Transcripts For CSPAN U.S. House Of Representatives 20180117

Expanding trade with africa. We may also hear more about the shortterm spending measure that republicans unveiled last night which would fund the federal government through february 16. Debate in the house likely tomorrow. Live house coverage is here on cspan. The speaker the house will be in order. The prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father conroy. Chaplain conroy let us pray. Lord god, architect of the universe and advocate for us all, thank you for giving us another day. When we rise from sleep activities of the day stir the mind, having a job to fulfill sets us into routine as a people with purpose. Daily work demonstrates responsibility and manifest our participation in your creative power. Mind and body together become engaged in productivity, success tenance or Service Beyond ourselves. Because human work bestows a special dignity upon a person and achieve a just society, we know how important it is for us to pray for the unemployed and those who work but still struggle to make ends meet. Bless the work of congress today. May this chosen labor be creative, prove responsible and have lasting results to the benefit of our nation. And may all that is done be for your greater honor and glory, amen. The speaker the chair has examined the journal of the last days proceedings and announces its approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1, rule 1, the journal stands approved. Mr. Speaker pursuant to clause 1, rule 1, i demand a vote on agreeing to the speaker aapproval of the journal. The speaker those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The journal stands approved. Mr. Speaker, i object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present. The speaker pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, further proceedings on this question are postponed. The pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentlewoman from oregon. Ms. Bonamici i pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The speaker the chair will receive message. Madam speaker. The secretary mr. Speaker. The speaker madam second. Im directed by the president of the United States to deliver to the house of representatives a message in writing. The speaker the chair will entertain up to 15 requests for speeches on each side of the aisle. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Without objection, the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Johnson you know, this very nation was founded bonn that all men are entitled founded upon the belief that all men are to the most precious right to life. Its a right that i fought to defend in the United States air force. And its a right i continue to defend in this United States ongress. Thats why this week i will the y vote in support of born alive abortion survivors rotection act. Its my hope folks across the are brought together ith the uplifting message that life is a blessing. Yield back. Thank you, mr. Speaker. The eaker pro tempore gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlelady from organizeon seek recognition . Ms. Bonamici unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlelady is recognized for ne minute. Ms. Bonamici thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, im deeply disappointed that the of justice is ignoring states rights and of raging the prosecution small cannabis businesses, which of which are in oregon. This month the department of justice rescinded the call memo which provided to discourage prosecutors from charging individuals and businesses with related arijuana crimes in states where marijuana is legal. Oregon is one of those states. Today more than 700 Small Businesses operate across the state. Where, like with alcohol, rijuana businesses are licensed, regulated, and taxed. These Small Businesses follow state law, create jobs in their communities, and pay taxes yet now their livelihood is licensed, regulated, and taxed. These small threatened because this ministration wants to revive the futile war on weed. This is absurd, especially when the department of justice putting its efforts and resources into the extremely dangerous and heroin and fentanyl. Our small cannabis businesses be jeopardized by this policy. Spoken. S have e their will must be respected. The speaker for what purpose does the gentleman from North Carolina seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in pembrook, North Carolina, named 2017 small town of the year by the North Carolina rural assembly. Pembrook, population 3,000, is home to the university of north pembrook, and the lumby indian tribe. Whom i nizations with am involved. Mr. Pit enger much of north has been decimated by International Ed deals. Pembrook is fighting back by participating in the first in prurepship program, working to build its economy by focusing on health care, agribusiness. Nd mayor, lations to the council members, the town u. N. C. Pembrook ancellor, and the entire pembrook community ton this outstanding achievement. Thank you and i yield back. The eaker pro tempore gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlelady from texas seek recognition . Unanimous consent to address he house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlelady is recognized for ne minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Ms. Johnson thank you, mr. Speaker. 2017 alone there was 16 extreme weather and climate devastated the United States and its territories. Harvey, hurricane which ravaged my great state of houstons rought hird 500year flood in three years. Contiguous u. S. Has experienced five of the warmest years on record. Year after year new temperature d wealth cevaerity records are broken. Cevaerity records are broken. Ords it has become clear that there is a link between the severity events to human cause Climate Change. Study published magazine, re scientists concluded that the frequency of extreme weather events in Northern Hemisphere were amplified by Climate Change. It is time to face the fact that Climate Change is real and dmit that were directly contributing to it. Thank you, mr. Chairman. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman seek nnsylvania recognition . Unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the is recognized for one inute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize my constituent, dr. M. Block, president of , and patitis b foundation the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center in my district in pennsylvania. Mr. Fitzpatrick he was creentsly named as a fellow of National Academy of investors. Being elected as a fellow is frotional recognition for academic i ventors who have shown a to ong commitment innovation by facilitating or creating invention that is make impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. Recognized ething for his contributions to biomarker drug and Disease Screening and discovery. He also holds more than nine atents and has been involved for more than 30 years in biohepatitis research. The house of representatives thanks dr. Block for the work that he has done in this field which has impacted the lives of constituents in my district and people around the world. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentlelady from texas seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlelady is recognized for one minute. For what purpose does the gentlelady from texas seek ecognition . Ms. Jackson lee i rise today, mr. Speaker, to save lives. Oppose the c. R. For its repetitiveness and its inability to save lives a. Frankly, the lives of dreamers r the lives of those who depend upon the Childrens Health Insurance Program. The vulgar statement made by white house, how shocking this week of dr. Kings birthday of the deafening lence of my republican friends and the faith community, the broad based faith community. Network, d from the he slave created servitude for natural life for african laborers. Plus years laid slave labor black african and people was the foundation of the American Economy and global force that it eventually became. On the eve of the civil war black slaves were valued at an 3. 5 billion. Thats scaled for inflation. Were f the black slaves able to cash in on that value. Statement vulgar about africa from which many of us have come. So i would argue that it is for this house to tand up for people such as starving in somalia. Those who are starving in sudan and nigeria. Those who have been called a vulgar word. Where is the morality of this congress, this administration, this starving in somalia. Nation. O are enough is enough. I yield back. For eaker pro tempore what purpose does the gentleman from gam seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. Remarks. Extend my the speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in support of h. R. 4712, the born survivors protection act. I am proud to be a cosponsor this important prolife legislation. The born alive survivors protection act is a simple but strengthen the protections for babies who survive abortion. Ensures that these precious babies are provided with the care egree of medical that any child any other child would receive in order to lives. Ir we ought to expect doctors and nurses to follow their oath to and heal this. Bill codifies that expectation nto law for babies who survive abortion. Mr. Allen and deserve a chance at life. Just think about this, right whether a bating living, breathing baby should be given a chance to live. I know that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree our babies deserve compassion and most importantly our protection. Nd i hope they will join me in supporting this important legislation. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The hat purpose does gentleman from new york seek recognition . Unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. E speaker pro tempore without objection, recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, today i rise to of dr. Jim with who passed away on january higgins possessed of a Technical Expertise and a fear sense of justice, he was a advocate for people who, due to their no fault to heir own, were exposed deadly substances in the workplace. He was a powerful force in our efforts in helping thousands of western new yorkers get long overdue deadly substances in suffering or cause by their unknowing xposure to uranium at long shuttered plants like lynndie and cs, hooker chemical, bethlehem steel where today over 300 million in compensation in medical bills been paid out to former employees. Common, steady demeanor he gave instant credibility y to any fight. While our fight to provide full nd fair relief for all these citizens continues, we will never forget this fighter for the cold war warriors. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the entleman from indiana seek recognition . I scuck unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor kates cart a group founded in memory layman, monday marked 10 years since kates life was cut short due to a heart at the age of 18 months. During kates final moments listening to stories brought a sense of comfort and joy. Lives on s memory through kates cart. This organization brings joy to hospitalized children throughout northeast indiana by giving them free books. In the 10 years it has operated, kates cart has ,000 books. Ver 18 186,000 books. Kates cart is near and dear to my heart, mr. Layman, kates middle School History teacher and helped sparked my interest in government. Life to recognize the changing work of kates cart. Truly her legacy lives on and gh this Organization Impact on its children. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the california seek recognition . Unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlelady is recognized for one minute. You, mr. Speaker. S. Lee i rise today in strong opposition to attorney general sessions unproductive and backwards marijuana policies. Rescinding the member yes on legal marea enforcement, he has goal as has one attorney general. Reviving the failed war on drugs. These policies have proven to devastating for communities of color. For example, africanamericans likely to mes more be arrested and incarcerated for Marijuana Possession than counterparts. Instead of embracing outdated drug laws, the attorney general working to create a criminal Justice System that treats everyone fairly. Worse, by going after Legal Marijuana businesses and consumers, the attorney general really showing a blatant disregard for the will of the voted, people who have mind you, voted in their states for more reasonable and fairer laws. Why im proud to introduce h. R. 4779, actually introduced it last week, along with my friend, congressman don young, at that its a bipartisan bill called the refer act which ould prevent harmful federal overreach. Also today were introducing a bill that will end the federal prohibition. Thank u. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Its hard to believe it has been 30 years since my first night alone as an obgny resident in florida. I was called about 2 00 in the morning stat to the o. B. Floor. I went to a patients room and viewed a lady i never met before. I determined she might be 24 weeks pregnant but she had blood knew into the bed, and i i had seconds or minutes to make a decision whether to do a csection on this lady. As we rushed her to the o. R. , i was calling in neonatal doctors, anybody i could do. And when i reached in there to pull the first baby out there was a second baby. And we did everything to save those babies lives. An Abortion Clinic across town where botched abortions occurs, they are executed in inhow main fashion. We have a chance friday to pass the born alive survivors protection act. And i look forward to passing that legislation. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlelady from minnesota seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute. Revise and extend. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mr. Speaker, the Republican Party has total control of washington, yet instead of fulfilling the responsibilities to fund the government, President Trump and the republicans wasted four months on their tax scam. They are now kicking the can downing the road again. Ms. Mccollum we need a budget deal that teeps our government open, meets our commitment to hardworking families and need to reauthorize Community Health centers which would otherwise be forced to layoff health care workers, we need to have responsible pension reform and pass the dream act. There is bipartisan support for these priorities. The only thing standing in the way is republicans failure to govern responsibly. Mr. Speaker, it is time for President Trump and the republicans to end the chaos and work across the aisle to meet the urgent needs of the American People. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Speaker, texas businesses are putting more money in their employee pockets because of the tax cuts and jobs act. Companies that employ tens of thousands of my constituents in north texas are giving bonuses to their employees, increasing investment in their operations and donating millions of dollars to charities. These Texas Companies are joining thousands of others across the country and doing the same for their workers. They are growing the American Economy because of tax reform. Reforms are unfair and uncompetitive and they are being fixed in this tax code. They provide tax relief at every income level and help americans and american businesses to succeed in the future. Thank you. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and resize and extend my remarks. Mr. Mcnerney i rise to commemorate the life and achievements of a stanford neurobiologist. He received a b. S. From m. I. S. From 6 and m. D. And phd harvard in 1990. Then started in stanford and made the transition to mayo, championing dignity for everyone. He had 160 scientific publications and his greatest achievements were about the cells in theesponsible for rege neuron and found they play a central role in developing the wiring of the brain. These cells were thought of as eninsulation for neurons. The professor cofounded bio sciences that make drugs to he died onimers and december 27 of pancreatic cancer. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlelady from florida seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute and revise and extend. Ms. Roslehtinen mr. Speaker, i rise to congratulate and recognize the president and c. E. O. Of united way of miamidade. The united way of miamidade is an organization committed to help those most in need to lead successful lives. S the new president and c. E. O. Chapter, maria will build on its mission of changing lives through education, Financial Stability and health. For more than three decades, maria has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. Ms. Alonzo chaired numerous south florida institutions such as the Miami Chamber of commerce and served on the miami foundation, camillas house, Miamidade College foundation, march of dimes and teach for america. Marias vision of a stronger and united miami is not only inspiring but the very foundation of the work of united way miamidade that it brings to our community. Im proud to represent individuals like maria and i thank her for her work to empower individuals to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection. I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of pamela north, a dedicated advocate for new york city city community. Ms. North is an Unstoppable Force of good in her own community. At Queens College where she spoke out to increase minority student admissions and served on numerous influential Advisory Boards across the city. She was the chair of Community Borough 12 in manhattan and chair of the metropolitan chapter of jack and jill and trustee, multi Cultural Committee initiative. She will be remembered for her enthusiasm for giving back and the strong words that she influenced and continues to do. Ms. North left a permanent mark in the northern Manhattan Community for which she will be remembered for years to come. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentleman from colorado seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute and resize and extend my remarks. Mr. Polis the situation that so many deemers, americans who no know other country face is becoming more and more urgent in the face of President Trumps cancellation of their legal status in march. I want to point out that over 100 are losing status every day and losing their permission to go to work and legal status in our country. If we fail to act, a million will be not cans able to live and work in the country they know creating more than a million more. Opposite of what President Trump ran on and what the American People want. I know we can pass a solution. I have heard democrats and republicans talk passionately about providing permanent status for the dreamers. Lets pass the dream act. Any of these pills im proud to cosponsor a new one yesterday that will provide some certainty for young people who want to do nothing more than work hard, play by the rules and make our country, the United States of america, even greater. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore i lay before the house a communication. The clerk the honorable, the speaker, house of representatives, sir, pursuant to the permission granted in clause 2h of rule 2 of the rules of the house of representatives, the clerk received the following message from the secretary of the senate on january 17, 2018 at 11 20 a. M. , appointment, Health Information Technology Advisory committee, with best wishes, i am signed sincerely, karen l. Haas. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from colorado, mr. Buck, seek recognition . Mr. Buck by direction of the committee on rules i call up House Resolution 693 and ask for immediate consideration. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report. House resolution 693. Resolved, that at any time after adoption of this resolution the speaker may, pursuant to clause 2 b of rule 18, declare the house resolved into the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for consideration of the bill, h. R. 3326, to increase accountability, combat corruption, and strengthen Management Effectiveness at the world bank. The First Reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the committee on Financial Services. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the fiveminute rule. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the fiveminute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill. The Committee Amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. All points of order against the Committee Amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived. No amendment to the Committee Amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in part a of the report of the committee on rules accompanying this resolution. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the house or in the committee of the whole. All points of order against such amendments are waived. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee Shall rise and report the bill to the house with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any member may demand a separate vote in the house on any amendment adopted in the committee of the whole to the bill or to the Committee Amendment in the nature of a substitute. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Section 2. Upon adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the house the bill, h. R. 2954, to amend the Home Mortgage disclosure act of 1975 to specify which depository institutions are subject to the maintenance of records and Disclosure Requirements of such act, and for other purposes. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the committee on Financial Services now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part b of the report of the committee on rules accompanying this resolution, shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill, as amended, are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any further amendment thereto, to final passage without intervening motion except one, one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the committee on Financial Services; and two, one motion to recommit with or without instructions. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from colorado, mr. Buck, is recognized for one hour. Mr. Buck for the purposes of debate only, i yield the customary 30 minutes to my friend, mr. Polis, pending myself such time as i may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for purpose of debate only. Mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Buck i rise in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. This rule makes in order two bills reported favorably by the committee on Financial Services. The rule makes in order a majority of the amendments submitted. These bills were the subject of hearings in the Financial Services committee and marked up and reported favorably to the house. Both bills received bipartisan support in the committee and i expect well see bipartisan support for both bills on the floor this week. Mr. Speaker, formed in 1944, the world bank is the oldest Multilateral Development bank. As a postworld war ii effort of International Cooperation shall the goal of the bank was to Fund Reconstruction efforts in wartorn nations. In 1960, the United States pushed for the creation of the International Development association within the world bank. Where the original World Bank Division funded middle income countries, the i. D. A. Has created to make congressional loans. That is loans with low Interest Rates and long repayment periods to the worlds poorest countries. The number of countries served by the i. D. A. Currently stands at 75. The i. D. A. Is typically the largest single largest source of funding for critical social programs in these lowincome countries. However the bill before us reduces the United States contributions to the i. D. A. The i. D. A. Is funded through replenishments by donor countries. Were currently in the 1th period known as i. D. A. 18. The bill reduces the United States contribution in the i. D. A. 18 by 15 . Further, the bill requires that the Treasury Department certifies that the World Bank Reform its practices and lending controls in relation to the i. D. A. A 2016 report commissioned by the World Bank Reveals Serious Problems with one particular i. D. A. Project in uganda. While i. D. A. s role is to reduce inequality and support the development of civil society, the report outlines numerous failures to achieve these objectives on the part of the i. D. A. The report details how i. D. A. Financing of a project in uganda spreading of ic hivaids, sexual abuse of minors, child labor, retaliation against local citizens, genderbased violence, and other gross abuses of powerless ugandans. While the i. D. A. Took several steps, including withdrawing some loans from this particular project, there is much concern this project is indicative of others. The House Committee on Financial Services held a hearing at which testimony was received from the International Consortium of investigative journalists indicating that others. The House Committee on financial governments that allow or participate in the abuse of their citizens and the sub jew case of the poor had not been turned away by the world bank. The testimony reads in part, we ound instead that the bank repeatedly funded governments that not only failed to adequately resettle communities but in some cases were accused of human rights abuses such as rape, murder, and violent evictions associated with bank projects. We found in several cases that the world bank continued to bankroll these borrowers even after evidence of these abuses came to light. Mr. Speaker, the i. D. A. Has a Quality Control problem and were right in reducing their funding. As if the abuse of citizens by corrupt governments is not enough, the committee has also uncovered evidence that the world bank has serious internal problems as well. According to the world banks independent evaluation group, World Bank Staff has long been incentivized to simply get more loans out the door without any quality to ensure the of the projects. This has been a longstanding trend documented since the early 1990s. Its not just perverse incentives. He bank has not focused enough on ringedly ridge edly carding it self on ridgedly guarding it self on corruption. It was common for World Bank Projects to be captured by corrupt governments. And they tried to suppress corruption investigations. Corruption investigation can shut down projects and derail ridge careers. They are also inconvenient for Senior Management in the bank. Who are balancing deli cat relationships with their con delicate relationships with their country clients. Due to these problems the underlying bill projects american taxpayers by withholding funding from the world bank until these deficiencies are fixed. Not only should we be Holding International organizations accountable, we should also hold our own government accountable. And the second bill made in order under this rule does just that. In 2011, doddfrank transferred to the Consumer Protection Financial Bureau Regulatory Authority over Home Mortgages. Nce then cfpb has made information reporting by lenders more extensive. The impact of these increased regulations has led to greater costs to lenders. Consequently smaller lenders have had to pass on these costs directly to potential borrowers. This has reduced access to Affordable Credit to borrowers who would typically seek out smaller lending institutions. The underlying bill is simplet exempt small lenders from cfpbs onerous reporting requirements. Under the leadership of chairman hensarling, House Republicans have consistently put forward a plan to reform the cfpb. However, until we can pass broader reforms, we should do everything we can to protect americans from harmful regulations pushed on them by the cfpb. Today we have two bills before us that hold powerful organizations accountable to american taxpayers. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and these bills. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from colorado, mr. Polis, is recognized. Mr. Mr. Polis i thank the gentleman for yielding me the customary 30 minutes. I yield myself such time as i may consume. Mr. Speaker, once again Congress Finds itself rushing to try to keep gislation to government opened, ensure our youngest, mouse vulnerable americans have access to Health Insurance, protecting young aspiring americans from being deported from the only country they have, and here were debating other things with the clock running out in the 11th hour issues that no doubt have a few people here and there that care about them, but zero people have called my office on, mr. Speaker. My constituents are demanding hat we address access to Child Health Care Insurance Program. Nand demanding we act on the dreamers with the deadline approaching and 100plus dreamers every day losing their status. It sounds like from what were hearing the house will consider yet another shortterm spending bill. Maybe keep the government running another four weeks or six weeks. Thats the fourth shortterm spending bill for this year. Not allowing the department of defense to plan to keep our country safe. Not allowing any of the departments across the federal government to make any of the investments they need or any degree of certainty that contractors will be paid. Its no way to govern, mr. Speaker. Part of the reason that were left doing this is were using our precious floor time on all of these other issues, like the ones before us today. Its not that these issues dont deserve their day in the sun and well talk about them for, the rest of the day today, apparently, but were facing the closure of the entire federal government. In three days if we dont act. Were doing the equivalent of fiddling while rome burns. This is an absurd exercise in doing some narrowly tailored special interest bills rather than addressing what we all know to be the thousand pound gorillas in the room. Military veterans, people with disabilities shouldnt have to question whether theyll receive their benefits month to month because we dont know whether government will remain open. In the meanwhile, republicans, democrats, the white house, are all trying to put forward Bipartisan Solutions for the hundreds of thousands of deferred action for childhood arrival recipients and dreamers, and we could be debating that on the floor and putting together the final package now to do that by this friday. But instead, were discussing these bills that my constituents arent telling me that they are sending me to washington to pass. A lot of my colleagues say the deadline for daca isnt until march, but in reality over 100 deferred action dreamers every day lose their protected status as their benefits expire. Every day the republicans fail to act they are creating over immigrants in this country and republicans fail to act by march, they will have created over 800,000 more. People here illegally in our country. We have about 18,000 dreamers in colorado. Able to work legally today. They have come from countries near and far in search of a better life for themselves and their families, grew up in our schools. Sports teams, cheerleaders, dont know any other country. Many dont speak any other language. Dreamers like that i have gotten to know from colorado, the family who stayed in colorado to take their of their grandfather. A triple major at Colorado State university. Studying political science, ethnic studies, international relations. Shes built a life in colorado, the only life she knows and continues to build a Bright Future in the us fuss we can give her the certainty with regard to her legal ability to work and of course take her place alongside other american citizens. What makes america so great is were a country of immigrants made up of people from all backgrounds, all corners of the world. We embrace people from different cultures and countries. We value the contributions based on the individual. The values of individual responsibility and hard work. Thats what makes our country and our communities vibrant and our economy successful. Mr. Speaker, a group of bipartisan house and Senate Members are working together to find a solution to protect dreamers and improve Border Security. Im proud to cosponsor the usa act which we dropped yesterday with mr. Hurd and mr. Aguilar which will provide dreamers longterm protections and improves our Border Security to prevent this situation from happening again. Instead of legislation that addresses longterm funding or protecting aspiring americans, here were bringing bills to talk around the fringes about Consumer Protection answer of course a bill that would chip away at Reproductive Health rights. The rules were debating today considered two pieces of legislation that are not anything to do with the expiration at the end of this week of government funding or the over 100 dreamers who lose their status every day. The Home Mortgage disclosure act ability act. Mortgage disclosure act has long monitored financial mortga long monitored Financial Institutions to ensure equal access to credit. The information that lenders report show they are meeting the Housing Financing needs of their communities. Hmda data is very important in fair lending assessments and helps make determinations where to target Community Development resources. Congress has made changes to hmda as a response to legitimate ncerns about the role that widespread predatory lending led to the financial crisis. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was charged with updating how lenders report hmda. The bureau adopted a new standard for reporting requirements that took into account the burdens imposed on banks by new standards that ensure that the data is being reported to monitor fair lending practices to prevents another systemic meltdown like we had in 2008 and 2009. The Consumer Financial protect bureau temporarily raised the reporting threshold, eliminating the need for low volume banks to report throw 2019 to conduct research to determine the right way to document openended lobes. We loans. We should not codify this threshold, removing the flexibility the agency we in congress set up to prevent another financial meltdown. It would tie their hands and prevent them from acting even if there was a need to to prevent the financial meltdown. I strongly support regulatory relief for Community Banks and small Financial Institutions. His bill would actually exempt 85 of the depository Financial Institutions and 48 of nondepository lenders. Congress should want to encourage increased access to Housing Finance and combat unflaul practice that is can prey on vulnerable home buyers or lead to systemic risks which leads to people coming to this town demanding another republican taxpayer bailout. This rule also considers debate for h. R. 3326, the World Bank Accountability act. Another issue that is not relate to the expiration of government funding tend of the week, dot not create the illegal aliens the republicans are creating every day. Does not relate to Childrens Health Insurance Program expiring. What it does is it places restriction on funding of the world bank International Development association. Again something im not hearing from my constituents on. Sending me to ot washington and demanding i take action on. Try to get them to reform, improve their management accountability and fight sendin washington and demanding i take action on. Extremism. Which im sure is fine. Its true that of course they probably need to improve accountability and oversight. And congress can have this discussion. But like here were backs to the wall, governments about to close, dreamers are missing deportation, children are going without health care. Of course, World Bank Accountability. Great. Discuss it. Why cant we do it next week after we get through this. In fact, i believe the republicans are sending us on vacation next week. I think most americans wish they had 10 days off at the end of january. I downed understand this. It makes no sense. Congress is about to do a lastminute funding bill then send every member in congress on a 10day vacation. Good job we dealt with World Bank Accountability. Thats what the voters want. Forget about Government Shutdowns. Forget were going to republicans creating more illegal aliens. Republicans plunging our nation deeper into debt with their tax and spend policies. That is where were headed, mr. Speaker. Of course we should have a debate on the best way to make reforms in the u. S. And engage the world bank to encourage those reforms. Again, fiddling while rome burns, mr. Speaker, its a common theme over here. The American People are seeing through it which is why the Approval Rating of this institution sunned 15 . No shock. No shock. We can be debating World Bank Accountability every day for the next year if you want. Thats why people think this bodys out of touch. Were just not addressing our skyrocketing debt. 12 Million People that are here illegally and this Congress Fails to take up comprehensive reform, expiration of Childrens Health care, fixing the Affordable Care act. Withholding funds to the i. D. A. Hat has a lot of positives and negatives. People fear it could punish people in developing world and and again, fine, well have that discussion under this rule for an hour or two and congress will debate that. And congress will pass a bill and see whether the senate takes it up. They often dont. But you know, its backs to the wall, if i haddling while rome buns, record debt, republicans creating more Illegal Immigrants every day and we are debating accountability for different aide programs. You know what . This 15 must be the family members and congress. I dont know h who is satisfied with this congress, mr. Speaker. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. Mr. Buck is recognized. Mr. Buck i want to remind my friend from colorado that the house did pass the Childrens Health Insurance Program bill in november. We did send it to the senate. Perhaps if you could talk to the leadership and his party over in the senate, we could get that bill passed in the senate instead of blocked and could deal with an issue in colorado that is absolutely essential. One of the few states where it is more important than many of the other states. I appreciate the my colleagues concern on this issue. I share his concern. Theous acted responsibly in a broad bipartisan bill. And hopefully we can get our friends over in the senate to get more done. Right now, i yield five minutes to my good friend and sponsor of one of our bills today, the gentleman from minnesota, mr. Emmer. The eaker pro tempore gentleman is recognized. Mr. Emmer for thousands across the country, American Dreams consist of owning a home or starting a business. Some laws are helpful in achieving this dream, others have created obstacles by codifying government overreach. In 1975, the Home Mortgage disclosure act was enacted and exposed and helped discriminatory lending practices particularly against minorities. In short, this law helped more americans realize their dream of owning a house. Over the years, the disclosure required by the law has expanded away from the original intent has become eaning obstacle preventing lenders from helping aspiring homeowners. In 2015, doddfrank created agency the consumer Financial Protection Bureau and demanded from lenders more than double the amount of data originally required under the Home Mortgage disclosure act. That rule took effect the first of this month. Larger firms are able to adapt. In fact, most, if not all, continue to be in the Home Mortgage business. But for smaller financial firms, for the familyowned bank on main street, the rule means make fewer mortgages or none at all. This unintended result is something each of us have heard over and over again. Again these are the not bank of americas, but the small guys on main street in small towns all across minnesota and our country. As the direct result of having fewer and fewer small lenders in the Home Mortgage, we are offering the capital necessary, the cfpbs rule has put the American Dream out of reach for many americans. Mr. Speaker, today, we have an opportunity to right size government regulation to create more opportunity. We have the opportunity to encourage small and mediumsized institutions to keep their doors open, to make mortgages again, to make loans to wouldbe entrepreneurs and fund the deems of their neighbors and friends. We have the opportunity to expand, not the law, but rather and instead the number of americans who can own a home or start their own business. I first introduced when i came to congress in 2015. Its a bill that will keep the original intent of the 1975 law. Nothing will overright or exempt any Financial Institution big or small from reporting data related to race or gender but a bill to stop the loss to lenders by providing desperately needed regulatory relief. Im proud to say its a bill that has been perfected from input from both sides of the aisle and both chambers. Our goal today should be to expand the number of americans who want to get one step closer to achieving their American Dream whether owning a home or starting a business. H. R. 2954 will help us achieve this goal. If you share the goal, then i ask you to vote yes on h. R. 2954 and pass the Home Mortgage disclosure adjustment act. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from colorado, mr. Polis. Mr. Polis last week, President Trump tweeted that, quote, the democrats are all talk and no action and doing nothing to fix daca, end quote. That is deeply insulting to those of us who have worked so hard for years. I was here when the democrats passed the dream act in december of 2010. This is the 18th time we have attempted to bring up the bipartisan bill. We are about to do it again here. With my colleague, mr. Gome is. The dream act makes our position clear. We want immigration policies to make america safer and our aspiring americans can take their rights along side of us. Unfortunately President Trump made his position. His position changes each and every other day. He said my standard is first, make america great. Thats an easy one because this bill we will bring up if we defeat the previous question will make america greater. Repealing daca would cost over 60 billion and reduce Economic Growth by 280 billion and make us poorer. We want to make us better and recognize the aspiring americans and pay by the rules and pay taxes and live their dream. Thats an America First policy we can all get behind. When we defeat this question, the 18th attempt to do this, but im a jewish american, 18 is a lucky number. It means high. You are lucky to be here. Theyll recognize that. Its like seven and i dont know if seven is a lucky number, too. But 18 is life. And this is life for the dreamers. Thats what mr. Gomezs motion is all about. Having young people who dont have that certainty who dont know they can go to their job and work hard, come today or tomorrow, over 100 today whose status is expiring. I really hope that my republican colleagues join mr. Gomez and i in defeating the previous question to bring up the dream act which would pass this body, mr. Speaker. You and i know that. Its bipartisan and bicameral. And would help thousands of young people defacto americans. Mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the record along with extraneous material immediately prior to the vote on the previous question. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Polis to discuss our home, high, life, i yield four nints minutes to the gentleman from california, mr. Gomez. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Gohmert mr. Speaker, i was this to build a Better Future for their children and live in one of the greatest countries in the history of the world and work and live in a safe place without fear of violence. Was it because they knew that if they came here that no matter where they are from that if they work hard, contribute to our country and believe in the ideals of america, that all men and women are created equal that you deserve a place here in the United States of america. The answer is yes. My ancestors and parents came to the United States for this reason and more. Their answer hold true for hundreds of thousands of dreamers who live, work and attend school here in the United States without fear of deportation thanks to daca. Yet on september 5, the Trump Administration destroyed the American Dream for 800,000 young people and their families by terminating daca. A proudhose dreamers is daca recipient from my district, the 34th Congressional District of california. She was born in mexico and arrived in my district before she turned one. The United States is the only place she has ever known and is as american as you and i. She was forced to live with the burden of her legal status. At the age of 14, she found out she didnt have the legal status when she tried to travel out of state to play in a soccer tournament and that fear of being deported as she left her state of california prevented her from leaving. Her life has changed when she became a daca recipient. She enrolled in a liberal arts college in maryland and no longer has to live in fear as she goes about her life. Dreamers deserve the chance to succeed and contribute to our great country. I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question to by up the dream act to give 800,000 dreamers a shot at the American Dream. I yield back to the gentleman from colorado. Mr. Polis i reserve. Mr. Buck i yield five minutes to the chair of the subcommittee of Monetary Policy and trade, the gentleman from kentucky, mr. Barr. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Barr thank you to the gentleman from colorado, i rise in support of this combined rule that will enable this house to consider the World Bank Accountability basket and the Home Mortgage disclosure act. I want to respond to the other the gentleman from colorado saying this house is not doing the peoples business. We are doing it right now. We are working on Immigration Reform and to suggest otherwise is not true. In fact, on yearend spending, this house passed all Appropriations Bills ahead of time, ahead of schedule before the end of the fiscal year and they were sent over to the senate. This house dealt with the issues related to the child Health Insurance program and dealt with Community Health centers and whole range of other issues and those pieces of legislation went over to the senate. The issue is with the senate and not with this house. Furthermore, this house has passed historic tax reform that has become law and passed over 16 congressional review acts rolling back obama rules and regulations and millions of jobs have been created and the best economy we have seen in a decade. Its not true to suggest that the house is not doing the peoples business. But we are dealing with some important additional issues this week and we can do both, plan for yearend spending debates and reauthorize the world bank. Its to reduce poverty around the globe. However during congressional hearings, the world bank has fell short of its antipoverty mission. Outside reviews of the world bank and own reviews concluded that quote a pressure to lend on through the staff evaluation process has created perverse incentives for some employees to focus on loan volume in order to receive a raise rather than on what really matters which is Poverty Reduction outcomes. There are numerous examples of the group of people that were supposed to be helped was actually harmed by a corrupt government or its cronies, from rape to murder, the list of Human Rights Violations goes on and on. One of the most egregious was the uganda crisis where contractors were abusing a dozen or more girls and took the World Bank Years to stop. The world banks country manager for the uganda project was promoted to become World Bank Director for the republic of congress where violations have refasted in 2017. For these reasons and more, i support the World Bank Accountability act to fix its problems or face a reduction of the u. S. Contribution to the world banks International Development Association Fund or as it is commonly called i. D. A. More specifically the bill authorizes 3. 3 billion over the next three years and mandates that the bank must align its incentives with the banks goals of Poverty Reduction, ending the pressure to lend problem that is pervasive today. Throwing money at this problem is not the answer, but getting results and doing so without these kind of terrible, horrific scandals is critically important. The legislation also requires the bank to fix failures identified in the uganda sexual abuse crisis so nothing like that happens. It requires the banks to support property rights, due process of law and Economic Freedom. The bank must demonstrate that none of its resources have been used to Fund Terrorism and improve its ability to detect and minimize corruption. If the bank does all of these reforms, it will receive its contribution for i. D. A. If it fails, the world bank doesnt deserve the full funding backed by u. S. Taxpayers. I am in support of the Home Mortgage disclosure adjustment act. This exempts small banks and Credit Unions from the onerous doubling of Home Mortgage disclosure act reporting requirements if they make 500 or fewer Home Mortgage or equity lines of credits. The lenders i spoke to without relief they will have to devote more resources to compliance cost rather than pouring more capital into our economy to enefit working families. Lets allow and liberate our community Financial Institutions to do what they want to do and what they should be doing and their core and that is serving their customers and providing loans. I want to thank congressman emmer for his hard work on the Home Mortgage disclosure adjustment act and i want to thank chairman hensarling, also, for his leadership on both of these bills and i urge my colleagues to support both of these important pieces of legislation. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from colorado, mr. Polis. Mr. Polis i yield myself id like to inquire of the gentleman if you have remaining speakers . Mr. Buck i dont. Mr. Polis i will yield myself for the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for 14 minutes. Mr. Polis here we go, we find ourselves staring down selfcreated deadlines, and i want to be clear about that. The deadline for the expiration and dreamers in march the facts that fact that 100 are expired every day, its selfcreated by President Trump. Its a manufactured crisis. We, of course, could do Immigration Reform while not having our backs to the wall on that issue. This shutdown of government, that is a construct of this body, this house, said they would only Fund Government january 19 and so were facing another deadline and, again, i believe from what im hearing congress will then create another artificial crisis sometime in february when we are going to be facing a Government Shutdown again. All in the face of record deficits, tax and spend republican policies, the American People have had enough. Hundreds of thousands of dreamers are at risk of deportation by this administration. Millions of children are at risk of losing their Health Insurance. Were all being plunged deeper and deeper into debt, not just for ourselves but our future generations. My kids and many of our grandkids for those who have them. Were facing another Government Shutdown of necessary important Government Services including economic drivers in areas i represent Like Rocky Mountain National Park with over three million tourists a year. It would close down if the government shuts down. Air traffic controllers. So many other important parts of our necessary infrastructure to succeed as a country faces an expiration this friday. Even if somehow the republicans say, ok, heres another two or three weeks of funding, the uncertainty that creates, meaning they cant plan for even short to medium term capital projects, simple repair that might take more than three weeks, knocking down a wall, fixing a building, even making a hire, an employee not knowing whether they will have work in three weeks, contractors not knowing if they will be paid, ultimately charging the taxpayers more for the work theyre doing because they dont know if the government will pay. What kind of country are we running, mr. Speaker . I know we can do better, and that starts by defeating the previous question so we can just pass the dream act and move on. It will pass. 60 , 70 , 80 of this body will probably vote for it. I know theres people that dont like it. Let the peoples house work its will. Let us vote, right . Let us vote. Thats what were here to do, mr. Speaker. Republicans, democrats, let us work our will. We have the votes on the dream act. We have the votes to keep government open. If you simply allow us to have an open process to do it. Thats what this floor time should be used for today. This is this is precious floor time, the time were in session debating and especially considering republicans sending congress on a 10day vacation at the end of this week. Lets use this floor time to do what matters. Sure, there will be a day to discuss the finer points of world bank policies, the finer points of the threshold for regulate fore barnes for mortgage cut fore bearans for mortgage cutoffs, mr. Speaker. Those are fine, mr. Speaker. Those are fine to discuss, but not while the republicans are creating over 100 more Illegal Immigrants a day and they are going to create 800,000 more in just a couple months. Not when the republicans are plunging our nation deeper and deeper into debt with tony blair taxandspend poll with their taxandspend policies, not forcing another Government Shutdown, if not this week then another three weeks, four weeks. Crisistocrisis to manufactured crisis to manufactured crisis, the American People count on us to be stewards of the greatest republic thats ever been created on the face of this earth. Frankly, mr. Speaker, congress is letting them down. Lets defeat the previous question and defeat this rule and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back his time. The gentleman from colorado, mr. Buck. Mr. Buck thank you, mr. Speaker. Overlooking corruption and abuse is unacceptable in any governing body, particularly one funded by the United States. It is clear the serious reforms and oversight are needed at the world bank. The International Development association has strayed from its mission to help combat inequality around the world. The World Bank Accountability act puts our International Partners on notice that the United States is not simply going to stand by and allow abuses to continue. While we stand up for the underprivileged around the world, we also must ensure that every american has equal access to our own Financial Institutions. The Home Mortgage disclosure adjustment act ensures that cfpb regulations do not shut out certain groups of americans. I thank chairman hensarling for putting these bills forward and for my colleagues from the Financial Services committee who have joined me on the floor today to make the case for these efforts. I thank chairman sessions for his leadership on the rules committee and for providing the debate on these issues today. Mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the rule and supporting the underlying bills. We mist ensure american taxpayer money is not spent on corrupt regimes and that all americans have access to financing here in the u. S. I yield back the balance of my time and i move the previous question on the resolution. The speaker pro tempore the question is on ordering the previous question on the resolution. Hose in favor say aye. In the opinion of the chair those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the yeas have it. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. Pursuant to clause 8 and clause 9 of rule 20, this foifment vote on ordering the previous question will be followed by fiveminute votes on adopting hution 693 if ordered and suspend the rules and passing h. R. 4258. This is a 15minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 230. The nays are 187. The previous question is ordered. The question is on adoption of the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The gentleman from colorado, mr. Polis. Mr. Polis on that i request a recorded vote. The speaker pro tempore a recorded vote is requested. Those favoring a recorded vote will rise. A sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore the yeas are 228 and the nays are 188. The resolution is adopted. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The Unfinished Business the vote on the motion of the the gentleman from wisconsin, mr. Duffy. On which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 4258, a bill to develop local strategies to coordinate use of assistance under sections 8 and 9 of the United States housing act, republican private resource is for families to achieve economic independence and selfsufficiency and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore the yeas are 412. The nays are 5. 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. The chair lays before the house the following message. The clerk to the congress of the United States, section 202d of the until Emergencies Act provides for the termination of a National Emergency unless within 90 days before the anniversary date of its declaration, the president publishes in the federal register and transmits to the congress that the emergency is to stay in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance to this date i have sent to the federal register the enclosed notice that the National Emergency with respect to Foreign Terrorists who threaten to disrupt the middle east process of january 23, 1995 is to continue in effect beyond january 23, 2018. The crisis with respect to grave acts of violence committed by Foreign Terrorists who threaten to disrupt the middle east Peace Process that led to the declaration of a National Emergency on january 23, 1995 has not been resolved. Terrorist groups continue to engage in activities that have the purpose or effect of threatening the middle east Peace Process and that are hostile to United States interests in the region. Such actions continue to pose an an unusual and extraordinary threat to the National Security, Foreign Policy and economy of the United States. I have therefore determined that it is necessary to continue the until emergency declared in executive order 12947 with respect to Foreign Terrorists who threaten to disrupt the middle east Peace Process and maintain and enforce the sanctions against them to respond to this threat. Signed donald j. Trump, the white house, january 17, 2018. The speaker pro tempore referred to the committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered printed. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will postponefurther proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered. Or votes objected to under clause 6 of rule 20. The house will resume proceedings on postponed questions at a later time. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Royce mr. Speaker, i would move the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3445 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 3445 a bill to enhance the transparency and accelerate the impact of programs under the african growth and opportunity act and the Millennium Challenge Corporation and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Sires, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognize the gentleman from california. Mr. Royce i ask unanimous consent that members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material in the record. The speaker pro tempore without objection. So ordered. Mr. Royce i ask unanimous consent to place into the record an exchange of letters that we had with the committee on ways and means and a letter sent to the chairman of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on africa, Global Health and Global Human Rights and International Organizations. The speaker pro tempore without objection. So ordered. Royce roy mr. Royce i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the ouse will come to order. The gentleman may proceed. Mr. Royce i have been honored to serve as chairman of the house Foreign Affairs committee for the past five years. And over this period, theres been no shortage of threats to our National Security. But i must share with you, there have been great opportunities. Opportunities to make america safer, to make this country more prosperous through Strategic Investments in diplomacy. And also investments in development. And this bill before us today is one example. The african growth and opportunity act and the millennium challenge act seeks to have private sector growth in poor but relatively wellgoverned countries. This is particularly true in Subsaharan Africa. The speaker pro tempore please take your conversations off the floor. Mr. Royce i will share with my colleagues the goal here is so that they can grow their way, grow their own way out of poverty. And what this legislation does is it seeks to help countries graduate from the need for foreign aid while simultaneously Opening Doors for american businesses to break into the most promising emerging markets, and for those of you that followed this, you watched trade double and then triple with Subsaharan Africa. Through agoa, as we call this african growth and opportunity act, goods produced in eligible african countries enter the United States on a dutyfree basis, but to be eligible, countries must be committed to the rule of law, to eliminating barriers to u. S. Trade and investment, to combating corruption, and supporting counterterrorism activities. So agoa, as you can see, it advances u. S. Interests on so many Different Levels and i am proud to be a member of the agoa coalition from the beginning. I was one of the original authors of the bill, and i witnessed its transformative impact. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman will suspend. The house will be in order. Please take your conversations off the floor. We will not resume until the house comes to order. All right. The gentleman may proceed. Mr. Royce so despite its benefits, agoa does remain underutilized in too many countries. Prior to its reauthorization in 2015, i set out to learn why and i traveled to many countries in southern and Eastern Africa where i met with u. S. And african trade officials and Business Leaders, entrepreneurs. I visited garment factories, power stations. We went to trade hubs. I heard a lot about poor infrastructure. I heard a lot about with competition with china and burdensome u. S. Regulations that are difficult to understand. Then i walked into an art san shop artisan shop. It was run by a remarkable woman named sarah. I learned that she in fact had benefited from Technical Assistance through the u. S. East africa trade hub and she was now exporting to the United States through agoa. I learned that she was though an exception to the rule. Shes not the rule. Other than sarah, there were very few businesses, very few Business Leaders and entrepreneurs that seemed to have the knowledge of how to access agoa. To fix this, the bill before us today would make information about agoa available to an easily accessible public website, and this bill also urges u. S. Embassies in eligible countries to more onsistently promote agoa and in trade hubs and seeks to commitments made at annual agoa forums to followup on these commitments. So this bill strengthens the Millennium Challenge Corporation which is already the more effective tools for centivizing and marketbased growth in these countries. It promotes regional trade, collaboration, economic integration, and it does this by allowing up to two simultaneous compacts with an eligible country and it also improves transparency and accountability. It does that by streamlining and strengthening congressional oversight. Trade and free market principles, frankly, if it we think about it, have helped lift more than one billion people out of poverty over the last decade. But it is not just this humanitarian goal that leads us to invest in communities abroad. It is clear that investments targeted towards greater health, towards growing a healthier society, to growing a more stable society, this also helps advance u. S. Security and economic interests. It is, therefore, vital that we ensure that two of our most Impactful Development and trade facilitation tools, thats the african growth and opportunity act, and our Millennium Challenge Corporation, are efficient, effective, fully utilized and this bill will do exactly that. I urge the members to support this important measure, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i rise in support of this measure and i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Sires i like to begin by thanking chairman the chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee, ed royce, and the Ranking Member of the africa subcommittee, karen bass, for their hard work on this legislation. The african growth and opportunity act, agoa, first passed by congress in the year 2000, has helped to force a more robust trade relationship between the United States and the nations of Subsaharan Africa. Agoa has helped to create Economic Opportunities for thousands of people in africa while also benefiting u. S. Farmers, manufacturers, and Small Businesses by providing new markets for their goods. The bill before us today will make agoa even more effective. It requires the creation of a website to make information about agoa benefits more readily available to both subsaharan partners and the American People and provides muchneeded Technical Assistance to help eligible partners fully utilize the available trade benefits. The legislation also provides new authorities for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an independent agency that is charged with promoting Economic Growth, reducing poverty, and strengthening institutions in eligible countries. Specifically, it will give m. C. C. To enter into regional compacts by simultaneously engaging several countries to Fund Investments that could benefit all of them. We know economies fail if they are isolated. Coordinating investment across the region could have an enormous beneficial impact on trade, regional stability and international investment. There are several good opportunities for compacts. In west africa, m. C. C. Partners with 10 countries. In southern africa, m. C. C. s in three countries. Mr. Speaker, i ask my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure and reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey reserves the balance of his ime. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce i have no further speakers. I checked with my side, and i think we could close at this time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is ready to close, so the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires i have an additional speaker. I want to read my closing remarks. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i yield myself as much time as i may need. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Sires i yield myself such time as i may consume for the purpose of the african growth and opportunity act. Its a critical piece of legislation that increases ties and helps force the deeper relationship with our partners throughout africa. I urge my colleagues to support this measure and yield and reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california, you continue to reserve . The gentleman from california continues to reserve. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield five minutes to the gentlelady from california, ms. Bass, Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs subcommittee on africa. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from california is recognized for five minutes. Ms. Bass thank you. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, i rise in strong support of h. R. 3445, agoa and m. C. A. Modernization act. The african growth and opportunity act and the Millennium Challenge Corporation have proven tract records of spurring economic development. Expanding these programs advances our position as international leaders, strengthens our domestic job market and economy while protecting our National Security interests. Trade and development go hand in hand. U. S. Investments around the world increases trade opportunities and opens new markets for u. S. Goods and services. Africas Consumer Spending is expected to reach 1 trillion. We must act now in order to solidify this important trade relationship. If we fail to act, rest assured that other nations are ready, willing and able to fill our void. We have the opportunity through agoa and m. C. A. To advance stability, security and Business Growth on the continent and here at home. This is in our best interest. Thats why i join my colleagues, chairman royce, Ranking Member engel, representative smith to introduce the agoa and m. C. A. Modernization act earlier this year. Moving developing country away from foreign aid to trade helps farmers, Small Businesses. We are building longterm trading partners for our goods and services. By using trade we can also address the root causes of violent extremism and terrorism. This legislation strengthens the agoa and the m. C. A. , key laws in the effort to promote u. S. Africa trade. For example, agoa and m. C. A. Gives m. C. C. Greater flexibility to promote trade, collaboration, and economic integration by allowing up to two simultaneous compacts with an eligible country. This is important because as most of us know, african countries are still grappling with the legacy of colonialism. For example, only a few hundred miles separate lagos, nigeria, from ghana. In the United States, traveling this distance would take a few hours. For traders on the continent, the same trip can take up to a full day. They have to contend with inadequate roads, arduous border checks or high tariffs. M. C. C. Recently signed a compact with an economic and cultural hub in west african and a longtime strategic and economic partner of the u. S. This compact will diversify the nations economy by targeting two constraints to growth access to a skilled work force and the mobility of goods and. Ople in the Nations Capital the transport project will focus on rehabilitating key roads in the capital to enable people and goods to move freely throughout the busy city and its strategic part. With 20 of the nations population living in the capital, unlocking congestion will create opportunities to buy and sell products, expand businesses, improve access to key services and open up greater trade. This compact is expected to benefit more than 11 Million People. In a country where more than half the population is under the age of 24, it will help to shape a strong, stable future for chord var. This cordavar. This will help west africa and the u. S. , by making coordinated investments across countries, m. C. C. Could help these nations Work Together to grow regional markets and facilitate trade. Passage of this bill in the house is an important step toward increasing regional integration across africa, advancing stability and security and opening new markets for trade. I believe strongly that it is in our economic and political interest to expand our economic relationships with the nations of africa. I have said this before and i will continue to reiterate this point, i also believe the african growth and opportunity act is the key Tool Development of a stronger mutually beneficial economic relations between this country and african nations. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back the remainder of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The gentleman from california is recognized. Does the gentleman continue to reserve . Mr. Royce i do i would like to close if you have any other speakers. The speaker pro tempore while the gentleman continues to reserve, the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i yield three minutes to the gentlelady from texas, ms. Jackson lee. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from texas is ecognized for three minutes. Ms. Jackson lee i thank the gentleman from new jersey for his leadership, and i thank mr. Royce, mr. Engel, mr. Smith, and ms. Bass for establishing a real viable african policy, a policy that i had the privilege of being part of for all of the years that i served in the United States congress. I remember making the first trip to do the research and to meet with heads of states in africa on the question of the african growth and opportunity act. Over the years, we worked with the Bush Administration on the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and so i am delighted that we have a bill that improves the benefits. It is even more important in this time to make sure that the policies of the United States toward africa and the african countries is clear and precise. They are strong allies and a very viable trade partner. This is crucial to the backdrop of very you vulgar statements that unfortunately have come from the commander in chief. Therefore, this is the policy that is real. An ongoing partnership. The fact that africa represents a growing population of a billion people. When we last traveled with a president of the United States, which then was president barack obama, and visited a number of african countries, in particular kenya, we were there to look at the rising population of small and medium sized entrepreneurs. Young millenniums and others who were eager to engage in business. The african growth and opportunity act will be a athway for subsahara aftera, countries in that area, that will create the pathway for trade for goods produced on the continent. Peace and the economy go together. And if we have an economic Engine Partnership with the United States, looking at good quality investment, and if we have the work of the millennium challenge to challenge countries to become more democratic, to open the doors of opportunity, to have a better fiscal system, and to be a real partner in these improvements, that is a real african policy. So i rise to support the underlying bill. And i rise to support it because it is an advancement, h. R. 3445, to the work that has been done over the years by the United States congress and the many partners that we have had. I am a student of africa. Ving gone to school in ghana and nigeria and others. I traveled often. And i understand the ingenuity, the eagerness, and the commitment to democratic principles and, of course, the opportunities for their young generation. So i rise today to support the bill. I dont know if its appropriate, but i would like to ask unanimous consent to cosponsor the legislation at this time. But i thank the sponsors for this very excellent legislation. It is good work. With that i yield back. The eaker pro tempore gentleladys request will be cosponsor cannot be entertained at this point. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce i thank you, mr. Speaker. Cosponsor cannot be entertained at this point. Ill just sum up here what this bill does is unlock a greater potential for agoa, african growth and unit act, so that communities growth an opportunity act, so communities in africa can strengthen their own economies and become u. S. Trade partners rather than aid recipients. It enhances the impact of m. C. C. By accelerating Regional Economic integration and trade. Its good for american taxpayers. Its certainly good for job creators in the United States. Its good for our National Security. Its good for africa. Or the people of africa. I think this legislation is the product of more than two years of negotiations. It enjoys very broad support. As i say, it doesnt cost the taxpayers anything. But i really want to thank some of the members who worked hard on this. Representative caren bass, thank you for your karen bass, thank you for your good work. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson lee and Ranking Member engel. Chris smith. Senator corker and cardin and isaacs, and senator coons. I thank them for their help on my measure here today and continued commitment to reducing poverty through market based Economic Growth. With that i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey previously gave his closing remarks. Sires i have no additional speakers. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires sires i have no i y balance of my time. I dont have any additional speakers. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. All time having expired. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3445, 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 pon the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Royce mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3776 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 357, h. R. 3776. A bill to support United States international cyberdiplomacy, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Sires, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Royce i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to evise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Royce mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Royce mr. Speaker, let me begin by saying the United States is increasingly under attack by foreign actors online. Nobody knows this bert than our members on the Foreign Affairs committee, but especially mike mccaul, who assisted me on this bill, and as you know mike mccaul also chairs the Homeland Security committee. So this legislation is focused n correcting a serious threat. Malicious cyberactivities by state and nonstate actors threaten our u. S. Foreign policy, our security, our economic interests right now around the globe. Last year the intelligence communitys worldwide threat assessment summed this up well. As they looked at the problem they said, and ill quote them, our adversaries are becoming more adept at using cyberspace to threaten our interests and advance their own, and despite mproving our cyberdefenses nearly all information, communication networks, and systems will be at risk for years. But its not just the security of our networks that the United States needs to protect. It is the very fabric of the internet itself that is increasingly under assault by erect nts that want to digital borders. That want to impose more control. That want censureship online. The state department has a Critical Role to play in promoting an open and secure cyberspace by developing International Norms of responsible state behavior and deterring malicious actors from carrying out destructive cyberoperations. Last year the president signed an executive order charging the second of state with creating an interagency strategy to protect last year the president signed n the American People from cyberthreats. Along with a plan to improve International Cooperation in cybersecurity. Despite the prominent role assigned to the department by the president s executive order and support from this body for such work, the office tasked with leading this effort the American People for the state department was merged into the bureau of economic and usiness affairs. The concern is that this limits the departments ability to confront the full range of issues in cyberspace such as security, internet access, online human rights, cyber crime. Beyond the clear economic challenges. So i believe this sends the wrong signal to moscow, to beijing, and other governments around the world. The United States should make it clear that we place a high priority on the whole range of cyberissues, including cybersecurity, internet ackserks online rights, deter reince, and cybercrime. In testimony before the Foreign Affairs committee, heres the good news, i was relieved to hear our deputy secretary sullivan say that this was just an interim step and that he expects cyber issues will ultimately be elevated to a Senate Confirmed role. This is exactly what this bill requires. So now more than ever we need a highranking cyber diplomat at the state department to prioritize these efforts to ensure we keep the internet open, keep it reliable, keep it secure, and the bipartisan cyberdiplomacy act will help counter foreign threats on the internet and its going to promote human rights abroad and its going to also, by the way, create new jobs and Economic Growth here at home. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california reserves. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i rise in support of this measure and i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Sires thank you. Let me first thank our chairman, the Foreign Affairs committee, ed royce, and Ranking Member eliot engel, for their leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, malicious cyberactivity has become a grave hreat to the United States and llies. In 2014, north korea hacked sony pictureser. In 2015 the chinese stole the personal data of millions of people from the office of hacked personnel management. In 2016, russia illegally interfered in our president ial elections. Stealing elections data and doing real damage to the american democracy. , from the office midterm leakss are at risk. Putin and his cronies will not finish after the last election. They have hacked our allies. And they will hack our elections again and again unless we do something about it. We cannot allow Foreign Governments to meddle in democracy and steal data from our networks. To stand up against these threats, this bill establishes a highlevel ambassador to lead the state departments cyberdiplomacy efforts. It also requires the secretary of state to create an international cyberpolicy that international cybernorms on security and democratic principles, including a commitment to keep the internet free. Open and international interope cyberspace t cede to china or russia. Now more than ever we need to use all the tools we have to help shame International Norms, ramp up coordination with our partners, and stiffen our defenses. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce i yield three minutes to the gentleman from texas, mr. Mccaul. Hes chairman of the Homeland Security committee. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Mccaul thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of this cyberdiplomacy act. I want to thank chairman royce and eliot engel for their strong work on this very important issue. As chairman of the Homeland Security committee, i passed numerous bills to strengthen our cyberoperations to defend the American People and the homeland. Now im pleased to see were doing the same at the state department. As we have seen Rapid Technology advancements have increased our dependents on Computer Networks w this growing dependence comes exposure to the myriad vulnerabilities and threats from cybercriminals, hackers, and nation states who continue to launch malicious attacks against us. Currently as the chairman stated there is no real there are no real International Norms or standards to follow. When it comes to cybersecurity. And as the Threat Landscape continues to evolve, i believe that Congress Must put forth responsible policies to keep pace protecting our systems, our critical infrastructure, and american citizens information and privacy. This legislation helps ensure the open and reliable secure use of the internet by establishing the office of cyber issues within the department of state headed by an ambassador responsible for advancing u. S. National security and Foreign Policy interests on Cyber Security and issues of Internet Freedom around the globe. This legislation also requires the secretary to produce a strategy on cyberspace to guide u. S. Policy. Lastly, it requires the state department to add a section to its annual report on human rights detailing governments such as iran, russia, and china in silence of their opposition through internet censorship. I stand proud to be with my colleagues in the house in a bipartisan fashion to propose solutions to these very grave challenges that face the United States and the world. With that, mr. Speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i yield four minutes to the gentleman from rhode island, mr. Langevin, cochair of the congressional cybersecurity caucus. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from rhode island is recognized for four minutes. Mr. Langevin i thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in strong support of the cyber diplomacy act. And efforts to increase International Cooperation and promote global stability in sishe space. I firmly believe cybersecurity is a challenge of the 21st century and we must integrate cyberspace into our policy if we are to successfully mitigate the many threats we face in this domain. Then secretary of state Hillary Clinton recognized this when she created the office of the cyber coordinator within the state department in 2011 and her successor, john kerry, continued americas leadership in cyber diplomacy. I worked with chris painter and we are deeply indebted to his six years of service in that role. I cannot ever remember a meeting with a cybersecurity expert where his name did not come up actively promoting a secure internet. Im deeply grateful for the leadership of chairman royce and Ranking Member engel in recognizing the importance of this role and bringing this bill forward to codify and expand it. Now, this effort is particularly timely as since mr. Painter left, theres been some confusion whether the position would even be filled or if the office would be reorganized under the bureau of economic and business affairs. Its my goal to see that does not happen, that this bill prevails. That position deeply needs to be in the state department where we can show americas leadership on a diplomatic front in cyber. As a member who serves on two National Security committees, i must emphasize that cybersecurity is not just an economic issue, and this bill appropriately recognizes the broad scope of cyber diplomacy. Mr. Speaker, every Armed Conflict Going Forward in the world today has and all future conflicts will have a cyber component. Weve seen our cyber adversaries like russia use cyber tools, including efforts to undermined faith in the bedrock of our democracy, our elections. We must engage bilaterally and multilaterally with our International Partners and even our adversaries in order to protect our interests and allow us to continue to reap the benefits of a connected society. The lack of policies, norms and precedents in this new sphere of state interaction continues to increase the potential for a cyber incident to lead to escalating conflict. Its up to the hardworking and sadly underappreciated of members of our Foreign Service do this and this bill will ensure they have the Leadership Structure to do that. With that, mr. Speaker, let me thank the chairman and Ranking Member for their extraordinary work on this important bill. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and with that i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from rhode island yields back. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Royce ill continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume for the purpose of closing. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized to close debate for the minority. Mr. Sires keeping the internet open, interoperable and secure is critical is of critical importance to americas National Security, our economy, and our domestic values. We must use all the diplomatic tools to develop a Strong International norm, bomser our cyber defenses and pro and r our cyber defenses promote Internet Freedom. This bill ensures that america stays in front of these critical issues. I urge my colleagues to support this and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey yields back the balance of his time. The chairman of the committee, mr. Royce, is recognized to close debate on this bill. Mr. Royce i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Royce mr. Speaker, in closing, i would just like to thank mr. Sires. I would like to thank the ngressman, and we appreciate his efforts in supporting this legislation. I want to thank mr. Engel as well, and mr. Mccaul. You know, as the birthplace of the internet, its the United States that has been most impacted. We have a Foreign Policy, economic interests in working internationally to ensure this internet remains open. Part of our idea is this would be capable of carrying the free flow of ideas, and we thought it should remain reliable and secure, but increasingly authoritarian regimes are very aggressively promoting a different vision from the one that americans brought to the table. Their vision of cyber sovereignty, they sometimes call it, and what cyber sovereignty means for these states, these governments is state control over cyberspace, and that does run counter to the values of a free people, the values of individual and economic liberty, and working with our allies and partners, i think the United States has got to be prepared to advance our own vision of cyberspace when its under this kind of attack and censorship. So the cyber diplomacy act will give us the tools to do just that. I thank my colleagues for their help on this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore all time having now expired, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3776, as amended. Those in favor will 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 california seek recognition . Mr. Royce mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 1660. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk a bill to to direct the administrator of the United States agency for International Development to submit to congress a report on the development and use of Global Health innovations in the programs, projects, and. Tivities of the agency the speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Royce, and the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Sires, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Royce thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Royce and i 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 thank you. I rise in support of mr. Sires bill. This is h. R. 1660. It is the Global Health innovation act. I want to thank mr. Sires of new jersey. Hes the Ranking Member of the subcommittee on the western hemisphere. I want to thank him for bringing this issue forward in a timely on a timely manner, and over the past two decades, we have made unprecedented progress in addressing some of the most difficult Global Health challenges of our time. When you think about it, global rates of Child Mortality have dropped by 53 . The prevalence of tuberculosis has been cut, in fact, by half. Malaria deaths are now down 47 . Five countries in Subsaharan Africa once ravaged by hivaids are on the verge of controlling their epidemics. The eradication of polio is within reach. The only place it still exists is on the pakistaniafghani border where the taliban control that region and as you know, the taliban resists vaccination. They in fact assassinate Health Workers who vaccinate. Thats the only reason we have not been able to eradicate this last spot where polio continues to create create damage to young lives. Yet, despite these successes, we still do have a long way to go. Part of that is reflected in the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in africa that resulted in 11,000 deaths in 10 countries. It serves as a very stark reminder of the global threat of infectious diseases, and though global child and maternal child death rates have been cut in half, theres still an estimated 830 mothers around the world who continue to die from preventable causes every day. When we talk about maternal health, this is why. So usaid is working to address these Global Health challenges. Theyre harnessing the power of science, of technology, of innovation to develop lowcost, highimpact Health Technologies. They are devoting considerable time and resources to developing these innovations. So what this bill does, it makes sure that we ensure that they are being effectively deployed. It supports usaids efforts while also enhancing our oversight. It directs the administrator of usaid to report on the development and use of Global Health innovations and its programs, particularly those related to hivaids, and on maternal and child health and n combating infectious diseases, to ensure that our investments in Global Health are deployed and are delivering results. And i urge members to support the bill. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Sires mr. Speaker, i rise in support of this measure and i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Sires i want to start by thanking chairman royce and Ranking Member engel for their work on the Global Health and their efforts to bring this bill to the floor. Chairman royce has put in the time and effort to make sure the Foreign Affairs committee is frequently thought of as the most Bipartisan Committee in congress, and i want to thank him for his public service. I will like to i will also like to thank the members who have cosponsored this bill, especially congressman mario diazbalart, who has graciously acted as the republican lead. Additionally, i would like to thank the staffers who worked hard to bring h. R. 1660 to the floor for consideration. Infectious diseases and other Health Conditions still claim the lives of nearly nine Million People each year, and emerging Health Threats such as drugresistant poses a serious threat to human health around the globe. New vaccines, other health tools are desperately needed. Progress cannot be made without a sustained investment in research and development. U. S. Investments in Global Health research are central are a central component of u. S. Foreign policy to increase National Security, strengthen u. S. Relations around the world, and reduce infectious diseases. The u. S. Has a legacy of leadership in Global Health research through agencies like usaid. That is why i was proud to introduce h. R. 1660, the Global Health innovation act. This will provide the oversight needed to gain a clear attention of usaids Global Health research and development. Over the years, research and Development Projects are greatly expanded at usaid. Searching for advancement towards an h. I. V. And aidsfree generation, preventable maternal and childhood deaths and preventable infectious diseases. This legislation is an effort to keep up with usaids expanded effort and ensure their research and development goals. Es reflect our h. R. 1660 directs the usaid administrator to report annually to congress on the use of Global Health innovations in usaid programs and activities. The report must also include how the agency measures progress, investment and developments toward the healthrelated goals. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of h. R. 1660 to allow congress to exercise its oversight powers and ensure usaid research and Development Efforts reflect their priorities. Thank you and i yield the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman from new jersey yield back . Mr. Sires yes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized to close debate for the majority. Mr. Royce thank you. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Royce again, mr. Speaker, i want to thank mr. Sires of new jersey. Hes the Ranking Member on the subcommittee on western hemisphere, and we thank him for bringing forward this timely measure. This is the Global Health innovation act. What it seeks to do is to accelerate usaids work to identify develop and expand access to lowcost, highimpact Health Technologies that will enhance the u. S. Global Health Security agenda. And frankly, that will save a lot of lives. What it does, it ensures that the time and the resources that are being directed toward developing these technologies are put to good use, are put to good use quickly and i support this bill and urge its adoption. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california yields back. All time having expired, the question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1660. 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 mr. Royce mr. Speaker, on that i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are. 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. Pursuant to House Resolution 693, i call up h. R. 3326 and ask for its immediate consideration in the house. The speaker pro tempore does the gentleman have a general leave request . Mr. Hensarling mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and and submit remarks extraneous materials on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Hensarling mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to House Resolution 693 and rule 18, the chair declares the house in the committee of the whole on the state of the union for consideration of h. R. 3326. The chair appoints the gentleman from tennessee, mr. Duncan, to preside over the committee of the whole. The chair the house is in the committee of the whole house on the state of the union for the consideration of h. R. 3326, which the clerk will report by title. The clerk a bill to increase accountability, combat corruption, and strengthen Management Effectiveness at the world bank. The chair pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered as read the first time. The gentleman from texas, mr. Hensarling, and the gentlewoman from california, ms. Waters, each will control 30 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from texas. Mr. Hensarling thank you, mr. Chairman. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time. Mr. Hensarling mr. Chairman, i rise today in support of h. R. 3326, the World Bank Accountability act. Frankly dont understand quite why every member is not rising in support of h. R. 3326. This is important legislation which is sponsored by my friend from kentucky, the chairman of the Monetary Policy and trade subcommittee, mr. Barr. And cosponsored by a senior democrat on our committee, mr. Sherman of california, and mr. Chairman, it passed our committee by unanimous vote. 600. Again, mr. Chairman, this measure passed our committee by a unanimous vote of 600. H. R. 3326 makes a share of future world bank appropriations contingent upon vitally needed reforms with focus on the Banks Development association, known as i. D. A. , which is the banks concessional dedicated to 75 elopment of the worlds poorest countries. The reforms in this bill have emerged from five different oversight hearings, mr. Chairman, held in our committee. Over the past two years, and they all enjoy bipartisan support. The bill also supports the administrations goal of ensuring that the world banks work is consistent with u. S. Plyors priorities that are obviously financed by the u. S. Taxpayer. The president s f. Y. 18 budget, the administration called for holding into account International Organizations whose missions dont advance u. S. Foreign policies interests or which havent been well managed. H. R. 3326 would enact the administrations request for a 15 reduction in authorized funds for i. D. A. In addition, mr. Barrs slayings contains crucial National Security provisions including a prohibition on World Bank Assistance to countries that knowingly, knowgly violate u. N. Security Council Sanctions on north korea. Also, safeguarding our National Security is arovision that helps ensure World Bank Assistance wont be used for state sponsors oferrorism. Mr. Chairman, ts is a commonsense, commonsense requirement that benefited from the input of our democratic colleague on the committee, again, mr. Sherman of california. So again, mr. Chairman, it does kind of beg the question, why are we here today . Why are we debating a bill that received support from every single republican and democrat on the committee . As some who may be viewing our proceedings know, there is such a thing know as a suspension calendar for relatively noncontroversial items. This bill should have been dispensed with on what is known as a suspension calendar since it passed our committee 600. Now apparently the Ranking Member has had a change of heart on opposing a bill she voted for on committee. So some may be confused and indeed were confused. But it is interesting that we now see opposition to linking these i. D. A. Payments to reforms, but thats exactly, its exactly what democrats on the Financial Services committee did in 2005. Its exactly what they did when they voted to withhold 25 of i. D. A. Funds in the foreign operations appropriations bill. And last july, the Ranking Member, the gentlelady from california, ms. Waters, consistent with her earlier to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not presented in support of h. R. 3326 as well. So again, some of us are confused if she has voted for the policy of withholding twice, including voting for the very bill were debating today, why it is being opposed now. It is also important to note, mr. Chairman, that the reforms included in this bill are those that the world bank itself deems are important. As far back as 1992, a Bank Management review highlighted its perverse staff incentives that made pushing money out the door more important than making a dent in global poverty. As recently as 2014, a back Evaluation Bank evaluation report confirmed that these very same perverse incentives are still in place. Then theres the notorious case of mismanagement. In the Uganda Transport Sector Development project, a scandalous bank nish testify where basic lack of project oversight led to the Sexual Exploitation of underaged girls, repeated harassment of female staff, and deficient Safety Measures that very well may have resulted in five fatalities lest we forget. In 2015 the world banks president had this to say. Quote, the multiple failures we have seen in this project on the part of the world bank, the government of uganda, and the Government Contractor are unacceptable. It is our obligation to properly supervise all investment projects to ensure that the poor and vulnerable are protected in our work, in this case we did not. I am committed, the world banks president goes on to say, to making sure we do everything in r power working with other stakeholders first to fully review the circumstances of this project and then to quickly learn from our and others failures so they do not happen again, unquote. Mr. Chairman, if the world bank thinks these reforms are necessary, shouldnt we all think these reforms are necessary . How about the testimony of sasha , a reporter for the international conshore shuttle columbia of investigative journalists who testified before our committee, quote, we found over a decade spanning from 2004 to 2013 projects financed by the world bank physically or economically displaced an estimated 3. 4 Million People around the world, unquote. Mr. Chairman, these are some of the worlds most vulnerable, displaced, displaced by the world bank that screams out for more reforms. I want to thank mr. Barr for saying enough is enough. With his legislation. He has produced a serious and lightning and overdue reform bill long and overdue reform bill, one that was supported in our committee unanimously 600. We typically could not get a 600 vote on a mothers day resolution, yet we have it for this bill. Again, it just begs credibility why are we here today debating a bill that was passed unanimously in committee . I urge, i urge the house to adopt it unanimously and i reserve the balance of my time. The chair gentleman from texas reserves the balance of his time of the the gentlelady from california is recognized. Ms. Waters thank you very much. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The chair the gentlewoman is recognized for such time. Ms. Waters i rise in opposition to h. R. 3326, the World Bank Accountability act of 2017. Last year democrats on the Financial Services committee joined our republican colleagues in favorly favorably reporting this bill out of committee to support the bills authorization of a u. S. Billion ton of 3. 29 Multilateral Development efforts and to enforce the importance of u. S. Leadership at the international Financial Institutions. But the favorable report in committee came with Clear Conditions for the future of the bill. Democrats made it clear during consideration of this bill in committee that our ongoing support for the measure would depend upon changes to provisions in the bill moving forward. That put critical u. S. Funding at risk. But here were today and republicans have not made any effort at all to address our very specific concerns. Namely, the bill would cut up to 30 of the u. S. Contribution to the International Development association that is i. D. A. In any year in which the treasury secretary does not certify to congress that the bank has adopted or is taking steps to implement two sets of reforms mandated in the bill. I. D. A. Is the arm of the world bank that provides grants and the worlds nce to 77 poorest countries which are home to more than 450 Million People living in extreme the wo 77 poorest poverty. Cuts to u. S. Funds to i. D. A. Would punish millions of children and other Vulnerable People in africa, latsin america, and asia who are living in extreme poverty, who are suffering from famine or emerging from conflict. Democrats do not believe that cutting u. S. Funds for and deamericaning u. S. Influence at the International Financial stitutions is an effective approach to reform. To remedy this problem with the bill, representative poor, who is the Ranking Member on our committees subcommittee on Monetary Policy and trade, had sought to offer an amendment on the floor to strike the provisions in the bill that would give the administration cover to cut u. S. Funding for multilateral efforts aimed at alleviating global poverty. The amendment the amendment would have maintained both sets of reforms and would have directed the secretary of treasury to actively promote these policy goals through advocacy and direct engagement with world Bank Management as well as the banks other major share holders. The rules committee refused to make this amendment in order. Thus depriving the house of the opportunity to decide for itself which approach it prefers to take, reforming the bank with the threat to cut funding or reforming the bank through the exercise of u. S. Influence and power at the bank based on the merits of the reforms themselves. Mr. Chairman, the process by which this bill has come to the floor stands in stark contrast to our committees long history of working together on issues relating to Global Economic governance. For many years, the Financial Services committee has worked in a bipartisan fashion to achieve a number of important reforms at the world bank, including increased transparency, the creation of the inspection panel, more disclosure of information and closer consultation with local communities most affected by bank projects. We were able to successfully advance these policy goals through serious and direct negotiations and sustained engagement with both the department of treasury and the world bank itself, not by threatening to walk away from our commitment. But the Trump Administration has consistently demonstrated troubling attitudes toward the role of the u. S. In the world. In november of last year, in testimony before the Financial Services committee, treasury under secretary for International Affairs expressed the administrations view that globalism and Multi Lateralism have gone substantially too far. In december, the Trump Administration refused to pledge funds to the International Fund for agricultural development. A small Multi Lateral Development Bank that helps the poor in remote rural areas where few donors operate and of course just last week, this president made ignorant, racist and deplorable comments about africa. Whereas it happens, i. D. A. Focuseses its great deal focus and energy. The more committed we are committed to our id yeels, we need to do everything we can to advance those goals. The legislation before us today in its current form fails to meet that test. So i will be opposing this legislation. And i urge my colleagues to do the same. We can and we should do better. I reserve the balance of my time. The chair the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from texas. Mr. Hensarling i yield five minutes to the gentleman from kentucky, the sponsor of the legislation that passed unanimously 600 in our committee and the chairman of the Financial Services committee on Monetary Policy and trade, mr. Barr. The chair the gentleman is recognized for five minutes. Mr. Barr i thank the chairman for his support and leadership. As chairman hensarling has already noted, h. R. 3326 passed the house Financial Services committee by a unanimous vote of 600. No amendments were offered by any of our democratic colleagues during that markup. So its disappointing that the Ranking Member is standing in opposition today despite voting for this bill in committee and then waiting half a year before proposing any changes. Nonetheless, i want to address the gentleladys criticism of the withholding mechanism in this legislation because she seems to share a philosophy indemocratic at the world bank which basically says this. Money equals impact. But this runs counter to the evidence we have heard again and again during multiple hearings and counter to how the bank operates with its borrowers. It lends to poor countries by attaching conditions. People can disagree if that condition atlanta is too much or too little, but the bank affects behavior by telling governments that there are no blank checks. The Ranking Member knows this. And it goes without saying there are many elements to bank conditions that the Ranking Member and her democratic colleague support. If the gentlelady from california would never tolerate the bank writing blank checks to congress it is odd she wants congress to write a blank check to the bank. Quote, the aatlanta is bank staff are assessed by the volume of their lending, dollars of money lent. And thats a poor indicator of impact on poverty. You have an impact on poverty sometimes when you dont lend at all. This perverse lending culture at the world bank has been documented for a quarter of a century and documented by the bank. I would ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a 1992 a bank review which details a pressure to lend that distorts staff incentives at the expense of management and project implementation. This is from 1992. Well, fast forward to 2014 and report by the banks own Evaluation Office includes that the pressure to lend is alive and well. I ask unanimous consent to enter this evaluation report in the record. In addition to focusing on better incentives and management at the bank, this requires the bank to more effectively secure property rights, due process and Economic Freedom as distinguished a. M. Democratics and lawrence defeaton and william early and James Robinson have found. Foreign aid makes little positive difference if we are indifferent to the poors right to own land and other assets and be free from arbitrary government interference. If the World Bank Supports a corrupt government, that doesnt mean its going to help the condition of the impoverished in that country that is denied Economic Freedom. Why doesnt the Ranking Member support these commonsense principles . If the bank doesnt lend with the rights of the poor in mind, then they arent serious. If it isnt helping the poor to begin with, why would you not want to withhold it . They love conditions at the bank but just have a change of heart bill isen can sponsored holding the bank to high standards. Let me close by touching on the National Security elements of this bill which the Ranking Member also plans to vote against. It incentivizes the bank to fight terrorism and keep it away from world bank resources. This was as a result of bipartisan discussions, so its shocking to see anyone on the other side of the aisle oppose the legislation. This bill would ensure that the u. S. Oppose World Bank Financial assistance to countries that knowingly fail to enforce u. N. Security sanctions against north korea. R committee passed identical language, and the provision benefited directly from the input by my subcommittee Ranking Member, mrs. Moore. The Committee Vote was unanimous and the house passed it 4152. It boggles the mind that any member of this body would vote against that language as part of h. R. 3326. And in closing, if the Ranking Member is upset that we take the interests of the poor more seriously than the interests of the world bank, then so be it. I believe the banks interests and the poors interest should be aligned not just in theory but in practice. If theyre not, its the bank that should look itself in the mirror. I urge my colleagues to support and i yield bark. The chair the question will be considered under general leave. The gentleman from texas reserves. The gentlewoman from california is recognized. Ms. Waters thank you very much, mr. Chairman and members. The gentleman from texas really has presented rather hollow arguments that have no place in this debate. This is about our humanitarianism and about our strategic position in the world. And so i will yield three minutes to the gentlelady from new york. The chair the chair recognizes the gentlelady from new york. Ms. Velazquez i thank the Ranking Member for yielding. I rise in opposition to h. R. 3326 World Bank Accountability act of 2017. Let me be clear from the outset, that i support the world bank and its mission. The bank is a vital source of financial and Technical Assistance to developing countries. It works to reduce poverty and support development around the globe. Let me also be clear that i support this bills authorization of 3. 