Congressional Record, March 16, 2021: floor action on H.R. 1799 (PPP Extension Act of 2021)
Summary
The Congressional Record for Tuesday, March 16, 2021 (Vol. 167, No. 49) covers House consideration of H.R. 1799, the PPP Extension Act of 2021. The bill amends the Small Business Act and the CARES Act to extend the covered period for the paycheck protection program, and Ms. Velázquez moved to suspend the rules and pass it. The Daily Digest records passage of H.R. 1799, as amended, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 415 yeas to 3 nays, Roll No. 80. The same day the House took up H.R. 1651, the COVID–19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
Cite this document
“Congressional Record, March 16, 2021: floor action on H.R. 1799 (PPP Extension Act of 2021).”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/congressional-record-march-16-2021-floor-action-on-h-r-1799-ppp-extens-7564f0a448/
, SHA-256 7d1b43e865809dccb93732baafb7b3aeaba0bbc06da679b663e65a789ccead09.Full text
Congressional Record
E PL
UR M
IB NU
U U
S
117 th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
United States
of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
Vol. 167 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 No. 49
House of Representatives
The House met at noon and was Right now, the Office of Refugee Re- sis. The illicit drugs, including deadly
called to order by the Speaker pro tem- settlement shelters that house unac- methamphetamine, cocaine, and
pore (Ms. TLAIB). companied migrant children are reach- fentanyl, that come across the porous
f ing capacity. Our border agents are southern border are killing Pennsylva-
being diverted from their posts to care nians in the streets of Altoona, Johns-
DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO for record numbers of teenagers and town, Bedford, Chambersburg, Gettys-
TEMPORE children who are illegally crossing our burg, and Somerset, and throughout
The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- border. my district.
fore the House the following commu- This escalating crisis is rooted right Just this weekend, Border Patrol
nication from the Speaker: here in Washington, D.C., more than agents apprehended two individuals at-
WASHINGTON, DC, 1,700 miles away from that border. As tempting to smuggle nearly 8 pounds of
March 16, 2021. we witness unprecedented groups of mi- methamphetamine across the border.
I hereby appoint the Honorable RASHIDA grants reaching the United States, By preventing these drugs from reach-
TLAIB to act as Speaker pro tempore on this there is no question that the Presi- ing American communities, we likely
day. dent’s weak border security stance has
NANCY PELOSI, saved lives. What would have happened
heightened this so-called challenge. if these suspects hadn’t been caught?
Speaker of the House of Representatives. By reversing the Trump administra-
f
Clearly, we need more, and not less,
tion’s actions to bolster security on security on our southern border.
MORNING-HOUR DEBATE the southern border and halting con- As our Nation continues to combat
struction of the border wall, the cur-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the COVID–19 pandemic, Congress can-
rent administration is sending a clear
ant to the order of the House of Janu- not afford to stand back and allow the
message to the world that America’s
ary 4, 2021, the Chair will now recog- border crisis to get even worse. We
border, unfortunately, is wide open.
nize Members from lists submitted by Innocent people, and cartels and need safer, stronger, and more secure
the majority and minority leaders for human traffickers who prey upon communities in Pennsylvania and
morning-hour debate. them, pay attention to what we say across the country.
The Chair will alternate recognition here in Washington. Words have con- Here is the truth: The border crisis
between the parties, with time equally sequences. Rhetoric has ramifications. has consequences beyond the border.
allocated between the parties and each What is happening on the southern Inaction is not the correct action. Bor-
Member other than the majority and border is both a humanitarian and se- der security is national security.
minority leaders and the minority curity crisis. It is simply inhumane for f
whip limited to 5 minutes, but in no politicians to incentivize the dan- FAREWELL TO CONGRESS
event shall debate continue beyond 1:50 gerous trek across Central America to
p.m. the southern border. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
f Those who attempt the journey face Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
treacherous conditions, gang violence, New Mexico (Ms. HAALAND) for 5 min-
FACING CATASTROPHE ON utes.
SOUTHERN BORDER and unthinkable danger. As my friend,
Republican leader KEVIN MCCARTHY, Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The said at the border just yesterday, ‘‘This rise today to deliver my final remarks
Chair recognizes the gentleman from is human heartbreak.’’ on the floor of the people’s House.
Pennsylvania (Mr. JOYCE) for 5 min- As the situation worsens, the limited I am humbled to have spent the last
utes. resources on the border are being 2 years in this Chamber, where I proud-
Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam pulled away from protecting the Amer- ly served New Mexico, alongside my
Speaker, despite what the Biden ad- ican people. The Biden administration colleagues past and present in the New
ministration would like the American is prioritizing illegal immigrants over Mexico delegation. I am thankful to
people to believe, our Nation is facing the American people. As U.S. Customs Senators MARTIN HEINRICH and BEN
a catastrophe on the southern border. and Border Protection leadership shifts RAY LUJÁN, in particular, for helping
Last month alone, U.S. Border Pro- to caring for migrants, there are fewer to build support for my confirmation,
tection officers encountered more than officers focusing on apprehending and to former Senator Tom Udall for
100,000 migrants attempting to cross threats. his years of friendship and mentorship.
the border illegally. This is a 173 per- This is not only a human trafficking I love New Mexico. Not only is it my
cent increase from last February. crisis; it is also a drug trafficking cri- home, where I raised my child, went to
b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
H1367
.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.000 H16MRPT1
H1368 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
college, started a small business, and To my colleagues in the Tri-Caucus, Schmitt for his dedication to educating
started organizing, it is my ancestral thank you for embracing the issues fac- the students of northeast Florida and
homeland. ing Native Americans and working to for his commitment to the success of
As a 35th-generation New Mexican, address longstanding disparities in our his students and peers alike.
and not unlike the other families with communities. CONGRATULATING ALI PRESSEL
roots in our State, I have a deep con- I am proud that, with the support of Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker,
nection to the land, air, and water that my colleagues, several of my bills be- I rise today to congratulate Ms. Ali
sustains our communities. My ances- came law: the Not Invisible Act; Rent Pressel for being named Teacher of the
tors settled there because they were the Camo, a pilot program for pregnant Year in St. Johns County.
drawn to the once-mighty Rio Grande servicemembers in the 2021 NDAA; the Ms. Pressel received this honor for
and the sacred places that dot the PROGRESS for Indian Tribes Act; pro- her work teaching biology and agri-
sandstone mesas and granite moun- visions from my Military Housing culture at Creekside High School.
tains. Oversight and Servicemember Protec- As a teacher for more than 15 years,
That is why I made the most of my tion Act in the 2020 NDAA; the Native Ms. Pressel worked tirelessly to help
time in Congress. I spent every oppor- American Business Incubators Act; and bring exciting educational opportuni-
tunity meeting with families, listening the Veterans Affairs Tribal Advisory ties in STEM to her students and to en-
to small business owners, learning Committee Act. courage them to engage their curi-
about our tech industry, connecting I thought I would have more time
osity.
with brave servicemembers and vet- here, but we are called to service in dif-
The philosophy that guides Ms.
erans, and working to deliver for the ferent ways.
Though I am excited to become the Pressel’s work is that all students
people.
When I was a little girl, none of this first Native American Cabinet Sec- should have limitless opportunities to
crossed my mind as a possibility for retary in history, I am also sad to make connections in their commu-
me. I wasn’t one of the students picked leave this Chamber. As a twice-elected nities through exploration and dis-
out to apply to college. In fact, I didn’t Member of Congress, it has been both a covery.
apply to college until I was 28. I was pleasure and privilege to serve along- On behalf of the Fourth Congres-
constantly struggling to make ends side you in our quest to improve the sional District of Florida, I thank Ms.
meet, and I raised my child as a single lives of the American people. Pressel for her dedication to educating
mom. I want each of you to know that I am the students of northeast Florida and
Growing up, Native women rarely grateful for the knowledge you shared for her commitment to the success of
held Federal leadership positions, and with me, the friendship, and the work her students and peers alike.
now little girls everywhere will know we accomplished together, and I will CONGRATULATING KRISTAN CRONIN
that they can run for Congress and win miss all of you dearly. Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker,
and that this country holds promise for I wouldn’t be here today without my I rise today to congratulate Ms.
everyone. extraordinary staff in Albuquerque and Kristan Cronin for being named Teach-
In fact, it is the unique experiences here at the Capitol, the Natural Re- er of the Year in Nassau County.
and struggles that make good leaders sources Committee staff, and the House Ms. Cronin received this honor for
and why I became an organizer in the Armed Services Committee staff. They her work teaching fourth grade math,
first place. I believe that it is the fact all put in very long hours on behalf of science, and social studies at Wildlight
that I relied on food stamps to feed my our State and our country. My legisla- Elementary School.
family that makes me qualified to ad- tive accomplishments are also their ac- Ms. Cronin has been a teacher for 17
vocate for families like mine. It is the complishments. years and is committed to guiding her
fact that I overcame addiction that Additionally, thanks to all of the students as they recognize and develop
makes me qualified to help people who staff who work right here on the floor, their talents and abilities. Ms. Cronin
are in their own struggles. It is the fact whose dedication and experience keep creates a hands-on work environment
that I know what it is like to be indige- our Congress running. I am so grateful for her students to succeed, develops a
nous that makes me qualified to advo- to all of you. love for knowledge, and helps them
cate for our country to meet its trust To New Mexico, thank you. Thank apply what they have learned to every-
responsibility. you to the activists, supporters, fami- day life.
The beauty of this Chamber is that lies, and communities that make our On behalf of the Fourth Congres-
each Member of Congress brings their State an incredible place to call home. sional District of Florida, I thank Ms.
unique experiences to the table and ad- f Cronin for her dedication to educating
vocates for the causes we know best. the students of northeast Florida and
With Speaker NANCY PELOSI’s brilliant CONGRATULATING JIM SCHMITT
for her commitment to the success of
leadership, House Natural Resources The SPEAKER pro tempore. The her students and peers alike.
Committee Chair RAÚL GRIJALVA’S wis- Chair recognizes the gentleman from
f
dom, and House Armed Services Com- Florida (Mr. RUTHERFORD) for 5 min-
mittee Chair ADAM SMITH’s guidance, utes. b 1215
and all the leadership here in the Mr. RUTHERFORD. Madam Speaker, COMMONSENSE SOLUTIONS TO
House, I had the opportunity to make a I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jim GUN VIOLENCE CRISIS
real difference for communities every- Schmitt for being named Teacher of
where by addressing climate change; the Year in Duval County. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
protecting voting rights; fighting for Mr. Schmitt received this honor for Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
racial, environmental, and economic his work teaching global perspectives Illinois (Ms. UNDERWOOD) for 5 minutes.
justice; and providing urgent COVID and research at Mandarin High School. Ms. UNDERWOOD. Madam Speaker, I
relief for millions of people. Serving as a teacher for 28 years, Mr. rise to call on our colleagues in the
I am also thankful for the collabora- Schmitt has dedicated his career to im- Senate to swiftly pass H.R. 8, the Bi-
tion and mentorship of my colleagues proving both student learning and the partisan Background Checks Act; and
across the aisle, including Representa- methods teachers use to educate their H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background
tive TOM COLE and the dean of the students. Checks Act.
House, DON YOUNG, and my colleagues During the COVID–19 pandemic, Mr. These bills are bipartisan, common-
on the House Armed Services and Nat- Schmitt has demonstrated his leader- sense solutions to our Nation’s gun vio-
ural Resources Committees. ship ability by creating a discussion lence crisis. Together, they accomplish
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
We worked in a bipartisan way to ad- forum for teachers to share strategies, what the vast majority of Americans
dress issues, including missing and ensuring that teachers and students want, to keep guns out of the wrong
murdered indigenous women and ensur- are prepared to learn in an in-class or hands. I was proud to cosponsor both
ing that our servicemen and -women online environment. bills and vote for them when they
and military families have the re- On behalf of the Fourth Congres- passed the House last week. Now it is
sources that they need. sional District of Florida, I thank Mr. time for the Senate to take action.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.002 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1369
In 2020, the Gun Violence Archive re- Madam Speaker, I am not willing to THE JOURNAL
ported more than 40,000 deaths caused wait for the next murderer to attack The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
by gun violence, including over 1,300 the next church in the next Charleston. ant to section 11(a) of House Resolu-
children. Yet, despite the fact that gun I am not willing to wait for the next tion 188, the Journal of the last day’s
violence continues to rise—and 90 per- angry employee to murder his cowork- proceedings is approved.
cent of Americans, including 80 percent ers at the next Henry Pratt in the next f
of gun owners support universal back- Aurora, Illinois. I am not willing to
ground checks—Republicans in Con- wait for the next Aurora, Colorado, or PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
gress have spent years blocking bipar- the next Pulse Nightclub, or the next The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the
tisan legislation to close our biggest Parkland, or the next Tree of Life, or gentleman from North Carolina (Mr.
loopholes and keep our communities the next Sandy Hook. I am also not MURPHY) come forward and lead the
safe. willing to wait for more women to be House in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Gun violence is preventable, yet it is murdered by their abusers, or for more Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina led
such a tragically routine occurrence in children to be lost to gun violence. the Pledge of Allegiance as follows:
this country that every community has I am done waiting. My constituents I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the
a story. Mine is no exception. are done waiting. Enough is enough. United States of America, and to the Repub-
I recently joined the Aurora Histor- Americans deserve to feel safe in lic for which it stands, one nation under God,
ical Society in Illinois to pay tribute their schools, in their houses of wor- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
to the five people murdered and the ship, in their movie theaters, in their f
seven heroic first responders who were workplaces, and in their homes. We can ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
injured 2 years ago during a shooting no longer live in a country where any PRO TEMPORE
at the Henry Pratt Company. building can so easily become a battle-
The mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
field. Chair will entertain up to 15 requests
said after the shooting that ‘‘we as a Madam Speaker, my colleagues and I
society cannot allow these horrific acts for 1-minute speeches on each side of
in the House voted last week for a safer the aisle.
to become commonplace.’’ future for our children. Now I call on
Yet, absurdly, we have already f
my colleagues in the Senate to save
reached the point in which this un- lives and send H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 to SUPPORT THE NUTRITION CARE
speakable tragedy in Illinois is not the President’s desk. ACT
even America’s most lethal mass
f (Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER asked and
shooting in a town named Aurora. So I
was given permission to address the
call on my colleagues in the Senate to RECESS
House for 1 minute.)
take action with us so that our chil- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Madam
dren can someday live in a country in ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair Speaker, March is National Nutrition
which gun violence is no longer com- declares the House in recess until 2 Month, and I am proud to join my col-
monplace. p.m. today. leagues, Representatives JUDY CHU and
Madam Speaker, as a nurse, I am Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 19 JACKIE WALORSKI, in leading H.R. 1551,
thrilled that, in 2019, we finally di- minutes p.m.), the House stood in re- the Nutrition Counseling Aiding Re-
rected Federal funding toward public cess. covery for Eating Disorders Act, or the
health research on gun violence, for
f Nutrition CARE Act for short.
the first time in two decades. This type Madam Speaker, eating disorders ac-
of research is critical for evidence- b 1400 count for one death every 52 minutes
based policymaking, and I will keep and can impact the lives of individuals
AFTER RECESS
fighting to make sure that that fund- across their lifespan. This mental ill-
ing continues. But studying the prob- The recess having expired, the House
was called to order by the Speaker pro ness does not discriminate, but long-
lem is just the first step in our work to standing health inequities, implicit
solve it. It is already past time to tempore (Ms. STEVENS) at 2 p.m.
bias, and stigma contribute to why
make simple changes that we already f people of color with eating disorders
know work. are half as likely to be diagnosed or to
PRAYER
Madam Speaker, background checks receive treatment.
are a simple, effective way to keep The Chaplain, the Reverend Margaret The Nutrition CARE Act would pro-
guns out of the wrong hands. A 1995 Grun Kibben, offered the following vide Medicare part B coverage for med-
Connecticut law requiring background prayer: ical nutrition therapy for beneficiaries
checks for firearm purchases was asso- Gracious God, as we approach an- with eating disorders, meaning hun-
ciated with a 40 percent decline in gun other week of legislation, we pray with dreds of thousands of Medicare bene-
homicides and a 15 percent drop in gun the psalmist Your favor on each leader ficiaries who identify as Black, indige-
suicides. Meanwhile, when Missouri re- in this Chamber. Endow them with nous, or people of color would have
pealed a similar law in 2007, gun homi- Your righteousness, that the judg- coverage of a key treatment compo-
cides jumped by 23 percent, while fire- ments of their hearts and the words of nent.
arm suicides rose by 16 percent. Homi- their mouths will demonstrate Your Madam Speaker, I am proud to help
cides and suicides by other means defense of the disheartened. lead this effort, and I urge my col-
stayed flat in both States; only gun vi- Grant them an understanding of Your leagues to cosponsor H.R. 1551 and
olence changed. perfect justice, that their legislation bring it to the floor of this Congress.
I wish all our public health crises had would reflect Your deep affection for
f
such a clear, straightforward solution. those in need of Your salvation. May
Madam Speaker, H.R. 8 would require the words we speak to one another and CRISIS AT OUR BORDERS
a lifesaving background check for the motions put forward be as refresh- (Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina
every gun sale, while H.R. 1446 would ing as rain on a mown field. And may asked and was given permission to ad-
give the FBI more time to complete their decisions, their actions, and their dress the House for 1 minute.)
those checks before a single sale goes passionate hearts serve this Nation as Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina.
through. These bills would not add any showers watering the earth. Madam Speaker, as we speak, at Presi-
new restrictions on who can buy a gun Bless each and all of us that in all we dent Biden’s behest, thousands of mi-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
or what kind of gun that they can say, in all that we do, in everything we grants are crossing our border illegally
have. Rather, it would make it easier accomplish this week would give honor and being detained in facilities that
to enforce our existing gun laws and to Your glorious name. are well over capacity.
stop guns from being sold to people We offer this prayer to You in the Besides the many adults, the real vic-
who are already prohibited from own- strength of that name. tims are the thousands of unaccom-
ing one. Amen. panied migrant children, many being
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.005 H16MRPT1
H1370 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
sent by drug cartels to this country. were common as far south as San Anto- Chairman of the Senate Delegation to the
These children are often used by car- nio, Texas. Within a day, all 254 coun- Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group con-
tels to smuggle drugs or money, and ties in Texas were under a State and ference during the 117th Congress.
United States Senate Caucus on Inter-
many are being sold into essential slav- Federal emergency declaration.
national Narcotics Control.
ery with the promise of easy and safe Madam Speaker, I rise today to give Vice Chairman of the Senate Delegation to
passage to the U.S. thanks to heroes who heard and saw the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group
Does the President not care about this crisis and did something about it. conference during the 117th Congress.
the problem of juvenile human traf- Two heroes—Chairman Lew Cohen, Senate National Security Working Group
ficking occurring at the border? and his partner, Magnes Glenn, from for the 117th Congress.
For years, Democrats and media Hawaiian Springs Water—sprung into With best wishes, I am,
types slammed the Trump administra- action. A simple call as a result of our Sincerely,
CHERYL L. JOHNSON,
tion for keeping kids in cages. Their friendship resulted in over 8,000 water
Clerk.
righteous indignation is conspicuously bottles being shipped to Leon County,
absent from today’s discourse, as they Texas; and 8,500 bottles of water being f
are now referring euphemistically in shipped to Freestone County, Texas. RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE
the press to the ‘‘migrant detention Help they were. Thank you to so OF REPRESENTATIVES
centers.’’ Amazingly, you have to have many who were just like these two he-
a negative COVID test to fly into the roes who helped Texas in her time of The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be-
country, but you can be COVID-posi- need. fore the House the following resigna-
tive and enter illegally. tion from the House of Representa-
f
Madam Speaker, the basic reality is tives:
this: We need to know who is in our COMMEMORATING K9 VETERANS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
DAY March 16, 2021.
country. We are a country of laws. Hon. NANCY PELOSI,
‘‘Catch and release’’ has now become a (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania Speaker of the House,
national security threat. Even CNN is asked and was given permission to ad- Washington DC.
calling this a crisis. dress the House for 1 minute and to re- DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI: A short time from
I urge the Biden administration to vise and extend his remarks.) now, I will be sworn in as the 54th Secretary
admit this is a crisis and fix the prob- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. of the U.S. Department of the Interior. As
lem it has caused. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recog- such, I respectfully offer my resignation
nize this past Saturday, March 13, as from the seat representing New Mexico’s 1st
f Congressional District in the United States
K9 Veterans Day, an opportunity to
CONGRATULATING BOYDEN-HULL House of Representatives effective imme-
commemorate the working dogs that diately.
AND WESTERN CHRISTIAN
support our men and women in uni- I am excited to become the first Native
SCHOOLS
form. American cabinet secretary in history, al-
(Mr. FEENSTRA asked and was given This year marks the 79th anniversary though I also feel a sense of sadness in pre-
permission to address the House for 1 of the establishment of the K9 Corps. paring for this new role. As a twice elected
minute.) In 1942, following the attack on Pearl member of Congress, it has been the pleasure
Mr. FEENSTRA. Madam Speaker, I Harbor, the Army began training for and privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside
rise today to celebrate something that you and my colleagues in our quest to im-
the K9 Corps, originally known as the
prove the lives of the American people and
hasn’t happened in Iowa for over 110 War Dog Program. In the years that find ways to both protect and advance the
years. passed, the K9 Corps has become a vital greatest democracy in history.
Last Friday night, two schools from part of our Armed Forces operations. As the daughter of a 30-year combat Ma-
the same community met in the Boys Perhaps one of the well-known mili- rine who grew up traveling our country, and
Class 2A State Basketball Champion- tary K9s is Conan, whose efforts led to a single mom who relied on food stamps to
ship. It just so happened that the two the success of the 2019 al-Baghdadi get by, I never imagined a day like this. I am
schools are from my hometown, Hull, raid. grateful for my time here in the House. I am
Iowa, a community of 2,500 people. The grateful for the love and support of many
Following their service, these retired
people, and most notably, I am a proud New
game was an incredible game where dogs often serve as support animals to Mexican.
Western Christian ended up winning by servicemembers who may be suffering As a volunteer, activist, and organizer for
6 points at the end. from PTSD and other disabilities, both more than twenty years, it was my proudest
With this win, Wolfpack, from West- mental and physical. professional moment to be elected as one of
ern Christian, set another record, being Madam Speaker, our veterans can the first two Native American women to
the first school to have 10 State cham- greatly benefit from the assistance and serve in Congress. I feel immensely satisfied
pionships in the State. companionship that a dog provides, and to have been a part of what our Democratic
Congratulations to Boyden-Hull on House Majority accomplished in a short pe-
our K9 veterans benefit from their new-
an incredible season, and congratula- riod of time. With your brilliant leadership,
found forever homes. Our K9 veterans I have had the opportunity to help move leg-
tions to Western Christian on being the have served our country, and they, too, islation forward on critical issues like cli-
2A State Champions of Iowa. Both deserve to be honored for their service. mate change, voting rights, racial and eco-
teams make me proud. Both teams f nomic justice, and most recently COVID re-
make Iowa proud. Both teams make lief for millions of Americans. I’m also proud
Hull proud. COMMUNICATION FROM THE to have worked in a bipartisan manner to
Madam Speaker, I can truly say this: CLERK OF THE HOUSE help address the crisis of Missing and Mur-
Hull, Iowa, is the capital of basketball The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- dered Indigenous Women and ensure the men
in Iowa. and women serving in our nation’s military
fore the House the following commu-
and their families have the support they
f nication from the Clerk of the House of need. The professional alliances and personal
Representatives: friendships I have made during my time in
RECOGNIZING LEW COHEN AND
MAGNES GLENN OFFICE OF THE CLERK, the People’s House will last a lifetime.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, I know that my work as a member of the
(Mr. SESSIONS asked and was given Washington, DC, March 16, 2021. Natural Resources Committee and as Chair
permission to address the House for 1 Hon. NANCY PELOSI, of the Subcommittee on National Parks,
minute and to revise and extend his re- Speaker, House of Representatives, Forests, and Public Lands has helped prepare
marks.) Washington, DC. me for my new role in the Biden Administra-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, one DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to the tion, and I am grateful to my colleagues for
permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II those opportunities. The honor and responsi-
month ago, the entire State of Texas
of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- bility that President Biden has bestowed on
was blanketed with a polar vortex that tives, the Clerk received the following mes- me to serve the country in this way is pro-
plunged temperatures to single digits sage from the Secretary of the Senate on found, humbling, and exhilarating.
for over 120 hours. Six inches of ice, March 16, 2021, at 11:24 a.m.: Many thanks to you and all of my col-
combined with nine inches of snow, Appointments: leagues for your support and your friendship.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.007 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1371
I will miss serving in the House, and I look The Clerk read the title of the bill. under subparagraph (A) available for display
forward to building back better together. The text of the bill is as follows: elsewhere, particularly at appropriate loca-
Sincerely, tions associated with the protection of the
H.R. 1085
DEBRA A. HAALAND. U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
Hon. MAGGIE TOULOUSE OLIVER, resentatives of the United States of America in The Secretary may strike and sell dupli-
New Mexico Secretary of State, Congress assembled, cates in bronze of the gold medals struck
Santa Fe, NM. SECTION 1. FINDINGS. pursuant to section 2 under such regulations
DEAR SECRETARY TOULOUSE OLIVER: Effec- The Congress finds the following: as the Secretary may prescribe, at a price
tive immediately, I have resigned my seat in (1) Every day, the United States Capitol sufficient to cover the cost thereof, includ-
the U.S. House of Representatives rep- Police (‘‘Capitol Police’’) protects the U.S. ing labor, materials, dies, use of machinery,
resenting the 1st Congressional District of Capitol, Members of Congress, congressional and overhead expenses.
New Mexico. Enclosed is a copy of my letter staff and institutional staff, journalists, and SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
of resignation to the Speaker of the House, the visiting public. It is the sense of the Congress that the
Nancy Pelosi, which was hand delivered (2) On January 6, 2021, a mob of insurrec- United States Mint should expedite produc-
today. tionists forced its way into the U.S. Capitol tion of the gold medals and duplicate medals
As a 35th generation New Mexican, serving building and congressional office buildings under this Act, so that the sacrifices of fall-
the people of the 1st Congressional District and engaged in acts of vandalism, looting, en officers and their families, and the con-
has been an honor. My selection by President and violently attacked Capitol Police offi- tributions of other law enforcement agencies
Joe Biden as Secretary of the Interior and cers. who answered the call of duty on January 6,
confirmation by the Senate will allow me to (3) The sacrifice of heroes including Cap- 2021, can be recognized and honored in a
continue to serve New Mexicans and all itol Police Officers Brian Sicknick and How- timely manner.
Americans. ard Liebengood, Metropolitan Police Depart- SEC. 5. NATIONAL MEDALS.
Thank you for your leadership of our great ment Officer Jeffrey Smith, and those who Medals struck pursuant to this Act are na-
State. sustained injuries, and the courage of Cap- tional medals for the purposes of chapter 51
Sincerely, itol Police Officer Eugene Goodman, exem- of title 31, United States Code.
DEBRA A. HAALAND. plify the patriotism and the commitment of SEC. 6. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF-
f Capitol Police officers, and those of other FECTS.
law enforcement agencies, to risk their lives The budgetary effects of this Act, for the
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER in service of our country. purpose of complying with the Statutory
PRO TEMPORE (4) Up to seven Americans died following Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter-
this violent attack, and more than 140 law mined by reference to the latest statement
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under enforcement officers suffered physical inju- titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla-
clause 5(d) of rule XX, the Chair an- ries, including 15 officers who were hospital- tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in
nounces to the House that, in light of ized. the Congressional Record by the Chairman of
the resignation of the gentlewoman (5) The desecration of the U.S. Capitol, the House Budget Committee, provided that
from New Mexico (Ms. HAALAND), the which is the temple of our American Democ- such statement has been submitted prior to
whole number of the House is 430. racy, and the violence targeting Congress are the vote on passage.
horrors that will forever stain our Nation’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
f history.
ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
RECESS SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDALS.
California (Ms. WATERS) and the gen-
(a) PRESENTATION AUTHORIZATION.—The
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Speaker of the House of Representatives and
tleman from Kentucky (Mr. BARR) each
ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair the President pro tempore of the Senate will control 20 minutes.
declares the House in recess subject to shall make appropriate arrangements for the The Chair recognizes the gentle-
the call of the Chair. presentation, on behalf of the Congress, of woman from California.
Accordingly (at 2 o’clock and 13 min- three gold medals of appropriate design to GENERAL LEAVE
utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. the United States Capitol Police and those Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask
who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, unanimous consent that all Members
f
2021. may have 5 legislative days in which to
b 1502 (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For the pur-
revise and extend their remarks on this
poses of the award referred to in subsection
AFTER RECESS (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter legislation and to insert extraneous
in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) material thereon.
