Judge and an Immigration Law attorney. The subcommittee will come to order. With the indulgence of our witnesses before we proceed to the hearing, i think many of us would like to say a comment or two about the late john conyers, who was a member of this committee for many decades. Who gave his life to public service, and who loved this committee very greatly. He passed away just a few days ago having served his country in both the armed forces and in congress. So we do mourn his passing and it would not be in keeping with our traditions to proceed without at least giving our condolences to his family and to those who sent him to congress for so many decades to represent them. At this point, i would like to recognize mr. Nadler, the chairman of the full committee for remarks on mr. Conyers. Thank you, madame chairperson. Americans across the country are mourning the loss of john conyers today, but nowhere is his loss felt more deeply than here in the Judiciary Committee, which he serve
1 45 eastern today. Now to live coverage of the u. S. Senate here on cspan2. The presiding officer the senate will come to order. Todays opening prayer will be offered by robert lewis, former pastor and founder of better man, the National Mens organization from little rock, arkansas. The guest chaplain let us pray. Heavenly father, we give thanks for this new day and the hope that lies within it. We have been a blessed nation not by accident but by this. In you, god, we trust. Thank you for the men and women of this distinguished body who will again rise to face the immense challenge that will mark this day along with the special opportunities it holds for good. I pray you will make this body ready for both. In these turbulent times, empower their work with your spirit. Give them a difference making wisdom only you possess. Protect them from small ambitions. Call each heart here up to the higher ways of humility, understanding, and much needed unity. Help these leaders seek what is rig
President and his supporters are doing. Thank you very much. Im glad to be here with my colleagues. The death of albaghdadi is indeed good news, and it causes a disruption for isis, but this is not a mission to order. We welcome everyone, and the first order of business actually, the only order of business on our private calendar is hr631, a private bill for the sake of expediency, id ask unanimous consent that my remarks be put into the record. No objection. There is no objection. Mr. Buck, would you like to do the same or read a statement . I would do the same. The Ranking Member asks unanimous consent that his remarks be put into the record. So at this time, i would note that we are asking for a report from the department, as we always do in these manners. The report does not end the subcommittees consideration of this matter. Its really the first step in the private bill process. And unless theres further ado, all those in favor will say aye. All those opposed will say no. Hear no
Government until november 21st. Floor action on that is still at a time to be determined. Now live to the senate floor. The president pro tempore the senate will come to order. The chaplain, dr. Black, will lead the senate in prayer. The chaplain let us pray. Eternal god, give our lawmakers the power to live with purity. Remind them that for each test and temptation, you have provided a way of escape. When they stumble, help them to receive the forgiveness of your abounding grace. May they permit your spirit to control their minds and hearts, continually delivering them from evil. Lord, we cannot live with integrity in our strength alone, so keep us united with you. We pray in your great name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. 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. Mr. Grassley madam presid
Today who are not members of the committee that they be recognized for three minutes to ask questions after Committee Members have asked theirs and note only Committee Members will be allowed to make Opening Statements. Hearing no objections so ordered. The chair recognizes herself for five minutes for an Opening Statement. First of all, thank you, everyone, for being here this morning. Its an honor for those of us that are not from chicago to be here here. Im anna eschew and this is the midwestern part of my family and its an honor to be here with my colleagues on a very serious issue and this is the first energy and Commerce Committee hearing of the gun violence epidemic in our country as a Public Health issue. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over Public Health issues in our country. I want to recognize first the members of the committee who represent the parts of chicago and the region starting with congressman bobby rush whose district we are in. Thank you, bobby, very much for