29 billion to the banks International Development association, which provides grants and very low interest loans to the poorest 77 countries on the planet. These countries use this funding for wide array of investments in areas like education, health, public administration, infrastructure and resource development. But when i voted for this bill in committee, i joined the Ranking Member and the rest of my democratic colleagues in making clear that my support was dependent on working together on making changes to the bill as we move to the floor. This is about the rights of the minority to provide meaningful input into the legislation. And that was an agreement that we stroked before voting on the bill. Despite democratic best efforts, that did not happen. And there continued to be provisions in this bill that need to be addressed. For example, the bill calls for withholding 30 of the u. S. Contribution to i. D. A. In any year over a sixyear period in which the treasury secretary cannot certify tore congress that the bank has adopted or is taking steps to implement two sets of reforms mandated in the bill. In addition, if the Treasury Department cannot report that the bank has met either or both of these reforms in any given year, the bill forces u. S. Funding to the bank to be withheld and makes it more difficult for the bank to implement these reforms Going Forward. As currently drafted, this bill reflects a total misunderstanding of how the International System works. Multi lateral institutions like the world bank which we set up requires sustained u. S. Involvement and leadership. It is only relate particular to think that the u. S. Can impose its will on the bank. Withholding funds is not an effective approach to reform. The only way to achieve the reforms we are seeking at the bank is through our participation and commitment. At times like this, we must not retreat from our involvement or responsibility on the world stage. Placing restrictions on our involvement or undermining efforts that promote growth and reduce poverty is not something that we should support. So i encourage every member in the house to vote no on this bill. And i yield back. The chair the the gentlewoman from california reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Hensarling i yield myself 10 seconds just to say when my colleague talks about meaningful participation, not one single amendment was offered by my democratic friends. It was a perfect bill. It passed 600. I would also point out the odge leverage we have as the United States is our contribution. And thats what this bill does. Im happy to yield four minutes to the gentleman from michigan, the chairman of the Financial Services subcommittee on cap markets, mr. Huizenga. The chair the chair recognizes the gentleman from michigan for four minutes. Mr. Huizenga i thank the chairman for yielding and i rise in strong support of this bill. Having had the opportunity last congress to chair the subcommittee that mr. Barr now leads, i can tell you that my colleague that the reforms in this bill are real and theyre urgent. Let me highlight one case of management fail tur at the world bank that i focused in the last congress with are ms. Moore. I think the scandal will illuminate the reasoning behind the reforms but also the mechanism for achieving those reforms. It is the power of our purse that will effect change. In 2015, the world bank canceled an i. D. A. That International Development agency, as has been referred to, road project in uganda. This initiative saw lapses by the bank which enabled Sexual Exploitation of children to happen. When they complained to the bank staff, they are ignored after the ombudsman did the bank investigate the abuses. My colleagues were so outraged by the scandal that i along with ms. Moore, my Ranking Member, wrote a letter in july of 2016 to the world bank demanding corrective action. Heres the thing, to underscore the gravity of the banks management failures we proposed a level at the highest levels of the committee including the chairman and Ranking Member. The letter as it went out and i would like to insert into the record, was on the letter head of chairman hensarling and Ranking Member waters. And the Ranking Member then refused to sign the letter and leaving as a subcommittee letter that went out by myself and Ranking Member moore. I think what america just heard from the other speakers was literally the democrats wanted the money to the world bank but not the reforms. Thats why they voted for the 3 llionplus to go into that account, and how cynical. Funding of i. D. A. Is about as good as putting a bandaid on a car accident victim. Its not doing anything ultimately, if there is such woeful inadequacy in frying to provide the true issue in trying to provide the true issues that need to be addressed. The sexual abuse of underaged ugandans, not really interested in talking about that. Harassment of female project staff, not really interesting in talking about that on the other side of the aisle. Deficient project safety that may have resulted in five fatalities, not interested in talking about that. So when they rise talking about how much they care about the poor and those that are underserved, forgive me if im cynical, mr. Chairman it. Rings a bit hollow. And chairman. It rings a by the hollow. We received a row response that the bank was undertake a response that the bank was undertaking cosmetic steps to improve their projects and their actions. Such as creating a task force. Again, forgive me for being a little cynical about the task force. But not only was the country manager associated with the ugandan project not held accountable, he was promoted to country directer for the congo. And it still gets worse. Last november we learned that the bank was suspending yet another road project in the congo due to allegations of Sexual Violence against women. The investigations still under way today, mr. Chairman. And the bank has already admitted that it ignored repeated requests to the beneficiaries in the congo to look into the complaints. But were beginning to see a theme. Lets just keep the money flowing anyway. And heres the thing. It was the same projects, the same people in place. And im just wondering why, whether its the Ranking Member or others, who voted for this in subcommittee, refused to keep the banks feet to the fire. Mr. Hensarling i yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds. Mr. Huizenga thank you, mr. Chairman. Im confused as to why my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to hold the banks feet to the fire. Because weve known about these issues for several years. Task forces havent been sufficient. Rhetoric hasnt been sufficient. We need real accountability in the bank and we need it now and it needs to be initiated immediately. Then it needs mob dane mained and institution then it needs to be maintained and institutionalized. I thank my friend from connecticut for taking this kentucky for taking this commonsense approach and demand that the World Bank Live up to its commitments to the poor. So whether theyre in africa and other places of the world. I urge my colleagues to support this and i yield back. The chair the gentlemans request will be considered under general leave. The gentleman from texas reserves. The gentlewoman from california is recognized. Ms. Waters i yield to the gentleman from new york three minutes. The chair the gentleman from new york is recognized for three minutes. I thank the gentlelady for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, today i rise in opposition to h. R. 3326, the World Bank Accountability act of 2017. Let me start by stating how important our nations contributions are to the world banks International Development association, i. D. A. Those funds support the largest source of Development Finance for the worlds poorest nations. Including those in africa, latin america and asia. And that is why at the Committee Level i voted in favor. Mr. Meeks both democrats and republicans agree that the funding that funding the world Banks Development finance for poor nations represented americas highest ideals and interests. And naturally i would support a bill like this. But we had agreed that it wasnt the last word, that we would work and there would be additions thereto. And or sub tractions in reviewing the subtractions in reviewing the bill. This in my estimation, looking at the bill, it also cedes too much authority to the executive and those concerns have not been addressed in the final bill. And for me, particularly in light of this administrations tatements just a few days ago, it is troubling that it could be isused by this administration. As written, the president , who has indicated a complete disdain for poor nations and people of color, could withhold foreign assistance if the world bank does not conform to his administrations policies. It would be a mistake to allow the president to coerce the world bank to fit his flawed world view. Especially this president whose world view is inconsistent with americas past leaderships around the globe. And thats whether it was a democratic or republican president. Furthermore, the procedures in do little to rebuild the worlds faith in our nation. Because were having a problem from all of our allies, particularly the poor nations of stand. Ld, as to where we our vision, this nation, has deteriorated under the current administration. And under this bill our nation could lose further credibility around the world during a time when countries, especially our allies, are uncertain about where our country stands on fundamental democratic values. Ultimately, the procedures in this bill could punish millions of children and the vulnerable families in africa, latin america and asia who could go without food and basic resources at the whim of this white house. Ms. Waters i yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds. Mr. Meeks and so, since we know of the president and his will to withdraw from multilateral organizations and not work with others and just work by himself, we know what his position is. I urge my colleagues to vote no on h. R. 3326. And i yield back the balance of my time. The chair the gentlewoman from california reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Hensarling mr. Chairman, im pleased now to yield four minutes to my fellow texan, mr. Williams, the vice chairman of the Financial Services subcommittee on Monetary Policy and trade. The chair the gentleman from texas is recognized for four minutes. Mr. Williams thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of h. R. 3326, the World Bank Accountability act. I would like to thank the chairman of the subcommittee on Monetary Policy and trade, mr. Andy barr, for his hard work on this piece of legislation and for his leadership on this important issue. H. R. 3326 passed through the Financial Services committee unanimously, with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 600. Mr. Speaker, right now the world banks International Development association or i. D. A. Is an irresponsible benefactor for the worlds neediest nations. At the core of my concerns within the world bank, i take great issue with the banks offering employee incentives for approving new loans. The bank itself has even been documented, they harvest a culture that encourages loan volume rather than approval based on merit and approval based on need. H. R. 3326 will help eliminate these illogical incentives at the world bank that prioritize pushing money out the door, rather than delivering authentic and helpful solutions. In addition to mass lending from the bank, careless lending is equally disconcerting. And has made it easier for corrupt regimes to abuse their citizens and exploit the money for terrorismrelated efforts. To address this issue, h. R. 3326 ensures that the world bank cannot approving funds for a country that has been classified by the United States as a state sponsor of terrorism and it demands that the u. S. Decline bank loans to countries that knowingly fail to impose u. N. Security Council Sanctions against the north korean regime. Additionally, this bill will encourage improvements within the world bank by withholding up to 30 of future appropriations for the worlds bank i. D. A. Until the treasury reports that bank has undertaken meaningful reforms in order to combat corruption, strengthen management accountability, and undermine violent extremism. By passing this legislation, we require the world bank to put more faith and free inter in free enterprise, as opposed to corrupt regimes that abuse the poor. If the world bank is serious about helping those who need it most, it should make certain that borrowing governments are committed to the welfare of their citizens. The world bank has been slipping through the cracks far too long and it is time to implement meaningful and lasting reforms. So once again i commend representative barr for introducing this necessary legislation. I encourage the thousand follow the Financial Services committee lead by passing h. R. 3326. In god we trust. I yield back. The chair the gentleman from texas reserves. The gentlewoman from california is recognized. Ms. Waters i yield three minutes to the gentleman from illinois, a Senior Member of the subcommittee on Monetary Policy and trade of the Financial Services committee, mr. Foster. The chair the gentleman from illinois is recognized. Mr. Foster thank you, mr. Chairman. I rise today in opposition to h. R. 3326 as it currently stands. This is a disappointment to me. I, like many of my colleagues, originally voted to support this legislation in committee, with the understanding that both sides of the aisle would continue to work to allay the concerns that elements of this bill would give the Trump Administration new and disruptive tools that would likely be used to the detriment of the world banks mission and our relationships with other countries. There was an understanding to negotiate changes, but this legislation we will be voting on today does not reflect that promise. And in light of that failure, my colleague offered an amendment that would have satisfied our concerns, but this amendment was not made in order. So we will not be voting on that either. This bill does have this bill does have elements that are important to our countrys obligation to some of the poorest countries in the world. The World Bank Provides grants and highly concessional loans through the International Development association, the i. D. A. , to the worlds 77 poorest countries. This money goes a long way towards raising the standard of living, public health, and Economic Growth for the 450 Million People who live there. Since world war ii, the United States has stood as a Strong Partner and a leader in the multilateral work to improve the quality of life around the world. Our success has relied on the diligent support of american lawmakers, diplomats, and groups around the world who work closely with allies and Partner Organizations throughout the world to provide assistance in times of great crisis. But our confidence that this administrations broad discretion to defund the i. D. A. Provided in the bill we will be voting on would not be abused, was frankly not that confidence was not improved by the president s recent racist remarks last week. We are constantly reminded of the continuing importance of this mission and the need to pledge our support to the poorest countries in the world, to offer aid for the neediest individuals. Time after time, however, the Trump Administration has shown itself incapable of using the resources that Congress Gives it to work in constructive ways in multilateral organizations. Instead alienating our allies and undermining our countrys reputation and mission. And while i support this legislations authorization of 3. 29 billion for Multilateral Development efforts for these countries, the poorly con received and defined condition conreceived and defined conditions in conceive and defined conditions in this legislation make it impossible to support. Any contribution to i. D. A. Is a serious action that would have devastating consequences. It would punish millions of children and other vulnerable groups in africa, latin america and asia, many of whom live in absolute poverty. It would also limit our ability to help individuals in famineridden parts of the world and refugees in fragile areas. They rely on humanitarian assistance for food, water and basic ms. Waters i yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from mr. Foster thank you. They rely on humanitarian assistance for food, water and basic medical care and could face death without this assistance. Many of the provisions in this bill, as written, would place conditions on u. S. Contributions to i. D. A. That, in the hands of the Trump Administration, would not be an effective approach to reform and could very well undermine efforts to reduce poverty and promote growth. This would damage our countrys historic and Noble Mission to lead the world in assisting the poorest countries with food, clean water and medical help. So with reluctance i have to encourage my colleagues to vote no on this bill and hope that it comes back to the floor with a bipartisan input that we were promised. Thank you and i yield back the balance of my time. The chair members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the president. The gentlewoman from california reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Hensarling i yield four minutes to the gentleman from ohio, another hardworking member of the Financial Services committee who knows this bill passed 600, mr. Davidson. The chair the gentleman from ohio is recognized. Mr. Davidson i thank the chairman of our committee and subcommittee for making great points and pushing forward this great legislation. The members opposed to this legislation were for it before they were against it, as has been pointed out. But the other thing is that the premise of the argument that is being made in opposition to this bill is that the United States ould somehow give money just spend the money, regardless of how poorly the world bank will deploy this capital, regardless they are effective or not in accomplishing the Important Mission of helping address poverty in some of the poorest nations in the world. And the specific purpose of this fund is to address poverty. And its not done a very good job. They have abused the funds they had. So the premise would be somehow that we can just spend the money and entrust it, somehow they are going to get better. Well, thankfully, thankfully, when we were talking about it in committee and when we talked about it on this side of the argument here and i hope its a truly bipartisan support for this bill to show to the American People, we do expect a return on our dollars. We expect results for the money that comes to this body to spend on behalf of the United States of america. And i think the other premise is that we send the money with no Strings Attached and no expectation of results, then we are not engaged in the world, that somehow we have withdrawn from the world and we dont care. Nothing could be further from the truth, because we do care. We are putting terms and conditions on the money. And because we do care about poverty and the results, we care that the world bank operates frankly to accomplish its mission. And so while some would look for bigger, bolder reforms and maybe better use of u. S. Tax dollars, we expect some accountability for those results. This is a very measured objective in this bill. And i commend our committee for coming to this consensus. I hope for a similar reminder when we call for a vote on the floor of the house. And i yield my remaining time. The chair the gentleman from texas reserves. The gentlelady from california. Ms. Waters i yield three minutes to the gentleman from michigan, the banks Ranking Member of the Financial Services committee, mr. Kildee. The chair the gentleman from michigan is recognized. Mr. Kildee thank you, mr. Speaker. And i appreciate the opportunity to express my concerns with the way this bill has moved to the floor today. I support the bills authorization of u. S. Contribution to the International Development association, the i. D. A. , part of the world bank that helps the worlds poorest countries through loans and grants to reduce poverty and improve the living standard. It provides assistance for basic health care, primary education, clean water and sanitation, infrastructure. I also support the idea that the bill would reestablish the u. S. s engagement on Global Economic cooperation. And when this bill came up in the Financial Services committee markup, i along with many of my colleagues expressed concerns over the bill making a u. S. Contribution contingent on President Trumps determination that the world bank is implementing these important reforms. Our support for the bill was based on the understanding that those concerns would be addressed. So we supported the bill in good faith, hoping that, in fact, those issues would be addressed. Its been pointed no democratic amendments were offered in committee. We took on faith that those issues would be addressed. Ms. Moore, a member of the committee on the democratic side and leader on this issue, offered an amendment, which the majority rejected in the rules committee and did not allow this house to vote on in order to what we would say would be to improve the legislation. The amendment was not even made in order. We support Good Governance and accountability. But those goals ought to be advanced on their own merits. With allowing President Trump to make the determination to withhold money from these ountries, based on his interpretation as to whether they have met his standards, was a bridge too far for many of us. The nature of the reforms outlined in the bill give some pause when we consider the recent actions and the recent words. It is impossible for any of us to, first of all, erase the hateful comments made by the president of the United States in reference to countries such as those that benefit from the work of the i. D. A. So setting aside for a moment, the concerns that members of the committee addressed and when this happens from time to time in committee lets not pretend that it doesnt. Where there are concerns that we will address as the bill goes forward. And very often, they are worked out. When they are not, we are not going to be put in a position as members of the committee to say, well, it never happened. It did happen. So i understand we may come to different conclusions ultimately of how the bill comes to the floor and members ought to vote their conscience, but it is not the case that we did not express those concerns with the hope they would be addressed before the legislation was brought to the floor. No one saw it as a perfect bill unless those individuals were not listening to those issues by democratic members during debate in committee. Ill end with this. When the president of the united uses just in recent days vulgar and hateful terms to depict entire populations, many of whom live in countries that are the principal beneficiaries and people whom themselves thises are the principal beneficiaries i have a hard time granting authority to that same administration to make a determination as to whether those countries are worthy of the help that the United States would offer. With that, i yield back. The chair the gentlemans time has expired. The gentleman from texas. Mr. Hensarling i yield myself 10 seconds, its an interesting narrative being told by the minority that they offered no amendments, voted for the bill 600 and heard nothing for six months until last friday, for the first time they want to talk about a bill they originally supported. I yield four minutes to the gentleman from arkansas, the majority whip of the Financial Services committee, mr. Hill. The chair the gentleman is recognized for four minutes. Mr. Hill i thank the committee and chairman of the subcommittee for bringing this bill, h. R. 3326 to the floor today, because this is precisely what the American People want out of their government in washington, d. C. , accountability. Mr. Speaker, our constituents ask us all the time, do you monitor the money that you send and spend around the world to further americas interests . And there is always a lot of people just looking around and how do we verify that . Well, here, mr. Speaker, is an opportunity to verify that. This important piece of legislation would require the world bank to implement real incentives, particularly through staff evaluation standards that prioritize antipoverty results and capable project management over just the volume of loans they produce. Its that classic management expertise, quality over quantity. Of course we want poverty eradicated. The taxpayers of this tax pay irwouldnt vote us to approve spending if it wasnt done right to expand americas interests around the world and alleviate poverty. And if the world bank is serious, it would defend the poorests freedoms. No reforms like we have proposed, then poverty is not eradicated. The poor are not helped. H. R. 3326 insists on greater efforts by the bank to fight corruption and its projects. Just because the bank may have to work in corrupt environments does not mean it has to add to the graft by pouring money in it for the taking. Thats why the vote was 600. Thats why the gentlewoman from wisconsin was so supportive of us in this subcommittee. It withholds appropriations until the bank raises the quality of its work, raises the quality of its forensic awe its, which are designed to unmask the systemic corruption we find in the third world. Inadvertently or add verntly supported by the efforts of the world bank, we are tired of it. And at the thats why on a bipartisan basis we support the Foreign Policy goals contained in h. R. 3326. I thank my friend, mr. Barr, for his thoughtful work to implement this. These are needed changes and these are bipartisan changes. These improve transparency, end corruption, better spend our taxpayer resources, demand accountability of the world bank notoriously unaccountable. I thank mr. Barr, and mr. Hensarling and i yield back. He chair the gentlewoman from california. Ms. Waters i yield to the gentleman from from nevada. The chair the gentleman is ecognized. Mr. Speaker, last summer, i joined my democratic and republican colleagues in supporting h. R. 3326 in the Financial Services committee to authorize the United States to participate in replenishing the International Development association, the i. D. A. However, democrats made it clear during consideration of this bill in committee that our support depended on changes on certain provisions. Prohibitions in the bill put the u. S. Funding at risk and make it too easy for the administration to cut off funding for vulnerable nations. I am disappointed