The recess having expired, the House The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
shall strike gold medals with suitable em-
was called to order by the Speaker pro objection to the request of the gentle-
blems, devices, and inscriptions, to be deter-
tempore (Mr. BEYER) at 3 o’clock and 2 mined by the Secretary. woman from California?
minutes p.m. (c) DISPOSITION OF MEDALS.—Following the There was no objection.
f award of the gold medals under subsection Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1
(a): minute to the gentlewoman from Cali-
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER (1) USCP HEADQUARTERS.—One gold medal
PRO TEMPORE fornia (Ms. PELOSI), the distinguished
shall be given to the United States Capitol
Police, so that the medal may be displayed
Speaker of the House, who is also the
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- sponsor of this legislation.
at the headquarters of the United States
ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank
Capitol Police and made available for re-
will postpone further proceedings search, as appropriate. the gentlewoman from California for
today on motions to suspend the rules (2) DC METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT her leadership in bringing this legisla-
on which the yeas and nays are or- HEADQUARTERS.—One gold medal shall be tion to the floor where we can recog-
dered. given to the Metropolitan Police Depart- nize the patriotism and heroism of
The House will resume proceedings ment of the District of Columbia, so that the members of the Capitol Police force,
on postponed questions at a later time. medal may be displayed at the headquarters and I thank her for facilitating this
of the Metropolitan Police Department and
f made available for research, as appropriate.
honor.
(3) SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.— This usually takes a much longer pe-
AWARDING THREE CONGRES- riod of time, but because of the gentle-
SIONAL MEDALS TO UNITED (A) IN GENERAL.—One gold medal shall be
given to the Smithsonian Institution, where woman from California, the chair of
STATES CAPITOL POLICE AND the Financial Services Committee, this
it shall be available for display as appro-
THOSE WHO PROTECTED THE priate and available for research. is on a faster track, and it needs to be.
U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021 (B) PLAQUE.—In displaying the gold medal As you know, Mr. Speaker, January 6
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I move to given under subparagraph (A), the Smithso- was one of the darkest and deadliest
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
suspend the rules and pass the bill nian Institution shall display the medal with days in American history. The waging
a plaque that lists the other law enforcement
(H.R. 1085) to award three congres- of the violent insurrection against the
agencies that participated in protecting the
sional gold medals to the United States U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. United States Capitol and our very de-
Capitol Police and those who protected (C) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.—It is the sense mocracy on that day was a profound
the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, as of the Congress that the Smithsonian Insti- horror that nearly defies comprehen-
amended. tution should make the gold medal given sion.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.002 H16MRPT1
H1372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
That day, the country witnessed the to the great respect that we all have Once H.R. 1085 is enacted, a Congres-
gleeful desecration of our temple of de- for the Capitol Police force. sional Gold Medal will be displayed at
mocracy. We observed Members of Con- We also saw that respect reflected in the U.S. Capitol Police headquarters,
gress flee for their lives, as staff and the presence of so many distinguished another will be displayed at the D.C.
support workers barricaded behind leaders who came to the Capitol when Metropolitan Police headquarters, and
doors and hid under furniture. Officer Brian Sicknick was honored the third will be given to the Smithso-
We saw how over 140 members of law with a lying-in-state ceremony in the nian Institution, so everyone who vis-
enforcement were physically harmed rotunda. Among those leaders was the its D.C. will be reminded of the bravery
while defending our democracy and President of the United States, Joe shown that day.
how several lost their lives. Biden, and Dr. Biden as well. We have seen bravery from the Cap-
January 6 was a day of horror and Let me end by returning to January itol Police many times before. January
heartbreak. But because of these cou- 6. That day was also the Feast of the 24, 1998, we were reminded of Officers
rageous men and women, it was also a Epiphany, a holy day of revelation in Chestnut and Gibson; a few years ago,
moment of extraordinary heroism. the church. It remains my hope that on a baseball field, Crystal Griner and
That day, the United States Capitol that day of violence will provide a rev- Special Agent David Bailey. These men
Police force put themselves between us elation of healing for our Nation. and women are heroic. They put their
and the violence. They risked their In a spirit of healing, that evening, lives in danger, and January 6 was cer-
safety and their lives for others with as the House returned to the Chamber tainly no exception to that.
the utmost selflessness, and they did so to complete our duty to the Constitu- I speak for all of my colleagues when
because they were patriots, the type of tion and to the American people to I say thank you. Thank you to each
Americans who heard the call to serve validate the election, I invoked the and every officer who was here on Jan-
and answered it, putting country above Song of St. Francis, the patron saint of uary 6. Your bravery will not be forgot-
self: the city I am proud to represent, San ten. The U.S. Capitol Police and those
Heroes like Capitol Police Officer Francisco. The Song of St. Francis is who protected us on January 6 deserve
Brian Sicknick, described by his broth- the anthem of our city. Congressional Gold Medals.
er as someone who ‘‘spent his life try- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to
Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace.
ing to help other people.’’ Our sym- Where there is darkness, let me bring light;
support this bill, and I reserve the bal-
pathies go out to his family. Where there is hatred, let me bring love; ance of my time.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield
Heroes like Capitol Police Officer
myself such time as I may consume.
Howie Liebengood, honored as ‘‘an ex- We were blessed by the heroism of
Mr. Speaker, every day the men and
ample of selfless service’’ and beloved our law enforcement officers that day women of the United States Capitol
by Senators for being ‘‘one of the most when they brought light, hope, love, Police protect the United States Cap-
kindest and thoughtful people’’ they and peace to our grieving Nation. itol. They protect us; they protect our
had ever met. Our sympathies as well. The Congress promises the families
staff; and they protect journalists and
Heroes like Metropolitan Police Offi- that we will always remember, as we other visitors who come into the peo-
cer Jeffrey Smith, a 12-year veteran of have remembered Gibson and Chestnut. ple’s House.
the force, known by all as the type of Every year, we honor them for the sac- On January 6, 2021, the United States
officer who would never hesitate to rifice they made to protect this Capitol Capitol building was attacked by
help those in need. He made that sac- and our democracy. As we always re- armed insurrectionists who attacked
rifice. member and honor their service, with Capitol Police Officers and engaged in
Heroes like Metropolitan Police Offi- this legislation we will ensure that acts of looting and vandalism.
cer Daniel Hodges, whom I had the their heroism will be forever etched in On that day, we witnessed the cour-
privilege of meeting and thanking, who the history of our country. age, patriotism, and commitment to
was beaten and crushed nearly to I urge a huge bipartisan vote on this service exemplified by Members of the
death, who said about protecting our legislation. I thank the distinguished Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police,
democracy on January 6: ‘‘If it wasn’t chairwoman for enabling us to bring and other law enforcement agencies,
my job, I would have done it for free.’’ this to the floor, affording us that who risked their lives and sustained in-
Heroes like Capitol Police Officer Eu- honor to associate ourselves with the juries as they sought to protect those
gene Goodman. We all saw his heroism heroism of the U.S. Capitol Police. trapped in the Capitol.
as he drew the mob away from Sen- Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- We honor these officers who sus-
ators, saving lives, again, in an act of self such time as I may consume. tained injuries in the line of duty, and
profound heroism. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. we honor the sacrifices of heroes, in-
May the courage of these heroes al- 1085, a bill to award Congressional Gold cluding Capitol Police Officers Brian
ways remain an inspiration to us, and Medals to the United States Capitol Sicknick and Howard Liebengood and
may we always remember the valor of Police and those who protected the Metropolitan Police Department Offi-
the fallen, which made them martyrs Capitol on January 6, 2021. cer Jeffrey Smith. And, finally, we
for our democracy. I thank Speaker PELOSI for bringing honor Capitol Police Officer Eugene
I feel very honored to be sponsoring this legislation to the floor in a timely Goodman, whose quick thinking and
this legislation. The Speaker rarely manner, and I thank the chairwoman selfless action undoubtedly saved the
sponsors legislation, certainly cospon- of the Financial Services Committee, lives of many.
sors hardly ever. my friend, the gentlewoman from Cali- This legislation authorizes the De-
Today, united in grief and gratitude, fornia (Ms. WATERS). partment of Treasury to mint three
the House is honoring these heroes as What happened to this institution on Congressional Gold Medals to be given
we pass legislation to bestow upon January 6 was horrific. This building is to the United States Capitol Police,
them the Congressional Gold Medal, a working monument to our Nation’s Metropolitan Police Department of the
the highest honor this Congress can Founding Fathers and our principles. It District of Columbia, and the Smithso-
give. is a testament to the freedoms we hold nian Institution, so that we may never
The service of our men and women in dear. forget the valor and courage displayed
uniform of the Capitol Police force and Mr. Speaker, the brave men and by the brave men and women who pro-
other services that day brings honor to women who stood and faced danger on tected the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
our democracy, and their accepting January 6 deserve to be recognized for I thank Speaker PELOSI for intro-
this medal will bring luster to this their actions. Without their coura- ducing this bill. This is one of the most
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
award. geousness, many of us here today could important bills that we could ever put
Over 300 Members of Congress have have been seriously injured or worse. before the Congress of the United
already cosponsored this legislation in When I say ‘‘us,’’ Mr. Speaker, I don’t States, and I urge Members to vote
a bipartisan fashion, including Mr. just mean Members of Congress. I mean ‘‘yes.’’
MCCARTHY and Mr. SCALISE, the Repub- the staff; I mean the administrative Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of
lican leadership, and that is a tribute personnel and peaceful visitors. my time.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.012 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1373
Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the law enforcement agencies and officers The question was taken.
balance of my time. who protected the Capitol during the The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the
armed assault on January 6, 2021. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being
b 1515
The bravery displayed by the U.S. in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police De- Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, on that
minutes to the gentlewoman from the partment, and other responding agen- I demand the yeas and nays.
District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON). cies helped save countless lives that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to day. Two heroes who were there that ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
honor the police who are to receive day were my constituents, and ulti- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Congressional Gold Medals: The U.S. mately they lost their lives as a result Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur-
Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police of the attack. ther proceedings on this motion are
Department of the District of Colum- United States Capitol Police Officer postponed.
bia, and the other law enforcement Brian D. Sicknick died from the phys- f
agencies that participated in pro- ical injuries he sustained while engag- PPP EXTENSION ACT OF 2021
tecting the Capitol on January 6, 2021. ing with the attackers on January 6.
The insurrection that day halted the Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I
His face was drenched at close range by
final leg of congressional business de- move to suspend the rules and pass the
bear spray.
claring Joe Biden President of the bill (H.R. 1799) to amend the Small
Metropolitan Police Officer Jeffrey
United States. Yet, Congress was able Business Act and the CARES Act to ex-
Smith, who responded to the attack at
to continue with its business that tend the covered period for the pay-
the Capitol from Georgetown, who was
evening and early the next morning be- check protection program, and for
dragged into the mob and beaten, died
cause of the help of the law enforce- other purposes, as amended.
by suicide just a few days later. His The Clerk read the title of the bill.
ment officers we honor here today. death reminds us that not all wounds
Then-President Donald Trump urged The text of the bill is as follows:
sustained that day were visible. The in- H.R. 1799
the crowd to the Capitol and delayed visible damage to those who engaged
using his authority to deploy the D.C. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
with the insurrectionists is very real resentatives of the United States of America in
National Guard in the country’s mo- and may last a lifetime. Congress assembled,
ment of crisis. As a result, I have re- I mourn both of their losses deeply. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
introduced a bill that would give the We must ensure that we honor the sac- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘PPP Exten-
mayor of the District of Columbia con- rifices they and others made. sion Act of 2021’’.
trol over the D.C. National Guard, and Madam Speaker, I urge my col- SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF COVERED PERIOD FOR
I am hopeful that this bill will be PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM.
leagues to support this bill to award
brought to the floor during this Con- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7(a)(36)(A)(iii) of
the gold medals to the U.S. Capitol and the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
gress. Metropolitan Police Departments and 636(a)(36)(A)(iii)) is amended by striking
It cannot be forgotten that the dam- to honor the courage shown by those ‘‘March 31, 2021’’ and inserting ‘‘June 30,
age done would have been worse were it who protected us on January 6. 2021’’.
not for the Metropolitan Police Depart- Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I reserve (b) FUNDING.—Section 1102(b)(1) of the
ment, our local police, funded by D.C. the balance of my time. CARES Act (Public Law 116–136), as amended
taxpayers, who were was responsible Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, may by section 323 of the Economic Aid to Hard-
for indispensable intervention when I inquire, through the Chair, if my col- Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and
most Federal police forces did not ap- Venues Act (Public Law 116–260), is amended
league has any remaining speakers on by striking ‘‘March 31, 2021’’ and inserting
pear, saving lives at the Capitol on his side? ‘‘June 30, 2021’’.
January 6. I appreciate this recogni- Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I have (c) RESTRICTION.—From June 1, 2021,
tion for the work of our local police no further speakers at this time, and I through June 30, 2021, the Administrator of
force. An important way to reward am prepared to close. the Small Business Administration shall not
them would be to ensure that the peo- Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I accept new lender applications for loans
ple they protect in the Nation’s capital yield myself the balance of my time. under paragraph (36) or (37) of section 7(a) of
are given full and equal rights by pass- In closing, I commend Speaker the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) and
shall only process such lender applications
ing the D.C. statehood bill. PELOSI for bringing forward this bipar- that have been submitted to the Adminis-
Congratulations again to the Metro- tisan legislation, acknowledging the trator before June 1, 2021.
politan Police Department of the Dis- bravery displayed by the men and SEC. 3. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF-
trict of Columbia, the U.S. Capitol Po- women who protected the Capitol on FECTS.
lice, and the other law enforcement January 6. It is through their leader- (a) IN GENERAL.—The budgetary effects of
agencies on these congressional gold ship and decisive action on that day this Act shall not be entered on either
medals, which are well deserved for the that many lives, including my own, PAYGO scorecard maintained pursuant to
protection they provided to our democ- section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go
were saved.
Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(d)).
racy on January 6. I urge all Members to honor the sac- (b) SENATE PAYGO SCORECARDS.—The budg-
Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, once rifices and courage displayed by mem- etary effects of this Act shall not be entered
again, we are reminded of the dangers bers of the Capitol Police, Metropoli- on any PAYGO scorecard maintained for
that law enforcement face every single tan Police, and other law enforcement purposes of section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71
day, and January 6 was one of those agencies on January 6 by voting ‘‘yes’’ (115th Congress).
days. on H.R. 1085. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
Our thoughts and prayers continue to Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
go out to the family of Brian Sicknick, ance of my time. New York (Ms. VELÁZQUEZ) and the
a true hero to our country, a great em- Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I yield gentleman from Missouri (Mr. LUETKE-
blem of the bravery and heroism of the myself the balance of my time. MEYER) each will control 20 minutes.
Capitol Hill Police. Again, he will be I, too, urge my colleagues to support The Chair recognizes the gentle-
remembered fondly by this institution this legislation and to award the Cap- woman from New York.
and by the American people for his sac- itol Police with the Congressional GENERAL LEAVE
rifice for freedom. Medal of Honor. Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- ask unanimous consent that all Mem-
ance of my time. ance of my time. bers may have 5 legislative days in
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. which to revise and extend their re-
yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from CLARKE of New York). The question is marks and include extraneous material
Virginia (Mr. BEYER). on the motion offered by the gentle- on the measure under consideration.
Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, I rise woman from California (Ms. WATERS) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
today in support of H.R. 1085, awarding that the House suspend the rules and objection to the request of the gentle-
three Congressional Gold Medals to the pass the bill, H.R. 1085, as amended. woman from New York?
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.013 H16MRPT1
H1374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
There was no objection. I would like to reiterate my thanks solely for American small businesses
Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I to Mr. LUETKEMEYER and his team for and should remain available to them
yield myself such time as I may con- their cooperation on securing this im- through a program that is proven to be
sume. portant achievement for America’s successful.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of small businesses. I also want to thank I thank Chair VELÁZQUEZ for working
the bill before us today, H.R. 1799, the two first-term Congresswomen on our in a collaborative manner with me to
PPP Extension Act of 2021. committee, Ms. BOURDEAUX and Mrs. ensure the program remains available
Let me begin by saying that, KIM of California, for leading the way to the hardest-hit small businesses
throughout my tenure on the com- at the committee level on these discus- through May 31 and that the SBA will
mittee, we have been able to set aside sions and for introducing this impor- have enough time to fully consider and
our differences and work together on tant bill. address all error codes.
behalf of small businesses. I am com- Madam Speaker, I urge my col- Additionally, I look forward to work-
mitted to doing that again this Con- leagues to support it, and I reserve the ing with Chair VELÁZQUEZ to address
gress. Our small firms deserve nothing balance of my time. other PPP issues in the coming weeks.
less. Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speak- I applaud the gentlewoman from
I want to welcome our new ranking er, I yield myself such time as I may California (Mrs. KIM) and the gentle-
member, Mr. LUETKEMEYER, back to consume. I rise in support of H.R. 1799, woman from Georgia (Ms. BOURDEAUX)
the committee. I look forward to work- the PPP Extension Act of 2021, as for working efficiently and in a bipar-
ing with him this Congress to provide amended. tisan manner to address these issues
our Nation’s entrepreneurs with mean- The Paycheck Protection Program that are creating uncertainty across
ingful assistance. I would also like to has proven to be a successful rescue the Nation.
thank the ranking member for working vessel for millions of small businesses I urge and recommend all of my col-
with me in a bipartisan manner to fur- across the country. When COVID–19 leagues to support H.R. 1799, and I re-
ther extend the Paycheck Protection wiped out their operations, their plans, serve the balance of my time.
Program for small businesses that are and their next steps, the PPP provided Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I
still struggling. stability and confidence to small busi- yield such time as she may consume to
Over the past year, the PPP helped nesses in a time of darkness. the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms.
millions of small business owners re- With over two rounds of funding, the BOURDEAUX).
tain employees and meet business ex- program has provided 71⁄2 million loans Ms. BOURDEAUX. Madam Speaker, I
penses as economic activity slowed for approximately $687 billion. Accord- thank Chairwoman VELÁZQUEZ, Rank-
down during the pandemic. ing to the SBA’s own statistics, the ing Member LUETKEMEYER, and Rep-
Seeing that value and impact, Con- program assisted or saved roughly 50 resentative KIM for joining me in intro-
gress, on a bipartisan basis, extended million American jobs from April of ducing the bipartisan Paycheck Pro-
the program multiple times, including last year to August of last year. tection Program Extension Act.
a brief extension last summer and, This has been a monumental task for In 2 weeks, the Paycheck Protection
most recently, through March 31 under the SBA and the Department of Treas- Program, also known as PPP, applica-
the Economic Aid Act. ury. However, more work needs to be tion period will expire, taking away
We heard last week that some par- done to ensure this program can wrap much-needed help from thousands of
ticipating lenders have begun to wind up smoothly for small businesses and small businesses that are struggling to
down their PPP operations in advance lenders. keep the doors open and employees on
of this deadline, limiting the relief op- Currently, PPP loans are facing the payroll.
tions available to entrepreneurs at a lengthy delays as error codes force The PPP Extension Act would extend
time when many still need help. multiple back-and-forth conversations the application period for another 2
I understand why this is. Lenders between small businesses, lenders, and months, ensuring that those small
want to be able to focus their efforts on the SBA. It is these cross-checks that businesses can continue to apply for
processing existing applications and are creating uncertainty as to how the critical financial assistance until May
work through thousands of holds, loans will proceed. 31. It also provides an additional 30
which remain outstanding on these ap- Complicating this even further, the days for the Small Business Adminis-
plications. PPP is set to expire 2 weeks from to- tration to process applications sub-
But I must stress that far too many morrow, and the SBA is reporting that mitted by May 31.
small businesses, especially the small- the end date will prevent all loans that PPP loans have provided a lifeline to
est of the small, remain in desperate are currently in the pipeline from mom-and-pop businesses across the
need for relief. This is simply not the being processed. country, including those in my dis-
time to let this valuable program ex- trict, that are simply trying to survive
pire, especially as thousands of timely b 1530 an unprecedented health and economic
loan applications are still sitting in Under no circumstances should an crisis.
SBA’s queue. American small business that applied In Georgia alone, the Paycheck Pro-
That is why I am pleased the bill be- for a PPP loan have their loan dis- tection Program has provided more
fore us today takes into account the carded due to a bureaucratic technical than 260,000 forgivable loans for nearly
arguments we have heard from all delay at the SBA. Simply put, if they $19 billion since the program was cre-
sides, both the lending community and completed their PPP paperwork on ated last year. Without that money, we
the small business owners in commu- time, their loans should be considered. would have lost thousands more of the
nities like mine, who are still search- To correct this, H.R. 1799, the PPP small businesses that make up the
ing for help. Extension Act, provides a 30-day exclu- foundation of our communities.
Specifically, today’s bill extends the sive window for the SBA to fully proc- I hear every day from small busi-
application deadline to May 31, giving ess and consider all PPP applications nesses in Gwinnett and Forsyth Coun-
employers an additional 2 months to that are received before the program ties who are simply struggling to sur-
apply for PPP loans. It gives the SBA concludes. vive. This bill has its origins in a con-
an additional 30 days to review, proc- Additionally, given the current de- versation that I had with local business
ess, and approve loan applications sub- mand for the PPP and the billions of owners Tony Rodriguez and his wife,
mitted by the May 31 deadline. dollars remaining within the program, Ann-Carol Pence, who own
This approach is supported by a coa- H.R. 1799 extends the application win- Lawrenceville’s Aurora Theatre.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
lition of over 90 groups, representing dow for 60 days. In early February, they reached out
virtually all sides of the small business As a reminder, Congress reformed to me, concerned about the March 31
economy, including local chambers of and replenished the PPP in December PPP deadline. The Aurora Theatre is
commerce, retail and other with the Consolidated Appropriations hoping to receive support through the
businessowner associations, and the Act, providing the program with $284.5 shuttered venue operator grant pro-
lending community. billion. This funding should be reserved gram, but due to some delays in
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.017 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1375
launching that program, they were gresswoman KIM, and the House Com- should be focused on providing. This
concerned that with the PPP applica- mittee on Small Business for bill contrasts sharply with the nearly
tion period set to end on March 31, partnering to protect small businesses. $2 trillion partisan monstrosity of pro-
they could potentially miss out on crit- I urge my colleagues on both sides of gressive wish list policies this body
ical financial assistance. the aisle to support H.R. 1799, the PPP passed just a week ago.
While this was one of the first times Extension Act of 2021. With optimism on the vaccine front,
I heard from businesses in my district Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speak- Governors around the country finally
about the March 31 deadline, it was er, I yield such time as she may con- loosening their arbitrary restrictions
certainly not the last. As I talked to sume to the gentlewoman from Cali- on small businesses and schools, and $1
my colleagues on both sides of the fornia (Mrs. KIM). trillion from previous relief measures
aisle, we realized we were hearing the Mrs. KIM of California. Madam still unspent, this bill is a responsible
same thing from small businesses and Speaker, I thank Ranking Member and appropriate way to ensure relief
lenders across the country: They need- LUETKEMEYER for yielding. I thank reaches our small businesses that are
ed more time to make sure we are Representative LUETKEMEYER and most in need. Our small businesses
reaching as many businesses as pos- Chairwoman VELÁZQUEZ for their lead- must have the tools necessary to com-
sible. ership on the Small Business Com- pete and contribute to our local econo-
Last year, Chairwoman VELÁZQUEZ, mittee. I look forward to working with mies as we move past this pandemic.
along with Members on both sides of all of them to strengthen small busi- Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I
the aisle, made significant improve- nesses across the country. reserve the balance of my time.
ments to the PPP loans in order to pro- I rise today in strong support of H.R. Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speak-
tect small businesses. Recently, Presi- 1799, the Paycheck Protection Program er, I yield such time as she may con-
dent Biden made changes enhancing ac- Extension Act of 2021. I was proud to sume to the gentlewoman from New
cess to the PPP loans for the smallest introduce this bipartisan bill with Rep- York (Ms. TENNEY).
of small businesses, many of which are resentative CAROLYN BOURDEAUX, Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise
minority-owned and women-led busi- Ranking Member LUETKEMEYER, and today to support H.R. 1799, the Pay-
nesses, such as the ones located Chairwoman VELÁZQUEZ to extend the check Protection Program Extension
throughout my district. PPP deadline for new applications Act of 2021.
The data show that it is working: 73.5 from March 31 to May 31, and to pro- This bipartisan legislation will ex-
percent of the loans distributed in 2021 vide the Small Business Administra- tend the PPP application period, allow-
are under $50,000, almost 5 percent tion an additional 30 days to process ing the Small Business Administration
higher than what that number was last PPP applications. more time to process loans. The PPP
year. Now is not the time to stop fight- Much of the importance of why this has been a vital tool for small busi-
ing for the mom-and-pop stores, res- bipartisan legislation is needed was al- nesses across the country and through-
taurants, and businesses across the ready spoken about, but I think it is out New York’s 22nd Congressional Dis-
country. trict.
important, so I am going to say a few
Some examples of situations that
words about the State of California Extending the application period will
this bill will address include a local
that I represent. give small business owners the tools
pre-prepared food company that has
Forty thousand small businesses they need to continue paying their em-
not applied for a PPP loan because of
have closed in California during the ployees and keep their doors open,
how the loan amounts were initially
COVID–19 pandemic, and half of those helping to reopen our economy even
calculated for sole proprietorships.
Thanks to President Biden’s changes closures are permanent. The Paycheck faster.
to the loan calculation formula, this Protection Program has been a lifeline In my home State of New York, PPP
business would now qualify for a for- for small businesses to keep their doors has provided 140,000 loans, totaling $12
givable loan. However, because of the open as we safely reopen our commu- billion, and saved hundreds of thou-
March 31 deadline, some lenders are re- nities. sands of jobs. PPP has been an effec-
luctant to help out because it is such a As the Biden administration an- tive, bipartisan COVID–19 relief pro-
short timeframe to evaluate and proc- nounced five changes to PPP on Feb- gram, and I am pleased to cosponsor
ess these loans. ruary 22, the looming March 31 dead- this legislation. It will extend relief to
Another performance venue in line does not give our small businesses small businesses that need it the most.
Gwinnett County was pleased to learn the time to adjust to the new guidance As a member of the House Small
that the American Rescue Plan we just listed by the SBA. This bill provides Business Committee, one of my top pri-
passed would now allow them to access small businesses and lenders with the orities in Congress is to deliver tar-
both the shuttered venue operator time needed to process PPP loans and geted relief to families and small busi-
grant program and the PPP program, adjust to the recent changes. nesses across New York’s 22nd District.
but now they are scrambling to get As a small business owner myself, I H.R. 1799 does just that. It will ensure
their loan application in by March 31. understand the challenges that small that the remaining $120 billion in PPP
This bill allows additional time to businesses face each day. Our bipar- funds under the CARES Act gets to the
get funding to the small businesses tisan bill provides Main Street with small businesses that desperately need
that need it most. This bill is sup- the opportunity to overcome the pan- it.
ported by a number of leading business demic and thrive. As we look to reopen our economy
organizations, including the U.S. Madam Speaker, I urge my col- and get back to normal after a tremen-
Chamber of Commerce, the National leagues to support H.R. 1799 and put dously difficult year, particularly in
Federation of Independent Business, Main Street on a path to recovery. my district, where over 94 percent of
the International Franchise Associa- Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I the jobs are created by small business
tion, the National Restaurant Associa- reserve the balance of my time. owners, this will make all the dif-
tion, and Small Business Majority, as Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speak- ference.
well as over 90 additional organiza- er, I yield such time as he may con- I thank Chairwoman VELÁZQUEZ, my
tions. sume to the gentleman from Minnesota friend from New York; Ranking Mem-
Last, I also want to appreciate and (Mr. HAGEDORN). ber LUETKEMEYER; and everyone who is
point out that this bill is bipartisan. In Mr. HAGEDORN. Madam Speaker, I joining on this legislation. I appreciate
this time of deep division in our coun- thank my friend from Missouri for your leadership. As a small business
try, we have all come together to do yielding. owner, I am grateful.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
what is right for our communities, and Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I
I hope that we can build on this mo- port of H.R. 1799, the PPP Extension have no further speakers, and I am pre-
ment as we continue to tackle the Act of 2021. pared to close.
challenges that face our Nation. This targeted, bipartisan 60-day Pay- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Madam Speak-
I thank Chairwoman VELÁZQUEZ, check Protection Program extension is er, I yield myself the balance of my
Ranking Member LUETKEMEYER, Con- exactly the type of relief that Congress time.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.018 H16MRPT1
H1376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
Madam Speaker, through no fault of I also thank the ranking member, Sec. 202. Eligibility.
their own, small businesses were forced Mr. LUETKEMEYER, for his unwavering Sec. 203. Amount of grant.
to change how they operated in the commitment to our Nation’s 30 million Sec. 204. Application.
Sec. 205. Local program requirements.
face of COVID–19. Some adapted; some small businesses and his bipartisan co- Sec. 206. Performance measures.
had to change their product lines; and operation on this bill. I look forward to Sec. 207. National network for community-
unfortunately, some had to close. working with him on legislation that based family resource pro-
As a response, Congress created the will provide a retroactive fix for Sched- grams.
bipartisan Paycheck Protection Pro- ule C borrowers and also allow farmers Sec. 208. Definitions.
gram. Its impact and effectiveness and ranchers to use gross income to Sec. 209. Rule of construction.
have been instrumental to the small Sec. 210. Authorization of appropriations.
maximize PPP assistance.
