to speak out against what is right. The bipartisan resolution condemns the regimes censorship filing crackdowns and repression. We must send a clear message that its behavior throughout the middle east will not be tolerated. The time has come for the people of iran to enjoy their right to a peaceful and democrat exgovernment. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan resolution to help stop terror. I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey yields back. Mr. Royce i yield one minute to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Perry. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Perry thank you, mr. Speaker. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Simple things mean a lot. Thats why i too stand in support of House Resolution 676 which sends a clear message that the United States strongly condemns the arrest of Peaceful Protesters by the rogue Iranian Regime. The iranian people, mr. Speaker, deserve to be free. The last administration witnessed such protests about eight years ago and turned their back and the world saw that america turn thared back on the freedom effort and movement in iran. The Current Administration has noticed immediately and recognized immediately and we are here today to say that no longer will terrorism be appeased. No longer should we help pay for the funding of hezbollah and hamas through payments in the iran nuclear deal. Simple things mean a lot. Simple things like this resolution, mr. Speaker, mean that we stand with the iranian people who breathe and live to be free just like we do. With that, i yield. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania yields back. The gentleman from california is ecognized. I continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognize. Mr. Royce i yield one minute to dor to ann wagner. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Wagner thank you for demonstrating the country stands with the people of iran. I rise to applaud the iranian people who are struggling for dignity, human rights and Economic Security under a shadow of oppression. We are a hemisphere away burr our hearts are with the men and women raising their voices in hope that theyll finally be free of tyranny. Theyre we must support their outrage by severely punishing and containing the irtc with suffocating sangs. We must work with our althrice help iranian communicate on the internet without restriction. We must broadcast footage from protesters and hold authorities accountable for abuses. America is an enthusiastic friend of the ianian people. We are thrilled to support their aspirations for justice and liberty and we stand with them as they take to the streets and demand an end to oppression. I thank you. The speaker pro tempore the time of the gentlelady has expire. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Sherman i ask unanimous consent to yield one minute of my time to the gentleman from california and ask he be able to control that time. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Royce i yield one minute to the gentleman from new york, mr. Zeldin. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Zeldin thank you, mr. Chairman. I rise today in favor of your resolution demonstrating our support for the iranian peoples cry for democracy. On december 28, 017, tens of thousands of iranians courageously pour bad the streets to protest the brutality of president rouhanis regime. The Iranian Regime focuses on their crime, weve been down this road before, this is our second chance. The iranian people, smothered by their own government, look to us and instead of the chill of silence this time, theyre rightfully met with the full, immediate, and resounding support of the United States. We stand in solidarity with millions of iranian desperate for support to help them turn the tide in tehran and all throughout iran. And the people of iran will be losing a great champion with the retirement of chairman royce who has served over the course of the last three terms as chairman of our committee. The fight continues. I support this resolution and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the time of the gentleman has expired. The gentleman from california is ecognized. Mr. Sherman i continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Sherman, has the only time remaining. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Sherman this is a bipartisan resolution. It will put america and this congress on the side of the iranian people. Regardless of which side you are on as to the nuclear deal, we are all dedicated to peace and irans and an end to support for terrorism around the world, support that not only causes damage outside irans borders, but as the demonstrate jors shouting in over 50 iranian cities have clearly indicated, devastates the economy of iran. To us here in washington, we may believe that the face of this regime is that of foreign minister zarif, the dapper, debonair diplomat, meeting with us in geneva and vienna. But the real face of this regime aling lan kurdi, the 3yearold kurdish child, washed up on the beach in turkey after fleeing the war in syria, a war claiming half a million lives only because assad has been propped up by the Iranian Regime. The other face of this regime are the real faces of iranian protesters who put their lives on the line for the freedom of their country. So this is a bill that deserves the support of both sides of the aisle and with that i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california has yielded back his time. All time having now expired on this debate, on this legislation, the question is, will the house suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution 676. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Royce on that i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this uestion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, seek recognition . Mr. Royce i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 535. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 535, a bill to encourage visits between the United States and taiwan at all levels and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, and the gentleman from california, mr. Sherman, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, chairman of the committee. Mr. Royce i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Royce thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Royce i rise in strong support of h. R. 535. S the taiwan travel act. And id like to recognize mr. Chabot for his longstanding dedication and support to the people of taiwan. Mr. Speaker, taiwan succeeded in a momentous transition, a transition which took them to democracy, and they did this decades ago and since, it has become a beacon of democracy across the asiapacific. Taiwan is a strong friend and critical partner to the United States. Congress has been central to this longstanding bond, championing a strong relationship with taiwan through a number of landmark measures like the taiwan relations act, impressive successive administrations to fulfill their only fwation to sell defensive arms to taiwan. Today, Congress Continues this legacy with this taiwan travel act which has gained strong bipartisanport. We should encourage officials to visit tie bay pais, to meet with their democratcally elected counterparts on the many issues this emany programs that we work on together such as Global Health, commercial ties, global twoppings and train, the framework we have in place. We should also welcome tie what these officials here. Mr. Speaker, there are in fact no laws that bar our executive Branch Officials at any level from visiting taiwan. The e. P. A. Administrator in 2014 was the last executive branch official to visit taiwan. A total of six cabinet level officials have visited taiwan since 1979. It is our 10th largest trading partner, taiwan deserves more attention. U. S. Interests in the region deserve more respect. This bill encourages officials at all levels of the u. S. Government, including cabinet level officials, travel to taiwan to meet their counterparts and vice versa. Mr. Speaker, we must build stronger ties in our relationship with taiwan and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from california, mr. Sherman, is now recognized. Mr. Sherman i rise in support of this legislation, h. R. 535, the taiwan travel act, and yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Im pleased to fluste this bill, the taiwan travel act. It is not just an portrayeding partner, 14th largest market and not just the land of 23 Million People but a democratic ally of the United States, a place where our values are displayed in the asiapacific region. And yet, it would be surprising for most americans to know that leaders from taiwan are not allowed to visit the United States under any reasonable format. Of taiwan president cannot visit washington d. C. But can visit los angeles for a refueling stop on the way to costa rica. That is absurd that the president of tay wan would say i fly across the pacific again and gain to visit their friends in Central American country. And that the refueling stop is just a twoday effort to put fuel on a jet plane. Now my district actually benefits from this, because when the president and several different president s of taiwan come to america, they refuel at los angeles airport and they come to the sheer at ton hotel in the 30th congressional district. Despite the benefit in terms of image and economy that the Current Situation provides for the 30th district, its time for us to grow up. Its time for us to realize that taiwan is a vital ally and thats its most important leaders should be visiting washington, d. C. And talking not only to the legislative branch but talking to the executive branch as well. We should no longer be in a circumstance where when members of congress from other parts of the country want to visit with the president of tay wan, they have to fly to Universal City sheraton in my district and visit there. We could communicate better if the president of taiwan was able to land at dulles and be in the halls of congress. So this bill simply says that its time to encourage travel of the highranking officials of each country to the other and meetings at the highest levels. Hat is one important step in ending this effort to isolate taiwan, because by encouraging great level of highlevel visits and dialogue, we would ease taiwans International Isolation and reaffirm that the United States has a political and security commitment to the freedom of taiwan. I thank mr. Chabot for introducing this legislation and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Sherman, reserves. The gentleman from california, mr. Royce, is recognized. Mr. Royce i yield four minutes o the the gentlewoman from florida. The speaker pro tempore the the gentlewoman from florida is recognized. Ms. Roslehtinen i thank our esteemed chairman for his years of service to our country. Mr. Speaker, im proud to support h. R. 535, the taiwan travel act authored by my good friend and colleague, steve chabot. We have worked closely together on our Foreign Affairs committee and its commitment and leadership on strengthening u. S. Taiwan relationships has been second to none. We have worked to shift toll policy to a favorable position for our friend and ally on tay wan. The u. S. Administration after u. S. Administration continued to implement out of fear from a chinese economic retaliation or Diplomatic Retaliation or military retaliation. Frankly, mr. Speaker, it is a shame we continue to allow china to dictate our Foreign Policy when it comes to taiwan. The people of taiwan have been great partners of the United States where china seeks to undermine everything we do. Every administration has gone so far as