that my republican colleagues have chosen not to uphold our agreement and address these concerns. Given the recent events and remarks by President Trump degrading developing nations and the people who live in them, we should be concerned about giving the administration this power. It is critical that congress provide moral leadership and demonstrate to the world that the United States will not ignore or punish countries that are struggling with poverty or conflict. We must send a strong signal that the United States congress respects people of all backgrounds and nationalities. For these reasons, i urge my colleagues to vote know no. And i yield back. The chair the gentlelady from california reserves. The gentleman from texas. Mr. Hensarling i think i have the right to close and i reserve. The chair the gentlelady from alifornia. Ms. Waters thank you very much, mr. Chairman. In closing, let me say that democrats did view this legislation as an important markup of International Engagement from our committee, ich is not in recent times demonstrated a great deal of interest in Global Economic leadership. So we view this measure as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of Global Economic cooperation and given that, it seemed to us a mistake to then reject the possibility of cooperation with our own republican colleagues. So we supported the bill for that reason as well. And i regret we couldnt come to an accommodation. On another matter, let me also say, i wont question the sincerity of my republican colleagues commitment to reforming the bank, but i do wonder why these reforms are as pressing and urgent and as critical as they say, why did they take so long . Chairman hensarling has been at the helm of our committee for over five years. And during that time, the Obama Administration requested legislation to authorize u. S. Participation in three other replenishments, including the previous i. D. A. 17. But the committee refused to act on any of these requests, not only shirking its oversight responsibility but also missing a number of opportunities to press for reforms which presumably were as urgent then as they are now. In fact, the november, 2014, near the end of the 113th congress, i wrote to chairman hensarling urging him to turn his attention to the three pending authorization requests before congress adjourned. I made a number of arguments in support of the Multilateral Development bank, which apparently did not persuade the chairman. I ask unanimous consent to enter this letter into the record. Nevertheless, here we are at a historic moment when u. S. Credibility on the global stage is in serious question. We have the option of choosing to lead and show the community of nations that the hateful words of the president will not be followed by misguided and enabling actions by congress. Today, i speak on behalf of the worlds poorest countries and their people. Today, i stand with africa and i urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation. And its misguided, cynical approach approach to multilateralism. I urge my colleagues to reject this legislation as a significant nat to the world that trump as a signal to the world that the trump doctrine is not an american doctrine or a broader sign of american unreliability and indifference. I would like to take a moment to tell you what is being said about us from some of these countries and around the world. From haiti, trump comments saying that they were based on stereotypes in the spirit of the people of haiti, we feel in the statements, if they were made, the president was either misinformed or miseducated about haiti and its people. From the former haitian prime minister, it shows a lack of respect, he says. And ignorance never seen before in the recent history of the United States by any president. Lets see what the deputy secretary general of the African National congress has to say. He said, and i quote, ours is country,neather is haiti or any other country in distress. From the government of el salvador, we have addressed a note of protest to the government of the United States highlighting in this document also the high value of salvador ans. From salvador sanchez president of el salvador. Quote, the statement of the president of the United States hits the dignity of the people. We demand within the framework of the principles governing relations amongst states respect for the dignity of their noble and courageous people. Hugo martinez, el salvadors foreign minister, quote, its always been a Foreign Policy priority of our government to fight for the respect and dignity of our countrymen, independent of their immigration status. Our countrymen are hardworking people who are always contributing to the countries where theyre living. And of course also to our country. And according to the state theytment in senegal, also sum oned the u. S. Am bass summoned the u. S. Ambassador for a statement. The president of senegal said, i am shocked by the words of President Trump on haiti and africa. I reject them and condemn them vigorously. Africa and the black race deserves the respect and consideration of all, quoteunquote. And then there is john mahama, former president of begana. He said, and quote, africans and haitians come from, what . S countries . Isnt trump demonstrating that hes nothing but a racist and pursuing a policy of, quote, make America White again . Congratulate bat swana for showing the way our a. U. President s must respond strongly to this insult. I could go on and on about comments that are coming from our friends and our allies, some of them may be poor countries, but who have had respect for us in the past. And who have stood with us in times of adversity. I absolutely know that this country has demonstrated time and time again that we are humanitarians. That we understand the importance of giving support to the poorest countries in this world. And they appreciate us so much. And they honor us and they have respected us and they have done everything to show that they will stand with us when they need us to do that. And here we are at a time when were willing to put them at risk with a piece of legislation where we have some members on the opposite side of the aisle that think they know better than the world bank, that think they know better than all of the members, democrat and republicans, who have worked together for years in our support of the world bank. And in our support of giving support to the 77 poorest countries in the world. And giving our support to the 450 Million People, many of them who are living in abject poverty, many of them who dont know where the next meal is going to come from. Many of them who lives are at risk every dayment and how can we, the richest country in the world, turn our nose up at them, talk about somehow they are not credibl talk about somehow they are all corrupt . I reject it and i ask e members of this congress to vote no on this misplaced, misguided piece of legislation. The chair the gentlelady yields back the balance of hetime. The chair would remind members that remarks in debate may not engage in personalies toward the president. Including by repeating remarks made elsewhre that would be improper if spoken in the members own words. The chair recognizes t gentleman from texas to close. Mr. Hensarling mr. Chairman, may i inquire how much time i have remaining . The chair the gentleman has 4 3 4 minutes remaining. Mr. Hensarling i yield myself the remainder of the time. The chair the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Hensarling first, mr. Chairman, let me get the whole process debate out of the way. Anybody who is watching this debate has got to be scratching their head at the proposition that every single one of my democrat colleagues who come to the floor to denounce h. R. 3326 have already voted for it. They voted for it 600 in committee. Mr. Chairman, you know how many amendments they offered in that markup . Their opportunity to refine the legislation, their opportunity to improve the legislation, eir opportunity to put their on the amendment. You know how many amendments they offered . Zero. Zero amendments were offered by the minority who now claims that somehow they were cut out of the process. And for six months weve been waiting, waiting to bring this bill, waiting to hear about these improvements and only three legislative days ago did finally the democrats dane to offer any new improvement to this bill. So i think, mr. Chairman, she doth protest it too much. And now what i dont understand, mr. Chairman, is how my democrat colleagues can defend some of these rowing regimes and some of the rogue regimes and some of the activities of the world bank. I quote from dr. Gene ensinger, a professor of social science at cal tech, who testified that there is corruption, corruption throughout World Bank Projects on the kenya and remote areas of kenya, near the somali border. She said, quote, as i dug more deeply, it became apparent that corruption had been entrenched in the project since 2000. And were talking about the poorest of the poor. She goesen to say that as the board was getting ready to renew the project for five years, finally the internal investigation showed that 62 of the transactions were fraudulent. Except my friends on the other side of the aisle, it doesnt matter. Dont worry about the fraud. Just send them u. S. Taxpayer money. It doesnt matter that the poor arent actually helped. Just send the money because it makes us feel good. Sasha from the International Consortium of investigative journalists testified and i alluded to this earlier about the forced displacement of the poorest of the poor caused by projects financed by the world bank. She went on to testify, quote, we found instead that the bank repeatedly funded governments that not only failed to adequately resettle communities, but in some cases were accused of human rights abuses such as rape, murder, and violent evictions associated with bank projects. And we found in several cases the world bank continued to bank roll these borrowers, even after evidence of these abuses came to light. We have a bill to reform that. To make sure the poor actually are helped. To ensure that instead of taxpayer money going to rape, murder and violent evictions, that it actually goes to help the poor. And why my democratic colleagues who were once for it are now against it is beyond me. Then we certainly know about the infamous world bank project, road project in western uganda. Where it was associated with an increase in Sexual Exploitation of young girls, teenage girls, quote, were being sexually harassed on their way to school, many were sexually exploited or raped by project workers. And, and once this became known, the world bank denied it. So we have a simple bill. To say that the u. S. Taxpayer will demand accountability, we will demand reforms. People should be aghast at how this money has been spent at the world bank. Its not how much money you spend, its how you spend the money. And if we want reforms, were going to have some accountability. Something my friends on the other side of the aisle used to support and they should be ashamed that they are not supporting it today. E must all support h. R. 3326 and i very much commend the gentleman from kentucky for bringing this valuable piece of legislation to the floor and i urge its adoption and i yield back the balance of my time. The chair all time for general debate has expired. Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment under the fiveminute rule. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the fiveminute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the committee on Financial Services printed in the bill. The Committee Amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. No amendment to that amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in part a of house eport 115518. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report by a member designated in the romp, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report, equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. Shall not be subject to amendment. And shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question. It is nowed for to consider amendment number now in order to consider amendment number 1 printed in part a of house report 115518. For what purpose does the for what purpose does the gentleman from South Carolina seek recognition . Mr. Norman amendment at the desk. The clerk amendment number 1 printed in house report 115518 offered by mr. Norman of South Carolina. The chair pursuant to House Resolution 693, the gentleman from South Carolina, mr. Norman, and a member opposed will each control five minutes of this debate. The chair recognizes the gentleman from South Carolina. Mr. Norman thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to support my amendment, h. R. 3326, the World Bank Accountability act. I also want to thank the chairman of the full committee andy barr, which is the subcommittee chairman, for introducing this legislation and working with me on this amendment. The purpose of the underlying bill is simple. To ensure that the world bank is effective in supporting projects abroad that work and actually reduce poverty. One aspect to the bill requires that the u. S. May withhold part of its funding from the world bank unless the Treasury Department reports that the bank is emphasizing proven antipoverty solutions such as secure property rights, due process under the law, and Economic Freedom. My amendment would make a small and positive change to the bill which clarifies that the bank should al also focus on should also focus on reducing government barriers to entrepreneurship in addition to the other requirements. This simply simple modification is important for a couple of reasons. First, multiple studies have found that entrepreneurship is an essential part of reducing poverty abroad because it gives people the ability to use their skills and godgiven talents to foster innovation and create jobs in their individual communities. Foreign governments often create barriers to entrepreneurship through excessive fees, burdensome licensing requirements, and lengthy permitting processes. Second, this modification is consistent with the United States Foreign Policy which in part is to promote Market Solutions to international poverty. This will ensure that individuals will have the capability to pull themselves out of poverty without excessive barriers put up by their government, ultimately improve the efficiency of the United States Development Assistance, and improve the Economic Situation in impoverished nations. The chair does the gentleman yield or reserve . Mr. Norman i yield back my time. Mr. Norman i yield back. The speaker pro tempore does the chair does any member claim time in opposition . I rise to claim time in opposition though im not opposed. The chair is the gentlewoman pposed to the amendment . Ms. Waters yes, im opposed to the amendment. The chair the gentlewoman is recognized for five minutes. Ms. Waters thank you very much, mr. Chairman. I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from South Carolina, representative norman. While the amendment speaks to reducing government barriers to entrepreneurship, the real world impact of adopting this amendment would be to enlist the world bank in the business of really what theyre going for, diminishing labor standards. The world banks prior, quote, doing business report, is a prime example of why we must reject this amendment. The world bank should be encouraging sustainable and inclusive growth, not policies that diminish workers rights. So i would urge all members to oppose this amendment and i eserve the balance of my time. I will yield one minute to mr. Barr. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized the chair the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Barr i thank the gentlelady for yielding. I want to thank the gentleman from South Carolina for his thoughtful amendment. His amendment addresses an issue dear to our heart that is Economic Freedom by making the bill even more explicit nits support for entrepreneurship his contribution makes a good piece of legislation better, still its important to remember that the poor, wherever they may be in the world, can succeed if their government lets them. Thats a principle we should all whole hortedly support, i hope the world bank will subscribe to it as well. I would say one other thing about the debate that transpired here today. This is hardworking american taxpayers generosity. 23 the american tax its the american taxpayers trying to help people who live in impoverished countries. It is unfair to Hardworking Taxpayers and dishonors the generosity of the American People to not hold the world bank accountable. So i applaud the gentleman mr. Norman, for his amendment which will release entrepreneurship in these thress developed countries and i yield back. The chair the gentlelady from california is recognized. Ms. Waters i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from South Carolina. Hose in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to. It is now in order to consider amendment number 2 printed in part a of house report 115518. For what purpose does the gentleman from virginia seek recognition . Mr. Connolly i have an amendment at the desk. The chair clerk will report the amendment. The clerk amendment number 2 printed in house report 115518, offered by the gentleman from virginia. The chair the gentleman from virginia, mr. Connolly, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from virginia. Mr. Connolly i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Connolly i rise today to offer an antitrafficking amendment to the World Bank Accountability act. The chairman of the National Advisory committee on International Monetary and financial policies is already required by law to submit to the speaker the president of the senate and the president of the United States an annual report on the efficacy of international Financial Institutions as well as other goals for Development Assistance and financing already specified by the congress. The base tax of the the base text of the world bank act includes several additions to the chairmans annual report this would make one addition to that report. The amendment would require that the chairman report on the detailed action of the taking by the world bank to institute protections for g5 nonimmigrant visa holders and inform these individuals of the rights afforded them by the William Wilber force trafficking victims protection reauthorization act of 2008. That legislation was sponsored by my good friend and former chairman of the house Foreign Affairs committee howard berman. G5 nonimmigrant visas are reserved for foreign domestic employees of diplomats and International Organizations such as the world bank. And part of the enactment of the William Wilber force trafficking victims reauthorization act, these foreign employees had few protections. However the bill enacted several reforms for how to prevent abuse and tracking of foreign domestic employees in the United States on g5 nonimmigrant visas. The law mandated that all such visa holders have an employeremployee contract that includes interalia, one an agreement to abide by all federal, state and local laws. Hours, leave, and sick leave, and three, an agreement by the employer not that withhold the passport, Employment Contract or other personal property and documents of an employee. Among other thing the law also permits these foreign domestic employees to remain legally and work in the United States while seeking legal redress against their employers as required. As a representative for northern virginia, i count among the residents of my district many of the hardworking and dedicated employees of the world bank who worked in offices throughout the d. C. Metropolitan area. As a result i also represent the foreign domestic employee of those who work in the world bank institutions. Unfortunately, sometimes, some of these individuals have been subject to abuse by their employers. Since 2010, there have been at least five federal civil trafficking cases in the United States involving the world bank and a majority of those cases were filed in the Eastern District of virginia. All of these cases resulted in either a settlement, a default judgment for the plaintiff, or a guilty plea. All of them. According to the g. A. O. , report on household workers of foreign diplomats, quote, the people who come to the United States on g5 visas are among the most vulnerable who enter our borders legally. They are often poor, uneducated, unfamiliar with their rights under United States law. If they find themselves in an abusive situation, their ability to hold their employers accountability is often limited, particularly if their employers enjoy full diplomatic immunity and inviolability. Unquote. According to a survey, 85 of Domestic Worker trafficking survivors report having pay withheld or being paid well below minimum wage in violation of our own domestic laws. 78 have had employers threat ton report them for deportation if they complain. 62 report having their passports or other identification documents taken away or withheld illegally by their employers. We must empower all individuals who find themselves victims of abuse or Human Trafficking and provide them with a way out. Too often their plight is obscured by their vulnerability and susceptibility to these kinds of threats. I hep this amendment helps shed more light on one corner of this problem. Victims currently suffering under an abusive employer a way out of the shadows. This is a matter of human decency and human freedom and a reaffirmation of human autonomy. I urge its adoption and i thank the chairman and his staff and the Ranking Member and her staff for their cooperation. I yield back the balance of my time. The chair the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment though im not opposed. The chair without objection the gentleman is recognized for five minutes. I thank the gentleman from virginia for his efforts, im willing to accept his amendments. This would ensure they Keep Congress updated. This addition to the bill is unobjectionable and im pleased to support it and i yield back. The chair the gentleman yields back. The sque on the amendment offered by the gentleman from virginia. Those in favor say aye. Pose pez. Those opposed, no. In the nonche chair the ayes have it. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Connolly on that matter, i request the yeas and nays. The gentleman asks for a recorded vote. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from virginia will be postponed. It is now in order to consider amendment number 3 printed in part a of house reprobation report 115518. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Barr i have an amendment at the desk. The chair the clerk will report the amendment. The clerk amendment number 3 printed in house report 115518, offered by mr. Barr of kentucky. The chair pursuant to resolution 619, the gentleman from kentucky, mr. Barr, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from kentucky. Mr. Barr i rise to offer a straightforward amendment that would make this bills language more consistent with legislation the house has already passed with an overwhelming bipartisan jerrett. H. R. 3326 calls on the Treasury Department to oppose World Bank Assistance to either countries that knowingly fail to enforce u. N. Security Council Sanctions against north korea. As the u. N. Panel of experts concluded, lax enforcement, including those eligible for support, undermined the effectiveness of u. N. Sanctions against the kim regime. All my amendment does is change the world should, to shall, making u. S. Opposition to World Bank Assistance to those countries mandatory. At the same at the same time it adds president ial Waiver Authority so the president can exempt countries that are at their capacity or those attempting to make corrections. Ere is also part of the otto warm bier pr vision. I thank the gentlelady for helping me working on this. The otto war bier sanctions pass warm bier sanctions act passed the house. I urge my colleagues to support. Before i conclude, i want to make a general comment about this the wisdom of this legislation and the approach to enforce accountability on the world bank. We heard some of the arguments from our friends on the other side of the aisle. Our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I would just say, on a bipartisan basis, we are the guardians and we are the custodians of the american taxpayers charity. We are the guardians of their hardearned income that they pay in the form of taxes to their government. And they ask us to be wise stewards of those tax dollars. An these taxpayers work hard to pay their taxes. And so when that money comes to washington, they expect that when we are fighting poverty in third world countries with their tax dollars that we make it work. Because the American People, and we all agree here, we want to fight poverty in these third world countries, we want to make sure these third world countries are not either knowingly or unknowingly supporting, circumventing sanctions against north korea. We want to make sure theyre promoting Economic Freedom and helping people rise out of poverty and achieve their godgiven potential in these countries that need our humanitarian assistance. So for goodness sakes, lets support accountability of the world bank so that we dont have rape and murder and violent evictions associated with bank projects, which is what Everybody Knows the testimony has been in our oversight. And this is not about turning our backs on the poor, its about standing up for the poor. Its about making sure that the money that our taxpayers are giving to the world bank is actually helping alleviate poverty and not exacerbating the problems in these poor countries. And its if they cant undertake the rainstorm reforms in this bill, reporms reforms the minority supported, then by definition the banks money is not benefiting the poor. And if its not benefiting the poor, how could withholding a portion of it be punishing the poor . For goodness sake, lets honor the charity of the american taxpayers. Lets not dishonor it. Lets honor it by actually making reforms to the world bank so that the world bank can fulfill its Important Mission and not undermine its important antipoverty mission. With that, id like to yield 3 seconds to the distinguished chairman of the full committee, mr. Hensarling of texas. The chair the gentleman from texas is recognized for 30 seconds. Mr. Hensarling i thank the gentleman for yielding. Not only do i want to thank him for his leadership in providing accountability to the world bank, to ensure that the poor oves the poor are truly helped and that the hard working, beleaguered taxpayers has his funds respected, but i also want to thank him for this amendment and his previous work to ensure that sanctions on one of the most dangerous regimes on the face of the planet, north korea, are actually effective. We know, we know the threat that north korea possesses. Presents to all of our constituents. Presents to our country and so i want to thank the gentleman for his leadership and urge the adoption of his amendment and yield back. The chair the gentleman yields back. For what purpose the gentlewoman from california seek recognition . Ms. Waters i rise in opposition to the amendment though i will not oppose it. The chair the gentlewoman is ecognized. Ms. Waters this amendment offered by the gentleman from california, representative barr, would make changes to section 4 of the underlying bill dealing with opposing World Bank Assistance for governments that fail to enforce nurnlt security Council Sanctions against u. N. Security Council Sanctions against north korea. These changes are welcome and would bring this section of the bill in line with the provision that was adopted on a bipartisan basis in the Financial Services committee as to the our commitment Nuclear Korea sanctions act. This included a clearly defined Waiver Authority. The amendment offered by representative barr would add in this same waiver provisions to the underlying bill. In doing so the amendment not only makes section 4 of the bill consistent with the approach used in other context but more importantly it ensures that we allow the president to waive the withholding of assistance for countries that fall short in applying sanctions on north korea when such failure is due exclusively to a lack of capacity of the Foreign Government and the Foreign Government is taking effective steps to prevent the ailure from recurring. While i do not believe the underlying bill should become law in its current form, i do believe we should take a consistent and thoughtful approach to cutting off World Bank Assistance to the poorest countries that are unable to fulfill their u. N. Security council obligations. This amendment would address this concern. And so, mr. Chairman and members, i want to thank the gentleman for giving credit to ms. Moore for her work and her assistance with this work that was being done to deny north korea any kind of assistance from our allies, as i understand it. So this is not something thats done by the republicans or democrats. His is truly bipartisan. We all feel the same way about north korea and we all feel the sanctions should be honored and we all feel that no country, particularly those countries that we are supporting in any way, should do anything to give support to north korea. And in saying that, let me also point out that we dont come to this floor with any kind of empty rhetoric talking about all of those countries are corrupt and somehow all of these countries in africa and other places that are very poor are somehow disregarding the fact that the United States is being of assistance to them and many of them, most of them know their lives oftentimes depend on our generosity and they love us and they support us and they want to immolate us. They get a little bit confused when we have people who charge them with being corrupt and irresponsible and noncaring and not having an appreciation for what the citizens of the United States are doing for them. That is not the kind of rhetoric that we need in order to enhance our posture or our image with our constituents and have them believe we are saving them from these poor countries who are getting their taxpayers and dont care about them. That is not true. And i cringe when i hear that kind of rhetoric on the floor of congress. I cringe when i hear using our position, our influence to send a message that somehow we dont trust, we dont believe, we dont honor and we dont espect many of those very poor countries. We are talking about 77 of the poorest countries in the world. You will see ads on television from time to time of nonprofit organizations that are trying to save the lives of little children who are dying from malnutrition. You see them every night and they tell you, send 21, send some money to this organization so we can save these children who are dying because they dont have clean drinking water, who are dying because they are victims of malaria, who are dying because they dont have any health care whatsoever, living practically outdoors. And so when we see these ads, many people are responding, joining in with their government to show our humanitarianism and to help the least of these. And so i want us to take credit, but i want us to be respectful. I want be not to join in calling names. I want us to say to the president of the United States, dont keep doing this. And i want to say to the members on the opposite side of the aisle, you are better than this and you dont need this for your reelection. You dont need this to send a message to your constituents that you are saving them from poor, corrupt countries. With that i yield back the balance of my time. The chair the gentlewoman yields back. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from kentucky. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Hensarling mr. Speaker, i move the committee do now rise. The chair the question is on the motion the committee rise. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The motion is adopted. Accordingly, the committee rises. The speaker pro tempore mr. Hairman. The chair mr. Speaker, the committee of the whole house on the state of the union having under consideration h. R. 3326 directs me to report that it has not come to no resolution thereon. The speaker pro tempore the chair of the committee of the whole house on the state of the Union Reports that the committee has had under consideration h. R. 3326 and has come to no resolution thereon. Pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1, the chair declares the house in recess subject to the call of the chair. Because of the act, families are optimistic. Families are seeing energy bills come down as Utility Companies are cutting rates. In february, an estimated 90 of americans will see their takehome pay increase. As i travel around washington, i hear about family, this is making a big difference. They were excited about increased paychecks, about being able to pay for mortgages and college tuition. Its making an impact for them in their pocketbooks. Despite the out of touch rhetoric were hearing from the defenders they have status quo, this isnt armageddon. It isnt crumbs. It isnt pathetic. Its real relief for hardworking men and women that this country as been seeking. While the depems struggle to explain why they didnt support this overhaul of the tax code, our focus continues to be on a Better Future for all americans and families this week well also consider the born alive abortion survivors protection act. This is about kids, babies born alive and historically you see bipartisan support and im excited to help welcome families that have traveled from Eastern Washington for the 45th annual arch for life. These are our most basic and fundamental responsibilities that we have serving in the house. And i call upon the democrats to stop the obstruction, stop the games, and join us in getting it done. With that, i turn it over to congressman lewis. Mr. Lewis thank you, cathy. Welcome. I am congressman jason lewis, minnesota two. It is wonderful to be here to talk about the single most important thing happening right now in america. But enough about the Minnesota Vikings and the playoff game on sunday. Lets talk a little bit about tax reform. You know, we have history on our side. You look at the 1920s and 1960s and 1980s, every time we get this rising tide when we increase productivity in the private sector. Yesterday i was at the home depot in minnesota two and was talking to the manager and talking about how wonderful it will be for home depot. You know the people that were excited . The associates of home depot because they engage in stock holders. Their 401ks are going up. They will get more share of ownership in this opportunity society. Thats what weve done with this tax bill. Thats why the folks at home depot were excited. Thats will d. T. N. , another company in minnesota two, has just they published something called the progressive farmer. I am trying to get them to change it to the conservative farmer but thats a long haul. They just gave 1,000 bonus to 700 employees right there in minnesota two. We have seen a million 1 billion, i should say, in bonuses to a Million People. All of which we were told before we passed the tax cuts and jobs act that couldnt happen, it wasnt we went to the jimmy carter days. We reached the pinnacle of growth. We are not growing at 1. 6 . We are growing at 3. 3 and growing at 4 . Thats what this is about, getting median wages back up where they should be. 1,000 bonus is not a crumb and in minnesota two the average family will get a tax relief cut of 3,800. What is that, 3 1 2 crumbs . I dont think so. Thats a vacation. Thats retirement. Thats a college education. You know what, the minority leader just said was plain offensive. This is working. And you know later this week, we are going to continue the job. We are not going to shut the government down. We are going to keep it open. We will reauthorize chip and we are going to repeal a medical device tax thats hurting minnesota big time. Then we will send it over to the senate and the senate will have to decide the Senate Democrats will decide whether they will shut the government down. I dont think they will. They certainly shouldnt. I thank this team behind me for remaining firm on this. To come in as a freshman on the Budget Committee and help get this resolution out and help pass the greatest tax reform in three decades, thats a good first term and i am proud to be here and proud to do it. Thank you. Mr. Mccarthy thank you, jason. Good luck with the vikings. Unbelievable game, was it not . Every day we come turn on the news and what do we find . More employees are getting bonuses. Said more than two million. Theres one part as you see these more than 1 billion put out. Theres something more thats happening. The times that we find just as baltimore gas and electric lowering their rates, passing on the tax benefits to all their customers. Then what did we find last week . Not only were bonuses going out but raises so people were getting more. The minimum wage was getting raised in so many companies. But Maternity Leave now is longer for thousands of americans. Thats much different than a crumb or armageddon. That is the beginning of americas comeback. I know we have challenges before us this week. Fund the military. It is at a deadline. The Childrens Health Insurance Program, chip, two times we have voted to move that off this floor. But both items the democrats have not only said no, they whipped their members to hold them back. We have states that are being challenged for their Childrens Health. This is not a time to play politics. I know a lot of things have been said in the process. I am committed to solving our problem when it comes to daca, Border Security, and chain migration. Throughout this weekend i talked to all the players. I talked to cornyn. I talked to durbin. I even talked to schumer and i talked to steny hoyer. Hour staff have been continuing to meet. Today the principals will get together. We want to be able to solve this problem. But the deadline this week is about the military and about the children. I hope when we go to the floor to have the vote to continue to have government funded that i dont look across and see what i saw in the times before. Watch the democratic leader on some believe that were crumbs to the American Public actually holding her members back. Even those who want to vote for it but would not release them to vote for it until republicans had passed it. I would like to see us Work Together to solve americas problem. Speaker ryan i, too, want to wish jason good luck. If they were successful i will have to find new jokes about the vikings. In respect. Look, after hearing the good news in recent weeks theres one thing thats undeniable and thats tax reform is boosting americas economic confidence. Company after company has been announcing we are having increased bonuses, increased wages all because of tax reform. I was at my sons basketball ame sunday and u. A. W. Worker from the chrysler plant in belvidere said this will give me 400 in my paycheck. I thought this was for the rich. I guess its for me now. Its just the beginning. At the heart of this law is really a lower tax burden for American Families who are going to start seeing this relief very, very soon. Last week the Treasury Department announced that it has adjusted the amount the i. R. S. Takes out of peoples paychecks to account for this new law. Its estimated 90 of wage earners in america will experience an increase home in their takehome pay starting in february. Let me say that. 90 of americas workers will see increased takehome pay as a result of the tax law starting in february. This is incredible. The typical family of four earning the Median Income of 73,000 will see a tax cut of 2,059. Thats more money to pay down the mortgage, save for a Rainy Day Fund or take your kids on acation. This is real relief for americans who more show they are living paycheck to paycheck. Look, where i come from and jason comes from, its pretty cold right now. Your energy costs are very high. What were seeing is all these Utility Companies are now saying theyre passing through the tax savings onto the ratepayers. If youre low income, living paycheck to paycheck, if youre having a hard time just heating your house, this is real relief thats real tangible. So were seeing evidence that the tax bill is working in so many ways. Lower energy bills, bigger paychecks, more jobs, more bonuses, Maternity Leave. This is exactly why we did this so we can improve peoples lives. One more point and kevin mentioned this. According to the pentagon just last year, we lost more American Military members who died in training accidents than we did in combat last year. And we have combat across the globe. These deaths may have been preventable and it all points back to the deterioration of our readiness and our resources. Navy sailors are putting in 100hour workweeks and less half of their aircraft are capable of lying. The number of fatal accidents are those or those losing in the loss of aircraft for the marines have doubled in the last decade. We have to reverse this trend. We have to stop putting these lives at risk and we have to fix our National Security and thats why its just its baffling to me that democrats would be willing to block funding for our military over unrelated ssues. I used to think the democrats thought the schip bill was bipartisan, that Childrens Health insurance was is bipartisan bill. This was written by democrats and republicans. We passed the extension twice this year. We will be bringing it to the floor again this week because real deadlines are occurring this friday. And the real deadlines that occur this friday are our men and women in uniform and Childrens Health insurance in many states that will run out of money and so that is why it is unconscionable to me that they will block funding four our military or cut for our military or cut off Childrens Health insurance and tying them to unrelated issues. Questions. Reporter could you just give us a general timeline how you see immigration debate playing out . Obviously it will be done this week before the spending eadline. Do you see march as the deadline . Speaker ryan i think it is the deadline we are operating on, march 5. These are talks that are occurring in earnest. We want to fix daca in a balanced way so we dont have the same problem down the road. Thats just pure common sense. That means a daca solution that involves the security measures that makes sure we dont have another daca problem down the road. Thats purely common sense. The majority of americans see it that way and so its perfectly reasonable that we address this in a more comprehensive way. Now what kevin just described to you is the fact our leaders are meeting to discuss these things. Good faith negotiations are under way, and to push that aside in try and jeopardize funding for things like schip and our military makes never sense. Do you not have questions . I always look for you. All right. All right. Reporter mr. Speaker, yesterday as steve bannon angered both republicans and democrats alike on the House Intelligence Committee after the white house invoked executive privilege said he should not answer questions during the transition during his time at the white house. Is it appropriate invoke executive order speaker ryan i am not familiar what happened yesterday. There has always been a tension on executive privilege between the legislative branch and the executive branch. This goes back to every administration. Obama did, bush did, clinton did. That is a tension that happened. Reporter should bannon speaker ryan i dont know the specifics on it. I really dont. Casey. Reporter do you have enough republican votes to keep the government open this week . Can you look at a dreamer in the eye and promise them they will put a standalone bill to help them regardless speaker ryan look, we have been very clear. We want to see a daca solution but a daca solution has got to be a balanced solution, a solution that also not just treats the symptom is but the root cause what the problem is in the first place. Look, i feel that it makes no sense for democrats to try and bring us to a shutdown, to try and cut off chip funding for the states that are running out of money like minnesota and washington and kentucky and other states. So i think cool heads hopefully will prevail on this thing. We havent whipped it yet. Ndy. Reporter do you agree with scott walker that last nights results in the special election in wisconsin were a wakeup call to republicans . Is it evidence that a potential wave election will happen in february . Speaker ryan its in western wisconsin. Typically we held this seat and we lost the seat last night. Yeah, we should pay attention. Last question. Reporter last month leadership said you just needed a few more weeks to negotiate a cap deal and daca deal. Are you confident all you need this time speaker ryan i think the cap deal is very close and the democrats are holding out on the caps deal because of these daca negotiations. The fact we are earnest in negotiating in good faith with our four leaders on daca speaks to the fact we want to see a solution, that we want to get this thing fixed and its got to be a balanced bill. We will not bring a daca bill that the president doesnt support. What point would it be if we dont have it signed into law by the president . So this has to be a balanced. This isnt a oneway street. Its got to be balanced. Its got to be bipartisan and the president has to support this for this to occur and the president is being completely rational in that you want to fix daca but also address the root cause problems so we dont have daca problem in the future. I also think that the caps deal is in our interest. I think it should be done and can be done but for people to hold up funding for our military over these unrelated issues and for deadlines that dont even exist this friday, that makes no sense to me. The federal government has many responsibilities. But its first, foremost primary responsibility is to provide for the common defense and when you see a situation where more men and women in our military are dying in training accidents than they are in combat, its a serious situation. To block funding for our military with a friday deadline over unrelated issues makes no sense to me. Its wrong. Do you have a solid feel where the president stands on these negotiations . House Republican Leaders from earlier today. The house itself back in under 20 minutes. Theyll be taking several votes, including on a bill that would provide 3 billion to the world bank with some reforms considered. Also coming up on tomorrow, we expect that the house will take