Sec. 211. Study and report.
business economy. Madam Speaker, I encourage all my
TITLE III—ADOPTION OPPORTUNITIES
With technical difficulties plaguing colleagues to vote ‘‘yes,’’ and I yield
applications and a fast-approaching back the balance of my time. Sec. 301. Purpose.
Sec. 302. Report and guidance on unregu-
deadline, H.R. 1799 provides a targeted, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The lated custody transfers.
straightforward approach to addressing question is on the motion offered by Sec. 303. Information and services.
these issues. the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Sec. 304. Study and report on successful
H.R. 1799 will extend the PPP for 60 VELÁZQUEZ) that the House suspend the adoptions.
days through May 31 and extend a 30- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1799, as Sec. 305. Authorization of appropriations.
day exclusive window to the SBA in amended. TITLE IV—AMENDMENTS TO OTHER
order to address all outstanding PPP The question was taken. LAWS
applications. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Sec. 401. Technical and conforming amend-
The program was always meant to be opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being ments to other laws.
temporary assistance to struggling in the affirmative, the ayes have it. TITLE I—GENERAL PROGRAM
small businesses. The PPP Extension Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, on that SEC. 101. REPEAL OF FINDINGS.
Act will provide small businesses and I demand the yeas and nays. Section 2 of the Child Abuse Prevention
lenders the confidence they need while The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 note) is re-
also creating a plan for a smooth con- ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution pealed.
clusion of the program. 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. SEC. 102. REPEAL OF ADVISORY BOARD ON
As America continues to open up and Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT.
recover, small businesses will drive our ther proceedings on this motion are Section 102 of the Child Abuse Prevention
and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5102) is re-
economic recovery forward. postponed.
pealed.
Madam Speaker, I would be remiss if f SEC. 103. NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE FOR IN-
I didn’t point out that this bill stands FORMATION RELATING TO CHILD
STRONGER CHILD ABUSE PREVEN-
as one of the most impactful bipartisan ABUSE.
TION AND TREATMENT ACT
pieces of legislation to advance in Con- Section 103 of the Child Abuse Prevention
gress this year. I thank Chairwoman Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5104) is amend-
VELÁZQUEZ for her sincere efforts and Speaker, I move to suspend the rules ed—
hard work on this. I look forward to and pass the bill (H.R. 485) to reauthor- (1) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ‘‘early
ize the Child Abuse Prevention and learning programs and’’ after ‘‘including’’;
working with her, on a bipartisan (2) in subsection (c)(1)(C)—
basis, on other issues for the remainder Treatment Act, and for other purposes.
(A) in clause (iii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the
of our term here. And I hope that this The Clerk read the title of the bill. end;
bipartisan product will serve as a The text of the bill is as follows: (B) in clause (iv), by adding ‘‘and’’ at the
prime example of what can get done in H.R. 485 end; and
Washington when both sides come to- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (C) by adding at the end the following:
gether and talk through the issues. resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘(v) the number of child fatalities and near
Madam Speaker, I recommend and Congress assembled, fatalities due to maltreatment, as reported
by States in accordance with the uniform
urge my colleagues to support H.R. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
standards established pursuant to subsection
1799, and I yield back the balance of my This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Stronger
(d), and any other relevant information re-
time. Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act’’.
lated to such fatalities;’’; and
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
b 1545 The table of contents of this Act is as fol-
(3) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(d) UNIFORM STANDARDS FOR TRACKING
Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, lows: AND REPORTING OF CHILD FATALITIES RESULT-
with over 95 million COVID–19 vaccine Sec. 1. Short title. ING FROM MALTREATMENT.—
doses administered as of last week, the Sec. 2. Table of contents. ‘‘(1) REGULATIONS REQUIRED.—Not later
country is finally starting to see the TITLE I—GENERAL PROGRAM than 24 months after the date of the enact-
light at the end of the tunnel. ment of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention
Sec. 101. Repeal of findings.
Entrepreneurs are feeling more hope- and Treatment Act, the Secretary shall de-
Sec. 102. Repeal of Advisory Board on Child
velop and issue final regulations establishing
ful that if they can just get through Abuse and Neglect.
uniform standards for the tracking and re-
the rest of 2021, that 2022 can be a year Sec. 103. National clearinghouse for infor-
porting of child fatalities and near-fatalities
of growth for them. mation relating to child abuse.
resulting from maltreatment. As a condition
But, put simply, the small business Sec. 104. Research and assistance activities.
on eligibility for receipt of funds under sec-
Sec. 105. Grants to States, Indian Tribes or
economy is not there yet, and many of tribal organizations, and public
tion 106, the standards established under this
the smaller firms continue to report a paragraph shall be used by States for the
or private agencies and organi-
need for economic relief. tracking and reporting of such fatalities
zations.
Today’s 2-month extension of the under subsection (d) of such section.
Sec. 106. Grants to States for child abuse or
‘‘(2) MAINTENANCE OF STATE LAW.—Notwith-
PPP application deadline, from March neglect prevention and treat-
standing the uniform standards developed
31 to May 31, will help small firms ac- ment programs.
under paragraph (1), a State that defines or
cess much-needed relief to meet their Sec. 107. Miscellaneous requirements.
describes such fatalities for any purpose
expenses and put them in a position to Sec. 108. Reports.
other than tracking and reporting under this
Sec. 109. Authorization of appropriations.
fully reopen as soon as it is safe to do Sec. 110. Monitoring and oversight.
subsection may continue to use that defini-
so. The additional 30-day period will tion or description for such purpose.
Sec. 111. Electronic interstate data ex-
give the SBA the flexibility it needs to ‘‘(3) NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING.—In devel-
change system.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
process and approve the loans sub- oping regulations under paragraph (1), the
Sec. 112. Technical and conforming amend-
Secretary shall submit such regulations to a
mitted by the new May 31 deadline. ments.
negotiated rulemaking process, which shall
Once again, I thank Ms. BOURDEAUX TITLE II—COMMUNITY-BASED GRANTS include the participants described in para-
of Georgia and Mrs. KIM of California FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD graph (4).
for their leadership on this important ABUSE AND NEGLECT ‘‘(4) PARTICIPANTS DESCRIBED.—The partici-
issue. Sec. 201. Purpose and authority. pants described in this paragraph are—
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.019 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1377
‘‘(A) State and county officials responsible ‘‘(G) the extent to which unsubstantiated ‘‘(B) NATIONAL INCIDENCE.—The Secretary
for administering the State plans under this reports return as more serious cases of child shall ensure that research conducted, and
Act and parts B and E of title IV of the So- abuse or neglect; data collected, under paragraph (1)(J) are re-
cial Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq., 670 et ‘‘(H) the incidence and outcomes of child ported in a way that will allow longitudinal
seq.); abuse and neglect allegations reported with- comparisons as well as comparisons to the
‘‘(B) child welfare professionals with field in the context of divorce, custody, or other national incidence studies conducted under
experience; family court proceedings, and the inter- this title.’’; and
‘‘(C) child welfare researchers; action between family courts and the child (D) by striking the second paragraph (4);
‘‘(D) domestic violence researchers; protective services system; (2) in subsection (b), by amending para-
‘‘(E) domestic violence professionals; ‘‘(I) the information on the national inci- graph (2) to read as follows:
‘‘(F) child development professionals; dence of child abuse and neglect specified in ‘‘(2) AREAS OF EMPHASIS.—Such technical
‘‘(G) mental health professionals; clauses (i) through (xi) of subparagraph (J); assistance—
‘‘(H) pediatric emergency medicine physi- and ‘‘(A) shall focus on—
cians; ‘‘(J) the national incidence of child abuse ‘‘(i) implementing strategies that can le-
‘‘(I) child abuse pediatricians, as certified and neglect, including— verage existing community-based and State
by the American Board of Pediatrics, who ‘‘(i) the extent to which incidents of child funded resources to prevent child abuse and
specialize in treating victims of child abuse; abuse and neglect are increasing or decreas- neglect and providing education for individ-
‘‘(J) forensic pathologists; ing in number and severity; uals involved in prevention activities;
‘‘(K) public health administrators; ‘‘(ii) the incidence of substantiated and un-
‘‘(ii) reducing racial bias in child welfare
‘‘(L) public health researchers; substantiated reported child abuse and ne-
systems, including how such systems inter-
‘‘(M) law enforcement; glect cases;
act with health, law enforcement, and edu-
‘‘(N) family court judges; ‘‘(iii) the number of substantiated cases
cation systems;
‘‘(O) prosecutors; that result in a judicial finding of child
‘‘(iii) promoting best practices for families
‘‘(P) medical examiners and coroners; abuse or neglect or related criminal court
‘‘(Q) a representative from the National convictions; experiencing domestic violence, substance
Center for Fatality Review and Prevention; ‘‘(iv) the extent to which the number of un- use disorder, or other complex needs; and
and substantiated, unfounded and false reported ‘‘(iv) providing professional development
‘‘(R) such other individuals and entities as cases of child abuse or neglect have contrib- and other technical assistance to child wel-
the Secretary determines to be appro- uted to the inability of a State to respond ef- fare agencies to improve the understanding
priate.’’. fectively to serious cases of child abuse or of and to help address the effects of trauma
SEC. 104. RESEARCH AND ASSISTANCE ACTIVI- neglect; and adverse childhood experiences in parents
TIES. ‘‘(v) the extent to which the lack of ade- and children in contact with the child wel-
Section 104 of the Child Abuse Prevention quate resources and the lack of adequate fare system; and
and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5105) is amend- education of individuals required by law to ‘‘(B) may include the identification of—
ed— report suspected cases of child abuse and ne- ‘‘(i) various methods and procedures for
(1) in subsection (a)— glect have contributed to the inability of a the investigation, assessment, and prosecu-
(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as State to respond effectively to serious cases tion of child physical and sexual abuse cases;
follows: of child abuse and neglect; ‘‘(ii) ways to mitigate psychological trau-
‘‘(1) TOPICS.—The Secretary shall, in con- ‘‘(vi) the number of unsubstantiated, false, ma to the child victim;
sultation with other Federal agencies and or unfounded reports that have resulted in a ‘‘(iii) effective programs carried out by the
recognized experts in the field, carry out a child being placed in substitute care, and the States under titles I and II; and
continuing interdisciplinary program of re- duration of such placement; ‘‘(iv) effective approaches being utilized to
search, including longitudinal research, that ‘‘(vii) the extent to which unsubstantiated link child protective service agencies with
is designed to provide information needed to reports return as more serious cases of child health care, mental health care, and develop-
improve primary prevention of child abuse abuse or neglect; mental services and early intervention to
and neglect, better protect children from ‘‘(viii) the incidence and prevalence of improve forensic diagnosis and health eval-
child abuse or neglect, and improve the well- physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and uations, and barriers and shortages to such
being of victims of child abuse or neglect, physical and emotional neglect in substitute linkages.’’;
with at least a portion of such research being care; (3) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph
field initiated. Such research program may ‘‘(ix) the incidence and prevalence of child (3); and
focus on— maltreatment by a wide array of demo- (4) by striking subsection (e).
‘‘(A) disseminating evidence-based treat- graphic characteristics such as age, sex,
SEC. 105. GRANTS TO STATES, INDIAN TRIBES OR
ment directed to individuals and families ex- race, family structure, household relation- TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND PUB-
periencing trauma due to child abuse and ne- ship (including the living arrangement of the LIC OR PRIVATE AGENCIES AND OR-
glect, including efforts to improve the resident parent and family size), school en- GANIZATIONS.
scalability of the treatments and programs rollment and education attainment, dis-
being researched; ability, grandparents as caregivers, labor Section 105 of the Child Abuse Prevention
‘‘(B) developing a set of evidence-based ap- force status, work status in previous year, and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106) is amend-
proaches to support child and family well- and income in previous year; ed—
being and developing ways to identify, re- ‘‘(x) the extent to which reports of sus- (1) in subsection (a)—
lieve, and mitigate stressors affecting fami- pected or known instances of child abuse or (A) by redesignating paragraph (7) as para-
lies in rural, urban, and suburban commu- neglect involving a potential combination of graph (11);
nities; jurisdictions, such as intrastate, interstate, (B) by striking paragraphs (1) through (6)
‘‘(C) establishing methods to promote ra- Federal-State, and State-Tribal, are being and inserting the following:
cial equity in the child welfare system, in- screened out solely on the basis of the cross- ‘‘(1) PREVENTION SERVICES.—The Secretary
cluding a focus on how neglect is defined, jurisdictional complications; and may award grants under this subsection to
how services are provided, and the unique ‘‘(xi) the incidence and outcomes of child entities to establish or expand prevention
impact on Native American, Alaska Native, abuse and neglect allegations reported with- services that reduce incidences of child mal-
and Native Hawaiian communities; in the context of divorce, custody, or other treatment and strengthen families.
‘‘(D) improving service delivery or out- family court proceedings, and the inter- ‘‘(2) TRAUMATIC STRESS.—The Secretary
comes for child welfare service agencies en- action between family courts and the child may award grants under this subsection to
gaged with families experiencing domestic protective services system.’’; entities to address instances of traumatic
violence, substance use disorder, or other (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘para- stress in families due to child abuse and ne-
complex needs; graph (1)(O)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph glect, especially for families with complex
‘‘(E) the extent to which the number of un- (1)(J)’’; needs or families that exhibit high levels of
substantiated, unfounded, and false reported (C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as adverse childhood experiences.
cases of child abuse or neglect have contrib- follows: ‘‘(3) PROMOTING A HIGH-QUALITY WORK-
uted to the inability of a State to respond ef- ‘‘(3) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.— FORCE.—The Secretary may award grants
fectively to serious cases of child abuse or ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 4 years under this subsection to entities to carry out
neglect; after the date of the enactment of the programs or strategies that promote a high-
‘‘(F) the extent to which the lack of ade- Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treat- quality workforce in the child welfare sys-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
quate resources and the lack of adequate ment Act, the Secretary shall prepare and tem through–—
professional development of individuals re- submit to the Committee on Education and ‘‘(A) improvements to recruitment, sup-
quired by law to report suspected cases of Labor of the House of Representatives and port, or retention efforts; or
child abuse and neglect have contributed to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, ‘‘(B) education for professionals and para-
the inability of a State to respond effec- and Pensions of the Senate a report that professionals in the prevention, identifica-
tively to serious cases of child abuse and ne- contains the results of the research con- tion, and treatment of child abuse and ne-
glect; ducted under paragraph (2). glect.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
H1378 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
‘‘(4) IMPROVING COORDINATION.—The Sec- ‘‘(i) contain such assurances and informa- ‘‘(a) DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION
retary may award grants under this sub- tion, be in such form, and be submitted in GRANTS.—The Secretary shall make grants
section to entities to carry out activities to such manner, as the Secretary shall pre- to the States, from allotments under sub-
improve intrastate coordination within the scribe; section (f) for each State that applies for a
child welfare system. Such activities may in- ‘‘(ii) include a complete description of the grant under this section, for purposes of as-
clude— entity’s plan for the operation of a national
sisting the States in improving and imple-
‘‘(A) aligning information technology sys- child abuse hotline, including descriptions
of— menting a child protective services system
tems;
‘‘(B) improving information sharing re- ‘‘(I) the professional development program that is family-centered, integrates commu-
garding child and family referrals; or for hotline personnel, including technology nity services, and is capable of providing
‘‘(C) creating collaborative voluntary part- professional development to ensure that all rapid response to high-risk cases, by car-
nerships among public and private agencies, persons affiliated with the hotline are able rying out the following:
the State’s child protective services, local to effectively operate any technological sys- ‘‘(1) Conducting the intake, assessment,
social service agencies, community-based tems used by the hotline; screening, and investigation of reports of
family support programs, State and local ‘‘(II) the qualifications for hotline per- child abuse or neglect.
legal agencies, developmental disability sonnel; ‘‘(2) Ensuring that reports concerning a
agencies, substance use disorder treatment ‘‘(III) the methods for the creation, main- child’s living arrangements or subsistence
providers, health care providers and agen- tenance, and updating of a comprehensive needs are addressed through services or bene-
cies, domestic violence prevention programs, list of prevention and treatment service pro- fits and that no child is separated from such
mental health services, schools and early viders; child’s parent for reasons of poverty.
learning providers, religious entities, and ‘‘(IV) a plan for publicizing the availability ‘‘(3) Creating and improving the use of
other community-based programs. of the hotline throughout the United States; multidisciplinary teams and interagency,
‘‘(5) PRIMARY PREVENTION.—The Secretary ‘‘(V) a plan for providing service to non- intra-agency, interstate, and intrastate pro-
may award grants under this subsection to English speaking callers, including service tocols to enhance fair investigations; and
entities to carry out or expand primary pre- through hotline personnel who have non- improving legal preparation and representa-
vention programs or strategies that address English language capability; tion.
family or community protective factors. ‘‘(VI) a plan for facilitating access to the ‘‘(4) Complying with the assurances in sec-
‘‘(6) NEGLECT DUE TO ECONOMIC INSECU- hotline and alternative modality services by tion 106(b)(2).
RITY.—The Secretary may award grants persons with hearing impairments and dis- ‘‘(5) Establishing State and local networks
under this subsection to entities to carry out abilities; of child and family service providers that
programs or strategies that reduce findings ‘‘(VII) a plan for providing crisis coun- support child and family well-being, which
of child neglect due in full or in part to fam- seling, general assistance, and referrals to shall—
ily economic insecurity. youth victims of child abuse; and ‘‘(A) include child protective services, as
‘‘(7) EDUCATION OF MANDATORY REPORT- ‘‘(VIII) a plan to offer alternative services well as agencies and service providers, that
ERS.—The Secretary may award grants under to calling, such as texting or live chat; address family-strengthening, parenting
this subsection to entities for projects that ‘‘(iii) demonstrate that the entity has the skills, child development, early childhood
involve research-based strategies for innova- capacity and the expertise to maintain a care and learning, child advocacy, public
tive education of mandated child abuse and child abuse hotline and a comprehensive list health, mental health, substance use dis-
neglect reporters, and for victims to under- of service providers; order treatment, domestic violence, develop-
stand mandatory reporting. ‘‘(iv) demonstrate the ability to provide in- mental disabilities, housing, juvenile justice,
‘‘(8) SENTINEL INJURIES.—The Secretary formation and referrals for contacts, directly elementary and secondary education, and
may award grants under this subsection to connect contacts to service providers, and child placement; and
entities to identify and test effective prac- employ crisis interventions; ‘‘(B) address instances of child abuse and
tices to improve early detection and man- ‘‘(v) demonstrate that the entity has a neglect by incorporating evaluations that as-
agement of injuries indicative of potential commitment to providing services to indi- sess the development of a child, including
abuse in infants to prevent future cases of viduals in need; and language and communication, cognitive,
child abuse and related fatalities. ‘‘(vi) demonstrate that the entity complies physical, and social and emotional develop-
‘‘(9) INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS.—The Sec- with State privacy laws and has established ment, the need for mental health services,
retary may award grants under this sub- quality assurance practices.’’; and including trauma-related services, trauma-
section to entities to carry out innovative (2) by striking subsections (b) and (c) and informed care, and parental needs.
programs or strategies to coordinate the de- inserting the following: ‘‘(6) Ensuring child protective services is
livery of services to help reduce child abuse ‘‘(b) GOALS AND PERFORMANCE.—The Sec- addressing the safety of children and re-
and neglect via partnerships among health, retary shall ensure that each entity receiv- sponding to parent and family needs, which
mental health, education (including early ing a grant under this section— shall include—
learning and care programs as appropriate), ‘‘(1) establishes quantifiable goals for the ‘‘(A) family-oriented efforts that empha-
and child welfare agencies and providers. outcome of the project funded with the size case assessment and follow up casework
‘‘(10) REDUCING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT grant; and focused on child safety and child and parent
DUE TO THE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER OF A
‘‘(2) adequately measures the performance well-being, which may include—
PARENT OR CAREGIVER.—The Secretary may
of the project relative to such goals. ‘‘(i) ensuring parents and children undergo
‘‘(c) PERFORMANCE REPORT REQUIRED.—
award grants under this subsection to enti- physical and mental health assessments, as
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each entity that re-
ties to carry out activities to reduce child appropriate, and ongoing developmental
ceives a grant under this section shall sub-
abuse and neglect due to the substance use monitoring;
mit to the Secretary a performance report
disorder of a parent or caregiver.’’; and ‘‘(ii) multidisciplinary approaches to as-
that includes—
(C) by adding at the end the following: sessing family needs and connecting the fam-
‘‘(A) an evaluation of the effectiveness of
‘‘(12) NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE.— ily with services, including prevention serv-
the project funded with the grant relative to
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may ices under section 471 of the Social Security
the goals established for such project under
award a grant under this subsection to a Act (42 U.S.C. 671);
subsection (b)(1); and
nonprofit entity to provide for the ongoing ‘‘(iii) organizing a treatment team with
‘‘(B) data supporting such evaluation.
operation of a 24-hour, national, toll-free the goal of preventing child abuse and ne-
‘‘(2) SUBMISSION.—The report under para-
telephone hotline to provide information and glect, and improving parent and child well-
graph (1) shall be submitted to the Secretary
assistance to youth victims of child abuse or being;
at such time, in such manner, and con-
neglect, parents, caregivers, mandated re- ‘‘(iv) case monitoring that supports child
taining such information as the Secretary
porters, and other concerned community well-being; and
may require.
members, including through alternative mo- ‘‘(d) CONTINUING GRANTS.—The Secretary ‘‘(v) differential response efforts; and
dalities for communications (such as texting may only award a continuing grant to an en- ‘‘(B) establishing and maintaining a rapid
or chat services) with such victims and other tity under this section if such entity submits response system that responds promptly to
information seekers. a performance report required under sub- all reports of child abuse or neglect, with
‘‘(B) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants de- section (c) that demonstrates effectiveness special attention to cases involving children
scribed in this paragraph, the Secretary of the project funded.’’. under 3 years of age.
shall give priority to applicants with experi- SEC. 106. GRANTS TO STATES FOR CHILD ABUSE ‘‘(7) Educating caseworkers, community
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
ence in operating a hotline that provides as- OR NEGLECT PREVENTION AND service providers, attorneys, health care pro-
sistance to victims of child abuse, parents, TREATMENT PROGRAMS. fessionals, parents, and others engaged in
caregivers, and mandated reporters. (a) DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION the prevention, intervention, and treatment
‘‘(C) APPLICATION.—To be eligible to re- GRANTS.—Subsection (a) of section 106 of the of child abuse and neglect, which shall in-
ceive a grant described in this paragraph, a Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act clude education on—
nonprofit entity shall submit an application (42 U.S.C. 5106a) is amended to read as fol- ‘‘(A) practices that help ensure child safety
to the Secretary that shall— lows: and well-being;
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1379
‘‘(B) approaches to family-oriented preven- ‘‘(i) be submitted not less than every 5 ‘‘(vi) the establishment of citizen review
tion, intervention, and treatment of child years; and panels in accordance with subsection (c);
abuse and neglect; ‘‘(ii) if necessary, revised by the State to ‘‘(vii) provisions and procedures to require
‘‘(C) early childhood, child, and adolescent inform the Secretary of any substantive that a representative of the child protective
development, and the impact of adverse changes, including— services agency shall, at the initial time of
childhood experiences on such development; ‘‘(I) any changes to State law or regula- contact with the individual subject to a child
‘‘(D) the relationship between child abuse tions, relating to the prevention of child abuse or neglect investigation, advise the in-
and domestic violence, and support for non- abuse and neglect that may affect the eligi- dividual of the complaints or allegations
abusing parents; bility of the State under this section; or made against the individual, in a manner
‘‘(E) strategies to work with families im- ‘‘(II) any changes in the State’s activities, that is consistent with laws protecting the
pacted by substance use disorder and mental strategies, or programs under this section.’’. rights of the informant;
health issues (and, when appropriate, be co- (2) CONTENTS.—Paragraph (2) of section ‘‘(viii) provisions, procedures, and mecha-
ordinated with prevention efforts funded 106(b) of the Child Abuse Prevention and nisms—
under section 471 of the Social Security Act Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)) is amend- ‘‘(I) for the expedited termination of paren-
(42 U.S.C. 671)); ed to read as follows: tal rights in the case of any infant deter-
‘‘(F) effective use of multiple services to ‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—A State plan submitted mined to be abandoned under State law; and
address family and child needs, including under paragraph (1) shall contain a descrip- ‘‘(II) by which individuals who disagree
needs resulting from trauma; tion of the activities that the State will with an official finding of child abuse or ne-
‘‘(G) efforts to improve family and child carry out using amounts received under the
glect can appeal such finding;
well-being; grant to achieve the objectives of this title,
‘‘(ix) provisions addressing the professional
‘‘(H) support for child welfare workers af- including—
development of representatives of the child
fected by secondary trauma; and ‘‘(A) an assurance in the form of a certifi-
protective services system regarding the
‘‘(I) supporting families and caregivers to cation by the Governor of the State that the
legal duties of the representatives, which
combat and prevent unsubstantiated, un- State has in effect and is enforcing a State
may consist of various methods of informing
founded, or false reports, including through law, or has in effect and is operating a state-
wide program, relating to child abuse and ne- such representatives of such duties (includ-
education on the rights of families and care- ing providing such education in different
givers. glect that includes—
‘‘(i) provisions or procedures for an indi- languages if necessary), in order to protect
‘‘(8) Creating or improving data systems the legal rights and safety of children and
that allow for— vidual to report known and suspected in-
stances of child abuse and neglect, including their parents and caregivers from the initial
‘‘(A) the identification of cases requiring time of contact during investigation through
prompt responses; a State law for mandatory reporting by indi-
viduals required to report such instances; treatment;
‘‘(B) real-time case monitoring that tracks ‘‘(x) provisions for immunity from civil or
assessments, service referrals, follow-up, ‘‘(ii) procedures for the immediate screen-
ing, risk and safety assessment, and prompt criminal liability under State and local laws
case reviews, and progress toward parent and and regulations for individuals making good
child goals; and investigation of such reports of alleged abuse
and neglect in order to ensure the well-being faith reports of suspected or known in-
‘‘(C) sharing basic identifying data with stances of child abuse or neglect, or who oth-
and safety of children;
law enforcement, as necessary. erwise provide information or assistance, in-
‘‘(iii) procedures for immediate steps to be
‘‘(9) Improving the general child protective cluding medical evaluations or consulta-
taken to ensure and protect the safety of a
system by developing, improving, and imple- tions, in connection with a report, investiga-
victim of child abuse or neglect and of any
menting safety assessment tools, providing tion, or legal intervention pursuant to a
other child under the same care who may
that such tools, protocols, and systems shall good faith report of child abuse or neglect;
also be in danger of child abuse or neglect
not authorize the separation of any child ‘‘(xi) provisions to require the State to dis-
and ensuring their placement in a safe envi-
from the legal parent or guardian of such close confidential information to any Fed-
ronment;
child solely on the basis of poverty, or with- eral, State, or local government entity, or
‘‘(iv) methods to preserve the confiden-
out a judicial order, except in the case of im- tiality of all records in order to protect the any agent of such entity, that has a need for
minent harm.’’. rights of the child and of the child’s parents such information in order to carry out its re-
(b) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.— or guardians, including requirements ensur- sponsibilities under law to protect children
(1) STATE PLAN.—Paragraph (1) of section ing that reports and records made and main- from child abuse and neglect;
106(b) of the Child Abuse Prevention and tained pursuant to the purposes of this Act ‘‘(xii) provisions requiring, and procedures
Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)) is amend- shall only be made available to— in place that facilitate the prompt
ed to read as follows: ‘‘(I) individuals who are the subject of the expungement of any records that are acces-
‘‘(1) STATE PLAN.— report; sible to the general public or are used for
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible to receive ‘‘(II) Federal, State, or local government purposes of employment or other background
a grant under this section, a State shall sub- entities, or any agent of such entities, as de- checks in cases determined to be unsubstan-
mit to the Secretary a State plan that— scribed in clause (xi) of this subparagraph; tiated or false, except that nothing in this
‘‘(i) specifies how the grant will be used, ‘‘(III) child abuse citizen review panels; section shall prevent State child protective
and the State’s strategic plan, to treat child ‘‘(IV) child fatality review panels; services agencies from keeping information
abuse and neglect and enhance community- ‘‘(V) a grand jury or court, upon a finding on unsubstantiated reports in their casework
based, prevention-centered approaches that that information in the record is necessary files to assist in future risk and safety as-
attempt to prevent child abuse and neglect for the determination of an issue before the sessment;
while strengthening and supporting families court or grand jury; and ‘‘(xiii) provisions and procedures for re-
whenever possible; and ‘‘(VI) other entities or classes of individ- quiring criminal background record checks
‘‘(ii) meets the requirements of this sub- uals statutorily authorized by the State to that meet the requirements of section
section. receive such information pursuant to a le- 471(a)(20) of the Social Security Act (42
‘‘(B) COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION.— gitimate State purpose; U.S.C. 671(a)(20)) for prospective foster and
‘‘(i) COORDINATION.—Each State, to the ‘‘(v) provisions and procedures requiring adoptive parents and other adult relatives
maximum extent practicable, shall coordi- that in every case involving a victim of child and non-relatives residing in the household;
nate its State plan under this subsection abuse or neglect which results in a judicial ‘‘(xiv) provisions for systems of technology
with its State plan under part B of title IV proceeding, a guardian ad litem, who has re- that support the State child protective serv-
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et ceived education appropriate to the role, in- ices system and track reports of child abuse
seq.) relating to child and family services cluding education in early childhood, child, and neglect from intake through final dis-
and, in States electing to provide services and adolescent development, and domestic position;
under part E of title IV of the Social Secu- violence, and who may be an attorney or a ‘‘(xv) provisions and procedures requiring
rity Act (42 U.S.C. 670 et seq.) relating to fos- court appointed special advocate who has re- identification and assessment of all reports
ter care prevention services, its State plan ceived education appropriate to that role (or involving children known or suspected to be
under such part E. both), shall be appointed to represent the victims of sex trafficking (as defined in sec-
‘‘(ii) CONSULTATION.—In developing a State child (who, for purposes of this section, shall tion 103(12) of the Trafficking Victims Pro-
plan under this subsection, a State shall con- have any age limit elected by the State pur- tection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102(12)));
sult with community-based prevention and suant to section 475(8)(B)(iii) of the Social ‘‘(xvi) provisions, procedures, and mecha-
service agencies, parents and families af- Security Act (42 U.S.C. 675(8)(B)(iii)) in such nisms that assure that the State does not re-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
fected by child abuse or neglect in the State, proceedings— quire reunification of a surviving child with
law enforcement, family court judges, pros- ‘‘(I) to obtain first-hand, a clear under- a parent who has been found by a court of
ecutors who handle criminal child abuse standing of the situation and needs of such competent jurisdiction—
cases, and medical professionals engaged in child; and ‘‘(I) to have committed murder (which
the treatment of child abuse and neglect. ‘‘(II) to make recommendations to the would have been an offense under section
‘‘(C) DURATION AND SUBMISSION OF PLAN.— court concerning the best interests of such 1111(a) of title 18, United States Code, if the
Each State plan shall— child; offense had occurred in the special maritime
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
H1380 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
or territorial jurisdiction of the United currence of such condition in such infants, stantiated case of child abuse or neglect will
States) of another child of such parent; except that— be referred to the State’s child find system
‘‘(II) to have committed voluntary man- ‘‘(I) child protective services shall under- under section 635(a)(5) of the Individuals
slaughter (which would have been an offense take an investigation only when the findings with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.