to selfimpose restrictions and limitations in our dealings with taiwan and that includes a selfimposed restriction on allowing the taiwan president and other highranking officials from coming to washington, d. C. To meet with congress and meet with Administration First and meet with other policy makers. This is unconnable and this far as needs to end. We should have direct dialogue with our ally taiwan and not allow china or the fear of chinese reprisal to dictate this. Without this, we are putting ourselves at a disadvantage. We are harming and insulting an ally and we are damaging our National Security interests and giving china in effect a veto over our Foreign Policy decisions. And that is why, mr. Chabots bill is so important. It states that it should be u. S. Y to not only visits allow visits but to encourage these visits and also states that our own policy makers including at the highest levels of our government should visit taiwan for facetoface meetings with their counterparts. Mr. Speaker, the United States is a global leader, we are a sovereign nation. Who we choose to meet with and who we choose to recognize our sovereign right and shouldnt allow china to impact our decisions. America has allowed china to prevent us from taking full advantage with taiwan. The taiwan travel act is an important step for doing the right thing for our friend and ally and i hope the administration will reverse these damaging policies. I thank the chairman of our esteemed committee for the time. Colleagues to ur support mr. Chabots bill. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the entlelady yields back. The gentleman from california is reserving. Mr. Royce reserve the right to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Sherman, is recognized to close on this for the minority. Mr. Sherman im closing for the minority and look forward to hearing oh, we have mr. Habot. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from california, mr. Royce. Mr. Royce i want to thank the gentleman from california. And i want to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from ohio, mr. Steve chabot, who is the author of this measure. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio is recognized for such time. Mr. Chabot i rise today in support of all three of these overwhelmingly bipartisan bills. First, i would like to speak on h. R. 535, which i introduced this congress along with congressman sherman. We appreciate your support on this and lot of other issues with chairman royce and other members. For close to four decades now, the 1979 nontaiwan relations t served as a cornerstone of u. S. Taiwan relations. We have maintained peace and stability and security in the pacific asiapacific region. There are still major steps that we can take to furtherer strengthen u. S. Taiwan relationships. The we should allow the president of taiwan and other highranking officials like defense ministers to visit our Nations Capital which is currently prohibited. This is our own selfimposed policy and its outrageous. And they are carried out because of potential Diplomatic Retaliation from china. Restricting highlevel visits by taiwan officials is not only insulting but counterproductive. We should be encouraging more direct dialogue with the president of taiwan and other elected first. We let the officials from the p. R. C. And we give them the highest honors, yet we shun the taiwan cally leaders of sm the current approach to communications between the u. S. And taiwan is outdated and time for it to go and be changed. If we seriously want to promote greater democracy in the region, we should be as supportive as possible to the countries that are practicing democracy and thats what taiwan does. Of ours. Ng time ally thats why i introduced this ll a year ago, january 13, 2017. This bill has broad bipartisan support from a long list of cosponsors states that our government should encourage this between the u. S. And taiwan at all levels. I would like to voice my support for h. R. 3320, a bill championed by my friend, ted yoho. This bill directs the department of state to assist taiwan in imagining observer status in the w. H. O. And taiwan has been excluded from participating in most of the really Important International organizations including the w. H. O. For almost 50 years now. Many of my colleagues have advocated for years for taiwans meaningful participation in the w. H. O. Much to the dismay of china. Taiwans exclusion from w. H. O. Creates a dangerous and unnecessary gap in Global Health especially considering the Stellar Health research and medical resources taiwan has to offer. And thats h. R. 3320 is so important. W. H. O. Membership is not only in the best interest of taiwan but in the best interest of the rest of the world including the United States. Lastly, i voice my support for h. Res. 676, chairman royce and Ranking Member engels resolution supporting the right of the people of iran to condemn the Iranian Regime on its crackdown on legitimate protestors. The current regime in iran has never respected human rights or the rule of law. The recent situation in iran only underscores this reality. Im pleased to see my colleagues quickly condemning the atrocities by that government this very day. I take this opportunity to stress the importance of remembering the big picture in iran and its a country thats being run by thugs. Not only do they perpetrate violence and marginalize their own people, they promote terrorism throughout the region and threaten america and its lies and continue to develop Ballistic Missiles which they would like to have equipped with nuclear tips. The most recent outbreak of civil unress in the country should not be a surprise considering the regimes ruthless tactics. I take further steps to hold iran for both its domestic and international violations. I urge my colleagues to support all three of these measures. And i