Number of russia related bills today, looking to corruption in that country and in their interference in u. S. Elections in 2016. This week, members will take up a resolution that special counsel Robert Muellers report should be available to the public and the congress. Live coverage of the u. S. House is here on cspan. [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2019] [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap. Org]. The speaker the house will be in order. The prayer will be offered by uest chaplain rabbi claudio j. Kogan, university of tech as Rio Grande Valley school of medicine, edinburg, texas. The chaplain god, source of all living things, we ask your pleasings from these representatives on the people who have devoted their lives to our affairs. Strengthen them with your courage, inspire them with the livers the prophet called, our souls in this land and all lands who cannot stand on their own. Pleas them with the capacity to ear. May this body which hosts rigorous debate, embrace diversity without division, moral thout uniformity clarity and righteousness and acts of kindness. As an immigrant who came to this country 20 years ago and became an american citizen, just seven years ago. I join this house in a prayer of profound gratitude and deep appreciation for the pleasings we, the people of the United States of america, are privileged to enjoy. Amen. The speaker the chair has examined the journal of the last days proceedings and announces to the house his approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1, thejournal stands approved. Pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentleman from illinois, mr. Schneider. Mr. Schneider 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 a message. The messenger madam speaker, a message from the president of the United States. The secretary madam speaker. The speaker madam secretary. The secretary i am directed by the president of the United States to deliver to the house of representatives a message in writing. The speaker without objection, the gentleman from texas, mr. Gonzalez, is recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i rise today to honor my good friend, rabbi claudio j. Kogan. Rabbi kogan has devoted his life to being a spiritual leader in the jewish faith and leader in our community. Rabbi kogan is currently the director of the university of texas Rio Grande Valley school of Medicine Institute for bioethics and social justice. Since july, 2018, kogan has led the school of medicines effort on ethical and social issues that affects south texas and the nation. Rabbi kogan is a physician and ordained be ai. He earned his medical degree from the university of barrow aries school of medicine and a buenos aries school of medicine. Rabbi kogan has also spent time as a member of the Institutional Review Board at the Yale University school of medicine. Previously he served as rabbi at Temple Emmanuel in my district in mcallen, texas, and continues to serve as chaplain for various Law Enforcement agencies and Hospital Systems in the area. Madam speaker, it is my honor to have rabbi kogan and his family join us here today in the peoples house. Yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair will entertain up to 15 further requests for oneminute speeches on each side of the aisle. I thank the gentleman from texas for his remarks. For what purpose does the gentleman from illinois rise . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one inute. Madam speaker, no american should face legal discrimination because of who they are or who they love. Mr. Schneider as a nation, we made stunning progress towards realizing this dream of full equality and acceptance for lgbtq family, friends and neighbors. But despite our success, including repealing dontask, donttell, and achieving Marriage Equality as the law of the land, there is more work to do. In many states across this country, lgbtq individuals remain vulnerable to discrimination with little discourse. Unlike other groups protected by federal civil rights laws, lgbtq americans can be fired from their jobs, evicted from their apartments or refuse service at a restaurant simply because of who they are. The current patchwork of state laws is not enough. Thats why im proud to join with my colleagues to again introdeuce the equality act to ensure protections already extended to other protected classes are equally available to lgbtq americans it is time we prohibit discrimination on the basis of Sexual Orientation and gender identity, employment, housing, public accommodations and the use of federal funds. Lets make full equality a reality for all of us. And with that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from South Carolina rise . Mr. Wilson madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. R. Wilson madam speaker, in honor of National Vending day, its appropriate to celebrate the millions of americans who get beverages, snacks, Unlimited Items from vending machines. Crane Merchandising Systems in South Carolina managed by rich tucker is a leading full service vending solutions providor and employs over 700 associates. Crane is one of the largest employers of the region and i am grateful for their success creating jobs. The automatic merchandising industry in america promotes an Economic Impact of nearly 25 billion with 150,000 employees. Not only does the industry meet the needs of the consumers around the world, it contributes 7. 21 billion in wages to the economy and pays 3. 5 billion in taxes. In conclusion, god bless our troops and we will never forget september 11 and the global war on terrorism. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey rise . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one inute. Thank you, madam speaker, for allowing me to speak against robo call telemarketing and spoofing. Our constituents, whether republican, democrat, or independent, are tired of being harassed by telemarketers and spoofers. People deserve to have their privacy and to be left alone. However, robo call scams are at an alltime high. That is why ive introduced h. R. 1575, to crack down an abusive, annoying and illegal robo calls. Data shows that in 2017, the f. C. C. Reported more than 4. 5 million robo call complaints, an increase of more than one million from the previous year. More than 700,000 complaints were registered in the state of new jersey alone. This act helps protect consumers by ensuring that robo callers and scammers are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Mr. Van drew thats why i ask support of h. R. 1575. Thank you, madam speaker. The speaker pro tempore thank. The gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia rise . I ask for unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i rise here today in recognition of National Agriculture week. Back home in georgias 12th district and across the state as a whole, agriculture is the number one industry. This week is about recognizing farmers and ranchers nationwide who sacrifice their blood, sweat and tears to secure the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. I grew up on a farm and since being elected to congress ive had the distinct honor of serving on the House Agriculture Committee and i could not be proud of what we accomplished, especially getting the 2018 farm bill over the finish line. Mr. Allen its no doubt agriculture touches our lives one way or another. Many farmers across our district and georgia are hurting from the recent devastation caused by hurricane michael. I am doing all i can to ensure they receive necessary and adequate Financial Assistance ahead of the upcoming planting season. I know my Senate Colleagues are working to get this done as well. But the urgency of this simply cannot be overstated. Rural America Needs us to act now. Again, thank you to all of our farmers who work hard every day to feed and clothe this great nation and the world. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey rise . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, today i rise to tell the story of three very special young men from my district. Edward roman and his twin brother, edwin were diagnosised with heart condition thats put them through multiple procedures. Both worked at a restaurant in summit, new jersey, where they met quinn butler, senior at summit high. When quinn learned of what they were going through, he set up a go fund me site that raised 119,000 in two weeks. Its a story of good people coming together to say we will not let a neighbor down but it is also a story of how our Health Care System lets us all down. A community should not have to raise 100,000 to keep someone going into debt due to a medical condition, two young men worried about staying alive should not have to worry about negotiating with hospitals and Insurance Companies to stay solvent. Mr. Malinowski every american deserves the ability to know that Affordable Health care is a right that will follow us wherever we o, live and work. Our fellow friends and neighbors will do all they can. Now its up to congress to do what we must. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania rise . Mr. Thompson madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Thompson thank you, madam speaker. Today i highlight a fatal disorder thats been impacting deer populations in 24 states, including pennsylvania, chronic wasting disease. Chronic wasting disease is a progressive and always fatal deer, elk, mules and moose are impacted by this disease. First, they have difficulty moving and the most obvious and consistent sign is significant weight loss over time. Madam speaker, i made an amendment to the 2018 farm bill that gives priority status to chronic wasting disease under the research portion of the bill. And ill be introducing legislation to help identify and address the root causes of chronic wasting disease. This past saturday, my colleague and friend, congressman john joyce, and i were at the east freedom fire hall with 300 hunters. At this event, chronic wasting disease was at the forefront. When science is developing, a cure is years away, considerable funding needs to make it a reality. Its my hope we can cure chronic wasting disease. Thank you, madam speaker, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey rise . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one inute. Mr. Payne madam speaker, i wonder if President Trump intended for his budget to be a joke. After all, he titled it better america but proposed massive cuts to education programs, the special olympics, medicare, medicaid, and the aids programs. Nothing about that will make america better. In fact, it will make life worse for millions of americans. Trump also likes to call himself the builder president. But his budget includes not a single penny to fund the countrys most Critical Infrastructure project, the gateway project. Gateway is a nationally significant project to replace the crumbling tunnels that run under the hudson river and connect new york and new jersey. It is a critical project to truly build a better america. After all, gateway is the linchpin of amtraks northeast or dore which supports 30 of the nation corridor which supports 30 of the nations jobs and produces 20 of the nations g. D. P. The gateway project is not just about connecting new york and new jersey. Its about ensuring the stability of the National Economy that the free flow of workers from North Carolina to maine. Trump cant be the builder president if he doesnt build anything. And with that, madam speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia rise . Mr. Collins madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Collins thank you, madam speaker. Last week on the floor of this chamber i released the transcript of the interview of john orr. At the time i would say there would be additional transcripts from the committee on investigation public. As i stated then, our Interview Transcripts were pertinent to a congressional investigation but the 115th congress ended, the investigation was closed and copies were shared with certain members of congress. Mr. Speaker madam speaker, i equest that the link dougcollins. Congress. Gov page be placed in the record so the American People can review the transcript of lisa page. They need to know what transpired at the highest echelon of the f. B. I. During the tumultuous time for the bureau. The transcript has limited number of narrowly taylored redactions related only to Confidential Sources and method, nonpublic information about investigation and nonmaterial personal information. I will continue to work to release as many transcripts as possible. The American People deserve transparentsy. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlelady rise . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Last weekend i traveled to the colombiavenezuela border. I met with receive few depees at a hospital in colombia and heard their stories on being on the erming of death. People with h. I. V. Cant access addition as the government supplies dwindle and the maduro rejeggets humanitarian aid and now this crisis is spreading. I met with colombian officials are doing everything they can to support 1. 5 million refugees crossing the border. We must increase aid to countries like colombia. But madam speaker, our response must include supporting communities that have already contributed to the richness of south florida and the United States. Thousands of people claiming political asylum are stuck in limbo because of unnecessary delays. Depranting p. P. S. Is necessary. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time has expired. For what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania rise . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentleman is recognized for one minute. Thank you, madam speaker, march is womens History Month and im proud to honor some remarkable women in my district. I would like to honor judge louise williams, who was legitimated in 1973 as the first female district judge in lancaster county. She served for 26 years and was the first female black district judge in pennsylvania. But she did so much than that. She was a member of the Lancaster City council for three materials, serve as Council President during two of those terms and also appointed to the state board of pardons, where victims the first advocate serving 18 years there. She was involved in many other Community Organizations including terms as president of the lancaster naac pmp and Girls Services incorporated of lancaster county. Ms. Williams was a trailblazer for women in our community and always found ways to give back to our community. She is one of the most respected civic figures in our district. Its an honor to recognize her today. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlelady from california rise . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. I rise in support of the equality act. S the first lgbtq woman from and second by sexual woman, could not be prouder to support this legislation. Why i chose to be honest. Im married to a man from a purpose, republican district everyone said it would be easy to hide who i am. Representation matters, especially for the Lgbtq Community when so many of our rights are still at risk. Through my quork on homelessness i see how our community is affect touchdown by discrimination. The equality act will provide protections in housing, education and more. Everyone should have a fair chance and provide a home. I could not be prouder to be part of a new generation of leaders to timely pass the equality act and fight for true freedom and adefault for all. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from indiana rise . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentleman is recognized for one minute. As we work to strengthen americas roads bridges and highways it is important our work force keeps pace with our infrastructure improvements. 70 of the nations freight is carried by commercial trucks, Motor Carriers are having difficult ti to find drivers to handle capacity. While most states in indiana allow them to obtain a commercial drivers license at 18 they are prohibited from driving in interstate commerce until 21. I cosponsored legislation to alleviate the shortage of commercial drivers back home, helping our farmers, manufacturers, retailers, Small Businesses to keep hoosiers eating, working, selling and growing. The drive safe act will help indianas freight continue to move while preserving the safety of our highway system. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the transportation and Infrastructure Committee to help fill these desperately needed jobs and provide young hoosiers with the opportunity to enter the industry. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. For what purpose does the gentlelady from Virgin Islands rise . Ms. Plaskett ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Plaskett i rise to highlight the budget proposed by the president of the United States. A budget is a statement of our values as a nation, a moral document. What we prioritize and what we hope to accomplish. The president released his Budget Proposal yesterday and while i cannot say im surprised, President Trumps budget once again shows his disregard for the values of the health and wellbeing of families across america. Just three months after signing the farm bill, President Trump proposes a 14. 8 cut to agricultures annual budget. This would hinder the departments ability to implement the bipartisan Farm Bill Congress just passed overwhelmingly. With sharp cuts to the Agriculture Research and education program, elimination of grants, these cuts will hurt farmers in the Virgin Islands as well as other places in our country. Far from building a stronger nation, the president s budget would devastate the pillars for seniors, farmers and families across america. I reject this budget request and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from virginia rise . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Early this year i made the decision to hang the transgender flag in front of my office. It was a small gesture of solidarity. Overnight my office was flooded with messages of gratitude. The flag outside my office went viral. People thanked me for doing it. Today, we all have this historic opportunity to support substantive legislation that will be transformative. The equality act is a bipartisan bill will provide nondiscrimination protections in employment, housing, credit, education and much more. Because today, our lgbtq brothers and sisters can marry the perp they love on sunday and be evicted from their home or fired from their jobs on monday. Lets extend the full promise of this nation to every lgbtq american. Lets pass the equality act. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from virginia rise . Ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. I rise today in celebration of the girl scouts of the United States. On this day in 1912, the girl scouts of america was officially launched in savannah, georgia, with a meeting of just 18 girls. Now 107 years later, the girl scouts have engaged and inspired generations of young women and empowered millions to serve their community. 50 million are alume any. 58 of the women who serve in ongress in congress. My daughters and i have been lucky enough to be a small part of this rich history and for the past five years i have served as a girl scout leader for my daughters troop. 2. 5 Million Girls and adults participate in this tremendous program. I have gotten to know so many bright and talented young women and to use the tools and lessons the girl scouts have to instill with these future leaders, the belief in power of service, the value of character and importance of our community because as storied this organizations past is, it will be focused on the future. That is the purpose of the girl scouts. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleladys time last expired. The chair lays before the house a message. The clerk to the congress of the United States, section 202d of the National Emergencies act, provides for the automatic termination of a National Emergency unless within 90 days before the anniversary did it of its declaration, the president publishes in the federal register and transmits to the congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision i sent to the federal register the enclosed notice stating that the National Emergency with respect to iran that was declared on march 15, 1995 to continue in effect beyond march 15, 2019. They pose an extraordinary threat to the National Security, Foreign Policy and economy of the United States. For this reason i have determined that it is necessary to continue the National Emergency declared with respect to iran and to maintain in force comprehensive sanctions to respond to this threat. Signed donald j. Trump, the white house. The speaker pro tempore this is referred to the committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered printed. 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 questions on postponed proceedings at a later time. For what purpose does new york seek recognition . Mr. Engel madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution 156 as amended calling for accountability and justice for the assassination of borrow is nemtsov. The clerk House Resolution 156, resolution calling for accountability and justice for the asasse thation of borrow is nemtsov. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york mr. Engel, and the gentleman from indiana mr. Kinzinger each will debate. Mr. Engel a resolution calling for accountability and justice for the assassination of borrow is nemtsov under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. So ordered. Mr. Engel i ask unanimous consent to include in the congressional record an exchange of letters between me and the chairman on the committee of ways and means on House Resolution 156 as amended. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Engel i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Engel i rise in strong support of this resolution and i am proud to have offered this measure with mr. Mccaul, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs committee. The measure before us condemns the assassination of borrow is nemtsov. He was a an advocate for free elections. I remember when he visited here and i had him in my office. We took pictures. The other day we were looking at them. He was a champion of the freedom n russia and before he met his demise. The fact that he was calling for free elections and end to the massive corruption in the kremlin put him right in putins crosshairs and joins political opponents murdered by putins hempmen all criticism of the kremlin and stamp out putins authoritarian regime. He talked about fair and open elections, free and fair media and a strong civil society. In the words of john mccain, Boris Nemtsov, and i quote, would not be oppressed by unjust laws or by violence and fear. He lived for love and justice and truth, unquote. He was incredibly brave to take on these issues in a country where opposition to putin often amounts to a death sentence. Just after months after our conversation, before he was murdered in cold blood in moscow. Now its been four years since his death, but theres been no proper investigation of his assassination and the coverup and zero accountability for those responsible, thats certainly an outrage. This resolution condemns the kremlins systematic targeting of its complitcal opponents and calls on thed a political opponents and calls on the administration to impose sanctions for them solves murder and coverup for the murder and coverup and deliver to the congress a thorough report on his assassination. Thats a critical part of this legislation because, sadly, the administration, in my opinion, has not done enough to stand up russia and call out putins thuggery. Its important that we support this resolution. I strongly support this bipartisan, bicameral measure, and i urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from illinois. Mr. Kinzinger thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Kinzinger madam speaker, i rise today in strong support of h. Res. 156, which i was proud to cosponsor, calling for justice in the 2015 murder of russian Opposition Leader Boris Nemtsov. On the evening of friday, february 27, 2015, Boris Nemtsov was shot in the back and killed by cowards just outside of the kremlin in moscow. He was an important figure in russia because he stood up to Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation as he called for democracy and democracy in a country dominated by his oppression. Before his assassination, he was planning to run for president in 2018 against Vladimir Putin. One can only think what russias future could have been today with mr. Nemtsov as its leader. Suspects have been charged and sentenced for murder, but we still dont have all the answers or truly know where mr. Nemtsov was killed. However, we do know theres never been any questioning of additional suspects or any investigation into evidence that the convicted gun man was a member of a russian unit that a chechnya thug. Russia used roadblocks from the into an union investigations. Four years after his murder, Boris Nemtsov and his family are still without answers or the justice that they deserve. The House Resolution uses the voice of congress to hold his killers and their accomplices accountable. Specifically, this resolution condemns the putin regime for targeting political opponents and using the russian government to cover up the murder of mr. Nemtsov, and also calls on the u. S. Government to use its capabilities to impose strict sanctions for their actions. Last february on the anniversary of his death, we saw a fitting tribute to mr. Nemtsov ace calls for freedom and democracy when the streets in front of the Russian Embassy in washington was renamed the Boris Nemtsov plaza. We can take another important step towards justice by passing this important resolution. And i thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for bringing this up in such a bipartisan way. Madam speaker, ill reserve the balance of my tomb. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from mr. Kinzinger madam speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york. Mr. Engel i yield to the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Malinowski, a new member of the committee. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Malinowski thank you, chairman engel, and for those leading on this important resolution. When Boris Nemtsov was gunned down four years ago on a bridge just a few hundred feet from the kremlin, we saw once again what a dangerous place putins russia is for anybody with the courage to speak truth to power. We saw, again, that while russia has fierce and formidable security agencies that will track down anyone who dares criticize the kremlin anywhere in the world, when one of those critics is killed, somehow they can never find the killer. We know that whoever gave the order to kill Boris Nemtsov, one man, Vladimir Putin, is responsible for building a state for those who champion freedom are always punished and those who kill them never are. This Resolution Says that we will always remember Boris Nemtsov and the truth about what happened to them and who is responsible. It urges the russian government to hold accountable the authors of the crime and says that until that happens we will sanction them under the magnitsky act. Ruler les out the brutal of chechnya as a key player in the crime and urges the administration to ensure that he can no longer do business anywhere outside russia. We ssing this resolution, will make clear that you can kill a man but not the ideas he fought for, the good person that lived and died for a good cause will be honored for all time while the people who killed him will go down in history if they are remembered at all as utterly worthless. And we will be saying Something Else very important, that the United States is not in conflict with russia or with the russian people. On the contrary, we are in solidarity with the thousands of russians, who, like Boris Nemtsov, wants a country thats free of corruption, a country where nobody is above the law. Our argument is only with the leaders who deny them that. But those leaders wont be around forever. Boris nemtsovs legacy will outlast them, and so will our desire to partner with the russia that shares his values and vision. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Kinzinger madam speaker, im prepared to close. May i inquire how many more speakers the majority has . Mr. Engel ok. We have no other speakers. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york. Mr. Engel we have no other speakers and we are prepared, i guess, reserve and lat the gentleman close. Mr. Kinzinger madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Kinzinger in closing, i want to thank chairman engel and the Ranking Member, mr. Mccaul, for offering up this important resolution which seeks justice for Boris Nemtsovs brutal murder. At a time when were seeing the russian people protesting tighter restrictions on their access to the internet, we should not forget the brave leadership of mr. Mentsov, a man who stood up to the oppressors in russia and advocated bravely for freedom. We need to seek justice for his assassination. We must note the strong bipartisan showing in this shame ber of any russian lution chamber of any russian resolution that comes up because were united, as the prior people said, with the russian people in fighting oppression, as we have for so long and well continue to do. I urge all members to support this legislation and with that, madam speaker, ill yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yielded back the balance of his time. The gentleman from new york is recognized. Mr. Engel thank you, madam speaker, in closing, its critical we speak out against strong men and dictators throughout the world. We need to demand justice for those unable to do so themselves. As weve mentioned, Boris Nemtsov was brutally murdered for bravely standing up to putin and his corrupt regime. Failed to has conduct a proper investigation. By passing this measure, we show putin, his cronies and dictators throughout the world that the u. S. Congress is watching and we will not stay silent. So i strongly support this resolution. I urge my colleagues to join me, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is will the house suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution 156, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative the gentleman from new york. Mr. Engel madam speaker, on that vote i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays have been requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing. Ntil counted a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this uestion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition . Mr. Engel madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the les and pass h. R. 596, the crimea annexation nonrecognition act, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 596, a bill to prohibit United States government recognition of russias annexation of crimea. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from new york, mr. Engel, and the gentleman from illinois, mr. Kinzinger, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from new york. Mr. Engel i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. And include extraneous material on h. R. 596, the crimea annexation nonrecognition act, as amended, under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Engel madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Engel thank you, madam speaker. Let me thank this bills author, who is a valued member of the committee on Foreign Affairs, mr. Connolly of virginia. Let me also thank our Ranking Member, mr. Mccaul of texas, for working with us on this Bipartisan Legislation. Madam speaker, Vladimir Putin has left no doubt about his intentions to expand russian influence, undermine democracy, and splinter the alliances and agreements that have long kept russia in check. Weve seen this through russias direct attacks on Democratic Institutions, including our own. Remember the president ial election of 2016. Through a pernicious and widespread Misinformation Campaign designed to distort reality and in no clearer way through its illegal occupation of parts of ukraine and parts of georgia. Its shocking in the 21st century to see a country trample on a neighbors sovereignty and seize territory by force. It goes against everything weve worked for since world war ii for a europe thats whole and at peace. Its been five years since Russian Forces moved into crimea and staged a sham election in an attempt to give their occupation a gloss of legitimacy. But theres nothing legitimate about it. Absolutely nothing. The United States must never accept putins attempts to seize territory by force, and this legislation would enshrine into our laws a nonrecognition of russians annexation of crimea. This bill would prevent our government from taking any action that even implies american recognition of this blatantly illegal land grab. This bill also sends a strong message to our ukrainian friends that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them as they continue to resist russian efforts to fracture their country. This is especially important in light of recent events in which the russian navy intercepted ukrainian patrol boats in ukrainian waters, capturing the vessels and their crew by force. Vladimir putin is a we willy and a thug. His troops may hold crimea in a strangle hold, but we must be clear that crimea will always be part of ukraine, not part of russia. This measure will put that rejection permanently into our laws. Im pleased to support it. I ask all members to do likewise, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new york reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from illinois is regged. Is recognized. Mr. Kinzinger thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Kinzinger madam speaker, i rise today with the majority, also, in strong support of h. R. 596, the crimea annexation nonrecognition act. Im proud to cosponsor this legislation, which clearly states that america will not recognize the russian sovereignty over crimea. Ukraine continues to face significant challenges from russia from their meddling and from their aggression. In congress, we know the true intentions of Vladimir Putin when it comes to ukraine. Vladimir putin and his cronies in the kremlin are tearing europe apart. Russianbacked separatists are in Eastern Ukraine and has killed civilians in the area. Additionally, russia fired upon and captured three Ukrainian Naval vessels and 24 sailors. Russia continues to hold these sailors on bogus charges, that they violated russian borders even though the strait is determined to be neutral waters. While russia maintains that the ukrainian soldiers were threatening the construction of the crimean bridge, which is currently under construction between the territory of russia and crimea, we know this is fake news from putin and his thugs. We need to continue to send a strong message to the russians that the United States does not, will not recognize their claim of sovereignty over crimea. Not now and not ever. I commend secretary pompeo for making the crimea declaration last july that articulated this policy of the United States, and i believe congress should have a voice in this as well. Madam speaker, the bill is simple. It states that the policy of the United States government is to never recognize sovereignty over crimea and prohibits all u. S. Government agencies from taking any action with respect to acknowledging that russia has any claims over the territory. As Vladimir Putin seeks to impose his ire fisted well over former soviet republics, we must continue to stand with our allies to counter that aggression. I want to commend the work of my friend from virginia, mr. Connolly, my friend from ohio, mr. Chabot, for their leadership on this issue. By reaffirming congressional support for ukraines territorial integrity and by Holding Russia accountable for its continued violation of ukraine sompt, i believe we will continue sovereignty, i believe we will continue to stand with ukraine legislatively and most effectively from here and into the future. With that ill reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from new york is recognized. Mr. Engel its my pleasure to yield five minutes to the author of this bill, the gentleman from virginia, mr. Connolly. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia is recognized for five minutes. Concxds con concxds con i thank mr. Engel. And i thank the republican manager for his support and i salute my friend from ohio, mr. Chabot who cosponsored this language to make a powerful bipartisan statement. I rise in support of h. R. 59 , the crime yeah annexation nonrecognition act which we introduced together as i said with mr. Chabot of ohio. This bill states it is the policy of the United States not to recognize the Russian Federations claim of sovereignty over crimea, its airspace or territorial waters. It prohibits the United States government from taking any putins illegal annexation of crimea, undermines sovereignty and threatens the stability of europe. Ack we essence on the part of the United States would threaten the security of all sovereign nations, and who is next . It is the long standing policy of our country not to recognize territorial changes as dictated by the doctrine established in 1932 by then republican secretary of state under republican president hoover. We have held that doctrine with theishance of the wells declaration in 1940, which stated that the u. S. Would not recognize the illegal annexation at that time of the battleic states by the soviet union. That policy remaped in effect tore 50 long years. For more than 50 years we stood by those republicics. Sometimes in the face of ridicule. Today, they are independent nations and members of the nato alliance. The collective wisdom of the previous and current stations, congress and european allies and the American Public is these principles must be adopted with respect to crimea. Crimea was putins original violation in the ukraine and we stance if wesians do not take a stand with respect to crimea. Then we are just quibbling over the price. What has happened in ukraine, invasion of the eastern part of the country and continued occupation has precipitated an International Crisis and resulting conflict has claimed more than 10,000 lives. Russia has subjected the citizens of crimea to discrimination in accessing education, health care and employment and attacked free travel rights and the free press. And this is so important we should be satisfied with nothing less than absolute clarity about our position, which is that we support ukraines sonchts over crimea. The Obama Administration accomplished the nonrecognition policy towards russian sovereignty and levied sanctions against individuals and entities enabling russias illegal occupation. Our allies in europe have stood with us shoulder to shoulder in enforcing those sanctions. Congress codified those sanctions and used the power of the purse to prohibit the use of Government Funds for any action hat could possibly recognize the illegal occupation of crimea. The National Defense authorization act contained similar language in order to prohibit the use of defense funds in a manner that could possibly be construed as recognition of the russian sovereignty over crimea. That language has remained in the ndaa ever since. Congress reiterated its support for the sometime son doctrine and its application to the illegal invasion by russia and. Ccupations of others the United States must lead the way in refusing to recognize or legitimatize russias illegal acts and forcible annexation of crimea. Thats why i am so proud to offer this bill along with mr. Chabot that expresses the will of congress as loud and clear as we can. And i urge my colleagues to support it. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Mr. Kinzinger i yield four minutes to the the gentleman from ohio, mr. Chabot. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio is recognized. Mr. Chabot i rise in support of. R. 596 inchings i want to thank my good friend from virginia, representative Jerry Connolly for his work on this legislation and many other pieces of legislation that we have worked on in a bipartisan manner. They say there is no bipartisanship whether under republican and democratic control, we found a way to make it happen. As a Senior Member of the house Foreign Affairs committee and the principal republican cosponsor of this legislation, let me state clearly and emfa kate that the United States and the world must never recognize Vladimir Putins reckless crimea land grab which is all too reminiscent of soviet cold war tactic. This bill not only definitively sets out u. S. Policy that we will not recognize putins bogus claims of sovereignty but will prohibit our government from taking any actions that might apply our recognition of russian claims. Representative connolly and i first introduced this legislation back in 2014 shortly after putin seized crimea. Despite the intervening years we must never grow accustomed to russian control over the peninsula and what makes this legislation very necessary because over time, the world sometimes does grow accustomed to things. We must never let that happen with putins grab of crimea. Last may, putin over the bridge between russia and crimea in an attempt to better linching the two, to gab it and keep it. The bridge is too low for many large vessels, which has reduced Economic Activity at ukranian ports at the sea, thus further harming ukraine. More concerning in november, putins thugs seized three Ukranian Naval vessels and their crews at the entrance to the ku rmp d strait. Putins anextation of crimea have no lace in a modern democratic europe. We must not abandon ukraine to putins bullying. Im pleased to cosponsor this legislation along with my friend, which is a step towards once again a free crimea. I urge my colleagues to support it so we will never recognize russian domination over the peninsula. And i yield back my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. Sm new york is recognized. Mr. Engel ening i reserve. Mr. Kinzinger i have no more speakers. I yield myself such time as i may consume. I would like to ask unanimous consent to enter in the record, february 27, 2019 statement secretary pompeos statement on crimea and ukraine. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Kinzinger in the declaration of july 235, 2018 United States reafffirmed its refusal to recognize kremlins claims of sovereignty over crimea and condemns russias illegal actions and continued aggression against ukraine. He United States will maintain crimea. And fully implement the minsk agreement. The United States has unp bending support for ukraine within its borders including its territorial waters. Madam speaker, in our history, we have always seen the impact our nation has on others when we help them achieve a better tomorrow. We must help ukraine achieve that one that is free from russian adepregs. We sent the uss donald cook to transit through the strait as a show of solidarity. This will send a message to Vladimir Putin that the u. S. Will never waver for those who push back against russian aggression. This is a great bill and shows the unity between republicans and democrats, the legislative body and the administration. I urge all members to support this legislation. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from new york. Mr. Engel madam speaker in closing, we need to take a strong stand against putin and his aggressive behavior in eastern europe. This legislation would reaffirm american law that russias and exation of crimea is illegal and the United States will never recognize its legitimacy. I hope the other body will act on this measure soon after we pass it and i hope the administration will signal its willingness to sign this legislation. There are too many questions swirling around when it comes to russia, too many times we dont seem to be calling putin out for what hes done. And i just think its something that we really need to look at very, very carefully. I would hope the white house would do that. Signing this bill will not put these concerns to ress, but help show that the United States wont just roll over and accept russias land grabs and egregious violations of international law. I want to thank the gentleman from virginia, mr. Connolly for his work on this bill and i thank mr. Chabot for his work on the bill. Im happy to support it. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 596 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative the gentleman from virginia. Mr. Engel i would request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . Mrs. Demings i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 1404. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. Does the gentlelady wish to bring up the bill as amended . Mrs. Demings yes. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1404, a bill to strengthen the United States response to russian interference by providing transparency on the corruption of russian president Vladimir Putin. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mrs. Demings madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that members have five legislative days the speaker pro tempore the gentlelady will suspend. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from florida, mrs. Demings, and the gentleman from new york the gentlewoman from new york is recognized, ms. Stefanik, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentlewoman from florida. Mrs. Demings thank you, madam speaker. I ask unanimous consent that members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. So ordered. Mrs. Demings madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized for such time she may consume. Mrs. Demings madam speaker, every american has the right to a secure democracy where their voice matters. As members of congress, our National Security must be a top priority. He we must investigate and expose russias Financial Networks and cut off any illegal funding that supports criminal attacks against the United States of america. This Bipartisan Legislation is a crucial first step to ensure that the rights of the American People matter more than dark and corrupt russian money. Its been said that money talks. But its our job to keep it from speaking over the American People. Last week the house of representatives passed h. R. 1, historic reforms to get big money out of politics. But we havent done nearly enough to prevent foreign powers and foreign money from attacking our democracy. Russia, the country that once had the ability to provide a decent life for its people, have chosen to strip their wealth as they watched their wealth disappear overseas into hidden accounts. These corrupt oligarchs are a augsary tale on how working people can can be cheated if left unchecked. This corrupt band of individuals led by Vladimir Putin have mounted a massive asymmetric attack against the United States. America has the greatest military in the world. But the russians have figured out that if they have any chance at victory, they must fight us another way. Undermine our elections. Spread fear and unrest. And sow discord through racism and other divisive tactics. What they dont understand, madam speaker, is that we take pride in our democracy. We may have policy differences, we might have policy disagreements, sometimes quite strongly, but we all know that our democratic form of government, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people is our greatest strength and weapon against any foe. We do believe in this country that every voice matters. Foreign nationals are banned from contributing to u. S. Elections, but multiple kremlin connected americans have funneled millions of dollars into political action, yielding massive influence in our democracy, and Vladimir Putin is the king of this corrupt money. Putins protests are generally delivered in a smart and accusation of fake news, but his discomfort with revealing his assets is clearly simmering below the surface. Its telling that ms. Stefanik and i when we introduced this legislation, we were both attacked by russian state media. What is putin afraid of . Perhaps the former k. G. B. Or operative is well aware of the poor longterm prospects for gangsters and autocontracts who are auto contracts who are unmasked before their impoverished countrymen. Are his fears uncovering the shadowy networks that prop up dictators and human rights abusers around the world in his quest to subvert the world order . Likely he and his cronies are desperate to obscure their billions in attempt to shield themselves from sanctions. But madam speaker, no matter the root of his fear, our obligation is to shine a light on his illicit networks. Its time that we hold him accountable. This legislation will expose the corrupt finances being used to fund attacks against our democracy. Madam speaker, in closing i call upon the words of our 35th president , let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price , bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and uphold any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. Madam speaker, i urge the passage of this legislation and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. Gentlelady from new york, ms. Stefanik, is recognized. Ms. Stefanik i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore recognized for such time as you may consume. Ms. Stefanik thank you, madam speaker. Today i rise in strong support of h. R. 1404, the Vladimir Putin transparency act. According to the 2017 Intelligence Community assessment produced by the c. I. A. , n. S. A. , and f. B. I. , and an indictment issued by the attorney general in 2018, it is clear that russian actors conspired to interfere and influence u. S. Political processes and the president ial election in 2016. This is assessment stated that russian president putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the u. S. President ial election. Russias goals were to undermine public faste in the u. S. Democratic process. Madam speaker, the russian government has been known to employ a system of corruption and illicit financial ties as a tool for consolidating its domestic political control and projecting power abroad to weaken not only the United States but other democratic countries as well. That is why i proudly cosponsored h. R. 1404, the bill would require that within 180 days of enactment, the director of National Intelligence in coordination with the secretary of treasury and the secretary of state shall submit a congressional report on the personal net worth and assets owned by russian president putin. The report would also include accounts, holdings, shell companies, and intermediaries, and identify senior russian political figures and ole ig a. Who facilitate corrupt practices. Vladimir putin and his corrupt allies seek to weaken democracies globally by consolidating political control through unethical means and they must be brought to account for their actions. This Bipartisan Legislation is an important step to ensuring the security of our elections and upholding democracy around the world. And i urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill. I also want to thank my colleague, representative val demings, for her leadership on this issue. I am proud to work across the aisle with her to pass this important bill. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. The gentlelady from florida. Mrs. Demings madam speaker, i have no additional speakers. Im ready to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The gentlelady from new york. Ms. Stefanik im ready to close as well. No additional speakers. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from new york is recognized. Ms. Stefanik as i noted in my remarks this is important Bipartisan Legislation. It is about transparency. It is about accountability. It is about standing up to the corrupt practices of russian president putin. This is bipartisan commonsense legislation and i urge my colleagues to support this bill on the floor. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The gentlelady from florida. Mrs. Demings thank you, madam speaker, in closing h. R. 1404 will shine a light on putins Financial Networks that have stripped the Russian Federation of its resources and left the russian people in poverty. It will also empower congress, the Intelligence Community, and our allies to crack down onboarder cross border corruption. I want to thank my colleague on the Intelligence Committee, representative stefanik, for joining me in this important legislation. Additionally, i want to thank the hardworking staff on both sides of the aisle on the Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Affairs committee for their input on this critical legislation. With that, madam speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back the balance of her time. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1404, 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 illinois seek recognition . Mr. Krishnamoorthi madam speaker, morph that the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 1617. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1617, a bill to direct the director of National Intelligence to submit intelligence assessments of the intentions of the Political Leadership of the Russian Federation, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from illinois, mr. Krishnamoorthi, and the gentleman from utah, miss stewart mrs. Stewart, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from illinois. Mr. Krishnamoorthi madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and includeheir remarks and extraneous material on h. R. 1617. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Krishnamoorthi thank you, madam speaker. Madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Krishnamoorthi thank you, madam speaker. Madam speaker, i rise today in support of h. R. 1617, the keeping russian entrapments minimal and limiting Intelligence Networks act. Or the kremlin act. The Intelligence Community is united in its assessment that russia attempted to sabotage the 2016 u. S. Election and that america is not alone in facing these dangers and attacks. In fact, recent reports indicate that russia continues to engage in Information Warfare and political interference in the west that threatens the health of Democratic Institutions within member countries of the north atlantic treaty organization, otherwise known as nato. Among many examples, the Russian Federation is linked to cyber crimes in ukraine and germany, disinformation campaigns here in the United States, intelligence support for prorussian bulgarian candidates, and financing for prorussian parties in france. The bipartisan kremlin act, which i introduced with my friend, congressman Chris Stewart of utah, acknowledged acknowledges the active threat of foreign interference on the United States and our nato allies. Specifically, this legislation would require the director of National Intelligence to submit three intelligence assessments to congress. These assessments must analyze first, potential military action by russia against members of nato. Second, potential responses by russia to an enlarged u. S. Or nato presence in eastern europe. And third, potential areas where the russian government could exploit weaknesses and divisions among the governments of nato and her allies. Most importantly, the kremlin act recognizes that russian meddling with our allied nato countries constitutes a direct threat to the United States. By providing the appropriate congressional committees with these comprehensive assessments, we will be better prepared to thwart efforts in the future that aim to weaken international Democratic Institutions. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from utah, mr. Stewart, is recognized. Mr. Stewart thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. Which by the way wont be much. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for such time as he may consume. Mr. Stew wart i rise in favor of h. R. 1617, and im proud to cosponsor this bill with my friend, mr. Krishnamoorthi. The keeping russian entrapments minimal and limiting Intelligence Network act, also known as the kremlin act, is a commonsense bill that directs the Intelligence Community to conduct assessments on the leadership of russian governments plans and intentions as my friend has said, especially in regards to nato. Madam speaker, with some questioning washingtons commitment to the transatlantic alliance, this bill also serves as a reminder to our allies of the u. S. Congress commitment to nato. Nato is indispensable. As a former military officer, i know firsthand how true that is. It is also as important today as it has ever been. Understanding the threats of the kremlin continues to challenge to this Important Alliance is of the utmost importance. In particular, the bill seeks assessments in three areas, first, any potential military action against nato members. Second, potential reaction to the expansion of nato, and finally, potential weaknesses in areas of division against nato allies. Is will better enable to undermine this critical allies. I would like to thank the speaker and urge passage of h. R. 1617 and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from illinois is recognized. Mr. Krishnamoorthi we have no further speakers and prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from utah. Mr. Stewart im prepared to close. Once again, very briefly this is a commonsense piece of legislation and bipartisan piece of legislation. It improves our National Security. It improves the ability of our intelligence agencies to do the critical work that they do. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor and i yield. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman yields back the balance of his time. I mr. Krishnamoorthi i urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan kremlin act and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1617 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from from the District Of Columbia seek recognition . Ms. Norton i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to the bill h. R. 1582. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1582 a bill to amend title 44 United States code to require preservation of certain electronic records by federal agencies to require certification and reports relating to president ial records and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the ntlewoman from District Of Columbia and the gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Meadows, each will control 20 minutes. Ms. Norton i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and stepped their remarks with extraneous material on the measure. I yield myself such time as i may consume. I rise in support of the electronic message preservation act. This bill would update the federal records act and the president ial records act to ensure that agencies save records created through electronic messengers, including emails. This would require the archivist of the United States mandating that all federal agencies manage and preserve their email records electronicically. They are supposed to be saving them. In 2012, the director of office and management and budget required agencies to do so. This bill would ensure that email records of federal agencies and the white house are preserved. According to a a september, 2018 report from the National Archives and the records administration, approximately 35 of agencies continue to print and file hard copies of email messages. This means that these records are more likely to get lost and harder for the agency to retrieve during record searches under the freedom of information act. This bill would put into statute what what agencies are already required to do under a detective issued by the director of the office of management and budget in 2012. Agencies are required to save all permanent electronic records electronicically by the end of 2019. Putting this requirement to save everybody email records electric tronically to show agencies to ta this issue seriously and would establish standards for the preservation of president ial email records and certify that they have the white house has controls in place to meet those standards. The archivist would be required under this legislation to report one year after the president leaves office whether the controls used by the president met the required standards. This bill has been introduced and passed by the house under multiple administrations. This is not a partisan bill for sure. Its a Good Government bill. I urge all members to support this bill. And i reserve the balance of p my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Meadows, is recognized. Mr. Meadows thank you, madam speaker. Rise in support of h. R. 1582 electronic message preservation act. The American People have the right to know whats going on in their government. Preservation of federal records is an essential to that right. The federal government must preserve federal records regardless of the form or Technology Used to create those records in order to remain accountable to the American People. Over the last two decades, technology has advanced. Electronic communication has permeated all parts of the federal government, the act requires the federal government to preserve those electronic records in electronic format. For decades many federal agencies have used what we call the printtofile method of electronic record preservation. Thats right. Federal employees were actually encouraged to printout emails to archive the paper copies instead of just archiving them electronicically. Paperbased records, as you know, madam speaker, are really inefficient, prone to record loss, difficult to manage, poorly managed paperbased system can increase the cost of recordkeeping tore the federal government and theally can taxpayers. The office of management and budget and my good friends over at the National Archives under the leadership the direct tore have been working to modernize the federal recovered keeping and issued a joint directive that requires agencies to preserve emails and other electronic records in electronic format. All federal agencies should be preserving electronic records in electronic format by the end of this year. This bill codifies that requirement and expands the scope of the electronic message preservations to include the president ial records, as my colleague has already noted. The bill also requires agencies to report on the compliance with electronic record requirptes which would allow congress to understand the progress towards these goals. I would like to thank chairman cummings for working on this important issue. And i encourage all of my colleagues to support this Bipartisan Legislation. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina reserves. The gentlelady from District Of Columbia is recognized. Ms. Norton im surprised, perhaps shocked, that we have had to put the matter electronic recordkeeping into statutory form to make sure it passes and into the electronic era we are deep into the electronic era and perhaps when you put a matter into statutory form, it finally as a matter of law gets to peoples attention. I certainly hope so and im prepared to yield back unless my friend has something more to say. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from North Carolina is recognized. Mr. Meadows i want to thank the gentlewoman for her deliberative process in the way she has managed that. I thank her. This is one of the rare moments you have true bipartisan support on something that is common sense. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina yields back. The gentlelady from District Of Columbia is recognized. Ms. Norton i yield yield. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time sm the question is now, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1582. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid n the table. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from from the District Of Columbia seek recognition . Ms. Norton i move the house suspend the rules and agree to pass h. R. 1608. The clerk h. R. 1608, a bill to amend the federal Advisory Committee act to increase the transparency of federal Advisory Committees and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from from District Of Columbia, ms. Norton and the gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Meadows each will control 20 minutes. Ms. Norton i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Ms. Norton i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Norton i rise in strong support of the federal Advisory Committee act amendment. Representative laci clay, my good friend from missouri, has introduced this bill each congress for a decade now. The bill passed in each of the two previous congresses and passed the house last year without op significance. The federal Advisory Committee act was enacted in 1972. It is intended to ensure that committees that provide advice to federal agencies and the president operate with transparent. The bill we are considering today would strengthen faca to make federal Advisory Committees more transparent and agencies more accountable in how they select members for these committees. Agencies offer avoid requirements by conducting Advisory Committee business through subcommittees. This bill make it clear that this applies to subcommittees as well as parent committees. The bill also clarifies that a committee set up subcontractors if it is formed under the direction of the president or an agency. Under the federal Advisory Committee act amendments agencies would be required to disclose how advisory members are chosen and whether they have financial conflicts of interest and also be required to disclose if they are appointed to provide their own expertise and who they rk for if they are representing a specific interest. Last year this was apoffed by the department of Homeland Security and government of affairs in the senate. Chairman ron johnson and his staff were helpful in pushing this bill through the senate. The bill we are considering today includes changes made following negotiations we engaged in during the process. These are changes to address concerns raised last congress by the department of health and Human Services and technical corrections from the General Services administration. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Thank you, madam speaker. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from North Carolina. Mr. Meadows i yield myself such time as i may consume. Mr. Meadows thank you, madam speaker. I rise in support of this act, amendments of 2019. And i want to thank the sponsor of this legislation, my colleague from missouri, mr. Clay, in spite of the fact that hes not wearing his stylish red glasses today, i want to acknowledge the great work that he has done. Hes been a tireless advocate on this important reform over many congresses. H. R. 1608 will help improve the governance and transparency of the federal Advisory Committees , the federal Advisory Committees or groups of experts and stakeholders who provide advice, recommendations to federal policymakers, and currently, madam speaker, there are over 1,000 Advisory Committees covered by transparency and accountability requirements in the federal Advisory Committee act. Many more Advisory Committees are exempt from the law. And may not receive the same level of scrutiny due to a lack of transparency of their own operation. So the gentleman from missouri, mr. Clay, has been right in working tirelessly to make sure that Advisory Committees covered under the law are required to report on their operational costs. Those report show Advisory Committees cost the federal government many times over 300 million annually, madam speaker. We need to make sure were getting the most from the hardworking american taxpayers dollars. The 1972 act does not do enough to ensure transparency and openness to the federal decisionmaking process. This bill provides the needed transparency for how Committee Members are selected, how Committee Activities function. And i would just encourage all of my colleagues to support this particular legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina reserves. E the gentlewoman from the District Of Columbia is recognized. Miss north kron i could not be more pleased than to yield to my friend from p missouri as much time as he desires. Mr. Clay i thank my friend from the District Of Columbia. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from missouri is recognized. Mr. Clay let me thank my friend from the District Of Columbia for her again rossity and time. And consideration. As well as my colleague and friend from North Carolina, mr. Meadows, who supports the legislation. I rise today in support of the federal Advisory Committee act amendments of 2019. As was mentioned, i interdawesed introduced this bill in previous congresses. It most recently passed the house by voice vote in 2017 without opposition. This legislation fits well with the theme of sunshine week as the house joins together to address the need for more ransparency in our government. Faca was originally enacted in 1972 to ensure that the advisory groups that provide council to the executive branch operate with transparency. Advisory committees provide the government with recommendations on a wide range of issues of importance to the American Public. For example, Advisory Committees to the department of health and Human Services provide advice about Critical Issues such as human trafficking. The national Advisory Committee on the sex trafficking of children and youth in the u. S. Makes recommendations on federal programs such as best practices to provide housing for children and youth who are victims of trafficking. The individuals on that committee are trusted to have experience relevant to the issues facing these children, and share their reports with Child Welfare agencies that provide direct services around the country. So the bill were considering today would strengthen faca to make federal Advisory Committees more transparent and more and make agencies more accountable in how they select and use their committees. Under current lawers law, agencies are able to avoid the requirements of faca by conducting Advisory Committee business through subcommittees, as ms. Norton mentioned. This bill makes it clear that faca applies to subcommittees as well as their parent committees. The bill also clarifies that a committee setup by contractors subject to faca, if it is formed under the direction of the president or his agency. Under faca, agencies will be required to disclose how Advisory Committee members are selecteder, whether they have financial conflicts of interest, if they are reported to provide their own expertise in who they work for, if they are representing a specific interest. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I hope that the senate will take it up quickly and send it to the president. Thank you, madam speaker. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from North Carolina is recognized. Mr. Meadows thank you, madam speaker. I just want to thank the gentleman for his thoughtfulness. I have often said there are two ways things get done here in washington, d. C. Slow and never. Lets hope that this is one of those times where its just slow. And we get the senate to act on it. I would tell the gentlewoman inform the gentlewoman from the District Of Columbia that i have no further speakers and im prepared to close. Before i do that i just want to thank the staffs of both committees. Oftentimes we get up here and get to deliberate this, but its the staffs that do the hard work. I want to thank our staff in the minority and majority staff for their hard work w that i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The lady from District Of Columbia is recognized. Ms. Norton madam speaker, i must say that my friend from missouri has been indefatiguible in trying to get this bill passed. Its been it looks like it received some notice at least last time in the senate. I have joked with my friend neighbor if he got somebody else to introduce it we could get the bill passed, but he keeps trying. If at first you dont succeed. I believe that because of the way he has understood that these subcommittees, these advisory subcommittees, forgive me, are very important sometimes amount to enacting legislation so important are some of them to our process, he has understood that he has to keep plugging away until we get it done. I thank him for doing he so. I am prepared to yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from the District Of Columbia yields. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1608. 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 gentlewoman from the District Of Columbia seek recognition . Ms. Norton i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to the bill h. R. 1654, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1654, a bill to amend title 44 United States code to modernize the federal register, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from the District Of Columbia, ms. Norton, antigentleman from North Carolina, mr. Meadows, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District Of Columbia. Ms. Norton madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and includeheir remarks and extraneous material on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Ms. Norton i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Norton h. R. 1654, the federal register modernization act, is a Good Government bill. That will reduce waste and safe taxpayer money. I want to thank my good friend from North Carolina, representative meadows, for his work on this important measure. The bill would modernize the federal register to take advantage of modern technology and increase efficiency. The bill would give the office of federal register the flexibility to publish the federal register electronically. It also allows agencies to stop sending unnecessary paper, copies of documents when they send materials to be published in the federal register. That one step alone could save significant sums of money that could be used more efficiently to address the needs of the American Public. R. 1654 also makes certain technical changes to a statute that was originally written in 1935 and does need some updating. This is exactly the kind of Legislation Congress should be passing. It is bipartisan. It is noncontroversial. And it would make modest improvements to bring the federal government into the digital age so that information is more accessible to the public. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Madam speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from North Carolina. Mr. Meadows thank you, madam speaker. Democratic governments must be transparent and accountable to the American People. Record keeping laws are vital to both. In support of transparency and accountability, the federal registry act of 1935, as my friend from the District Of Columbia mentioned earlier, was created and actually created the federal registry. The federal registry a lot of people are not aware of is a daily publication of the government information such as president ial documents, rules, proposed rules, public notices, and the federal registry provides official notice of the documents existence to the public. The federal registry also provides the Building Blocks of the code of federal regulations, which makes it easier for the public to find out the federal regulations by compiling them all in one place. In 1994, the Government Publishing Office began publishing the federal register online. When i got here i actually got a paper copy of these federal registries and i didnt know what to do with it. They were reams and reams. The gentlewoman from the District Of Columbia is right. This is a Good Government, hopefully efficient way that gives the federal registry the ability to save the american taxpayer money. That online registry now includes navigational aids and links to rerelated contact, its fully searchable and downloadable. Congress has previously taken steps to make the federal registry more efficient. In 2017 Congress Passed the federal registry printing savings act. That law saved taxpayers dollars by actually requiring the g. P. O. To only provide printed copies to Members Office that subscribe or request a copy of a specific issue. H. R. 1654 makes continues in this spirit of this reform with a commonsense change for the g. P. O. And other agencies and gives them greater flexibility to make sure that we can save with online publications. This bill also eliminates the requirements that agencies provide the National Archives with multiple copies of the documents submitted to the federal registry. That requirement made sense when paper copies were mailed or delivered for publication. Now agencies can simmably do that with sending duplicate copies electronically to comply with the law. So, madam speaker, i would urge my colleagues to support this particular piece of legislation. I thank the gentlewoman for her support. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlelady from the District Of Columbia is recognized. Ms. Norton madam speaker, i think it should be noted that all the bill does is give flexibility, flexibility to publish the federal register electronically. I suspect there will still be paper copies, but apparently the office of federal registry doesnt think it can go online with the federal register. That is very disserving this late into the digital age. I regard this bill if it is the bill of my good friend i regard it as not prescient because it should have happened a long time ago but absolutely necessary and i commend him. I am prepared to yield back unless my good friend has something fourth say. I yield the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The gentleman from North Carolina. Mr. Meadows i yield the balance of my time as well. I thank the gentlewoman for her comments. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina yields. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the h. R. 1654. Ms. Norton i ask for the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules mr. Meadows madam speaker, we request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. All those in favor by taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, further proceedings on this uestion will be postponed. Proceedings will resume on questions previously postponed. Votes will be taken in the following order. Motions to suspend the rules and 596 and pass h. R. 1654. The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15 hive minute vote. Pursuant to clause 9, rule 20, remaining electronic votes will be conducted as fiveminute votes. Pursuant to clause 8, rule 20, the Unfinished Business is the vote on the motion of the the gentleman from new york, mr. Engel, to suspend the rules and agree to House Resolution 156 as amended on which yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title. The clerk House Resolution 156, resolution calling for accountability and justice for the assassination of borrow is nemtsov. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the house suspend the rules and agree to the resolution as amended. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of epresentatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 416. The nays are one. 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the resolution is agreed to, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. He house will be in order. He house will be in order. He house will be in order. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from california seek recognition . The speaker i rise to pay tribute to a dedicated and deeply member of my staff, my departing chief of staff, danny. For nearly three decades, danny has brought wise counsel and energetic to the house of representatives. Hes committed nearly his entire career to this by his on, inspired Great Respect for its history. Danny, the congress and the country, are stronger for their innovation, ingenuity and insight that you have brought to this body. Danny served in the office of my dear friend, congressman George Miller, mr. Chairman, for more than 25 years, including decades as his chief of staff. We are grateful in every position hes held in the congress, danny has been vital in advancing a serious, substantive and successful agenda to improve the lives of hardworking families across america. Hes worked to expand opportunity, fighting for affordable, Quality Health care, childcare, and education and for healthier communities the house is not in order. The speaker thats ok. The speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The speaker childcare and education, for healthier communities through his work on the House Select Committee on children, youth, and families, house Natural Resources committee, and house education and Labor Committee. Danny has worked to expand justice by defending the rights of wellbeing of children, a mission he continued at the helm of commonsense media. And hes worked to expand progress to safeguard clean air, clean water, and preserve the beauty of gods creation. And we are grateful for his leadership to elevate and amplify the issue of the climate crisis. Were grateful that danny agreed to return to the congress at a Pivotal Moment for america. His efforts is vital to our caucus strength and community as democrats developed our for the People Agenda and won a historic victory. My office is grateful for his masterful work, orchestrating the transition in the speakers office. Dannys service has entailed sacrifice, not only from him, but from his entire family. Were grateful for the patience, love and support of his wife, ann, and his daughters, katherine and maria. My colleagues, please join me in thanking my distinguished chief of staff, danny weiss. The speaker madam speaker, i yield to the gentleman from oregon, the chairman of the transportation and Infrastructure Committee, mr. Defazio. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Defazio danny came to congress a year after i did. He must have been under age. As you can tell the difference in our appearance. He was working on what was then the house interior committee, Natural Resources. Hes a veteran, as am i, of many years, working with George Miller in the perpetual water wars in california. I am going to say danny didnt get that one fixed. When we took back over after the election in 2006 and we did some of the best things weve ever done for College Affordability and pell grants, in ed and Labor Committee, danny was right there working on that. We made loans forgiveable through Public Service. We limited the length of time you would have to pay them if you were in a lowincome job. We greatly increased pell grants and we paid for all that by stopping subsidizing private bank loans with guarantees that they would never lose any money. Unfortunately we lost a little ground since then but i think this Congress Might recapture those things and we look forward to the work you did then to make Higher Education more affordable. Hes also i have a couple members say, oh, he was good to me when i didnt know anything when i came in. Weighs a mentor not only to staff but to members and a good friend to me over many years. So danny, enjoy your next iteration, whatever it is. Thank you. He speaker thank you. I yield pleased to yield now to the gentlewoman from illinois, the former cochair of the Democratic Policy Communications committee, mrs. Bustos. Mrs. Bustos thank you, madam speaker. I rise to recognize danny weiss for his service to speaker pelosi, to our House Democratic caucus, and to our country. Danny is one of the many Staff Members who has worked tirelessly for the peoples house. He has never viewed his service on capitol hill as a temporary stint. This was his lifes work. And a true call to Public Service. Most recently, as the speaker said, i worked with danny during my tenure as cochair of the democratic policy and Communications Committee during the last session of congress. As then leader pelosis chief of staff, danny helped our caucus develop our for the People Agenda, to clean up corruption in washington, Lower Health Care costs, and rebuild our country through investments in our infrastructure. Developing this agenda was no easy task, and as anybody, like danny, knows, its just as hard to keep members of congress on message i thought that was funny. With dannys efforts and his persistence, we were successful and gained a historic ma majority and Record Number of women to the 116th session of congress. To say that danny was instrumental in our efforts would be an understatement. His career will also be defined by his undying belief that this body and each and every one of us can make a difference in the lives of the people who we serve. Danny knows that even amid the chaos and the sensational headlines we all have the power to be a force of good in this world. So id like to join my colleagues in thanking danny weiss for not just his years of service but for always keeping his eye on the prize and on the purpose and for his dedication to this institution. Thank you, madam speaker. Yield back. Ms. Pelosi madam speaker, the house returns to order. Im pleased to yield to the gentleman from virginia to close for us, the chairman of education and Labor Committee. Mr. Scott thank you, madam speaker. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to say kind words about danny weiss. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman will suspend. The house will come to order. Mr. Scott i want to recognize danny as a true model as a public servant. From riverdale, new york, he wasted no time coming to washington and leaving and impressive mark right here for almost 28 years hes provided Invaluable Service to the house of representatives. As we have heard, we know firsthand that dan yeaie has been he very effective in the house of representatives because danny has been very effective in the house of representatives because of his mastery of complicated issues. As chief of staff to first leader pa lows yain now speaker pelosi, danny has given wise counsel to me and my staff and as we have heard to many other members on issues that arise from time to time that needs special attention that danny always provided. Now i would be remiss if i didnt note dannys Exemplary Service to the education and Labor Committee under George Miller. Sitting here a few minutes ago, danny asked me not to embarrass him. Nice try. Talked to george and george informed me that early on he was on the fence about hiring danny, but over an italian dinner with dannys mother, cora, george was informed rather emphatically that her son, danny, would be a great hire and one of the best decisions that he ever made. George believes that mothers knows best and the rest is history. Thanks to dannys mom we have all been blessed with his decades of Public Service to the house of representatives, so congratulations, danny, on your years of service and good luck in your future endeavors. I yield back. Ms. Pelosi thank you very much. Thank you very much to our colleague, chairman defazio, chairman scott, and chairwoman bustos. Again i want to express thanks and gratitude for the patience, love, and support of dannys wife and their daughters. My colleagues, once again, please join me in thanking my distinguished chief of staff, danny weiss. Madam speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the Unfinished Business is the vote on the motion of the gentleman from new york, mr. Engel, to suspend the rules and on h. R. 596, as amended, which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title. The clerk h. R. 596, a bill to print United States government recognition of russias annexation of crimea. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. Members will record their votes y electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 427. He nays are one. 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. Without objection, the title is amended. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the Unfinished Business is the vote on the motion of the the gentlewoman from the District Of Columbia, ms. Norton, to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 1654, as amended, on which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title. The clerk h. R. 1654, a bill to amend title 44 United States code to modernize the federal register, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore the question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. Members will record their votes y electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 426. The nays are one. 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 louisiana seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent that the committee on judiciary be further discharged on h. R. 962, the born alive abortion survivors protection act and ask for its immediate consideration in the house. The speaker pro tempore under guidelines consistently issued by successive speakers, as recorded in section 956 of the house rules and manual, the chair is constrained not to entertain the request unless its been cleared by the bipartisan floor and committee leadership. Madam speaker, i urge the speaker and majority leader to schedule the speaker pro tempore the gentleman is not recognized for ebate. For what purpose does the gentleman from alabama seek recognition . I ask to be recognized to speak out of order. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Thank you, madam speaker. Id ask for the houses attention to draw attention to a terrible disaster that occurred in alabama and georgia on sunday, march 3. At 4 00 in the afternoon, we had an f4 tornado with winds exceeding 170 miles an hour, touched down in alabama, and stayed on the ground a mile wide and for the next 70 miles as it plowed throughout alabama and into georgia. This tornado took the lives of 23 innocent alabamians and injured 90 people. It destroyed just in alabama lone more than 120 homes and then went into georgia and did enormous property damage. Its my hope that we first of all take notice of the fact that First Responders in both of our states did an exemplary job in the search and rescue in the first two days following the storm trying to find all those who had been lost and then since then in the recovery mode. The money that this country has invested and the congress that it has invested in our First Responders having the training and equipment they need to deal with these disasters, whether theyre man made or natural was demonstrated, again, in this horrible disaster. Mr. Rogers at this time id like to ask a moment of silence or us to ask gods grace and blessings on these families as they try to recover from this horrible disaster. Mr. Rogers thank you. Yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair will now entertain requests for oneminute peeches. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from new jersey eek recognition . The gentlelady is recognized. Without objection. Mrs. Watson coleman i had a saying, show me your budget and ill show you our priorities. Look at what the president prioritizes. An additional 8. 6 billion for his hatefueled, wasteful wall. A 5 increase in the already bloated pentagon budget, including money for his childish space forest and making his tax cuts for the rich permanent. The same cuts that exploded the deficit. Now, lets look at what he apparently does not value. Medicare. 854 billion in cuts. Medicaid, 241 billion in cuts. Snap, thats meals for families whove fallen on hard times, 220 billion in cuts. He already clearly doesnt prioritize the environment. 31 cut from the e. P. A. Education, 207 billion cut from student loan programs or infrastructure, 22 cut from the department of transportation. Anyway you look at the budget, its clear. This president needs to get his priorities in order. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from ohio seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i rise to pay tribute to an american hero, robert pioli, of marietta, ohio, 19 years old when peril harbor attacked, he stepped pearl harbor attacked, he stepped up. In april of 1944, his b17 was hit over hungary. Mr. Joonts first sent to poland and then to germany as a p. O. W. It was in germany in 1945 that tanks over general patton rolled over the gates and then came what he said was the most memorable and dramatic moment of his life. The American Flag was slowly raised over the town. There wasnt a dry eye in the camp. Mr. Johnson robert recently passed away peacefully with his family at his side. Im honored to have gotten to know this brave american and his family. He didnt like to be called a hero, but that doesnt change the fact that he certainly was one. God rest in peace, robert pioli. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from texas seek recognition . Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for ne minute. Ms. Jackson lee madam speaker, thank you. I serve on the Homeland Security committee and have done so since the heinous act of 9 11. I have a great deal of faith in the Aviation Industry of this nation, but i want to offer my deepest sympathy to the people of ethiopia and indonesia in the instance of the ethiopian flight. Some eight americans died. Ethiopian americans have been calling my office, saddened by the fact their relatives that are very special to them, some of whom lost their life. I called earlier today for the grounding of the 737 max 8, not because i dont have faith in americas genius, but because i believe people are number one and first. Pilots count. Flight attendants count. Passengers count. It is time for the f. A. A. To remove their fear and to be able to assess a temporary grounding of this aircraft so that all of the systems can be checked, even the one that is automatic, that the pilot is to release, which is alleged that did not happen but to release in order to save lives. These planes, this aircraft should be grounded now, and ill be sending a letter to the f. A. A. To demand that. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . I rise to address the house for one minute. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Madam speaker, i would like to take this time to honor a great man and even a better friend, mr. Dan jenkins, who passed away last thursday at the age of 90. Many of us know mr. Jenkins as a sports and literary icon. He wrote for the Washington Post , sports illustrated, go digest and the words on. Sharing our alma mater, texas christian university. Mr. Williams he was a true sports phenomenon and he greatly impacted my life. He played a role in my decision to attend and play baseball at t. C. U. He was a vital member of the horned frogs golf team and always been a regular at t. C. U. Sporting events. Just recently the school named the press box at amon g. Carter stadium the after him. At 90 you wonder what kept him going after all these years. The answer is he never stopped writing. He was quoted saying, i want to keep my mind active. I dont believe in retirement. Everybody who retires too early simply dies too early. Sadly, no matter what age mr. Jenkins left this earth, it would have been too soon. I join the Fort Worth Community in mourning an absolute legend in sports and the media but i take comfort in knowing his legacy will carry on for generations to come. I hope you join me in praying for his wife, june, his sons, danny and marty, and daughter, sally, during this difficult time. May god bless their family, and more importantly, go frogs. In god we trust. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from South Carolina seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Today i rise to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of both the Bishop England High School Girls Basketball team, and the goose creek High School Girls Basketball Team who are South Carolinas state champs in the class 3a and 5a respectfully. The lady gators rallied from behind to defeat Spring Valley with just seconds left in the game. Senior mary davis scored two free throw points to send the goose creek girls ahead and then with less than half a second on the clock, shalea nelson swatted a lastsecond attempt to defeat them. Mr. Cunningham the very next day, the lady bishops beach beat Kenan High School for their sixth state title in the last eight years. Capturing the front page of the post and courier back home in charleston. That makes for quite a sports dine city. Dynasty. It was a great season for low country basketball and the former High School Basketball player myself, i could not be more impressed and proud of bishop england and the goose creek Girls Basketball teams. Onward toward next season. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Carter mr. Speaker, i rise today to remember the life of James Jamie Parker who passed away on monday, february 25, at the age of 65. Upon his passing, mr. Parker had worked for 10 years as the editor for brian county now, as well as the night editor for the savannah morning news. He reported on nearly everything happening in Richmond Hill. From sporting events to city council hearings, tearjerking accidents and stories where individuals made heartwarming contributions to their community. His friends remember mr. Parker not only as a trustworthy journalist reporting on these stories, but also a great friend and having a heart as big as the country. Deeply dedicated to his community, attended more local sporting events than anyone else in town. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Richmond Hill community during this difficult time. Thank you, madam speaker, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from michigan seek recognition . Madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Mr. Levin madam speaker, im proud to rise today in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Oakland Literacy Council. Since the Oakland Literacy Council was formed in 1984, volunteers have helped thousands of adult learners improve their literacy skills with the simple method of one neighbor helping another. The dedicated and trained volunteers of the Oakland Literacy Council provide free basic literacy and english language instruction to adults who live in Oakland County, michigan. For 35 years, the efforts of the Oakland Literacy Council have helped residents, students and workers improve their english Language Skills so that they may communicate with their childs teacher, enhance their skills for a g. E. D. , to become a citizen of the United States, and improve their reading to receive promotions at work. I commend the tireless work of the Oakland Literacy Council as it continues to improve the lives of Oakland County residents and strengthen the fabric of our southeastern michigan community. Thank you, madam speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from washington seek recognition . Permission to address the house for one minute, to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Thank you, madam speaker. I rise today to recognize january gee, the president and c. E. O. Of the washington Food Industry association. Jan was recently presented the woman of the year award from the women grocers of america. Mrs. Rodgers shes dedicated more than 30 years for being a voice for small billses in Eastern Washington and continues to work tirelessly on behalf of familyowned markets and Grocery Stores throughout our state. The winner of this award must exemplify the true characteristics of a leader. With a passion for the independent grocery industry, jan gee fits that description to a t. Shes mentored and empowered women colleagues, inspiring and encouraging many to take on leadership positions. Ive known jan since my days in the Washington State legislature, and she is so deserving of this award because of her hard work, not only for Small Businesses, but for helping to support the next generation of female leaders, entrepreneurs and Small Business owners in Washington State. I appreciate all that jan has done and congratulate her on being recognized with the woman of the year award. God bless you, jan. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition . Madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, to revise and extend my remarks. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. Thank you, madam speaker. I rise today to call attention to an obstacle that has stood before this nation for many years, but has recently rizin to new and alarming height risen to new and alarming heights. Last month the United States National Debt topped 2ds2 trillion for the first time in 22 trillion for the first time in our history. This is 3 trillion higher than our annual g. D. P. And equates to over 67,000 in debt to be borne by each and every american. I understand this debt is the culmination of choices that all seem responsible in the moment. My colleagues and i entered Public Office to serve the country and too often it is tempting to fix society by throwing money at our problems. Mr. Spano however, this tactic mortgages future generations for the benefit of the present. Congress has a duty to serve not only their own generation, but generations to come. And we must exercise prudence to balance the desires of the present with the needs of the future. This 22 trillion problem will require strong resolve from strong leaders. Our nation looks to us this congress to correct the spending mistakes of the past and i looked for to working with you all to clear a path for our future. Madam speaker, i yield back. I ask that the house do now adjourn. The speaker pro tempore the question is on the motion to adjourn. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The motion is adopted. Accordingly, the house stands adjourned until 10 00 a. M. Tomorrow for morning hour debate. The count st lives that have been wasted and the continual suffering. Iraq war veteran and former state Department Official matthew hoh on his article, time for peace in afghanistan and and he to the lies. In 2009 was the same id seen in iraq in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, as well as when i worked on iraq and afghan war issues at the pentagon and the state department in between those times. There was no difference in the administrations, the administrations were both the desire was to win politically or to win for domestic political reasons. Everything else was secondary. Matthew hoh sunday night at 8 00 eastern on cspans q a