under section 1112(a) of title 18, United of a family assessment warrant such inves- 1435(a)(5)) in order to determine if the child
States Code, if the offense had occurred in tigation; and is an infant or toddler with a disability (as
the special maritime or territorial jurisdic- ‘‘(II) such notification shall not be con- defined in section 632(5) of such Act (20
tion of the United States) of another child of strued to— U.S.C. 1432(5)));
such parent; ‘‘(aa) establish a definition under Federal ‘‘(ix) the State’s plan to improve, as part of
‘‘(III) to have aided or abetted, attempted, law of what constitutes child abuse or ne- a comprehensive State strategy led by law
conspired, or solicited to commit such mur- glect; or enforcement, professional development for
der or voluntary manslaughter; ‘‘(bb) require prosecution for any illegal child protective services workers and their
‘‘(IV) to have committed a felony assault action; appropriate role in identifying, assessing,
that results in the serious bodily injury to ‘‘(ii) the development of a multi-discipli- and providing comprehensive services for
the surviving child or another child of such nary plan of safe care for the infant born and children who are sex trafficking victims, in
parent; identified as being affected by substance use coordination with law enforcement, juvenile
‘‘(V) to have committed sexual abuse or withdrawal symptoms or a Fetal Alcohol justice agencies, runaway and homeless
against the surviving child or another child Spectrum Disorder to ensure the safety and youth shelters, and health, mental health,
of such parent; or well-being of such infant following release and other social service agencies and pro-
‘‘(VI) to be required to register with a sex from the care of health care providers, in- viders;
offender registry under section 113(a) of the cluding through— ‘‘(x) the services to be provided under the
Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act ‘‘(I) using a risk-based approach to develop grant to individuals, families, or commu-
of 2006 (34 U.S.C. 20913(a)); and each plan of safe care; nities, either directly or through referrals,
‘‘(xvii) an assurance that, upon the imple- ‘‘(II) addressing, through coordinated serv- aimed at preventing the occurrence of child
mentation by the State of the provisions, ice delivery, the health and substance use abuse and neglect;
procedures, and mechanisms under clause disorder treatment needs of the infant and ‘‘(xi) the State’s efforts to ensure profes-
(xvi), conviction of any one of the felonies affected family or caregiver as determined sionals who are required to report suspected
listed in clause (xvi) constitute grounds by a family assessment; and cases of child abuse and neglect are aware of
under State law for the termination of pa- ‘‘(III) the development and implementation their responsibilities under subparagraph
rental rights of the convicted parent as to by the State of monitoring systems regard- (A)(i) and receive professional development
the surviving children (although case-by- ing the implementation of such plans of safe relating to performing such responsibilities
case determinations of whether or not to care to determine whether and in what man- that is specific to their profession and work-
seek termination of parental rights shall be ner local entities are providing, in accord- place;
within the sole discretion of the State); ance with State requirements, referrals to ‘‘(xii) policies and procedures encouraging
‘‘(B) an assurance that the State has in and delivery of appropriate services for the the appropriate involvement of families in
place procedures for responding to the re- infant and affected family or caregiver; decisionmaking pertaining to children who
porting of medical neglect (including in- ‘‘(iii) policies and procedures to make experienced child abuse or neglect;
stances of withholding of medically indi- available to the public on the State website ‘‘(xiii) the State’s efforts to improve appro-
cated treatment from infants with disabil- the data, findings, and information about all priate collaboration among child protective
ities who have life-threatening conditions), cases of child abuse or neglect resulting in a services agencies, domestic violence services
procedures or programs, or both (within the child fatality or near fatality, including a agencies, substance use disorder treatment
State child protective services system), to description of— agencies, and other agencies in investiga-
provide for— ‘‘(I) how the State will not create an excep- tions, interventions, and the delivery of serv-
‘‘(i) coordination and consultation with in- tion to such public disclosure, except in a ices and treatment provided to children and
dividuals designated by and within appro- case in which— families affected by child abuse or neglect,
priate health-care facilities; ‘‘(aa) the State would like to delay public including children exposed to domestic vio-
‘‘(ii) prompt notification by individuals release of case-specific findings or informa- lence, where appropriate;
designated by and within appropriate health- tion (including any previous reports of do- ‘‘(xiv) policies and procedures regarding
care facilities of cases of suspected medical mestic violence and subsequent actions the use of differential response, as applica-
neglect (including instances of withholding taken to assess and address such reports) ble, to improve outcomes for children; and
of medically indicated treatment from in- while a criminal investigation or prosecu- ‘‘(xv) the State’s efforts to reduce racial
fants with disabilities who have life-threat- tion of such a fatality or near fatality is bias in its child protective services system.’’.
ening conditions); and pending; (3) LIMITATIONS.—Paragraph (3) of section
‘‘(iii) authority, under State law, for the ‘‘(bb) the State is protecting the identity 106(b) of the Child Abuse Prevention and
State child protective services system to of a reporter of child abuse or neglect; or Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)) is amend-
pursue any legal remedies, including the au- ‘‘(cc) the State is withholding identifying ed—
thority to initiate legal proceedings in a information of members of the victim’s fam- (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking
court of competent jurisdiction, as may be ily who are not perpetrators of the fatality ‘‘LIMITATION’’ and inserting ‘‘LIMITATIONS’’;
necessary to prevent the withholding of or near fatality; and (B) by striking ‘‘With regard to clauses (vi)
medically indicated treatment from infants ‘‘(II) how the State will ensure that in pro- and (vii) of paragraph (2)(B),’’ and inserting
with disabilities who have life-threatening viding the public disclosure required under the following:
conditions; this clause, the State will include— ‘‘(A) DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN IDENTIFYING
‘‘(C) an assurance or certification that pro- ‘‘(aa) the cause and circumstances of the INFORMATION.—With regard to subparagraphs
grams and education conducted under this fatality or near fatality; (A)(iv) and (D)(iii) of paragraph (2),’’;
title address the unique needs of unaccom- ‘‘(bb) the age and gender of the child; and (C) by striking the period at the end and
panied homeless youth, including access to ‘‘(cc) any previous reports of child abuse or inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
enrollment and support services and that neglect investigations that are relevant to (D) by adding at the end the following:
such youth are eligible for under parts B and the child abuse or neglect that led to the fa- ‘‘(B) PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURT PRO-
E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 tality or near fatality; CEEDINGS.—Nothing in paragraph (2) shall be
U.S.C. 621 et seq., 670 et seq.) and meet the ‘‘(iv) how the State will use data collected construed to limit the State’s flexibility to
requirements of the McKinney-Vento Home- on child abuse or neglect to prevent child fa- determine State policies relating to public
less Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11301 et seq.); talities and near fatalities; access to court proceedings to determine
and ‘‘(v) how the State will implement efforts child abuse and neglect, except that such
‘‘(D) a description of— to prevent child fatalities and near fatali- policies shall, at a minimum, ensure the
‘‘(i) policies and procedures (including ap- ties; safety and well-being of the child, parents,
propriate referrals to child welfare service ‘‘(vi) the cooperation of State law enforce- and families.’’.
systems and for other appropriate services ment officials, court of competent jurisdic- (4) DEFINITIONS.—Paragraph (4) of section
(including home visiting services and mutual tion, and appropriate State agencies pro- 106(b) of the Child Abuse Prevention and
support and parent partner programs) deter- viding human services in the investigation, Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)) is amend-
mined by a family assessment) to address the assessment, prosecution, and treatment of ed—
needs of infants born with and identified as child abuse and neglect; (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
being affected by substance use or with- ‘‘(vii) the steps the State will take to im- ‘‘DEFINITIONS’’ and inserting ‘‘DEFINITION’’;
drawal symptoms resulting from prenatal prove the professional development, reten- (B) by striking ‘‘this subsection’’ and all
drug exposure, or a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum tion, and supervision of caseworkers and how that follows through ‘‘means an act’’ and in-
Disorder, including a requirement that the State will measure the effectiveness of serting the following: ‘‘this subsection, the
health care providers involved in the deliv- such efforts; term ‘near fatality’ means an act’’;
ery or care of such infants notify the child ‘‘(viii) the State’s plan to ensure each child (C) by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting a pe-
protective welfare service system of the oc- under the age of 3 who is involved in a sub- riod; and
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1381
(D) by striking subparagraph (B). (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- ‘‘SEC. 110. STUDY AND REPORT RELATING TO
(c) CITIZEN REVIEW PANELS.—Section 106(c) lowing: SCALING EVIDENCE-BASED TREAT-
of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treat- MENT OF CHILD ABUSE AND NE-
ment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a(c)) is amended— ‘‘(c) PROTECTING AGAINST SYSTEMIC CHILD GLECT; STUDY AND REPORT ON
SEXUAL ABUSE.— MARITAL AGE OF CONSENT; STUDY
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘EXCEP- AND REPORT ON STATE MANDATORY
TIONS.’’ and all that follows through ‘‘A ‘‘(1) REPORTING AND TASK FORCE.—Not later
REPORTING LAWS.
State may’’ and inserting ‘‘EXCEPTION.—A than 24 months after the date of the enact-
State may’’; ment of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall con-
(2) in paragraph (4)(A)— and Treatment Act, each State task force es- duct a study that examines challenges to,
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by tablished under section 107(c) and expanded and best practices for, the scalability of
striking ‘‘and where appropriate, specific as described in paragraph (2) shall study and treatments that reduce the trauma resulting
cases,’’; and make recommendations on the following, from child abuse and neglect and reduce the
(B) in clause (iii)(I), by striking ‘‘foster with a focus on preventing systemic child risk of revictimization, such as those allow-
care and adoption programs’’ and inserting sexual abuse: able under sections 105 and 106.
‘‘foster care, prevention, and permanency ‘‘(A) How to detect systemic child sexual ‘‘(b) CONTENT OF STUDY.—The study de-
programs’’; and abuse that occurs in an organization. scribed in subsection (a) shall be completed
(3) by amending the first sentence of para- ‘‘(B) How to prevent child sexual abuse and in a manner that considers the variability
graph (6) to read as follows: ‘‘Each panel es- systemic child sexual abuse from occurring among treatment programs and among popu-
tablished under paragraph (1) shall prepare in organizations, which shall include rec- lations vulnerable to child abuse and ne-
and make available to the State and the pub- ommendations to improve— glect. The study shall include, at minimum:
lic, on an annual basis, a report containing a ‘‘(i) practices and policies for the edu- ‘‘(1) A detailed synthesis of the existing re-
summary of the activities of the panel, the cation of parents, caregivers, and victims, search literature examining barriers and
criteria used for determining which activi- and age appropriate education of children, challenges to, and best practices for the
ties the panel engaged in, and recommenda- about risk factors or signs of potential child scalability of child welfare programs and
tions or observations to improve the child sexual abuse; and services as well as programs and services for
protective services system at the State and vulnerable children and families in related
‘‘(ii) the efficacy of applicable State laws
local levels, and the data upon which these fields, including healthcare and education.
and the role such laws play in deterring or
recommendations or observations are ‘‘(2) Data describing state and local pro-
preventing incidences of child sexual abuse.
based.’’. viders’ experiences with scaling treatments
(d) A NNUAL S TATE D ATA R EPORTS .—Section ‘‘(C) The feasibility of making available
that reduce the trauma resulting from child
106(d) of the Child Abuse Prevention and the disposition of a perpetrator within an or-
abuse and neglect and reduce the risk of re-
Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a(d)) is amend- ganization to—
victimization.
ed— ‘‘(i) the child alleging sexual abuse or the
‘‘(3) Consultation with experts in child wel-
(1) by amending paragraph (13) to read as child’s family; or fare, healthcare, and education.
follows: ‘‘(ii) an adult who was a child at the time
of the sexual abuse claim in question or the ‘‘(c) REPORT.—Not later than 3 years after
‘‘(13) The annual report containing the the date of the enactment of the Stronger
summary of the activities and recommenda- adult’s family.
‘‘(2) TASK FORCE COMPOSITION.—For pur- Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act,
tions of the citizen review panels of the the Secretary shall submit to the Committee
State required by subsection (c)(6), and the poses of this subsection, a State task force
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
actions taken by the State as a result of shall include—
the Senate and the Committee on Education
such recommendations.’’; ‘‘(A) the members of the State task force
and Labor of the House of Representatives a
(2) in paragraph (15), by striking ‘‘sub- described in section 107(c) for the State; and
report that contains the results of the study
section (b)(2)(B)(ii)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- ‘‘(B) the following:
conducted under subsection (a), including
section (b)(2)(D)(i)’’; ‘‘(i) Family court judges.
recommendations for best practices for scal-
(3) in paragraph (16), by striking ‘‘sub- ‘‘(ii) Individuals from religious organiza-
ing treatments that reduce the trauma re-
section (b)(2)(B)(xxi)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- tions.
sulting from child abuse and neglect and re-
section (b)(2)(D)(viii)’’; ‘‘(iii) Individuals from youth-serving orga-
duce the risk of revictimization.
(4) in paragraph (17), by striking ‘‘sub- nizations, including youth athletics organi-
section (b)(2)(B)(xxiv)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- zations. ‘‘(d) STUDY AND REPORT ON MARITAL AGE OF
section (b)(2)(A)(xv)’’; ‘‘(3) REPORTING ON RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not CONSENT.—
(5) in paragraph (18)— later than 6 months after a State task force ‘‘(1) STUDY.—The Secretary shall study,
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘sub- makes recommendations under paragraph with respect to each State—
section (b)(2)(B)(ii)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- (1), the State maintaining such State task ‘‘(A) the State law regarding the minimum
section (b)(2)(D)(i)’’; force shall— marriage age; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘sub- ‘‘(A) make public the recommendations of ‘‘(B) the prevalence of marriage involving
section (b)(2)(B)(iii)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- a child who is under the age of such min-
such report;
section (b)(2)(D)(ii)’’; and imum marriage age.
‘‘(B) report to the Secretary on the status
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘sub- ‘‘(2) FACTORS.—The study required under
of adopting such recommendations; and
section (b)(2)(B)(iii)’’ and inserting ‘‘sub- paragraph (1) shall include an examination
‘‘(C) in a case in which the State declines
section (b)(2)(D)(ii)’’; and of—
to adopt a particular recommendation, make
(6) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(A) the extent to which any statutory ex-
public the explanation for such declination.
‘‘(19) The number of child fatalities and ceptions to the minimum marriage age in
‘‘(4) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sub-
near fatalities from maltreatment and re- such laws contribute to the prevalence of
section—
lated information in accordance with the marriage involving a child described in para-
‘‘(A) the terms ‘child sexual abuse’ and
uniform standards established under section graph (1)(B);
‘sexual abuse’ shall not be limited to an act
103(d).’’. ‘‘(B) whether such exceptions allow such a
or a failure to act on the part of a parent or child to be married without the consent of
(e) ALLOTMENTS.—Section 106(f) of the caretaker;
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act such child; and
‘‘(B) the term ‘organization’ means any en- ‘‘(C) the impact of such exceptions on the
(42 U.S.C. 5106a(f)) is amended by adding at tity that serves children; and
the end the following: safety of such children.
‘‘(C) the term ‘systemic child sexual abuse’ ‘‘(3) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after
‘‘(6) LIMITATION.—For any fiscal year for means—
which the amount allotted to a State or ter- the date of enactment of the Stronger Child
‘‘(i) a pattern of informal or formal policy Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, the
ritory under this subsection exceeds the
or de facto policy to not follow State and Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
amount allotted to the State or territory
local requirements to report instances of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
under such subsection for fiscal year 2021,
child sexual abuse in violation of State and the Senate and the Committee on Education
the State or territory may use not more
local mandatory reporting laws or policy; or and Labor of the House of Representatives a
than 2 percent of such excess amount for ad-
‘‘(ii) a pattern of assisting individual per- report containing the findings of the study
ministrative expenses.’’.
petrators in maintaining their careers de- required by this subsection, including any
SEC. 107. MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS.
spite substantiated evidence of child sexual best practices.
Section 108 of the Child Abuse Prevention
abuse.’’.
and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106d) is ‘‘(e) STUDY AND REPORT ON STATE MANDA-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
amended— SEC. 108. REPORTS. TORY REPORTING LAWS.—
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting ‘‘Indian ‘‘(1) STUDY.—The Secretary shall collect
tribes, and tribal organizations,’’ after (a) SCALING EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT information on and otherwise study State
‘‘States,’’; OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT.—Section 110 laws for mandatory reporting of incidents of
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treat- child abuse or neglect. Such study shall ex-
through (e) as subsections (d) through (f), re- ment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106f) is amended to read amine trends in referrals and investigations
spectively; and as follows: of child abuse and neglect due to differences
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
H1382 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
in such State laws with respect to the inclu- (H) Tribal access to State children’s trust Pensions of the Senate not later than 1 year
sion, as mandatory reporters, of the fol- fund resources, as described in section 202 of after the date of the enactment of this Act
lowing individuals: the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment that contains a description of the activities
‘‘(A) Individuals licensed or certified to Act (42 U.S.C. 5116a); taken by the Secretary to comply with the
practice in any health-related field licensed (I) how a children’s trust fund model could requirements of subparagraph (C); and’’.
by the State, employees of health care facili- be used to support prevention efforts regard- SEC. 111. ELECTRONIC INTERSTATE DATA EX-
ties or providers licensed by the State, who ing child abuse and neglect of American In- CHANGE SYSTEM.
are engaged in the admission, examination, dian and Alaska Native children; Title I of the Child Abuse Prevention and
care or treatment of individuals, including (J) Federal agency technical assistance ef- Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) is
mental health and emergency medical serv- forts to address child abuse and neglect pre- amended by adding at the end the following:
ice providers. vention and treatment of American Indian ‘‘SEC. 115. ELECTRONIC INTERSTATE DATA EX-
‘‘(B) Individuals employed by a school who and Alaska Native children; CHANGE SYSTEM.
have direct contact with children, including (K) Federal agency cross-system collabora- ‘‘(a) INTERSTATE DATA EXCHANGE SYS-
teachers, administrators, and independent tion to address child abuse and neglect pre- TEM.—
contractors. vention and treatment of American Indian ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Health
‘‘(C) Peace officers and law enforcement and Alaska Native children; and Human Services shall consider the rec-
personnel. (L) Tribal access to child abuse and neglect ommendations included in the reports re-
‘‘(D) Clergy, including Christian Science prevention research and demonstration quired under paragraph (8)(A) and subsection
practitioners, except where prohibited on ac- grants under the Child Abuse Prevention and (b)(2) in developing an electronic interstate
count of clergy-penitent privilege. Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.); and data exchange system that allows State enti-
‘‘(E) Day care and child care operators and (M) an examination of child abuse and ne- ties responsible under State law for main-
employees. glect data systems to identify what Tribal taining child abuse and neglect registries to
‘‘(F) Employees of social services agencies data is being submitted, barriers to submit- communicate information across State lines.
who have direct contact with children in the ting data, and recommendations on improv- ‘‘(2) STANDARDS.—In developing the elec-
course of employment. tronic interstate data exchange system
ing the collection of data from Indian Tribes.
‘‘(G) Foster parents. under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
(2) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection—
‘‘(H) Court appointed special advocates ‘‘(A) use interoperable standards developed
(A) the term ‘‘Alaska Native’’ has the
(employees and volunteers). and maintained by intergovernmental part-
meaning given the term in section 111 of the
‘‘(I) Camp and after-school employees. nerships, such as the National Information
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
‘‘(J) An individual, paid or unpaid, who, on Exchange Model;
(42 U.S.C. 5106g); and
the basis of the individual’s role as an inte- ‘‘(B) develop policies and governance
(B) the terms ‘‘child abuse and neglect’’
gral part of a regularly scheduled program, standards that—
and ‘‘Indian tribe’’ have the meaning given
activity, or service, accepts responsibility ‘‘(i) ensure consistency in types of informa-
the terms in section 3 of the Child Abuse
for a child. tion shared and not shared; and
Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. ‘‘(ii) specify circumstances under which
‘‘(2) REPORT.—Not later than 4 years after 5101 note).
the date of enactment of the Stronger Child data should be shared through the interstate
SEC. 109. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. data exchange system; and
Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Section 112(a) of the Child Abuse Preven- ‘‘(C) ensure that all standards and policies
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of tion and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106h(a)) adhere to the privacy, security, and civil
the Senate and the Committee on Education is amended— rights laws of each State and Federal law.
and Labor of the House of Representatives a (1) in paragraph (1)— ‘‘(3) LIMITATION ON USE OF ELECTRONIC
report containing the findings of the study (A) by striking ‘‘to carry out’’ through INTERSTATE DATA EXCHANGE SYSTEM.—The
required by this subsection, including any ‘‘fiscal year 2010’’ and inserting ‘‘to carry out electronic interstate data exchange system
best practices related to the inclusion, as this title $270,000,000 for fiscal year 2022’’; and may only be used for purposes relating to
mandatory reporters, of individuals de- (B) by striking ‘‘2011 through 2015’’ and in- child safety.
scribed in paragraph (1).’’. serting ‘‘2023 through 2027’’; and ‘‘(4) PILOT PROGRAM.—
(b) REPORT ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN (2) by striking paragraph (2)(A) and insert- ‘‘(A) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 6
INDIAN TRIBAL COMMUNITIES.— ing the following: months after the date of the enactment of
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Of the amounts appro- this section, the Secretary of Health and
after the date of the enactment of this Act, priated for a fiscal year under paragraph (1), Human Services shall begin implementation
the Comptroller General, in consultation the Secretary shall make available 30 per- of a pilot program to generate recommenda-
with the Indian tribes from each of the 12 re- cent of such amounts, or $100,000,000, which- tions for the full integration of the elec-
gions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, shall ever is less, to fund discretionary activities tronic interstate data exchange system.
study child abuse and neglect in Indian Trib- under this title.’’. Such pilot program shall include not less
al communities for the purpose of identi- SEC. 110. MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT. than 10 States and not more than 15 States.
fying vital information and making rec- Section 114(1) of the Child Abuse Preven- ‘‘(B) COMPLETION.—Not later than 30
ommendations concerning issues relating to tion and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5108(1)) is months after the date of the enactment of
child abuse and neglect in such commu- amended— this section, the Secretary of Health and
nities, and submit to the Committee on (1) in each of subparagraphs (A) and (B), by Human Services shall complete the pilot pro-
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; and gram described in subparagraph (A).
the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Sen- (2) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(5) INTEGRATION.—The Secretary of
ate and the Committee on Education and ‘‘(C) include written guidance and tech- Health and Human Services may assist
Labor and the Committee on Natural Re- nical assistance to support States, which States in the integration of this system into
sources of the House of Representatives a re- shall include guidance on the requirements the infrastructure of each State using funds
port on such study, which shall include— of this Act with respect to infants born with appropriated under this subsection.
(A) the number of Indian tribes providing and identified as being affected by substance ‘‘(6) PARTICIPATION.—As a condition on eli-
primary child abuse and neglect prevention use or withdrawal symptoms, Neonatal Ab- gibility for receipt of funds under section 106,
activities; stinence Syndrome, or Fetal Alcohol Spec- each State shall—
(B) the number of Indian tribes providing trum Disorder, as described in clauses (i) and ‘‘(A) participate in the electronic inter-
secondary child abuse and neglect prevention (ii) of section 106(b)(2)(D), including by— state data exchange system to the fullest ex-
activities; ‘‘(i) enhancing States’ understanding of re- tent possible in accordance with State law
(C) promising practices of Indian tribes quirements and flexibilities under the law, (as determined by the Secretary of Health
with respect to child abuse and neglect pre- including by clarifying key terms; and Human Services) not later than Decem-
vention that are culturally-based or cul- ‘‘(ii) addressing State-identified challenges ber 31, 2027; and
turally-adapted; with developing, implementing, and moni- ‘‘(B) prior to the participation described in
(D) information and recommendations on toring plans of safe care; and subparagraph (A), provide to the Secretary
how such culturally-based or culturally- ‘‘(iii) disseminating best practices on im- of Health and Human Services an assurance
adapted child abuse and neglect prevention plementation of plans of safe care, on such that the child abuse and neglect registry of
activities could become evidence-based; topics as differential response, collaboration such State provides procedural due process
(E) the number of Indian tribes that have and coordination, and identification and de- protections with respect to including indi-
accessed Federal child abuse and neglect pre- livery of services for different populations, viduals on such registry.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
vention programs; while recognizing needs of different popu- ‘‘(7) PROHIBITION.—The Secretary of Health
(F) child abuse and neglect prevention ac- lations and varying community approaches and Human Services may not access or store
tivities that Indian tribes provide using across States; and data from the electronic interstate data ex-
State funds; ‘‘(D) include the submission of a report to change system, unless the State to which
(G) child abuse and neglect prevention ac- the Committee on Education and Labor of such data pertains voluntarily shares such
tivities that Indian tribes provide using the House of Representatives and the Com- data with the Secretary of Health and
Tribal funds; mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Human Services.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1383
‘‘(8) REPORTS.—The Secretary of Health ‘‘(3) CONSTRUCTION.—There shall be no re- ‘‘Sec. 110. Study and report relating to scal-
and Human Services shall prepare and sub- quirement for any State to adopt the rec- ing evidence-based treatment of
mit to Congress— ommendations of the working group, nor child abuse and neglect; study
‘‘(A) not later than 3 years after the date of shall the Secretary of Health and Human and report on marital age of
the enactment of this section, a report on Services incentivize or coerce any State to consent; study and report on
the recommendations from the pilot pro- adopt any such recommendation.’’. State mandatory reporting
gram described in paragraph (4); and SEC. 112. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- laws.’’.
‘‘(B) not later than January 31, 2026, a re- MENTS. TITLE II—COMMUNITY-BASED GRANTS
port on the progress made in implementing FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE
this subsection. (a) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.—The Child
AND NEGLECT
‘‘(9) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42
U.S.C. 5101 et seq.), as amended by the pre- SEC. 201. PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY.