thank chairman royce and mr. Sherman for their support on these and other issues and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from california is recognize dollars. Mr. Sherman mr. Speaker, every ar China Threatens taiwan, attempts to strangle that democracy, bases missile just ver the taiwan ease straits, conducts military exercises designed to simulate an invasion. Hurts the economy of taiwan, hurts the people of taiwan. What is the mildest possible possible response that the United States could make to these provocative and hostile actions . It is the adoption of the taiwan travel act, h. R. 535, to simply have meetings with officials of taiwan and simply allow them to land even at those airports in the United States inconvenient for refueling on the way to costa rica. We should welcome the leaders of taiwan as we welcome the leaders of allies of the United States. And this is the mildest we could make from the sabers rattling from beijing. I urge support for the bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Royce is recognized. Mr. Royce i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Royce im a decadeslong supporter of taiwan. As chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee, i have made supporting stronger u. S. Taiwan economic and security ties a priority for our committee. Ive traveled to taiwan many times, as have members of the committee. I want to thank chairman chabot for introducing this important measure. And i want to thank him for being a longtime champion for taiwan, especially when he was chairman of the asia and pacific subcommittee. The u. S. And taiwan share a common commitment and that commitment is to democracy and the rule of law and human rights and taiwans successes serve as an example of what can be built on these important principles. We should be supporting countries that have achieved democracy to serve as an inspiration for those values across the world. The taiwan travel act is important because it will encourage more interaction between the u. S. And taiwan. This is long overdue, its needed and i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting h. R. 535 and i yield pack the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, yields back the balance of his time. All time having now expired on this resolution, the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 535 . Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, seek recognition . Mr. Royce i move that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3320. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 3320, a bill to direct the secretary of state to develop a strategy to regain observer status for iwan in the World Health Organization and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, and the gentleman from california, mr. Sherman, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from california, mr. Royce. Mr. Royce i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Royce thank you, mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Royce id like to recognize mr. Yow ho who authored this important bill which counters the harmful and unacceptable efforts being made to undermine taiwans inclusion at the World Health Organization and i will yield to him such time heas may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from florida is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Yoho thank you, mr. Speaker. Id like to thank the chairman, mr. Royce, for the opportunity to offer this bill. I too support h. R. 535, the taiwan travel act. I rise in support of h. R. 3320, a bill that directs the secretary of state to develop a strategy to regain observer status for taiwan in the World Health Organization. Id like to give particular thanks to chairman royce, Ranking Member engel, and Ranking Member sherman for supporting this bill and working with me to advance it through the committee process. Mr. Speaker, over the last few year, epeoples republic of china stepped up its campaign to marginalize taiwan. Last year, beijing poached one of taiwans few remaining diplomatic partner the republic of panama. China also blocked taiwan from participating in a number of international organizations, including the World Health Organization. Taiwans exclusion from the World Health Organizations assembly, h annual serves no purpose other than placate beijing. Taiwan has proven time and again it is a model contributor to world health. Since 1996, taiwan has invested over 6 billion in International Medical and humanitarian aid effort impacting over 80 countries. Its made significant financial contributions to the global fund to fight aids, malaria, and tuberculosis. As this bill finds, in 2014, taiwan responded to the ebola crisis by donating 1 million and providing over 100,000 sets of personal protective equipment. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from florida yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from california, mr. Sherman is recognized. Mr. Sherman i rise in support of h. R. 3320 and yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Sherman clearly, taiwan should be a full member of the World Health Organization. All nations should be full members of the World Health Organization, especially one with an advanced Health System that can help us stop pandemics from spreading from one country to another. Thats why it makes sense for us advocate taiwans participation in all International Bodies but particularly the u. N. s World Health Organization. Im pleased to cosponsor this legislation. Its critical to preparing to prevent pandemics. Look at the nonsense that is being focused foisted on the world by beijing. For political reasons, in an effort to say that taiwan doesnt exist except as a province, they are endangering the health of the world. Because the pathogens have not been told that theyre not to go to taiwan. The epidemics have not been told to spare