Of the funds appropriated under section 112 Subsections (a) and (b) of section 201 of the
for a fiscal year— ceding provisions of this Act, is further
amended— Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
‘‘(A) for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023, (42 U.S.C. 5116) are amended to read as fol-
$2,000,000 shall be reserved to carry out this (1) by striking ‘‘Committee on Education
and the Workforce’’ each place it appears lows:
section; and ‘‘(a) PURPOSE.—The purposes of this title
‘‘(B) for each of fiscal years 2024 through and inserting ‘‘Committee on Education and
are—
2027, $1,000,000 shall be reserved to carry out Labor’’;
‘‘(1) to establish and maintain support for
this section. (2) in section 103(c)(1)(F), by striking
community-based family strengthening serv-
‘‘(b) WORKING GROUP.— ‘‘abused and neglected children’’ and insert-
ices and statewide systems-building ap-
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days ing ‘‘victims of child abuse or neglect’’; and
proaches to the extent practicable, to ensure
after the date of the enactment of this sec- (3) in section 107(f), by striking ‘‘(42 U.S.C.
the development, operation, expansion, co-
tion, the Secretary of Health and Human 10603a)’’ and inserting ‘‘(34 U.S.C. 20104)’’.
ordination, and evaluation of quality serv-
Services shall convene a working group to (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— ices, initiatives, programs, and activities to
study and make recommendations on the fol- (1) SECTION 103.—Section 103(b)(5) (42 U.S.C. prevent child abuse and neglect; and
lowing: 5104(b)(5)) is amended by striking ‘‘section ‘‘(2) to promote improved access for diverse
‘‘(A) The feasibility of making publicly 106(b)(2)(B)(iii)’’ and inserting ‘‘section populations with demonstrated need, includ-
available on the website of each State defini- 106(b)(2)(D)(ii)’’. ing low-income families, racial and ethnic
tions and standards of substantiated child (2) SECTION 105.—Section 105(a)(11) (42 minorities, families with children or care-
abuse and neglect for the State. U.S.C. 5106(a)(11) (as redesignated by section givers with disabilities, underserved commu-
‘‘(B) Whether background check require- 105(1)(A) of this Act) is amended— nities, and rural communities, to family
ments under this Act, the Child Care and De- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘sec- strengthening services in order to more ef-
velopment Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. tion 106(b)(2)(B)(iii)’’ and inserting ‘‘section fectively prevent child abuse and neglect.
9858 et seq.), and part E of title IV of the So- 106(b)(2)(D)(ii)’’; ‘‘(b) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary shall
cial Security Act (42 U.S.C. 670 et seq.) are (B) in subparagraph (C)— make grants under this title on a formula
complementary or if there are discrepancies (i) in clause (i)(II), by striking ‘‘section basis to the entity designated by the State
that need to be addressed. 106(b)(2)(B)(iii)’’ and inserting ‘‘section as the lead entity (referred to in this title as
‘‘(C) How to improve communication be- 106(b)(2)(D)(ii)’’; the ‘lead entity’) under section 202(1) for the
tween and across States, including through (ii) in clause (i)(IV), by striking ‘‘section following purposes:
the use of technology and the use of the elec- 106(b)(2)(B)(iii)(II)’’ and inserting ‘‘section ‘‘(1) Providing programs, activities, and
tronic interstate data exchange system es- 106(b)(2)(D)(ii)(II)’’; and initiatives to help families build protective
tablished under subsection (a), to allow for (iii) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘clauses (ii) factors linked to the prevention of child
more accurate and efficient exchange of and (iii) of section 106(b)(2)(B)’’ and inserting abuse and neglect, such as knowledge of par-
child abuse and neglect records. ‘‘clauses (i) and (ii) of section 106(b)(2)(D)’’; enting and child development, parental resil-
‘‘(D) How to reduce barriers and establish (C) in subparagraph (D)— ience, social connections, time-limited and
best practices for the State to provide timely need-based concrete support, and social and
(i) in clause (i)(I), by striking ‘‘section
responses to requests from other States for emotional development of children, that—
106(b)(2)(B)(iii)(I)’’ and inserting ‘‘section
information contained in the State’s child ‘‘(A) are accessible to diverse populations,
106(b)(2)(D)(ii)(I)’’;
abuse and neglect registry through the elec- effective, and culturally appropriate;
(ii) in clause (ii)(I), by striking ‘‘section
tronic interstate data exchange system es- ‘‘(B) build upon existing strengths;
106(b)(2)(B)(ii)’’ and inserting ‘‘section
tablished under subsection (a). ‘‘(C) offer assistance to families;
106(b)(2)(D)(i)’’;
‘‘(E) How to ensure due process for any in- ‘‘(D) provide early, comprehensive support
(iii) in clause (ii)(II), by striking ‘‘section
dividual included in a State’s child abuse and for parents;
106(b)(2)(B)(iii)’’ and inserting ‘‘section
neglect registry, including the following: ‘‘(E) promote the development of healthy
106(b)(2)(D)(ii)(I)’’;
‘‘(i) The level of evidence necessary for in- familial relationships and parenting skills,
(iv) in clause (iii)(I), by striking ‘‘section
clusion in the State’s child abuse and neglect especially in young parents and parents with
106(b)(2)(B)(i)’’ and inserting ‘‘section
registry. very young children;
106(b)(2)(A)(i)’’;
‘‘(ii) The process for notifying such indi- ‘‘(F) increase family stability;
(v) in clause (iii)(IV), by striking ‘‘section
vidual of inclusion in the State’s child abuse ‘‘(G) improve family access to formal and
106(b)(2)(B)(iii)’’ and inserting ‘‘section
and neglect registry and the implications of informal community-based resources, includ-
106(b)(2)(D)(ii)’’; and
such inclusion. ing health and mental health services, time-
(vi) in clause (v), by striking ‘‘section
‘‘(iii) The process for providing such indi- limited and need-based concrete supports,
106(b)(2)(B)(iii)’’ and inserting ‘‘section
vidual the opportunity to challenge such in- and services and supports to meet the needs
106(b)(2)(D)(ii)’’;
clusion, and the procedures for resolving of families with children or caregivers with
(D) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘sec-
such challenge. disabilities; and
tion 106(b)(2)(B)(ii)’’ and inserting ‘‘section
‘‘(iv) The length of time an individual’s ‘‘(H) support the additional needs of fami-
106(b)(2)(D)(i)’’; and
record is to remain in the State’s child abuse lies with children with disabilities, including
(E) in subparagraph (G)(ii), by striking
and neglect registry, and the process for re- through respite care.
‘‘clauses (ii) and (iii) of section 106(b)(2)(B)’’
moving such individual’s record. ‘‘(2) Fostering the development of a con-
and inserting ‘‘clauses (i) and (ii) of section
‘‘(v) The criteria for when such individual’s tinuum of preventive services to strengthen
106(b)(2)(D)’’.
child abuse and neglect registry record may families through State- and community-
(3) SECTION 114.—Section 114(1)(B) (42 U.S.C.
be— based collaborations and both public and pri-
5108(1)(B)) is amended by striking ‘‘clauses
‘‘(I) made accessible to the general public; vate partnerships.
(ii) and (iii) of section 106(b)(2)(B)’’ and in-
‘‘(II) made available for purposes of an em- ‘‘(3) Financing the start-up, maintenance,
serting ‘‘clauses (i) and (ii) of section
ployment check; and expansion, or redesign of core services de-
106(b)(2)(D)’’.
‘‘(III) be shared for the purposes of partici- scribed in section 205, where communities
(4) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con-
pation in the electronic interstate data ex- have identified gaps and decided to prioritize
tents in section 1(b) of the Child Abuse Pre-
change system described in subsection (a). the establishment of such services, to the ex-
vention and Treatment Act is amended—
‘‘(2) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months tent practicable given funding levels and
(A) by striking the items relating to sec-
after the date of the enactment of this sec- community priorities.
tions 2 and 102;
tion, the working group convened under ‘‘(4) Maximizing funding through
(B) by inserting after the item relating to
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
paragraph (1) shall submit a report con- leveraging Federal, State, local, public, and
section 114 the following:
taining its recommendations to the Sec- private funds to carry out the purposes of
retary of Health and Human Services, the ‘‘Sec. 115. Electronic interstate data ex- this title.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and change system.’’; ‘‘(5) Developing or enhancing statewide and
Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee and local networks to operate, expand, or en-
on Education and Labor of the House of Rep- (C) by striking the item relating to section hance community-based family strength-
resentatives. 110, and inserting the following: ening services, initiatives, and activities
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
H1384 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
that promote child, parent, family, and com- grammatic), professional development, tech- members of other underrepresented or under-
munity health and well-being and prevent nical assistance, and evaluation assistance, served groups, family advocates, and adult
child abuse and neglect. to community-based organizations;’’; and victims of child abuse or neglect who can
‘‘(6) Promoting the development of, and co- (D) by striking subparagraph (D) and in- provide leadership in the planning, imple-
ordination with, existing community coali- serting the following: mentation, and evaluation of the programs
tions of networks of family strengthening ‘‘(D) will integrate efforts with individuals and policy decisions of the applicant agency
services that utilize culturally responsive and organizations experienced in working in in accomplishing the desired outcomes for
providers in order to enhance child, family, partnership with low-income families, racial such efforts;’’;
and community well-being and prevent child and ethnic minorities, families with children (6) by redesignating paragraph (12) as para-
abuse and neglect in all families. or caregivers with disabilities, sexual and graph (15);
‘‘(7) Financing public information activi- gender minority youth, victims of domestic (7) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through
ties that focus on parent and child develop- violence, and with the child abuse and ne- (11) as paragraphs (8) through (12), respec-
ment and child abuse and neglect prevention. glect prevention activities in the State, and tively;
‘‘(8) To the extent practicable— demonstrate a financial commitment to (8) by inserting after paragraph (6) the fol-
‘‘(A) promoting the development and im- those activities; and lowing:
plementation of a statewide systems-build- ‘‘(E) will take into consideration access for ‘‘(7) a description of the process and cri-
ing strategy to address the unmet needs diverse populations and unmet need when teria the lead entity will use to identify and
identified in the inventory described in sec- distributing funds to local programs under select communities in which to build a con-
tion 204(3), including the participation of section 205.’’. tinuum of family strengthening services, in-
public and private stakeholders, community- SEC. 203. AMOUNT OF GRANT. cluding an assurance that the process will
based organizations, legislators, parents and Section 203 of the Child Abuse Prevention ensure access for all families, including fam-
other relevant stakeholders, and State agen- and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116b) is ilies in communities with high rates of child
cies, including the child welfare agency, the amended— abuse and neglect relative to other commu-
public health agency, housing agency, and (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting nities in the State;’’;
the State education agency, to scale evi- the following: (9) by striking paragraph (9), as so redesig-
dence-based, evidence-informed, and prom- ‘‘(a) RESERVATION.—For the purpose of nated, and inserting the following:
ising programs that expand access to family making allotments to Indian tribes and trib- ‘‘(9) a description of outreach activities
strengthening services and reduce the num- al organizations and migrant programs, the that the lead entity and local grantees will
bers of children entering the foster care sys- Secretary shall reserve 5 percent of the undertake to maximize the participation of
tem; amount appropriated under section 210(a) for low-income families, racial and ethnic mi-
‘‘(B) developing comprehensive outreach each fiscal year, except that, if making such norities, families with children or caregivers
strategies to engage families with various reservation would cause the total amount al- with disabilities, sexual and gender minority
risk factors, including families who have ex- lotted to States under this section for a fis- youth, victims of domestic violence, home-
perienced trauma or domestic violence, par- cal year to be less than such total for fiscal less families and those at risk of homeless-
ents with substance use disorder, and fami- year 2021, the Secretary shall reserve 1 per- ness, and members of other underserved or
lies with children or caregivers with disabil- cent of the amount appropriated under sec- underrepresented groups;’’;
ities; and tion 210(a) for the year for such purpose.’’; (10) by striking paragraph (10), as so redes-
‘‘(C) providing capacity-building supports and ignated, and inserting the following:
to local programs to improve desired out- (2) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(10) a plan for providing operational sup-
comes for children and families, such as— ‘‘(d) LIMITATION.—For any fiscal year for port, professional development, and tech-
‘‘(i) technical assistance, including support which the amount allotted to a State under nical assistance to grantees, other State and
for local programs to collect outcome data subsection (b) exceeds the amount allotted local programs and providers, families, and
that helps improve service delivery; to the State under such subsection for fiscal other entities involved in strengthening fam-
‘‘(ii) professional development; and year 2021, the State’s lead entity may use ilies and preventing child abuse and ne-
‘‘(iii) peer support networks, including not more than 10 percent of such excess glect;’’;
through developing a problem-solving amount for administrative expenses.’’. (11) in paragraph (11), as so redesignated,
forum.’’. SEC. 204. APPLICATION. by striking ‘‘and its members (where appro-
SEC. 202. ELIGIBILITY. Section 204 of the Child Abuse Prevention priate)’’ and inserting ‘‘of community-based
Section 202 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116d) is family strengthening services and statewide
and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116a) is amended— initiatives’’; and
amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), (12) by striking paragraph (12), as so redes-
(1) in paragraph (1)— by striking ‘‘specified by the Secretary as es- ignated, and inserting the following:
(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and in- sential to carrying out the provisions of sec- ‘‘(12) a description of the actions that the
serting the following: tion 202, including’’ and inserting ‘‘and as- applicant entity will take to inform sys-
‘‘(A) the Governor of the State has des- surances required in paragraphs (2) and (3) of temic changes in State policies, practices,
ignated a lead entity to administer funds section 202 and types of information specified procedures, and regulations to improve the
under this title for the purposes identified by the Secretary as essential in carrying out delivery of community-based family
under the authority of this title, including the provisions of section 201(b), including’’; strengthening services designed to promote
to develop, implement, operate, enhance, or (2) in paragraphs (1), (2), and (4), by strik- child, family, and community well-being,
expand community-based family strength- ing ‘‘community-based and prevention-fo- and to prevent child abuse and neglect;
ening services designed to prevent child cused programs and activities designed to ‘‘(13) a description of how the lead entity
abuse and neglect;’’; and strengthen and support families’’ and insert- will incorporate research evidence in its
(B) by striking subparagraph (D) and in- ing ‘‘community-based family strengthening process for selecting community-based fam-
serting the following: services designed’’; ily strengthening services;
‘‘(D) the Governor of the State has given (3) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘commu- ‘‘(14) an assurance that, in issuing regula-
consideration to the capacity and expertise nity-based and prevention-focused programs tions to improve the delivery of community-
of all entities requesting to be designated and activities’’ and inserting ‘‘community- based family strengthening services designed
under subparagraph (A);’’; and based family strengthening services de- to promote child, family, and community
(2) in paragraph (3)— signed’’; well-being, and to prevent child abuse and
(A) by striking subparagraph (A) and in- (4) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘and pre- neglect, the State will—
serting the following: vention-focused programs and activities de- ‘‘(A) take into account how such regula-
‘‘(A) has demonstrated ongoing meaningful signed to strengthen and support families to tions will impact activities funded under
partnerships with parents in the develop- prevent child abuse and neglect;’’ and insert- this Act; and
ment, operation, and oversight of State- and ing ‘‘services and statewide strategies de- ‘‘(B) where appropriate, attempt to avoid
community-based family strengthening serv- signed to strengthen and support families to duplication of efforts, minimize costs of
ices designed to prevent child abuse and ne- promote child, family, and community well- compliance with such regulations, and maxi-
glect;’’; being and prevent child abuse and neglect;’’; mize local flexibility with respect to such
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘com- (5) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting regulations; and’’.
munity-based and prevention-focused pro- the following: SEC. 205. LOCAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
grams and activities designed to strengthen ‘‘(6) a description of the State’s capacity
Section 205 of the Child Abuse Prevention
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
and support families’’ and inserting ‘‘com- and commitment to ensure the meaningful
munity-based family strengthening services involvement of parents who are or have been and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116e) is
designed’’; consumers of preventative supports, includ- amended to read as follows:
(C) by striking subparagraph (C) and in- ing the involvement of parents of diverse ‘‘SEC. 205. LOCAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
serting the following: populations, such as low-income families,
‘‘(C) has the capacity to provide oper- families with children or caregivers with dis- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Grants from the lead en-
ational support (both financial and pro- abilities, racial and ethnic minorities, and tity made under this title shall be used to
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1385
develop, implement, operate, expand, and en- ‘‘(5) Providing, promoting the development (5) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting
hance community-based family strength- or enhancement of, or connecting families the following:
ening services designed to prevent child to, core services that include— ‘‘(4) shall describe the number of families
abuse and neglect that— ‘‘(A) parenting support and parent edu- served, including families with children or
‘‘(1) assess community assets and needs cation programs, including services that help caregivers with disabilities, and the involve-
and develop a strategy to create a com- parents and other caregivers support chil- ment of a diverse representation of families
prehensive continuum of effective services dren’s development; in the design, operation, and evaluation of
that strengthen and support families to pre- ‘‘(B) parent leadership skills development both community-based family strengthening
vent child abuse and neglect, through a plan- programs that support parents’ personal services and networks of such services;’’;
ning process involving parents, local and growth as leaders in their families and com- (6) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting
public agencies, local nonprofit organiza- munities; the following:
tions and service providers, and private sec- ‘‘(C) mutual support groups for parents, ‘‘(7) shall describe—
tor representatives in meaningful ways; children, and parent partners; ‘‘(A) the number of programs funded
‘‘(2) develop or enhance existing place- ‘‘(D) respite and crisis care; and disaggregated by urban, suburban, and rural
based family strengthening services, other ‘‘(E) referrals to optional community and community type;
parenting support services, and connections social services, including— ‘‘(B) the number of children and families
and coordination among key family services ‘‘(i) domestic violence services; served under each such program
in the community by reaching spaces famil- ‘‘(ii) screening and referrals to early inter- disaggregated by urban, suburban, and rural
iar to such families; and vention; community type; and
‘‘(3) help families build protective factors ‘‘(iii) voluntary home visiting programs; ‘‘(C) the number of programs that partner
that support child and family well-being and ‘‘(iv) health and mental health services, in- with outside entities and the services such
help prevent child abuse and neglect, includ- cluding referrals for information on the outside entities provide;’’;
ing knowledge of parenting and child devel- State Medicaid plan under title XIX of the (7) in paragraph (8)—
opment, parental resilience, social connec- Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.); (A) by striking ‘‘leadership of’’ and insert
‘‘(v) early care and learning programs in- ‘‘partnership with’’; and
tions, time-limited and need-based concrete
cluding child care and Head Start programs (B) by striking the period at the end and
support, and social and emotional develop-
and Early Head Start programs under the inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
ment of children.
Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.); (8) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(b) LOCAL CONSIDERATION.—In awarding ‘‘(vi) nutrition programs, including the ‘‘(9) shall describe the extent to which
grants, the lead entity shall consider, con- special supplemental nutrition program for there is evidence to support the effectiveness
sistent with the needs of the State and com- women, infants, and children established of activities conducted under this title for
munity, how the grantee— under section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of the program’s intended purpose, or, in in-
‘‘(1) demonstrates the ability to form col- 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786) and the supplemental nu- stances where such evidence is not available,
laborations across a range of services or ini- trition assistance program established under shall describe barriers and challenges to de-
tiatives and the commitment to engage in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. veloping evidence of effectiveness.’’.
long-term planning and strategic develop- 2011 et seq.);
SEC. 207. NATIONAL NETWORK FOR COMMUNITY-
ment for community-based family strength- ‘‘(vii) education and workforce develop- BASED FAMILY RESOURCE PRO-
ening services as well as provide on-going ment programs, including adult literacy, GRAMS.
problem solving support; child development, wellness, and family so- Section 207 of the Child Abuse Prevention
‘‘(2) involves parents, including parents of cioeconomic mobility programs; and and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116g) is
children with disabilities, diverse racial and ‘‘(viii) services and supports to meet the amended—
ethnic groups, and members of other under- needs of families with children or caregivers (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
represented or underserved populations, in with disabilities, such as early intervention by striking ‘‘such sums as may be nec-
the development, implementation, oversight, services for infants and toddlers with disabil- essary’’ and inserting ‘‘not more than 5 per-
and evaluation of services; ities and their families, as early intervention cent’’; and
‘‘(3) addresses the need for place-based services are defined in section 632 of the Indi- (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘commu-
services and the need to reach families in viduals with Disabilities Education Act (20 nity-based and prevention-focused programs
hard-to-reach areas through approaches that U.S.C. 1432). and activities designed to strengthen and
provide core family strengthening services; ‘‘(6) Providing leadership in mobilizing support families’’ and inserting ‘‘commu-
‘‘(4) promotes improved access to family local public and private resources to support nity-based family strengthening services de-
strengthening services for diverse popu- the provision of community-based family signed’’.
lations and ensures that the services address strengthening services designed to prevent
SEC. 208. DEFINITIONS.
identified needs of all families; and child abuse and neglect.
Section 208 of the Child Abuse Prevention
‘‘(5) demonstrates an understanding of the ‘‘(7) Developing and maintaining meaning-
and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116h) is
sources of child and family trauma and the ful partnerships with parents relating to the
amended—
strategies that mitigate the impact of and development, operation, evaluation, and
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2)
prevent adverse childhood experiences. oversight of the programs and services.
as paragraphs (2) and (1), respectively, and
‘‘(8) Coordinating with other community-
‘‘(c) LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.—Grant funds transferring paragraph (1) as redesignated to
based family strengthening services designed
from the lead entity shall be used for com- appear before paragraph (2) as redesignated;
to prevent child abuse and neglect in the de-
munity-based family strengthening services and
velopment, operation, and expansion of net-
designed to prevent child abuse and neglect, (2) by striking paragraph (1) (as so redesig-
works where appropriate.
which may include the following: ‘‘(d) PRIORITY.—When awarding grants, a nated) and inserting the following:
‘‘(1) Developing a strategy based on sup- lead entity shall give priority to effective ‘‘(1) COMMUNITY-BASED FAMILY STRENGTH-
porting a comprehensive continuum of pre- community-based efforts that serve low-in- ENING SERVICES.—The term ‘community-
ventive, family-centered services that come communities and are focused on com- based family strengthening services’ in-
strengthen and support families to prevent prehensive approaches to serving young par- cludes organizations such as family resource
child abuse and neglect, especially to young ents or parents with young children.’’. programs, family support programs, vol-
parents, to parents with young children, and SEC. 206. PERFORMANCE MEASURES. untary home visiting programs, respite care
to parents who are adult victims of domestic Section 206 of the Child Abuse Prevention services, parenting education, mutual sup-
violence or child abuse or neglect, through and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116f) is port groups for parents, children, parent
public-private partnerships. amended— partner programs, and other community pro-
‘‘(2) Addressing the needs of families in (1) in paragraphs (1), (5), (6), and (8), by grams or networks of such programs that
hard-to-reach areas by creating access to striking ‘‘community-based and prevention- provide activities that are designed to pre-
place-based family strengthening services. focused programs and activities designed to vent child abuse and neglect.’’.
‘‘(3) Performing an assessment of commu- strengthen and support families’’ and insert- SEC. 209. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
nity needs, including by partnering, at the ing ‘‘community-based family strengthening (a) IN GENERAL.—Title II of the Child
option of the grantee, with an organization services designed’’; Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42
that already has performed a needs assess- (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘meets’’ U.S.C. 5116 et seq.) is amended—
ment (such as a Maternal, Infant and Early and inserting ‘‘meet’’; (1) by redesignating section 209 as section
Childhood Home Visiting program under sec- (3) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘including 210; and
(2) by inserting after section 208 the fol-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
tion 511 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. core and optional services as described in
711) or a Head Start program under the Head section 202’’; lowing:
Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.)). (4) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting ‘‘SEC. 209. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
‘‘(4) Supporting outreach for services, in- the following: ‘‘Nothing in this title shall be construed to
cluding by coordinating with existing family ‘‘(3) shall demonstrate how they have ad- prohibit grandparents, kinship care pro-
strengthening services such as home visiting dressed unmet needs identified by the inven- viders, foster parents, adoptive parents, or
and other early intervention programs. tory required under section 204;’’; any other individual in a parenting role from
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
H1386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
receiving or participating in services and TITLE III—ADOPTION OPPORTUNITIES the Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
programs under this title.’’. SEC. 301. PURPOSE. and Pensions of the Senate a report on un-
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of Section 201 of the Child Abuse Prevention regulated custody transfers of children, in-
contents in section 1(b) of the Child Abuse and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of cluding of adopted children.
Prevention and Treatment Act is amended 1978 (42 U.S.C. 5111) is amended— ‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required under
by striking the item relating to section 209 (1) in the section heading, by striking paragraph (1) shall include—
and inserting the following: ‘‘CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND DECLARATION ‘‘(A) the causes, methods, and characteris-
OF PURPOSE’’ and inserting ‘‘PURPOSE’’; tics of unregulated custody transfers, includ-
‘‘Sec. 209. Rule of construction. ing the use of social media and the internet;
(2) by striking subsection (a); and
‘‘Sec. 210. Authorization of appropriations.’’. ‘‘(B) the effects of unregulated custody
(3) in subsection (b)—
SEC. 210. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (A) by striking ‘‘(b) PURPOSE.—’’; transfers on children, including the lack of
Section 210 of the Child Abuse Prevention (B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), assessment of a child’s safety and well-being
and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116 et seq.), as by inserting ‘‘sexual and gender minority by social services agencies and courts due to
redesignated by section 209 of this Act, is youth’’ after ‘‘particularly older children, such unregulated custody transfer;
amended— minority children,’’; and ‘‘(C) the prevalence of unregulated custody
(1) by striking ‘‘There are’’ and inserting (C) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘services transfers within each State and across all
States; and
the following: and,’’ after ‘‘post-legal adoption’’.
‘‘(D) recommended policies for preventing,
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—There are’’; SEC. 302. REPORT AND GUIDANCE ON UNREGU-
LATED CUSTODY TRANSFERS.
identifying, and responding to unregulated
(2) by striking ‘‘to carry out’’ through ‘‘fis- custody transfers, including of adopted chil-
cal year 2010’’ and inserting ‘‘to carry out The Child Abuse Prevention and Treat-
dren, that include—
this title $270,000,000 for fiscal year 2022’’; ment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 (42
‘‘(i) amendments to Federal and State law
(3) by striking ‘‘2011 through 2015’’ and in- U.S.C. 5111 et seq.) is amended by inserting
to address unregulated custody transfers;
serting ‘‘2023 through 2027’’; and after section 201 the following:
‘‘(ii) amendments to child protection prac-
(4) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘SEC. 202. REPORT AND GUIDANCE ON UNREGU- tices to address unregulated custody trans-
‘‘(b) TREATMENT OF NON-FEDERAL FUNDS IN LATED CUSTODY TRANSFERS.
fers; and
CERTAIN FISCAL YEARS.—For any fiscal year ‘‘(a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of ‘‘(iii) methods of providing the public in-
for which the amount appropriated under Congress that: formation regarding adoption and child pro-
subsection (a) exceeds the amount appro- ‘‘(1) Some adopted children may be at risk tection.
priated under such subsection for fiscal year of experiencing an unregulated custody ‘‘(c) GUIDANCE TO STATES.—
2021, the Secretary shall consider non-Fed- transfer because the challenges associated ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days
eral funds and in-kind contributions as part with adoptions (including the child’s mental after the date specified in subsection (b)(1),
of the State contribution for the activities health needs and the difficulties many fami- the Secretary shall issue guidance and tech-
specified in section 204(4).’’. lies face in acquiring support services) may nical assistance to States related to pre-
lead families to seek out unregulated cus- venting, identifying, and responding to un-
SEC. 211. STUDY AND REPORT.
tody transfers. regulated custody transfers, including of
(a) STUDY RELATING TO NEW PREVENTION ‘‘(2) Some adopted children experience adopted children.
PROGRAMS.— trauma, and the disruption and placement in ‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—The guidance required
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General another home by unregulated custody trans- under paragraph (1) shall include—
of the United States shall complete a study, fer creates additional trauma and instability ‘‘(A) education materials related to pre-
using data reported by States to the Sec- for children. venting, identifying, and responding to un-
retary of Health and Human Services under ‘‘(3) Children who experience an unregu- regulated custody transfers for employees of
section 206 of the Child Abuse Prevention lated custody transfer may be placed with State, local, and Tribal agencies that pro-
and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116f), as families who have not completed required vide child welfare services;
amended by this Act— child welfare or criminal background checks ‘‘(B) guidance on appropriate pre-adoption
(A) to determine how many families and or clearances. education and post-adoption services for do-
children in the first 3 years after the date of ‘‘(4) Social services agencies and courts are mestic and international adoptive families
the enactment of this Act are served annu- often unaware of the placement of children to promote child permanency; and
ally through programs funded under title II through unregulated custody transfer and ‘‘(C) the assistance available through the
of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treat- therefore do not conduct assessments on the National Resource Center for Special Needs
ment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116 et seq.); and child’s safety and well-being in such place- Adoption under section 203(b)(9).
(B) to compare the number of such families ments. ‘‘(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
and children served annually in the first 3 ‘‘(5) Such lack of placement oversight ‘‘(1) STATE.—The term ‘State’ means each
years after the date of the enactment of this places a child at risk for future abuse and in- of the several States, the District of Colum-
Act to the number of such families and chil- creases the chance that the child may expe- bia, and any commonwealth, territory, or
dren served in fiscal year 2021. rience— possession of the United States.
(2) CONTENTS.—The study required under ‘‘(A) abuse or neglect; ‘‘(2) UNREGULATED CUSTODY TRANSFER.—
paragraph (1) shall include the following for ‘‘(B) contact with unsafe adults or youth; The term ‘unregulated custody transfer’
each of the first 3 years after the date of the and means the abandonment of a child, by the
enactment of this Act: ‘‘(C) exposure to unsafe or isolated envi- child’s parent, legal guardian, or a person or
(A) An examination of how many families ronments. entity acting on behalf, and with the con-
received evidence-based programming under ‘‘(6) The caregivers with whom a child is sent, of such parent or guardian—
title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and placed through unregulated custody transfer ‘‘(A) by placing a child with a person who
Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5116 et seq.). often have no legal responsibility with re- is not—
(B) An examination of the extent to which spect to such child, placing the child at risk ‘‘(i) the child’s parent, step-parent, grand-
local programs conduct evaluations using for additional unregulated custody transfers. parent, adult sibling, legal guardian, or
funds provided under such title and the find- ‘‘(7) Such caregivers also may not have other adult relative;
ings of such evaluations. complete records with respect to such child, ‘‘(ii) a friend of the family who is an adult
(C) An examination of whether findings of including the child’s birth, medical, or immi- and with whom the child is familiar; or
effectiveness in evaluation studies vary by gration records. ‘‘(iii) a member of the Federally recognized
urban, suburban, or rural community type. ‘‘(8) A child adopted through intercountry Indian tribe of which the child is also a
(D) An examination of whether programs adoption may be at risk of not acquiring member;
partnering with other entities are more ef- United States citizenship if an unregulated ‘‘(B) with the intent of severing the rela-
fective than those that do not partner with custody transfer occurs before the adoptive tionship between the child and the parent or
other entities. parents complete all necessary steps to final- guardian of such child; and
(E) An examination of barriers to imple- ize the adoption of such child. ‘‘(C) without—
ment evidence-based programming or to con- ‘‘(9) Engaging in, or offering to engage in, ‘‘(i) reasonably ensuring the safety of the
duct evaluations in instances where such ac- unregulated custody transfer places children child and permanency of the placement of
tivities do not occur. at risk of harm. the child, including by conducting an official
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 4 years after ‘‘(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— home study, background check, and super-
the date of the enactment of this Act, the ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year vision; and
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Comptroller General of the United States after the date of the enactment of this sec- ‘‘(ii) transferring the legal rights and re-
shall submit to the Committee on Health, tion, the Secretary of Health and Human sponsibilities of parenthood or guardianship
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Sen- Services shall provide to the Committee on under applicable Federal and State law to a
ate and the Committee on Education and Education and Labor of the House of Rep- person described in subparagraph (A).’’.
Labor of the House of Representatives a re- resentatives, the Committee on Ways and SEC. 303. INFORMATION AND SERVICES.
port that contains the results of the study Means of the House of Representatives, the (a) NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER FOR SPE-
conducted under paragraph (1). Committee on Finance of the Senate, and CIAL NEEDS ADOPTION.—Section 203(b)(9) of
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1387
the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- healthy environments. That is why,
and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. ant to the rule, the gentleman from last Congress, both Democrats and Re-
5113(b)(9)) is amended by inserting ‘‘not later Virginia (Mr. SCOTT) and the gentle- publicans worked together to pass
than 2 years after the date of the enactment
woman from North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) Stronger CAPTA with broad bipartisan
of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Act, establish and’’ before ‘‘main- each will control 20 minutes. support. Our bipartisan effort to pass
tain’’. The Chair recognizes the gentleman this bill again this year demonstrates
(b) PLACEMENT WITH ADOPTIVE FAMILIES.— from Virginia. that, no matter our party affiliations,
Section 203(b)(11)(C) of the Child Abuse Pre- GENERAL LEAVE we can all agree that Congress must do
vention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam everything we can to support children
Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 5113(b)(11)(C)) is amend- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that and families.
ed by striking ‘‘such children’’ and inserting To that end, I thank the sub-
all Members may have 5 legislative
‘‘the children and youth described in the
days in which to revise and extend committee chair, Ms. BONAMICI; and
matter preceding paragraph (1) of section
201’’. their remarks and include extraneous ranking subcommittee member, Mr.
(c) PRE-ADOPTION SERVICES.—Section material on the measure under consid- COMER, for their leadership on this key
203(c)(1) of the Child Abuse Prevention and eration. priority for our committees.
Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
(42 U.S.C. 5113(c)(1)) is amended by striking objection to the request of the gen- leagues to support Stronger Child
‘‘post’’ and inserting ‘‘pre- and post-’’. tleman from Virginia? Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act,
(d) SERVICES.—Section 203(c)(2) of the Child and I reserve the balance of my time.
There was no objection.
Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adop-
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I thank
tion Reform Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 5113(c)(2))
is amended by inserting ‘‘and the develop- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I my colleague from Virginia, and I yield
ment of such services,’’ after ‘‘not supplant, may consume. myself such time as I may consume.
services’’. Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- Madam Speaker, I rise today as a
(e) ELIMINATION OF BARRIERS TO ADOPTION port of the Stronger Child Abuse Pre- partner in important work to prevent
ACROSS JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES.—Sec- vention and Treatment Act, or Strong- and treat child abuse through the bi-
tion 203(e)(1) of the Child Abuse Prevention er CAPTA. partisan Stronger Child Abuse Preven-
and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of One of the most basic responsibilities tion and Treatment Act, or Stronger
1978 (42 U.S.C. 5113(e)(1)) is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘with, States,’’ and insert-
as public servants is to protect chil- CAPTA.
ing ‘‘with States, Indian Tribes,’’; and dren from physical and emotional trau- Child abuse and neglect are heart-
(2) by inserting ‘‘, including through the ma of child abuse and neglect. breaking, immoral, and inexcusable.
use of web-based tools such as the electronic Unfortunately, at the beginning of No child should ever have to endure
interstate case-processing system referred to the last decade, we saw a disturbing pain and suffering at the hands of a
in section 437(g) of the Social Security Act rise in rates of child maltreatment, parent or caregiver, yet, unfortunately,
(42 U.S.C. 629g(g))’’ before the period at the which coincided with the devastating such behavior continues to affect mil-
end. opioid epidemic. Now the COVID–19 lions of children across the country.
SEC. 304. STUDY AND REPORT ON SUCCESSFUL This bill, Stronger CAPTA, is focused
ADOPTIONS.
pandemic is not only reaffirming the
Section 204 of the Child Abuse Prevention
urgent need to address the growing cri- on doing what Congress can do to see
and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of sis, but also, across the country, fami- that no child experiences the dreadful
1978 (42 U.S.C. 5114) is amended to read as fol- lies are coping with severe financial impacts caused by neglect and abuse.
lows: and emotional challenges. State child This legislation is the result of bipar-
‘‘SEC. 204. STUDY AND REPORT ON SUCCESSFUL protective services agencies, which tisan collaboration among members of
ADOPTIONS. have been chronically underfunded, are the Committee on Education and Labor
‘‘(a) STUDY.—The Secretary shall conduct a also struggling to help families while and will strengthen Federal efforts to
study (directly or by grant to, or contract keeping caseworkers safe. recognize, prevent, and treat child
with, public or private nonprofit research
Stronger CAPTA is a bipartisan solu- abuse and neglect nationwide.
agencies or organizations) on adoption out-
comes and the factors (including parental tion we need to prevent child abuse and While we have a variety of perspec-
substance use disorder) affecting those out- neglect from happening in the first tives represented on the committee, I
comes. place and to provide better treatments believe this compromise will benefit
‘‘(b) REPORT.—Not later than the date that to address child abuse when it takes children and families and maintain im-
is 36 months after the date of the enactment place. portant protections for parents and
of the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and This legislation provides States with faith-based providers of care to fami-
Treatment Act the Secretary shall submit a the resources they need to expand lo- lies.
report to Congress that includes the results Importantly, Stronger CAPTA not
cally driven prevention strategies,
of the study required under subsection (a).’’.
which will help strengthen families and only protects children, but it also
SEC. 305. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 205(a) of the Child Abuse Preven- improve child protective services. It maintains and strengthens parental
tion and Treatment and Adoption Reform also invests in child protective services rights. While there are certainly in-
Act of 1978 (42 U.S.C. 5115(a)) is amended— so that they can ensure that case- stances where intervention is nec-
(1) by striking ‘‘fiscal year 2010’’ and in- workers will have the resources to both essary, this legislation includes impor-
serting ‘‘fiscal year 2022’’; and help children and keep themselves safe. tant safeguards to limit unsubstan-
(2) by striking ‘‘fiscal years 2011 through The legislation also streamlines com- tiated or false reports and provides
2015’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal years 2023 through munications between child protective education to child protective service
2027’’. workers about the rights of parents
services across the country so that
TITLE IV—AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS critical information is not lost across and families.
SEC. 401. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- State lines. The first priority of the Federal Gov-
MENTS TO OTHER LAWS.
Such a system would have likely ernment should always be to protect
(a) HEAD START ACT.—Section 658E(c)(2)(L)
of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C.
saved the life of Heaven Watkins, an 11- and respect the family unit, while fos-
9858c(c)(2)(L)) is amended by striking ‘‘will year-old girl from my community, who tering an environment for both parents
comply with the child abuse reporting re- tragically died because local child pro- and children to thrive. Stronger
quirements of section 106(b)(2)(B)(i) of the tective services had no way of knowing CAPTA gives a holistic view of child
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act that her parents had a history of child abuse and neglect, providing States
(42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)(2)(B)(i))’’ and inserting abuse in another State. with resources designed to strengthen
‘‘will comply with the child abuse reporting Finally, Stronger CAPTA builds on families and keep children with those
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
requirements of section 106(b)(2)(A)(i) of the our bipartisan commitment to keeping who love them most.
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
families together when it is in the best CAPTA was originally enacted in
(42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)(2)(A)(i))’’.
(b) VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT OF 1984.—Section interest of the child. 1974, to support the development of
1404A of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (34 Madam Speaker, we must do every- programs aimed at prevention, assess-
U.S.C. 20104) is amended by striking ‘‘section thing in our power to ensure that our ment, investigation, prosecution, and
109’’ and inserting ‘‘section 107’’. Nation’s children learn and grow in treatment of child abuse and neglect.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.006 H16MRPT1
H1388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
Stronger CAPTA seeks to continue this Georgia (Mrs. MCBATH), a distinguished And I am so grateful, even though I
important work while putting more member of the Committee on Edu- no longer have my child with me, I am
emphasis on prevention so that abuse cation and Labor. so grateful to be able to encourage my
and neglect can be stopped before it Mrs. MCBATH. Madam Speaker, I colleagues to stand and support this
happens. thank Chairman SCOTT for yielding. I well-meaning legislation so that I can
Madam Speaker, the need to pass appreciate it. take part in saving the lives and pro-
this legislation and send it to the Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- tecting children that may not even be
President’s desk is urgent. According port of H.R. 485, the Stronger Child my own.
to the Centers for Disease Control and Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Stronger CAPTA is bipartisan legis-
Prevention, heightened stress, school Children are our future teachers, doc- lation that provides critical protec-
closures, loss of income, and social iso- tors, police officers, and Members of tions and resources to families and
lation resulting from the COVID–19 Congress. It is our responsibility to en- children across our Nation to prevent
pandemic have increased the risk for sure that they can live, learn, and grow and end child abuse. With the passage
child abuse and neglect. up in a safe environment. of this bipartisan legislation, we are
The rate of child maltreatment has In fiscal year 2020, in my home State just one step closer to saving our chil-
ticked up in recent years, devastating of Georgia, it actually ranked second dren’s lives. Stronger CAPTA is impor-
families and communities across the in the country for the number of calls
tant, not only for my home State of
country and underscoring the necessity to child abuse hotlines.
Georgia, but for the Nation.
That is why I was so proud to intro-
to open America’s schools safely. With- Together we must ensure the safety
duce an amendment in the Committee
out teachers interacting with students of our Nation’s children, they are our
on Education and Labor last Congress
every day, an entire line of defense future. If we, as a Nation, do not pro-
with my colleague, the gentlewoman
against neglect and abuse is lost. tect the most vulnerable in the least of
from New York (Ms. STEFANIK), that
Additionally, due to the increased de- these, then who are we? Who are we in
would establish a national child abuse
mand on their services, State child pro- the eyes of the Nation? And who are we
hotline. I am excited that same lan-
tective service agencies are struggling in the eyes of the world? Together we
guage was once again included in this
to respond to the growing number of must ensure the safety of our Nation’s
year’s Stronger CAPTA legislation.
reports they receive each year. Madam Speaker, our bill will create children.
That is why we are here. Stronger a grant program for a national child Madam Speaker, I encourage all of
CAPTA will help States address the re- abuse hotline, for the establishment my colleagues, both Republicans and
cent and devastating rise in child abuse and operation of a 24-hour hotline for Democrats, to support this very vital,
and neglect by improving the quality victims of child abuse. Their families well-meaning and important legisla-
of child protective services and build- and caregivers, parents, youth, man- tion.
ing networks of prevention services de- dated reporters, and any other con- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield
signed to strengthen American fami- cerned community member can call or myself such time as I may consume.
lies. text the national child abuse hotline Madam Speaker, no child should ever
It improves collaboration between when looking for immediate help and have to endure the pain of abuse or ne-
States regarding accountability, sup- support during moments of crisis and glect by a parent or caregiver, and that
ports the development of strategies and moments of doubt. is why today’s work is so important.
best practices for reducing rates of The COVID–19 pandemic has in- By passing today’s bill, we are fo-
abuse and neglect linked to parents’ creased the risk factors that lead to cused on protecting the most vulner-
substance abuse disorder, and ensures child abuse, as millions are experi- able citizens among us and give them a
that no child is removed from a family encing elevated levels of stress due in voice here in Congress.
solely because of their economic situa- part to job and income loss, or even the The bipartisan Stronger CAPTA bol-
tion or without a judicial order, except loss of a loved one. Before the pan- sters prevention efforts and stream-
in cases of imminent harm. demic, teachers, social workers, and lines current assurances and require-
Furthermore, the bill seeks to pre- members of the community who regu- ments so States can focus on serving
vent and treat child abuse by engaging larly interacted with children and and providing treatment to children
the community. We want to prevent youth were able to identify the in- rather than spending more time filling
abuse before it ever happens, and one of stances of child abuse and record them out paperwork.
the best ways to accomplish that goal and report them accordingly. However, Child abuse and neglect has no place
is to ensure that communities and par- as we maintain social distancing to in America’s homes, and it is my hope
ents work together in the planning, im- keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, that today’s legislation will signifi-
plementation, and evaluation of pre- it is much harder for those individuals, cantly reduce the number of children
vention services. who once interacted with our youth, to who must cope with the devastating
I believe every Member of this body identify such abuse. impacts of abuse and neglect.
wishes to live in a world where laws That is why we must continue to in- Madam Speaker, I thank my col-
like Stronger CAPTA are not nec- vest in child abuse and prevention serv- leagues on both sides of the aisle for
essary. Unfortunately, we do not live ices, such as the national child abuse their hard work on this critical legisla-
in such a world, but it is reassuring hotline that Congressman STEFANIK tion. Again, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote, and I
that during times of extreme political and I have included in Stronger yield back the balance of my time.
divisiveness, we can come together for CAPTA. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam
the greater good. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of
Madam Speaker, I acknowledge the b 1600 my time.
hard work done on both sides of the We do not yet know the full extent to Madam Speaker, I, once again, want
aisle to author this bipartisan legisla- which the COVID–19 pandemic will im- to thank Ms. BONAMICI and Mr. COMER,
tion aimed at protecting some of our pact our children, but we need to make as well as Ms. STEVENS, Ms. STEFANIK,
most vulnerable citizens. Protecting sure that we are fully prepared to take Ms. SCHRIER, Mr. JOHNSON, and Rank-
America’s children from abuse and ne- care of them no matter what. ing Member FOXX for their leadership
glect is something we can all agree is As my esteemed colleague, Rep- in advancing this bill.
of paramount importance, and I am resentative FOXX, has just made men- Stronger CAPTA will make signifi-
glad we could work together on such a tion of, we know that additional cant improvements in existing law by
meaningful initiative. stressors with COVID–19 pose more authorizing record levels of funding for
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Madam Speaker, I urge all Members conflicts in our homes, and thereby prevention as well as treating child
to support the Stronger CAPTA, and I adding additional opportunities for abuse, increasing accountability to
reserve the balance of my time. child abuse. Now is not the time to re- make sure States are using the money
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam duce funding or support for these well- effectively, and closing gaps in the law
Speaker, I yield such time as she may needed services. Our Nation’s children that will put vulnerable children in
consume to the gentlewoman from need us now more than ever. danger.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.023 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1389
Madam Speaker, I urge my col- SEC. 2. EXTENSIONS. seized by creditors. They also help peo-
leagues to support the legislation, and (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1113 of the ple stay in their homes and ensure that
I yield back the balance of my time. CARES Act (Public Law 116–136) is amend- their utilities are not shut off.
ed—
Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speak- In addition, these provisions protect
(1) in subsection (a)(5) (11 U.S.C. 1182 note),
er, I am pleased to rise today in strong sup- by striking ‘‘1 year’’ and inserting ‘‘2 years’’; individuals and creditors alike from
port of the CAPTA reauthorization measure and the effects of the pandemic derailing
that is before the House today. (2) in subsection (b)(2)(B) (11 U.S.C. 101 the court-ordered repayment plans
I want to thank Chairman SCOTT and Rank- note), by striking ‘‘1 year’’ and inserting ‘‘2 that promise a way out of chapter 13
ing Member FOXX for their leadership and for years’’. bankruptcy.
the bipartisan work on this legislation that has (b) MODIFICATION OF PLAN AFTER CON- They will also allow more small busi-
FIRMATION.—
brought us to this point. nesses to take advantage of the
(1) Section 1329(d)(1) of title 11, United
This measure provides an overdue but crit- States Code, is amended, in the matter pre-
streamlined process established by the
ical reauthorization of programs authorized ceding subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘this Small Business Reorganization Act.
under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treat- subsection’’ and inserting ‘‘the COVID–19 Extending these necessary protec-
ment Act (CAPTA). These changes would, Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021’’. tions until March of next year will pro-
among others, address child abuse and ne- (2) Section 1113(b)(1)(D)(ii) of the CARES vide much-needed certainty that the
glect related to families impacted by sub- Act (11 U.S.C. 1329 note) is amended by strik- bankruptcy system will remain respon-
stance use disorders, racial bias in the child ing ‘‘this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘the COVID–19 sive to debtors and creditors alike dur-
Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021’’. ing this extraordinarily disruptive cri-
protective services system, and improving ef-
(c) BANKRUPTCY RELIEF.—Section 1001 of
forts to combat child sexual abuse. division FF of the Consolidated Appropria-
sis.
The bill also contains language based on tions Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260) is amend- I thank Mr. CLINE for his work with
my Family Poverty is Not Child Neglect Act, ed by striking ‘‘the date that is 1 year after me on this bill, and for his work to en-
which aims to stop families from being ripped the date of enactment of this Act’’ each sure that small businesses have mean-
apart not because of neglect or abuse, but for place the term appears and inserting ‘‘March ingful access to the bankruptcy proc-
issues rooted in poverty. In these situations, 27, 2022’’. ess.
services to help families and support them and SEC. 3. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF- Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
FECTS. leagues to support this urgently needed
their children are a much better approach than
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the bill, and I reserve the balance of my
family separation. purpose of complying with the Statutory
I appreciate the support from the chairman Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter-
time.
and bipartisan support and efforts of Rep. mined by reference to the latest statement Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I yield
SUSIE LEE and Rep. BOB GOOD to ensure this titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla- myself such time as I may consume.
language was included in the bill. tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in Madam Speaker, this pandemic, ev-
I also worked with Rep. JOSEPH MORELLE the Congressional Record by the Chairman of eryone knows, has uprooted lives and
and Rep. VAN TAYLOR to include the Study the House Budget Committee, provided that caused untold destruction to families,
and Report on Marital Age of Consent exam- such statement has been submitted prior to to workers, and to small businesses.
the vote on passage. And many see the partisan behavior as
ining the prevalence of forced child marriages
in the United States and their impact on chil- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- destructive during this time, and they
dren’s safety and well-being. ant to the rule, the gentleman from often do not see the bipartisan behav-
I am pleased that we are taking steps to re- New York (Mr. NADLER) and the gen- ior.
fresh and strengthen our efforts, with states tleman from California (Mr. ISSA) each Today’s extension, H.R. 1651, is an ex-
and local authorities, to protect our children. I will control 20 minutes. ample of bipartisan behavior on behalf
urge my colleagues to vote yes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman of the American people. Repeated and
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The from New York. lengthy government shutdowns in re-
question is on the motion offered by GENERAL LEAVE sponse to the pandemic have dev-
the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I ask astated the ability of millions to work,
SCOTT) that the House suspend the unanimous consent that all Members pay bills, and support their families,
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 485. have 5 legislative days in which to re- and keep their small businesses afloat.
The question was taken; and the vise and extend their remarks and to In my home State of California, the
Speaker pro tempore announced that include extraneous material on H.R. restaurant industry has seen more than
the ayes appeared to have it. 1651. one out of four restaurants shutter
Mrs. GREENE of Georgia. Madam The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there their doors forever.
Speaker, on that I demand the yeas objection to the request of the gen- In 2020, Congress passed five bipar-
and nays. tleman from New York? tisan COVID relief packages. The
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- There was no objection. CARES Act allowed a variety of tem-
ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I porary relief measures for families and
8, the yeas and nays are ordered. yield myself such time as I may con- small businesses. When it was passed,
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- sume. we believed that, in fact, once the vac-
ther proceedings on this question are Madam Speaker, H.R. 1651, the cine was available, that we would be
postponed. COVID–19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension able to put this behind us. But today,
f
Act of 2021, is bipartisan legislation to when over 10 percent of Americans
temporarily extend, until March 27, have received a vaccine, we now know
COVID–19 BANKRUPTCY RELIEF 2022, the COVID–19 bankruptcy relief that the road to full recovery is longer
EXTENSION ACT OF 2021 provisions enacted as part of the ahead of us even after we begin going
Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I CARES Act in the December 2020 omni- to work.
move to suspend the rules and pass the bus appropriations bill. So allowing small businesses to file
bill (H.R. 1651) to amend the CARES Since the bankruptcy provisions of chapter 11 bankruptcy by increasing
Act to extend the sunset for the defini- the CARES Act will expire next week, the maximum debt ceiling, excluding
tion of a small business debtor, and for it is urgent for Congress to ensure that Federal COVID relief payments from
other purposes, as amended. families and small businesses do not income calculations, and allowing
The Clerk read the title of the bill. lose access to these economic lifelines. debtors to file chapter 13 to modify
The text of the bill is as follows: These provisions were enacted last their payment plans are only some of
H.R. 1651 year to provide critical relief to fami- the critical items that the CARES Act
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- lies and small businesses forced into did. Today we are making sure these
resentatives of the United States of America in bankruptcy because of the ongoing will continue until March of 2022.
Congress assembled, pandemic. For example, they help en- This bill also extends through 2022
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. sure that Federal COVID-related relief bankruptcy relief provisions included
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘COVID–19 payments are used by families to get in the December 2020 COVID relief
Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021’’. through this pandemic instead of being package. This extension will provide
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.025 H16MRPT1
H1390 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
individuals and businesses with cer- as of September 30, 2020, there were 759 the gentleman from New York (Mr.
tainty and simplicity as they look at subchapter V cases filed in the 6 NADLER) that the House suspend the
an economic recovery that, although it months from the time the debt limit rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1651, as
is underway, may be long. was raised to the end of fiscal year amended.
Enacting this bill will assist debtors 2020, with information on liabilities The question was taken.
and businesses of all sorts, as Ameri- available for 548 of these cases. Of The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the
cans and their firms continue to ad- those, 28 percent involved debtors opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being
dress economic realities. This bill is bi- whose liabilities exceeded the original in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
partisan, and the bill recognizes that limit of $2.7 million. These debtors Mrs. GREENE of Georgia. Madam
even businesses which have remained would not have been eligible for sub- Speaker, on that I demand the yeas
up and running often find themselves chapter V without the temporary in- and nays.
in a ripple effect of other bankruptcies crease provided by the CARES Act. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
or failures by companies that have Without this bill to keep the debt ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
been shut down. limit at $7.5 million for another year 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Madam Speaker, I strongly rec- while we continue to navigate this pan- Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur-
ommend the passage of this bill, and I demic, about 30 percent of businesses ther proceedings on this motion are
reserve the balance of my time. that would choose to use it would no postponed.
Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I re- longer be eligible. f
serve the balance of my time. Preservation of the business benefits
Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 both the creditor, which should receive VOCA FIX TO SUSTAIN THE CRIME
minutes to the gentleman from Vir- a higher recovery because of the debt- VICTIMS FUND ACT OF 2021
ginia (Mr. CLINE), one of the coauthors or’s restructuring than they would if Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I
of this bill. the business liquidated, and the debtor, move to suspend the rules and pass the
Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I thank who will now be able to remain in busi- bill (H.R. 1652) to deposit certain funds
the gentleman from California, my ness rather than liquidating. into the Crime Victims Fund, to waive
friend, for his work on this issue, and I Our districts depend on their small matching requirements, and for other
thank the chairman for his work on businesses. They are hotels, conven- purposes, as amended.
this issue and their great leadership on ience stores, restaurants, and phar- The Clerk read the title of the bill.
this important initiative. macies. Those who endeavor to open The text of the bill is as follows:
Madam Speaker, in 2010, the National and run a small business are proud of H.R. 1652
Bankruptcy Conference Small Business their work and their standing in our
Working Group released and presented Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
communities.
resentatives of the United States of America in
to Congress a report that identified a Unfortunately, they also take on a
Congress assembled,
problem regarding small businesses and sometimes-insurmountable financial
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
the bankruptcy law, and recommended burden. As we have seen over the last
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘VOCA Fix to
amendments to the code to add a new year, when they are forced to close, it Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of
chapter for small business reorganiza- has a great impact on the rest of us. 2021’’.
tions. That is why the year-end spending and SEC. 2. COMPREHENSIVE FIX OF CRIME VICTIMS
As a result of this recommendation, I relief package omitted recovery rebate FUND AND COMPENSATION.
introduced the Small Business Reorga- payments from bankruptcy estates and (a) CRIME VICTIMS FUND.—Section 1402 of
nization Act, which was signed into blocked utilities from stopping or de- the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (34 U.S.C.
law in August of 2019, and I am pleased nying service to some individuals in 20101) is amended—
to say it has been a great success for bankruptcy. This bill would extend (1) in subsection (b)—
those provisions by 3 months but (A) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘; and’’
small businesses.
and inserting a semicolon;
It is my understanding that 80 per- wouldn’t affect other provisions in that (B) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking the pe-
cent of small business debtors have law that are already scheduled to ex- riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
chosen to proceed under subchapter V, pire later in 2022. (C) by adding at the end the following new
and preliminary data indicates that I am proud to have introduced this paragraph:
these cases are achieving confirmation legislation along with Chairman NAD- ‘‘(6) any funds that would otherwise be de-
far more often than small businesses LER to support our small businesses posited in the general fund of the Treasury
who filed prior to SBRA. and our families, and I urge its pas- collected pursuant to—
However, the Small Business Reorga- sage. ‘‘(A) a deferred prosecution agreement; or
nization Act implemented only a Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I ‘‘(B) a non-prosecution agreement.’’; and
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘Director’’
month before the COVID–19 pandemic have no further speakers.
and inserting ‘‘Director, except that renew-
caused the State-mandated temporary Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, both
als and extensions beyond that period may
closure of thousands of businesses. sides of the aisle are united behind this be granted at the discretion of the Attorney
good, sensible extension of law.
b 1615 Madam Speaker, I strongly rec-
General’’.
(b) CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION.—Section
Seeing the need to ensure that this ommend that all of our Members vote 1403 of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (34
new lifeline would be even more for it, and I yield back the balance of U.S.C. 20102) is amended—
impactful, the CARES Act passed in my time. (1) in subsection (a)—
March 2020 increased the amount of Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, this (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘40 per-
debt a business can have to be eligible bill will provide critical relief to the cent in fiscal year 2002 and of 60 percent in
for small business bankruptcy proce- small businesses and families forced subsequent fiscal years’’ and inserting ‘‘75
percent’’;
dures from $2.7 million to $7.5 million into bankruptcy because of the ongoing (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘of 40 per-
and allowed debtors experiencing hard- pandemic. These provisions help make cent in fiscal year 2002 and of 60 percent in
ship because of COVID–19 to modify sure that the pandemic does not derail subsequent fiscal years’’;
bankruptcy reorganization plans en- the path to a fresh start that the bank- (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para-
tered into before the law was enacted. ruptcy code promises for individuals graph (4); and
I have heard from bankruptcy judges and businesses alike. (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol-
and lawyers in the Western District of As Mr. ISSA said, this is bipartisan lowing new paragraph:
Virginia who have said that their expe- legislation. I am aware of no opposition ‘‘(3) For the purposes of calculating
rience with the Small Business Reorga- amounts awarded in the previous fiscal year
to it whatsoever.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
under this subsection, the Director shall not
nization Act has been extremely posi- Madam Speaker, I hope all of my col-
require eligible crime victim compensation
tive. According to the American Bank- leagues will support this urgently programs to deduct recovery costs or collec-
ruptcy Institute, as of last Sunday, needed bill, and I yield back the bal- tions from restitution or from subrogation
1,651 cases have been filed. ance of my time. for payment under a civil lawsuit.’’;
In addition, according to the Federal The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (2) in subsection (b)(2) by striking ‘‘au-
Judicial Center’s Integrated Database, question is on the motion offered by thorities;’’ and inserting ‘‘authorities, except
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.027 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1391
if a program determines such cooperation There was no objection. LEE), and the other bipartisan cospon-
may be impacted due to a victim’s age, phys- Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I sors of this important legislation for
ical condition, psychological state, cultural yield myself such time as I may con- their support. I also want to thank our
or linguistic barriers, or any other health or
sume. colleagues in the Senate, including
safety concern that jeopardizes the victim’s
wellbeing;’’; and
Madam Speaker, the VOCA Fix to Senator DURBIN, the lead sponsor, and
(3) in subsection (d)— Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act Senator GRAHAM, for their efforts to
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘; and’’ would support vital victim service pro- pass this bill in that Chamber as well.
and inserting a semicolon; grams by preventing future cuts to al- This bipartisan and bicameral legis-
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period ready diminished Federal victim serv- lation ensures that programs and serv-
at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and ice grants. ices assisting victims of crime are fully
(C) by adding at the end the following new Grants under the Victims of Crime funded and are better-supported, with
paragraph: Act, or VOCA, are the primary source no new taxpayer dollars.