humankind from the inefficiencies and glaring omissions that occur when an important country is excluded from the world health rganization. Taiwans exclusion even from observer status from the world health oring n duringing or World Health Organization is a terrible symbol, an attempt to deny selfdetermination to 23 Million People. But it is worse than a terrible symbol. T is a practical impediment to stopping epidemics. It is a practical impediment to world health. And it is time for the United States to have a strategy to reach out to the world and say taiwan needs to be part of health planning, taiwan needs to be part of the lifesaving initiatives of the World Health Organization. So i look forward to working with our colleagues to pass this legislation and working with the state department toimplement it. And i look forward to the day when we do not put the world at risk of an epidemic that could ave been contained but for the malicious symbolism being foisted on us by beijing. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Sherman, reserves. The gentleman from california, mr. Royce is recognized. Mr. Royce i yield such additional time as the may consume to the gentleman from florida, mr. Yow ho, chairman of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on asia and the pacific. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Yow ho thank you, id like to thank the chairman again for yielding more time and also recognize congressman chabot and connolly for being cosponsors of the bill. While taiwans contributions to Global Health deserve praise, its isolation from international orlingnyizations and exclusion from the w. H. O. Has proven dangerous, if not hazardous. During the 20002003 outbreak of sars, official w. H. O. Notification and Technical Assistance were either blocked or delayed while patients in taiwan died and the disease continued to spread. These diseases know no boundaries and with transit and trade link, taiwans participation at the World Health Organization is important. This legislation will continue this important work my bill will ensure the u. S. Diplomatic strategy to advocate for taiwans presence at the World Health Assembly adapts to beijings efforts to box out taiwan. Taiwan is a benevolent actor on the International Stage and deserves to keep the place it has earn the next w. H. A. Assembly meeting will take place in may of this year. Passage of my bill will be a timely opportunity for the house to recommit to longstanding u. S. Policies and take a firm stand in the face of beijings increasingly oppressive tactics. I urge my colleagues to support taiwans participation in the w. H. O. As an observer by supporting this legislation and again id like to thank chairman royce for the opportunity. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman from florida yield back . Mr. Yow ho i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. Does either side have additional speakers . The gentleman from california, mr. Sherman, is recognized. Mr. Sherman having no speakers, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce it was 20 years ago that we here in congress spoke with one voice. We passed a law to support taiwans inclusion in the World Health Organization. You know, it took a decade of advocacy, it took pressure before taiwan was finally invited to participate in that assembly for the first time in 2009. So you can imagine it is with great discipline we disappointment we learned taiwan was excluded from the meetings last year for the first time after eight years consecutive participation in yes knee va. Pie thai wans participation at the World Health Organization is ourtter of Public Health as friends, mr. Sherman, and as the chairman of the asia subcommittee, mr. Yow ho have both reminded us. This is a matter of Public Health. Taiwan has contributed greatly. So greatly to International Efforts to prevent epidemics. Its provided critical humanitarian aid and medical training around the world. Financial assistance. Investing 6 billion in International Medical and humanitarian aid efforts. Since 1996. All over this globe. 80 countries. And during the 2014 ebola isis, it was taiwan that was there, providing 100,000 sets of protective gear for health workers. Through the Global Cooperation and training framework, the u. S. And taiwan have jointly conducting Training Programs for experts to combat diseases from n go from dengue fever to zika. And yes, as mr. Owe ho reminded us and mr. Sherman, we know from this experience that Infectious Diseases know no borders. They so quickly spread and the Global Health community does not benefit when taiwan is kept in the dark on these critical matters. We are all safer when taiwan has meaningful, unobstructed participation in International Health cooperation forums. All of us recall that taiwan had an awful experience during the sars epidemic that was 15 years ago when the World Health Organization directed taiwan officials not to approach them but to approach beijing for information sharing instead. It is clear that taiwans inclusion from last years World Health Assembly will only help hurt the health and safety of the people of taiwan should not be needlessly held hostage by politics and world health should not be put at risk. Tie what these doctors have so much to offer given their experience providing this humanitarian experience around this world and last fall i met with the director general of the World Health Organization. I pressed him for taiwans participation. Unfortunately, this meeting did not relieve my concerns about taiwans future outlook. And its for this reason, mr. Speaker, that it is all the more important that the u. S. Uses all of its diplomatic leverage to support taiwans efforts to regain observer status to the w. H. O. I applaud the administration for sending our Health Secretary to meet with the delegation taiwan sent to geneva for bilateral meetings on the zhrivense Assembly Meeting last year. I think by doing so, the u. S. Demonstrated leadership by putting International Cooperation ahead of politics. Passage of this bill demonstrate ours support for taiwans inclusion. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this measure. I yield back. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, reserves. The gentleman from california, r. Sherman is recognized. Mr. Sherman i continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce i yield three minutes florida. Tlelady from ms. Roslehtinen thank you, mr. Speaker, and i thank our esteemed chairman for this time and i thank ted yoho the chairman of the subcommittee on asian the pacific for authoring this important bill as well as his Constant Friendship and assistance to our strong and indispensible ally taiwan. His bill directing the secretary of state to develop a strategy for increasing taiwans participation at the World Health Organization, its an important first step, an important piece of our Foreign Policy toward our ally taiwan. Congress has for years been pushing for taiwan to have greater access and equal representation at so many institutions. Unfortunately as with so many other international organizes, taiwans lack of observer status at the World Health Organization is caused by an or chest traited campaign by china to constrain taiwans participation in global affairs. In the case of the b. H. O. , china is did he priving the International Community from access to a wealth of taiwans highlevel health care information. E to its superb talent and treatment facilities, taiwan has excellent Infectious Disease control exailingts. Taiwans cooperation with the centers for Disease Control was crucial in stemming the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome known as sars. Before the last World Health Assembly in may, i wrote a letter to the department of health and Human Services urging greater efforts to ensure that taiwan receive an invitation to the summit. The secretary agreed with me, writing that taiwan is an indispensible member of the Global Health society and Strong Health partner that demonstrated the value of its expertise and contributions to Health Issues f global concern, end quote. Mr. Speaker, china put its dangerous and shortsided policies first using its influence with World Health Organization Member States to deny taiwan an invitation to the assembly. We cannot continuing allowing china to mitigate Infectious Disease and we continue to allow china to bully taiwan or to have a veto over our own foreign on policy decisions. It is time to develop new ideas, new strategies, so that we can put a stop to chinas bullying and ensure that taiwan gain observer status at the w. H. O. And every else. I urge my colleagues to vote for this important measure and as always, i thank our chairman for the time. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the time of the gentlelady has expired. The gentleman from california, r. Sherman, is recognized. Mr. Sherman this legislation has support from just about everyone, bipartisan. Its obvious necessary for taiwan to be part of the World Health Organization. To exclude it is to put the health of anyone who might be affected by a pandemic, to put that interest below beijings nterests in strangeling taiwan diplomaticically and economically. I urge the adoption of this legislation and i look forward to working with the state epartment until we achieve our objective, which is at a minimum, taiwans return to observer status at the World Health Organization. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, mr. Sherman has yielded back. The gentleman from california, mr. Royce, is recognized to close debate on this bill. Mr. Royce i yield myself such time. I led a delegation to tie pay this last summer and i was there when taiwan pledged to donate 800,000 in Disaster Relief to houston and that was in the aftermath of hurricane harvey. It is generous actions like this that i can think of 80 occasions that remind us again and again that tie juan is taiwan is a positive actor in the International Community. And we must support its International Standing and wellbeing. I would like to say in closing, i thank my colleagues for being original cosponsors on this bill in addition to mr. Yoho and myself. I do want to thank you, mr. Sherman, for your leadership on this issue and mr. Connolly as well. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the time of the the gentleman from from california has been yielded back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3320. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended and the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The chair lays before the house the following enrolled bill. The clerk h. R. 3759 a bill to provide for the establishment and maintenance of a family care giving strategy and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, proceedings will resume on motions to suspend the rules previously postponed. Votes will be taken in the following order. House resolution 676 by the yeas yeas ys, h. R. 4564 by the 7581 by the h. R. Yeas and nays. First electronic vote will be conducted as a 15minute vote. Remaining votes will be conducted as fiveminute votes. Unfinished business the vote on the motion of the the gentlewoman from florida, ms. Roslehtinen, to suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution 676 on which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title of the resolution. The clerk House Resolution 676, supporting the rights of the people of iran to Free Expression condemning the Iranian Regime for its crackdown on legitimate protests and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. Members will record their votes by electronic device. 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. ]
comparemela.com © 2020. All Rights Reserved.