‘‘(5) the term ‘recovery costs’ means ex-
of Federal funding for thousands of vic- Madam Speaker, I urge all of my col-
penses for personnel directly involved in the
recovery efforts to obtain collections from tim service providers around the coun- leagues to support this legislation, and
restitution or from subrogation for payment try, including programs serving vic- I reserve the balance of my time.
under a civil law suit.’’. tims of domestic violence, sexual as- Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I yield
SEC. 3. WAIVER OF MATCHING REQUIREMENT. sault, child abuse, trafficking, and myself such time as I may consume.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1404(a) of the Vic- drunk driving. VOCA grants also fund Madam Speaker, so often, we hear
tims of Crime Act of 1984 (34 U.S.C. 20103(a)) victim compensation, including paying criminals should pay for what they
is amended by inserting at the end the fol- medical bills, covering lost wages, and have done wrong. This is exactly what
lowing new paragraph: paying for funeral costs. the Victims of Crime Act has done.
‘‘(7)(A) Each chief executive may waive a These critical grants are not tax- Since 1984, it has provided the ability
matching requirement imposed by the Direc-
tor, in accordance with subparagraph (B), as
payer-funded. Instead, they are paid to collect fines and fees against those
a condition for the receipt of funds under out of the Crime Victims Fund, or very perpetrators and apply it toward
any program to provide assistance to victims CVF, which is funded, in turn, through the solution and, in fact, the remedi-
of crimes authorized under this chapter. The Federal criminal fines, forfeited bail ation of the damage they have done. No
chief executive shall report to the Director bonds, penalties, and special assess- amount of money makes up for the
the approval of any waiver of the matching ments collected by U.S. Attorneys’ Of- crimes they have committed, but cer-
requirement. fices, Federal U.S. courts, and the Fed- tainly, this goes a long way.
‘‘(B) Each chief executive shall establish eral Bureau of Prisons. Today, we are dealing with the tend-
and make public, a policy including—
Over the past several years, however, ency within Article II, within the exec-
‘‘(i) the manner in which an eligible crime
victim assistance program can request a deposits into the CVF have dropped utive branch, that when money is
match waiver; significantly, leading to corresponding available, to see if they can’t move it
‘‘(ii) the criteria used to determine eligi- cuts in grants to victim service pro- to where they would like to spend it
bility of the match waiver; and viders. This is, in part, because the rather than the clear intent of Con-
‘‘(iii) the process for decision making and Federal Government has increased its gress.
notifying the eligible crime victim assist- reliance in recent years on deferred I would like to thank Chairman NAD-
ance program of the decision.’’. prosecution and nonprosecution agree- LER and Congresswoman WAGNER for
(b) NATIONAL EMERGENCY WAIVER.—Section
1404(a) of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (34 ments, the penalties from which are their work on making sure that this
U.S.C. 20103(a)), as amended by subsection not deposited into the CVF. bill does just that. It puts the money
(a), is further amended by inserting at the This legislation would shore up fund- back where it was originally intended.
end the following new paragraph: ing for this critical fund by requiring For instance, VOCA supports shelters
‘‘(8) Beginning on the date a national DOJ to deposit penalties from these de- for victims of domestic violence, which
emergency is declared under the National ferred prosecution and nonprosecution affects more than 12 million adults
Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with agreements into the CVF, in addition each year. VOCA funding is also used
respect to a pandemic and ending on the date to the funds currently deposited from to support services for victims of child
that is one year after the date of the end of
such national emergency, each chief execu-
other sources. abuse and sexual assaults.
tive shall issue waivers for any matching re- Not only does this legislation ensure In all, more than 6,000 organizations
quirement, in its entirety, for all eligible the CVF is more financially stable, it nationwide are funded through this
crime victim assistance programs contracted would also make much-needed im- act. However, because funding has fluc-
to provide services at that time.’’. provements to victim compensation tuated and at times has been diverted
SEC. 4. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF- and services. For example, it would in- by the Department of Justice, this, in
FECTS. crease the statutory amount awarded fact, will both increase and stabilize
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the to victim compensation programs, and those funds.
purpose of complying with the Statutory
it expands the range of victims eligible Over the years, Congress has adjusted
Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter-
mined by reference to the latest statement for compensation. It also allows States funding flowing in and out of this ac-
titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla- to request a no-cost extension from the count in an attempt to create cer-
tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in Attorney General, as allowed for other tainty for support for these programs.
the Congressional Record by the Chairman of Department of Justice formula grant Unfortunately, we haven’t always suc-
the House Budget Committee, provided that programs, to ensure that States can ceeded, and I am not without some rec-
such statement has been submitted prior to thoughtfully and effectively distribute ognition that today will not be the last
the vote on passage. victim service grants without being pe- time we come back to say that Con-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- nalized. gress, on a completely nonpartisan
ant to the rule, the gentleman from Other improvements include waiving basis, really means it: These penalties
New York (Mr. NADLER) and the gen- matching requirements for the dura- and fines need to get to the organiza-
tleman from California (Mr. ISSA) each tion of the COVID–19 crisis, plus 1 addi- tions that deal with the victims.
will control 20 minutes. tional year, and additional discretion Today’s bill will do just that. We
The Chair recognizes the gentleman for the States which administer VOCA stand, on a bipartisan basis, ready to
from New York. funds to further waive matching re- ensure that we do that again.
GENERAL LEAVE quirements once this initial waiver pe- Madam Speaker, I would like to
Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I ask riod expires. thank the chairman, Congresswoman
unanimous consent that all Members All of these provisions would sub- WAGNER, and all the others who worked
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- stantially improve the program’s effec- so diligently on this bill.
tend their remarks and include extra- tiveness and would enable it to offer Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal-
neous material on H.R. 1652. more services to more people. ance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there I want to thank the gentleman from Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I
objection to the request of the gen- Pennsylvania (Mr. FITZPATRICK), the yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman
tleman from New York? gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE).
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.008 H16MRPT1
H1392 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, sexual assault, and sex trafficking that Further drastic cuts to VOCA funding are
across America, we can hear the cries show that victims are in need. Victims expected, as the non-taxpayer-funded pool
of those who have been victims of are elders, victims are young, victims from which these grants originate, the Crime
crime. It is not in any way distin- are families, and victims are mothers Victims Fund, is running dry.
guished by communities, race, age, or and fathers. The Crime Victims Fund serves as an ex-
sex. It prevails in our society. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. SE- ample of true justice, because the money
I am reminded of the tragedy of two WELL). The time of the gentlewoman used to support victims comes not from tax-
brothers on a crime spree killing a man has expired. payer dollars but rather from the criminal fines
and kidnapping a woman. Those are Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I and penalties paid by federally convicted of-
victims of crimes. Their families are yield the gentlewoman an additional 1 fenders.
victims of crimes. minute. The Crime Victims Fund has shrunk rapidly
I can assure you, Madam Speaker, Ms. JACKSON LEE. We are doing so in recent years and continues to decline, be-
that we stand collectively, as Members because we recognize the urgency and cause rather than prosecuting cases, the De-
of Congress, recognizing that VOCA is dire need faced by victims and sur- partment of Justice increasingly settles cases
crucial to responding to restorative vivors throughout this country during through deferred prosecution and non-pros-
a pinnacle moment caused by the pan-
justice for victims. ecution agreements, and the monetary pen-
The Federal grants used to support demic.
The numbers of domestic violence alties associated with these agreements are
victim services through VOCA have de- deposited into the Treasury rather than the
have gone up in cities like Houston and
creased significantly over the past sev- San Antonio and in States like Oregon Crime Victims Fund.
eral years. Further drastic cuts to and New York. We should recognize These agreements deny funding to victim
VOCA funding are expected as the non- that cooperation on this legislation, in services, which is contrary to the spirit of
taxpayer-funded pool from which these terms of improving the funding, is ab- VOCA: monetary penalties from crimes should
grants originated, the Crime Victims solutely crucial. go to serve victims of crimes.
Fund, is running dry. Without the VOCA fix of 2021, sur- The crimes from which these penalties are
I am delighted to be an original co- vivors of domestic violence and sexual derived are the same, whether they are pros-
sponsor with Chairman NADLER, Mr. assault will inevitably lose access to ecuted or settled, and the funding should be
FITZPATRICK, and Ms. SCANLON, and to victim support services. It is leaving going to serve victims.
have worked with Congresswoman victims and survivors without options The VOCA Fix Act of 2021 fixes this by en-
WAGNER over the years on this very im- for safety and valuable opportunities suring that monetary penalties associated with
portant legislation. to help them in their victimization if deferred and non-prosecution agreements go
Further drastic cuts to VOCA are ex- we don’t fund this and change this into the Crime Victims Fund instead of into the
pected as the nontaxpayer-funded pool process. Treasury.
from which these grants originate, the The VOCA fix will rebuild lives, and This simple fix will prevent future funding
Crime Victims Fund, is running dry. it will save the lives of children who cuts that jeopardize programs’ abilities to
The Crime Victims Fund serves as an have been impacted by violence against serve their communities and will help address
example of true justice because the their family members. the many growing and unmet needs of victims
money used to support victims comes, Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of and survivors, including survivors of domestic
not from taxpayer dollars but, rather, H.R. 1652, or the ‘‘VOCA Fix Act of 2021,’’ a violence.
from the criminal fines and penalties critical piece of legislation designed to curtail VICTIM COOPERATION
paid by federally convicted offenders. and prevent future cuts to an already dimin- This legislation not only recognizes that it is
The Crime Victims Fund has shrunk ished federal victim service grants program. the victims of crime that bear the brunt of the
rapidly in recent years and continues This legislation must pass, because VOCA drastic cuts being made, but also that we must
to decline because, rather than pros- grants provides compensation to victims of protect those victims that have the courage to
ecuting cases, the Department of Jus- crime at critical moments of desperate need. come forward and work together with the au-
tice increasingly settles cases through VOCA funds could help compensate the thorities to bring justice to their offenders.
deferred prosecution and nonprosecu- only surviving victim of Robert Lee Haskell Victims who cooperate with authorities often
tion agreements, and the monetary who, driven by vengeance, fatally shot six fear for their own safety and face pain at re-
penalties associated with these agree- members of his ex-wife’s family in Texas, in- visited trauma, and this legislation recognizes
ments are deposited in the Treasury cluding four children. that rather than putting victims in further dan-
rather than the Crime Victims Fund. The survivor of Haskell’s rampage, a girl of
ger, we create for them a safe environment—
We don’t want to pit one form of re- only fifteen, was shot in the head and only
both physically and emotionally.
form against one great need. These survived by playing dead.
Victims may be intimidated by law enforce-
VOCA funds could help compensate the
agreements may diminish the ability ment or other government agencies, but if we
wife and two children of a man killed in a
of VOCA to be funded because of the want victims to fully and freely cooperate with
home intrusion in Harris County, Texas, after
lack of dollars going into the fund. The the authorities, we must ensure that victims
an intruder entered the family’s home, ordered
crimes for which these penalties are feel protected and that there is no risk of be-
the wife and children to lock themselves into
derived are the same whether they are coming retraumatized.
a room, and then proceeded to shoot their
prosecuted or settled, and the funding We must also make sure that if victims co-
husband and father.
should be given to serve victims. VOCA funds could help compensate a operate with authorities, then measures to en-
The VOCA Fix Act of 2021 fixes this woman who was abducted in Houston and sure the safety of victims will be provided in
by ensuring that monetary penalties forced to drive to an ATM at gunpoint, where our government agencies working in tandem
associated with deferred and non- she withdrew cash to give to her abductors. with victim service providers.
prosecution agreements go into the VOCA funds could help compensate innu- Tomorrow, the House will vote on H.R.
Crime Victims Fund instead of into the merable victims and survivors of federal 1620, which will reauthorize the Violence
Treasury. It is common sense. Victims crimes, but only if we pass this legislation. Against Women Act (VA WA) of 1994.
are outcrying their need for relief. VOCA grants have been vital in their sup- We are doing so because we recognize the
This simple fix will prevent future port of traditional victim service providers urgency and dire need faced by the victims
funding cuts that jeopardize programs’ across the nation, particularly for those organi- and survivors throughout this country during a
abilities to serve their communities zations serving victims of domestic violence, significant moment of ongoing domestic vio-
and will help address the many growing sexual assault, child abuse, trafficking, and lence caused by this pandemic and experi-
and unmet needs of victims and sur- drunk driving. enced by both women and men.
vivors, including survivors of domestic VOCA grants also fund victim compensa- Although local victim services agencies are
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
violence. tion, which helps survivors pay medical bills, there to help, they are facing record numbers
We will be on the floor tomorrow missed wages, and in the most severe cases, of clients as well as the economic con-
with the opportunity to vote on the re- funeral costs. sequences of the pandemic.
authorization of the Violence Against However, the federal grants used to support Without the VOCA Fix Act of 2021, sur-
Women Act. There are countless exam- victim services through VOCA have decreased vivors of domestic violence and sexual assault
ples in domestic violence, stalking, significantly over the past several years. will inevitably lose access to victim support
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.031 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1393
services, leaving victims and survivors without passes this, we will have the oppor- PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION
options for safety and vulnerable to further vic- tunity to actually make this law. OF H.R. 1620, VIOLENCE AGAINST
timization. I am grateful that the House is tak-
WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT
Madam Speaker, the time is now to deliver OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSID-
ing swift action to secure services for
access to the services victims and survivors ERATION OF H.R. 6, AMERICAN
so desperately need during a critical moment victims. Again, I urge my colleagues to DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF
when the need for victim assistance has sky- support the VOCA Fix to Sustain the 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDER-
rocketed, and programs are being forced to Crime Victims Fund Act. ATION OF H.R. 1603, FARM WORK-
cut lifesaving services for victims. Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, in clos- FORCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF
Yes, it will be the fair assessment of ing, I urge passage of this bill, I rec- 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDER-
justice. That is what we are here to do; ommend that all Members vote ‘‘yes,’’ ATION OF H.R. 1868, PREVENTING
fair operatives of justice. So I ask my PAYGO SEQUESTRATION; PRO-
and I yield back the balance of my
colleagues to support this legislation VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF
time.
and to join us tomorrow to support the H.J. RES. 17, REMOVING THE
Violence Against Women Act, to recog- Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I DEADLINE FOR THE RATIFICA-
nize that it is our job to promote jus- yield myself the balance of my time for TION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS
tice. the purpose of closing. AMENDMENT; AND FOR OTHER
b 1630 Last year, all 56 State and territorial PURPOSES
Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, it is now attorneys general sent a letter to Con- Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
my pleasure to yield 5 minutes to the gress warning us that the balance and Speaker, by direction of the Com-
gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. WAG- mittee on Rules, I call up House Reso-
financial health of the Crime Victims
NER), who has done so much on this
lution 233 and ask for its immediate
Fund is in jeopardy and urging that we consideration.
bill. act swiftly to address the problem. The Clerk read the resolution, as fol-
Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I They explained any decrease in the lows:
thank the gentleman from California funds available for distribution results H. RES. 233
for yielding. A good friend in Congress
in a decrease in the number of victims Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso-
for years, we are so glad to have the lution it shall be in order to consider in the
gentleman back. and survivors that are served, as well
as potential loss of essential staff in House the bill (H.R. 1620) to reauthorize the
I also thank Chairman NADLER for Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and for
leading this legislation, along with so victim service programs. other purposes. All points of order against
many others. The VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime consideration of the bill are waived. An
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of amendment in the nature of a substitute
Victims Fund Act heeds their call and
H.R. 1652, the VOCA Fix to Sustain the consisting of the text of Rules Committee
would ensure that this fund has the re- Print 117-3, modified by the amendment
Crime Victims Fund Act. I am proud to sources it needs to continue delivering printed in part A of the report of the Com-
co-lead this critical legislation, which mittee on Rules accompanying this resolu-
essential services to victims of crime.
will ensure that victims of serious tion, shall be considered as adopted. The bill,
crimes can continue to access the serv- This important legislation is supported
as amended, shall be considered as read. All
ices that they need to heal and rebuild by more than 1,670 national, regional, points of order against provisions in the bill,
their lives. State, territorial, and local organiza- as amended, are waived. The previous ques-
The Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, tions. tion shall be considered as ordered on the
grants are the primary source of sup- bill, as amended, and on any further amend-
I thank all of my colleagues who ment thereto, to final passage without inter-
port for programs dedicated to sur- have supported this bill. I am aware of vening motion except: (1) one hour of debate
vivors of domestic abuse, sexual as- no opposition to this bill at all, and I equally divided and controlled by the chair
sault, trafficking, child abuse, and and ranking minority member of the Com-
urge all of my colleagues to support it.
other very traumatic crimes. mittee on the Judiciary or their respective
These grants are funded by Federal Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- designees; (2) the further amendments de-
criminal monetary penalties, not by ance of my time. scribed in section 2 of this resolution; (3) the
taxpayers. However, with the Depart- amendments en bloc described in section 3 of
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The this resolution; and (4) one motion to recom-
ment of Justice increasingly seeking question is on the motion offered by mit.
nonprosecution and deferred-prosecu-
the gentleman from New York (Mr. SEC. 2. After debate pursuant to the first
tion agreements instead of prosecuting section of this resolution, each further
NADLER) that the House suspend the
Federal crimes, VOCA grants are fac- amendment printed in part B of the report of
ing catastrophic cuts. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1652, as the Committee on Rules not earlier consid-
In my own home State of Missouri, amended. ered as part of amendments en bloc pursuant
we are expecting a 25 percent cut to The question was taken. to section 3 of this resolution shall be con-
VOCA funds in the upcoming year if sidered only in the order printed in the re-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the port, may be offered only by a Member des-
this bill is not signed into law. Mis-
opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being ignated in the report, shall be considered as
souri law enforcement and victim serv- read, shall be debatable for the time speci-
ice providers, along with prosecutors, in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
fied in the report equally divided and con-
need Congress to enact this legislation Mrs. GREENE of Georgia. Madam trolled by the proponent and an opponent,
so they can protect and care for their Speaker, on that I demand the yeas may be withdrawn by the proponent at any
communities. and nays. time before the question is put thereon, shall
If we do not act swiftly to stabilize not be subject to amendment, and shall not
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- be subject to a demand for division of the
the VOCA funding, thousands of Ameri-
cans will be unable to access lifesaving ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution question.
8, the yeas and nays are ordered. SEC. 3. It shall be in order at any time
services. These programs have never after debate pursuant to the first section of
been more important. The pandemic Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- this resolution for the chair of the Com-
has put women and children, in par- ther proceedings on this motion are mittee on the Judiciary or his designee to
ticular, at an increased risk of abuse postponed. offer amendments en bloc consisting of fur-
and domestic violence. We cannot leave ther amendments printed in part B of the re-
victims without support during fright- port of the Committee on Rules accom-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
ening and vulnerable times. panying this resolution not earlier disposed
of. Amendments en bloc offered pursuant to
This bipartisan and bicameral legis-
this section shall be considered as read, shall
lation will help those victims recover be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided
as our justice system prosecutes the and controlled by the chair and ranking mi-
criminals responsible, which is why I nority member of the Committee on the Ju-
am also hopeful that when the Senate diciary or their respective designees, shall
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:35 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.010 H16MRPT1
H1394 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
not be subject to amendment, and shall not SEC. 10. Notwithstanding clause 7(a) of rule line from domestic violence, as some-
be subject to a demand for division of the X, during the One Hundred Seventeenth Con- one who has heard gunshots silence a
question. gress, the period described in such clause young girl’s screams for help, I am tell-
SEC. 4. All points of order against the fur- shall end at midnight on April 22.
ther amendments printed in part B of the re- ing you, the thousand people victim-
port of the Committee on Rules accom-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ized while we are here tonight need and
panying this resolution or amendments en tlewoman from California is recognized deserve our help.
bloc described in section 3 of this resolution for 1 hour. That is exactly what the Violence
are waived. Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Against Women Act does. It makes
SEC. 5. Upon adoption of this resolution it Speaker, for the purpose of debate vital new investments in prevention. It
shall be in order to consider in the House the only, I yield the customary 30 minutes
bill (H.R. 6) to authorize the cancellation of strengthens essential protections for
removal and adjustment of status of certain
to the gentlewoman from Minnesota the most vulnerable among us, includ-
aliens, and for other purposes. All points of (Mrs. FISCHBACH), pending which I yield ing immigrant, LGBTQ, and Native
order against consideration of the bill are myself such time as I may consume. American women, and it improves serv-
waived. An amendment in the nature of a During consideration of this resolu- ices for victims, prevents abusers and
substitute consisting of the text of Rules tion, all time yielded is for the purpose stalkers from getting firearms, and
Committee Print 117–4 shall be considered as of debate only. much, much more.
adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be con-
sidered as read. All points of order against
GENERAL LEAVE VAWA is one of many vital protec-
provisions in the bill, as amended, are Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam tions we will discuss today, but it isn’t
waived. The previous question shall be con- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the only one.
sidered as ordered on the bill, as amended, all Members be given 5 legislative days Madam Speaker, this September will
and on any further amendment thereto, to to revise and extend their remarks. mark 100 years since an amendment
final passage without intervening motion ex- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there was first proposed for our Constitution
cept: (1) one hour of debate equally divided objection to the request of the gentle- to guarantee women equal rights with
and controlled by the chair and ranking mi-
woman from California? men. It finally passed Congress in 1972.
nority member of the Committee on the Ju-
diciary or their respective designees; and (2) There was no objection. This simple amendment, which reads
one motion to recommit. Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam in part, ‘‘Equality of rights under the
SEC. 6. Upon adoption of this resolution it Speaker, today, the Rules Committee law shall not be denied or abridged,’’ is
shall be in order to consider in the House the met and reported a rule, House Resolu- being held up on a technicality. States
bill (H.R. 1603) to amend the Immigration tion 233, providing for consideration of took so long to sign on that the arbi-
and Nationality Act to provide for terms and trary deadline that was set by Con-
H.R. 1620 under a structured rule. The
conditions for nonimmigrant workers per-
rule self-executes a manager’s amend- gress, this body, has passed, even as 38
forming agricultural labor or services, and
for other purposes. All points of order ment by Chairman NADLER, makes in States have ratified the amendment.
against consideration of the bill are waived. order 41 amendments, and provides en Congress created this problem, and
The amendment printed in part C of the re- bloc authority to Chairman NADLER. Congress must fix it. H.J. Res. 79 will
port of the Committee on Rules accom- remove the deadline for ratification
panying this resolution shall be considered b 1645
and finally allow us to ensure women
as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be The rule also provides for consider- are treated as equals to men in our de-
considered as read. All points of order ation of H.R. 6, H.R. 1603, and H.J. Res. mocracy.
against provisions in the bill, as amended, 17, under closed rules.
are waived. The previous question shall be
The need for equal rights under the
considered as ordered on the bill, as amend-
The rule provides 1 hour of debate law is not debatable. Too often, we
ed, and on any further amendment thereto, each, equally divided and controlled by have seen the results of unfair and un-
to final passage without intervening motion the chair and ranking member of the equal policies for women. This bill will
except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided Committee on the Judiciary or their help end those injustices.
and controlled by the chair and ranking mi- designees for H.R. 1620, H.R. 6, H.R. As we strive to make our Nation a
nority member of the Committee on the Ju- 1603, and H.J. Res. 17. more perfect union, we need to con-
diciary or their respective designees; and (2) The rule provides for one motion to sider how we treat immigrants, too.
one motion to recommit.
SEC. 7. Upon adoption of this resolution it
recommit on each bill. The rule also Immigrants are the invisible backbone
shall be in order to consider in the House the self-executes a manager’s amendment of this country. They are our family
bill (H.R. 1868) to prevent across-the-board by Chairman NADLER for H.R. 1603. members, our neighbors, our frontline
direct spending cuts, and for other purposes. The rule provides for consideration of workers, woven into every aspect of
All points of order against consideration of H.R. 1868 under a closed rule. It also the American fabric.
the bill are waived. The bill shall be consid- provides 1 hour of debate equally di- Dreamers grew up in our commu-
ered as read. All points of order against pro- vided and controlled by the chair and nities. They pledge allegiance to our
visions in the bill are waived. The previous
question shall be considered as ordered on
ranking member of the Committee on flag. They played in our fields, prayed
the bill and on any amendment thereto to the Budget or their designees. in our churches, and worked in our
final passage without intervening motion ex- Finally, the rule provides that H.R. stores. They want to contribute to the
cept: (1) one hour of debate equally divided 232 is hereby adopted and extends the only Nation that they have ever called
and controlled by the chair and ranking mi- deadline for the committee funding home.
nority member of the Committee on the resolution until April 22, 2021. The American Dream and Promise
Budget or their respective designees; and (2) Madam Speaker, we are here today to Act helps them do that. It creates a
one motion to recommit.
SEC. 8. Upon adoption of this resolution it
protect the vulnerable among us, to pathway to citizenship for our Dream-
shall be in order to consider in the House the strengthen the foundation of our de- ers. And it updates our temporary pro-
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 17) removing the mocracy, and ensure humane working tected status and deferred enforced de-
deadline for the ratification of the equal conditions for the people who feed parture laws to prevent devastating de-
rights amendment. All points of order America. portations.
against consideration of the joint resolution We are here to live up to our best The fact is, too often the contribu-
are waived. The joint resolution shall be con- ideals as a Nation by creating protec- tions of aspiring Americans are left out
sidered as read. All points of order against
provisions in the joint resolution are waived.
tions against some of the worst threats of our dialogue about immigrants. But
The previous question shall be considered as that a person can face, threats like do- this pandemic has put a spotlight on
ordered on the joint resolution and on any mestic violence. just how vital they are.
amendment thereto to final passage without In the minute that I have been talk- Without immigrants working our
intervening motion except: (1) one hour of ing, 20 people in this country have been fields, your last meal would have
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
debate equally divided and controlled by the abused by their partner. By the time looked much different. Without them
chair and ranking minority member of the we are done tonight, that number will enduring record-setting temperatures,
Committee on the Judiciary or their respec-
be over a thousand. facing threats of wildfires, and doing it
tive designees; and (2) one motion to recom-
mit. As someone who worked as a 911 dis- all without proper PPE, the price you
SEC. 9. House Resolution 232 is hereby patcher for nearly 18 years, as someone pay to feed your family would go way
adopted. who has been on the other end of the up.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.011 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1395
Deaths among Latino farmworkers Democrats’ weeks-long partisan push fore supporting this rule. We can do
increased by 60 percent during the pan- to fulfill their partisan wish list. better for the American people.
demic. They are sacrificing their lives First up is H.R. 1620, the Violence Finally, I want to address H.R. 1603,
to feed us. The question is: What are Against Women Reauthorization Act, the Farm Workforce Modernization
we willing to do in return? which is a highly divisive distortion of Act, a bipartisan effort to reform our
The Farm Workforce Modernization the original Violence Against Women agricultural worker programs to ad-
Act creates a pathway to legal status Act, that will jeopardize the safety of dress the workforce needs of our agri-
for more than a million farmworkers women. cultural community.
and addresses our future labor needs by By extending services to men who While I appreciate the efforts of my
modernizing our outdated system for identify as women and allowing them colleagues, including my colleague
temporary workers. This bill will give to utilize programs that were designed from the State of Washington, Con-
farmworkers the dignity and recogni- to protect vulnerable women, the bill gressman NEWHOUSE, and others on
tion they deserve, while giving our puts the safety of women at risk. The both sides of the aisle to negotiate in
farmers the stability they need to run bill expands the definition of domestic good faith on this legislation, I will
their businesses. violence to include economic and emo- point out that this bill is not without
Now, before I move on to another tional duress, driving needed resources its flaws. It does not address the al-
topic, I want to say something about away from combatting violent crimes ready high cost of the H–2A program to
my personal immigration story. Just against women and promoting an make it a more economical solution to
like many other Dreamers, I was sent unproven restorative justice approach producers.
here by my parents to escape the vio- instead. It introduces a new private right of
lence my family faced in Guatemala. I Democrats have told us again and action against employers that risks
know exactly what it is like to decide again that it is time to rethink our ap- costly litigation that our producers
between the violence and poverty of proach to law enforcement. But the cannot afford. These types of issues are
staying or the dangers and unknowns same Democrats who want to defund why stakeholders, such as the Amer-
of trying to immigrate here. the police are now pushing this un- ican Farm Bureau, have concerns with
What I know is that we cannot legis- funded mandate, to the tune of hun- this legislation. Make no mistake, a
late a solution for immigration when dreds of millions of dollars, upon law viable workforce for our agriculture in-
we ignore the factors that drive it. enforcement. That doesn’t help anyone. dustry is a national security issue.
Strongmen, narco-traffickers, have Next is H.J. Res. 17, which removes However, I would like my colleagues to
taken hold in Central America, and the the established deadline for the ratifi- recognize that, with the current lan-
rule of law is under assault. cation of the equal rights amendment. guage, this bill is not the end-all and
The organizations that once fought As the deadline for States to ratify the be-all solution for our farmers and
to hold corrupt actors accountable ERA has long passed, the constitu- ranchers. While this legislation may
have been dismantled, and their former tionality of this legislation is suspect, pass the full floor this week as it
employees are now being pursued by at best. Congress does not have the au- stands, I hope our counterparts in the
those very same corrupt actors. Attor- thority to simply extend the deadline other body improve the bill before it is
neys General, unfortunately, are asy- some four decades later. sent to the President.
lum seekers in our own country. I also have concerns about this Madam Speaker, I urge opposition to
We don’t just have a responsibility to amendment radicalizing gender to en- this rule, and I reserve the balance of
help stabilize the region; it is impera- shrine pro-abortion rights in the Con- my time.
tive if we are ever to stop the rush of stitution. I do not need a constitu-
tional amendment to tell me I am b 1700
people trying to come here.
I will close by saying every policy I equal. The Constitution and Federal Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
describe today is a policy I am truly law already require equal protection Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gen-
proud of. Just like the American Res- for all Americans. tlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON
cue Plan did last week, Democrats are If my colleagues on the other side LEE).
making clear, with our actions, exactly were serious about the equal rights Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker,
what our priorities are. amendment, they would ensure that I thank the manager of the bill for her
It doesn’t matter how good our agen- the process for adoption was done en- leadership and the rule.
da is if we can’t deliver on the bills we tirely by the book, rather than saying Let me, first of all, rise in support of
pass. The one thing standing in our ‘‘good enough,’’ as they move forward H.R. 6 because there are millions of
way right now is an inside-the-beltway in this questionable manner. young people waiting for this relief in
term called ‘‘PAYGO.’’ If we don’t ad- Next, H.R. 6, the American Dream the DACA promise.
dress it now, it will trigger massive and Promise Act of 2021, will provide The American Dream and Promise
cuts. It goes without saying that this amnesty to millions of illegal immi- Act is long overdue. These are nurses
would be completely unacceptable at a grants, incentivize illegal border cross- and doctors, these are hardworking
time when Americans are in urgent ings, and worsen the surge of illegal young people, these are college stu-
need of more support, not less. immigration we are currently seeing. dents who are ready to serve America.
Republicans passed legislation in 2017 The bill will provide green cards to Let me also rise in support of the
to avoid PAYGO, in order to provide criminal aliens at a time when the Farm Workforce Modernization Act for
tax cuts for the filthy rich, so they southern border is already over- the many, many farmers across Amer-
clearly understand the need to avoid whelmed, costing taxpayers hundreds ica who are supporting that and need-
draconian cuts. I expect them to join of billions more. ing that.
us in preventing them. H.R. 1868 addresses the very real And I don’t know who would be
H.R. 1868, the final bill we are here to budgetary consequences of last week’s against making sure that there are no
discuss today, will do exactly that. I massive partisan spending package Medicare cuts as we proceed to give a
look forward to a fruitful debate on being signed into law. While we can all lifeline to the American people
these bills. agree that we should avoid cuts to through the American Rescue Act. I
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- mandatory spending that have been stand solidly behind that bill.
ance of my time. automatically triggered by this level of But let me spend most of my time,
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I spending, there was an opportunity to Madam Speaker, on the question of the
thank my colleague from the Rules work across the aisle on a bipartisan Violence Against Women Act, H.R.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Committee, the Representative from solution. It is unfortunate that the ma- 1620, and H.J. Res. 17.
California, for yielding me the cus- jority has chosen, once again, to forge First of all, there is no divisiveness,
tomary 30 minutes, and I yield myself ahead on their own with highly par- and I really stand openly against that
such time as I may consume. tisan policies. interpretation. Is there divisiveness on
Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition For these reasons, Madam Speaker, I helping rape victims across America
to the rule, a continuation of the urge my colleagues to think twice be- who, as President Biden has said, live
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.035 H16MRPT1
H1396 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
in States that are not blue States or with the equal rights amendment for this bill that extend it to children, that
red States, but they live with the the States to be able to reach the 38 extend it to Tribal law enforcement of-
scourge of domestic violence, one of margin. ficers. Those are good changes.
the most dangerous calls that police of- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The But there are other measures coupled
ficers make? time of the gentlewoman has expired. with it dealing with the Second
In 2018, we could not get the Violence Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Amendment or dealing with, frankly,
Against Women Act, which I wrote, to Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute people that are not biologically female
the floor because our Republican to the gentlewoman from Texas. that will put this bill at risk on this
friends would not proceed. At that time Ms. JACKSON LEE. It extends that floor and certainly in the United
there was a Republican President, a time beyond the time that was last ex- States Senate.
Republican House, and a Republican tended. When we extended that time, Madam Speaker, none of this was
Senate. Nothing happened, and women we extended it by majority vote in the ever designed to become law. Two
suffered. United States Congress. years ago, we made that mistake.
My women’s center right now is A decision came out just recently Three years ago, actually, a little over
teeming with women who are impacted about the fact that the deadline had two years ago, in 2018, and none of the
by domestic violence during this pan- expired, but what it did say is that the good things happened. Let’s not make
demic. They are crying out for this leg- deadline was created by Congress and that mistake again. Let’s reject this
islation, and they don’t see divisive- that Congress obviously has that au- rule. Let’s modify these bills. Let’s
ness. thority. send the Senate something it can work
What they do see is enhanced legal When we researched this in 1978 in with and pass. If we do that, we have a
assistance. the Judiciary Committee, there was no chance of not making a point, but of
What they do see is $110 million for requirement that that extension of the actually making law that benefits
rape prevention. deadline constitutionally require a every single American.
What they do see is intervention, two-thirds supermajority vote. Simple Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
with training for men and boys. majority. Are you going to suggest Speaker, let the RECORD show that
They see a space that provides train- Oklahoma’s Fourth District has 146,168
that women now should be denied the
ing and refuge for culturally distinct eligible Medicare beneficiaries that
ERA when a number of States have al-
women who are victimized who can go will be harmed if H.R. 1868 does not
ready sanctioned this? There are some
to a quiet, calm place and deal with pass.
States that have rescinded, but that
culturally sensitive counselors and Let the RECORD show that Min-
will be the jurisdiction of the United
others. nesota’s Seventh District has 152,451 el-
What they see is cooperation between States Congress when appropriate.
I ask my colleagues to support igible Medicare beneficiaries that will
the victim and law enforcement by pro- also be harmed if H.R. 1868 does not
VAWA, H.R. 1620, and H.J. Res. 17, re-
viding and making sure that they have pass.
moving the deadline for the ratifica-
the kinds of resources and legal rep- Madam Speaker, I include in the
tion of the equal rights amendment. It
resentation that is necessary. No one RECORD an October 18, 2019, USA Today
is time for VAWA. It is time for the
goes without legal representation, article entitled, ‘‘1 in 3 American In-
ERA.
whether they are immigrant or Native dian and Alaska Native women will be
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I
American. raped, but survivors rarely find justice
They see an enhanced response to the yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Oklahoma (Mr. COLE), the ranking on tribal lands.’’
victimization of Native American [From USA TODAY, Oct. 18, 2019]
women who, in fact, there are those member of the Rules Committee.
Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I rise in 1 IN 3 AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKA NATIVE
who victimize them on their particular WOMEN WILL BE RAPED, BUT SURVIVORS
strong opposition to this rule. This
reservation or pueblo and then run off RARELY FIND JUSTICE ON TRIBAL LANDS
rule and the accompanying legislation,
outside of that, and they are not pros- (By Maren Machles, Carrie Cochran, Angela
sadly, is not about passing law. It is
ecuted. We changed that. M. Hill and Suzette Brewer)
They see the closing of the boyfriend about making a point.
Twila Szymanski lowered the scope on her
loophole. All five of the bills dealt with in this rifle, took aim and hit a target in the dis-
They see the taking away of guns rule have not been marked up by any tance. The shooting range is where she and
from stalkers. committee in this Congress at all, and her husband go to relax and forget the things
Yes, this is a lifeline. The Violence all of them are filled with poison pills they worry about, she said.
Against Women Act, constitutionally that are designed to make sure most Some experiences are hard to shake.
Republicans will not vote for them, and ‘‘To trust somebody you know after a sex-
grounded, due-process protected for ual assault happens . . . it has been so dif-
those who may be accused, but it is they cannot pass the Senate of the ficult to work through that,’’ Szymanski
legislation that women have been wait- United States. said.
ing for. The two bills dealing with illegal im- Szymanski, 40, has lived on the Fort Peck
This bill expired in 2018. We wrote it migration will not just help DACA peo- Reservation in northeast Montana since she
in 2018, we built on it in the last Con- ple, it will legalize millions of people in was born and is an enrolled member of the
gress, and the amendments that were this country illegally. Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. She
The measure on ERA, the timeline said she’s been assaulted three times.
both Republican and Democrat are still ‘‘I was a victim when I was 13, a victim
in this bill because we believe in bipar- ran out for that 42 years ago. This mat- when I was 14 and a victim when I was 34,’’
tisanship, and it is a bipartisan bill ter cannot be reversed now. she said.
with Members from the Republican Frankly, the matter dealing with the Twila Szymanski is a lifelong resident of
Conference, who are in this bill in budget, as my friend from Minnesota the Fort Peck Reservation. ‘‘Native women
terms of cosponsors. suggested, we said last week you are have told me that what you do when you
As it relates to H.J. Res. 17, let me going to run into this problem, you are raise a daughter in this environment is you
going to cut Medicare. There are bil- prepare her for what to do when she’s raped—
say that Congress has the authority to
not if, but when,’’ said Sarah Deer, Univer-
extend the deadline for ratification of lions of dollars of wasted spending in
sity of Kansas professor and author of ‘‘The
the ERA. that reconciliation bill that could ac- Beginning and End of Rape: Confronting Sex-
The ERA says that women do not tually offset those cuts. We should be ual Violence in Native America.’’
have to live in discomfort and live considering that. More than half of American Indian and
under equality and live in inequality. Let me turn now to the Violence Alaska Native women will experience sexual
They live in a Nation of equality, and Against Women Act, Madam Speaker. I violence in their lifetimes, according to the
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
they live in inequality in housing, in have been one of the strongest sup- Department of Justice.
‘‘You talk to Native women who have lived
income, in access to credit, in employ- porters of that legislation since I ar-
their whole lives on a reservation, and they
ment, in many ways. Why are we con- rived in Congress, and I particularly say, ‘I can’t think of anyone, any woman
tinuing this in the 21st century? am pleased with some of the measures that I know who hasn’t been victimized in
So what does H.J. Res. 17 do? It ex- dealing with Native American women, this way,’ ’’ said Deer, a citizen of the
tends the deadline for the compliance particularly some of the changes in Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.037 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1397
National data on sex crimes in tribal com- From 2013–2018, there were three sexual as- tem appears to be failing sexual assault sur-
munities is scarce, so Newsy spent 18 months sault convictions, but none of them had en- vivors who report.
focused on two reservations: the Fort Peck hanced sentences. The longest sentence was ‘‘At every level, we are not adequately
Reservation in Montana and the Fort still one year. functioning to provide the services that are
Berthold Reservation in North Dakota. After ‘‘We use the enhanced sentencing sparingly needed in a critical situation,’’ Mayer said.
analyzing exclusively obtained documents because we want it to have meaning,’’ said The Fort Berthold tribal court does not
and conducting dozens of interviews, a stark Scott Seifert, a member of the Comanche have enhanced sentencing. The court sen-
picture emerged. Nation of Oklahoma and Fort Peck’s lead tenced three people for sexual assault from
Sexual assault investigations can fall tribal prosecutor. 2013 to mid–2018, according to court records.
through the cracks when tribes and the fed- Sentences ranged from eight days to six
GOING FEDERAL
eral government fail to work together. Even months.
Tribal court is not the only option for The tribes’ relationship with its federal
for those few cases that end in a conviction
those seeking justice for sexual assault. In partners—the BIA, the FBI and the U.S. at-
in tribal court, federal law prevents most
most cases, the FBI, Bureau of lndian Affairs torneys—is crucial to helping survivors get
courts from sentencing perpetrators to more
(BIA) and U.S. attorneys’ offices are feder- justice. Based on interviews and records ob-
than a year.
Survivors who come forward to report as- ally mandated to work with the tribes to in- tained from federal and tribal agencies, it’s
saults often find themselves trapped in small vestigate and prosecute ‘‘major crimes,’’ unclear whether all sexual assaults on Fort
communities with their perpetrators, and which include sexual assault. Berthold were fully investigated by any
several said the broken legal system contrib- ‘‘So if you have a rape case or a child sex agency in the past six years.
uted to their trauma. abuse case and you do want to see that per- The tribes are supposed to refer every
The federal government has a unique polit- petrator put away, the best possibility for major crime to either the BIA or the FBI for
ical and legal relationship with the 573 feder- you is that it will go federal,’’ Deer said. investigations. Both are charged with over-
ally recognized tribes. The tribes are sov- That responsibility falls to the U.S. attor- seeing all major criminal investigations on
ereign and have jurisdiction over their citi- neys’ offices, which have seen their funding Fort Berthold and will determine which
zens and land, but the federal government and staffing in Indian communities cut by agency takes the lead.
more than 40% in the past seven years, ac- The tribal criminal investigators had
has a treaty obligation to help protect the
cording to the Department of Justice. records of 66 sexual assault cases from Janu-
lives of tribal members. This legal doctrine,
Data Newsy obtained from the DOJ shows ary 2016 to September 2018. The BIA had
called the ‘‘trust responsibility,’’ goes back
that the Montana U.S. Attorney’s Office de- records of only 10 investigations during that
to the treaties the United States signed with
clined 64% of cases of sexual assault in the same time period. The FBI declined to pro-
tribal nations in the 18th and 19th centuries.
past four fiscal years. vide any records.
The array of Supreme Court decisions and
Kurt Alme is the U.S. attorney for Mon- After Newsy asked about the status of
federal laws that followed resulted in a com- these cases, Three Affiliated Tribes Police
plicated legal arrangement among federal, tana. The U.S. attorney for Montana, Kurt
Alme, said a lot of cases are declined because Capt. Grace Her Many Horses, a member of
state and tribal jurisdictions, making it dif- the Oglala Sioux tribe from the Pine Ridge
ficult for survivors of sexual assault to find of weak or insufficient evidence, ‘‘and it is
something that has to be worked on,’’ he Reservation, said she would do a case file re-
justice. view.
Sarah Deer is author of ‘‘The Beginning said.
According to the BIA, tribal courts re- ‘‘The priority for me, right now, is to go
and End of Rape: Confronting Sexual Vio- through those case files to find out what’s
lence in Native America.’’ ‘‘A lot of times, ceived less than 5% of the funding that was
been declined, why, and is there anything we
when I try to explain it, people don’t even needed in 2016. Law enforcement received
can do to make it happen,’’ she said. ‘‘I guess
believe me because it’s so bizarre,’’ Deer 22% of what was needed, and jails received
part of that is on me, too. I should know this
said. ‘‘And the reason it’s bizarre is because less than 50%.
by now.’’
there’s been this patchwork of laws that Less than half of the law enforcement Her Many Horses said she finished the case
don’t talk to each other over the last cen- agencies that the bureau funds and oversees file review nearly a year later, but she did
tury.’’ are properly staffed, said Charles Addington, not provide the details of what she found,
ONLY ONE YEAR
director of the BIA Office of Justice Service nor did she disclose whether the police re-
and a member of the Cherokee Nation. ferred all 66 cases up to their federal part-
The tribal courthouse on the Fort Peck
In August 2018, Fort Peck tribal police had ners.
reservation is a small brick building. The
funding for 21 positions, but nine of them Exactly one week after Newsy’s last trip to
front desk is lined with pamphlets about dat-
were vacant, said Ken Trottier, criminal in- Fort Berthold, during which reporters asked
ing violence and sexual assault.
vestigations supervisor for the Fort Peck how sexual assaults and rapes are handled on
‘‘The trauma that has developed over the
Tribes and a member of the Turtle Mountain the reservation, the Department of Justice
generations . . . some of the assaults are
Band of Chippewa. and the BIA released a joint statement say-
generational, and they’re within the same
‘‘We have a hiring pool that is literally ing, ‘‘A number of concerns have been raised
home,’’ said Chief Judge Stacie Smith, a
nothing here on the reservation, even though about public safety and criminal investiga-
member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and
we open it up to off-reservation people,’’ he tions on the Fort Berthold Reservation.’’
Sioux tribes. ‘‘Pretend it wasn’t there, and
said. ‘‘There’s no houses for sale. No houses Citing ‘‘the high rate of violence against
maybe it’ll go away, you know, the next gen-
for rent. Where’s that person going to live?’’ women and children,’’ it said the BIA was in-
eration, it won’t happen again. But it con-
Constant turnover and understaffing can creasing the number of special agents from
tinues.’’
Smith wants to break the cycle, but tribal lead to an under trained police department, ‘‘one to two.’’ As of the start of October, no
courts face major restrictions, including a Deer said. second agent had started working on Fort
one-year limit on sentences regardless of the ‘‘[The survivor is] waiting for help. They Berthold.
don’t know if help is coming. They don’t The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
crime and almost no jurisdiction over non-
know if the help is going to be compas- issued two reports on funding in Indian com-
Indians.
Stacie Smith is chief judge of the Fort sionate and trained,’’ Deer said. ‘‘The system munities, one in 2003 and an update in De-
Peck Tribal Court. ‘‘When you think about is not feeling like a safe, productive system cember 2018, called ‘‘Broken Promises.’’ The
rape and you think about somebody who is a to them anymore.’’ report said, ‘‘The federal government con-
perpetrator of that kind of crime, and you Big money but little justice Three hours tinues to fail to support adequately the so-
think, ‘What do they deserve?’ one year east of Fort Peck, the Fort Berthold Res- cial and economic well-being of Native
doesn’t usually sound like the right answer,’’ ervation in North Dakota sits on the Bakken Americans,’’ and this ‘‘contributes to the in-
Deer said. oil basin and has an annual budget of $400 equities observed in Native American com-
In 2010, the sentencing cap was expanded to million. The reservation is home to the munities.’’
three years per offense through the Tribal Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, or the TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Law and Order Act as long as the tribes met Three Affiliated Tribes. Twila Szymanski works as the deputy
certain requirements. Only 16 tribes have im- Driving around the remote reservation, court administrator for the Fort Peck Tribal
plemented the three-year sentencing en- council member Monica Mayer pointed to a Court, maintaining records and stats.
hancement. multimillion-dollar housing project that she Szymanski reported only one of her three
Fort Peck is one of them. said will soon have an aquatic center, base- assaults—the one when she was 14. Her case
When the law took effect, there were no at- ball diamonds and mini golf. made it into federal court.
torneys, no one with a law degree in the A $17 million public safety and judicial The defendant pleaded guilty in 1995. He
court system. center was built, and staffing increased in was sentenced to three years’ probation and
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Smith decided to leave her young daugh- the court system. In the past three years, no prison time.
ters to attend law school hundreds of miles the reservation has hired more than a dozen Twila Szymanski is the deputy court ad-
away. This would help the tribal court meet additional officers to help an understaffed ministrator for the Fort Peck Tribal Court.
the federal requirements and give it more police department. ‘‘Justice wasn’t served, in my opinion,’’ she
authority. Monica Mayer is a tribal council member said. ‘‘He was back in the community quick-
The tribal court was able to hand out on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Despite ly, and I had to see him when this was all
three-year sentences starting in late 2012. this financial independence, the justice sys- fresh.’’
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.012 H16MRPT1
H1398 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
Szymanski is confronted with the memory Madam Speaker, I urge my col- Madam Speaker, I would also like to
of what happened to her each time a case leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the rule and set the record straight when it comes
comes up and each time she sees her perpe- vote ‘‘no’’ on H.R. 6. to the Violence Against Women Act, or
trator in the community.
She said she uses her position in the court Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam VAWA. My amendment was removed,
to go through cases and stop them from Speaker, the situation at the border in a partisan fashion, from VAWA this
dropping through the cracks, and she is run- has nothing to do with the Dream and Congress, stripping vital sex traf-
ning for Fort Peck associate judge in the Promise Act. If anything, former Presi- ficking funding for victims, for chil-
election this month. dent Trump’s attempt to eliminate all dren. This has always been included,
‘‘When the system has failed you time and and it was stripped out and not allowed
resources contributed to the crisis at
time and time again, you don’t feel empow-
ered,’’ Deer said. ‘‘It feels like a disconnect the border. The Dream and Promise in the amendment process. Also not al-
between this moment of ‘Me Too’ and the re- Act does not apply to future migrants, lowed was my PRENDA amendment
ality of lndian country and sexual assault.’’ just those who were already in the that would have stopped sex selection
Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam country before 2021. in the womb taking the lives of young
Speaker, I reserve the balance of my This Dream and Promise Act has a girls.
time. very high criminal bar. An applicant is Madam Speaker, I urge opposition to
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I disqualified if they have any one of the this legislation.
yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman following: A felony conviction, one Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
from Pennsylvania (Mr. misdemeanor conviction involving Speaker, my colleagues across the aisle
RESCHENTHALER), my good friend and moral turpitude, more than two mis- are not supportive of provisions to pro-
another colleague from the Rules Com- demeanors, or one misdemeanor for do- tect LGBTQ-plus individuals in this
mittee. mestic violence. bill, but LGBTQ-plus members of our
Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- community experience domestic vio-
Speaker, the rule before us today pro- ance of my time. lence, too. Abusers do not discriminate
vides for consideration of H.R. 6, a bill Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I based on sexual orientation, and nei-
creating a pathway to citizenship for yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman ther should this body.
millions of people who entered this Legislators who oppose equality are
from Missouri (Mrs. WAGNER).
country illegally, while it does nothing trying to turn this into a debate about
Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I
to enforce our immigration laws or se- abortion to distract from the issue at
rise in stark opposition to H.J. Res. 17,
cure our borders. hand. I would like to clarify that the
which would retroactively and uncon-
You heard that right. This bill does ERA doesn’t include any requirement
stitutionally remove the deadline to
nothing to enforce our immigration to provide specific healthcare services,
ratify the equal rights amendment.
laws. It does nothing to secure our bor- including abortion. It is about equality
Ratification of the equal rights
ders. And it does so as a record number under the law.
amendment will expand taxpayer-fund- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal-
of illegal immigrants pour across our ed abortions and imperil basic pro-life
Southern border. And yet, House ance of my time.
protections that States have enacted Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I
Democrats are passing a bill that will based on the will of their people
further incentivize illegal immigration yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
through their State legislatures. New Jersey (Mr. SMITH).
and will worsen the Biden border crisis. I am a committed defender of rights
The numbers speak for themselves. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam
for women and girls, and I have led ef- Speaker, the most recent Marist poll
Over 100,000 migrants were encountered
forts in Congress to end sex trafficking, found that 7 in 10 Americans, including
at our Southern border just last
month. The CBP facility in Donna, address the rape kit backlog, and help nearly half who identify as pro-choice,
Texas, was at 729 percent capacity last women balance staying in the work- want significant restrictions on abor-
week. Let me repeat that. That facility force and caring for their children. tion. Yet, the ERA as written will be
was at 729 percent capacity. As a mother and as a proud grandma, used in an aggressive litigation strat-
And, alarmingly, CBP confirmed that I want my sweet granddaughter to feel egy to nullify those restrictions, in-
four people were arrested at the border, secure in the knowledge that she is en- cluding the Hyde amendment, waiting
three of whom were from Yemen, one titled to the same rights and opportu- periods, parental involvement, wom-
of whom was from Serbia, and those in- nities as men. en’s right-to-know laws, conscience
dividuals matched the names on the b 1715 rights, and the late-term abortion bans
FBI’s Terrorist Screening Database. like the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
However, I cannot support this at-
So despite my liberal progressive col- Act.
tempt to circumvent the amendment NARAL Pro-Choice America has said:
leagues’ claims to the contrary, this
process and enshrine access to tax- ‘‘The ERA would reinforce the con-
surge is directly the result of the Biden
payer-funded abortion in the Constitu- stitutional right to abortion’’ and ‘‘re-
administration’s decision to halt the
border wall construction, to reimple- tion by a simple majority vote rather quire judges to strike down anti-abor-
ment Obama-era catch-and-release than with the required support of two- tion laws.’’
policies, and to cancel President thirds of Congress or the States. The National Organization for
Trump’s asylum agreements. Congress has twice given States time Women said: ‘‘An ERA—properly inter-
This Chamber should work to address to ratify the equal rights amendment, preted—could negate the hundreds of
the border crisis going on, Biden’s bor- but the deadline has long since passed. laws that have passed restricting ac-
der crisis. We should not pass legisla- While some States ratified the ERA cess to abortion.’’
tion that encourages and rewards ille- after the deadline, others—up to five— Abortion activists, Madam Speaker,
gal immigration and further have withdrawn their ratification. successfully litigated using State ERAs
incentivizes this crisis, yet that is I strongly agree and associate myself in both New Mexico and Connecticut to
what H.R. 6, in fact, does. This bill with the late Supreme Court Justice compel taxpayers to pay for abortion
places the interest of those who broke Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s words when she on demand.
our laws above the interests of those made the point: ‘‘If you count a late- Last year, Justice Ruth Bader Gins-
who followed them. comer on the plus side, how can you burg spoke on the legal impermis-
It has no enforcement provisions. It disregard States that said, ‘We have sibility of extending the deadline for
includes loopholes to give green cards changed our minds’?’’ ratification and said she ‘‘would like it
to gang members and criminals. It even If Democrats want to test the long- to start over.’’ I couldn’t agree more.
puts U.S. taxpayers on the hook for standing bipartisan agreement on lim- Madam Speaker, two leaders of the Na-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
grant programs to help illegal immi- iting taxpayer-funded abortions, they tional Organization for Women (NOW) wrote:
grants obtain green cards. should follow Justice Ginsburg’s guid- ‘‘During the 1972 ERA ratification campaign,
Again, H.R. 6 would do absolutely ance and start the process over, just as several prominent women’s leaders denied
nothing to address President Biden’s our Founders intended. that an ERA would apply to abortion . . .’’.
border security and humanitarian cri- I urge my colleagues to oppose this Ever since, pro-abortion leaders have large-
sis at the Southern border. legislation. ly ignored, trivialized, or denied the fact that
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.013 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1399
activists plan to aggressively use the federal born baby girls and boys—deserve respect, Ensuring equal rights for women and seri-
ERA as currently written in a litigation strategy empathy, compassion, and protection from vi- ous protections against violence requires laws,
to overturn all pro-life laws and policies includ- olence. policies, and spending priorities to achieve
ing restrictions supported by huge majorities of Madam Speaker, last year, Supreme Court those noble and necessary goals—without
Americans. According to the most recent Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spoke on the putting unborn baby girls and boys at risk of
Marist poll (January 2021): legal impermissibility of extending the deadline death.
7 in 10 Americans including nearly half who for ratification and that she ‘‘would like it to Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
identify as pro-choice want significant restric- start over’’. Speaker, I include in the RECORD a
tions on abortion, According to Vox, Justice Ginsburg said, March 16 USA Today opinion piece
58 percent of all Americans oppose using There’s too much controversy about late- from activists Dolores Huerta, Carol
tax dollars for abortion, comers, plus, a number of states have with- Jenkins, and Eleanor Smeal titled
55 percent want to ban abortion after 20 drawn their ratification. So, if you count a late- ‘‘There is no deadline on women’s
weeks, comer on the plus side, how can you dis- equality. Add the equal rights amend-
70 percent of Americans oppose abortion if regard states that said ’we’ve changed our ment to the Constitution.’’
the child will be born with Down Syndrome, minds?’ ’’ [From USA TODAY, March 16, 2021]
80 percent of Americans believe that laws Five states—Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, THERE’S NO DEADLINE ON WOMEN’S EQUALITY.
can protect both a pregnant woman and the Tennessee, and South Dakota—voted to ratify ADD THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT TO THE
life of her unborn child. the ERA but later rescinded that ratification. CONSTITUTION.
I strongly believe in equal rights for women. (By Dolores Huerta, Carol Jenkins and
While I fundamentally disagree with abortion
I’ve introduced the ERA with the abortion-neu- Eleanor Smeal)
activists who refuse to recognize an unborn
tral language I mentioned a moment ago. For the second time in a century, a global
child’s inherent dignity, worth, and value, at Over the course of many years, I have con-
least both sides now agree that the ERA as pandemic has occurred at the height of a de-
sistently sponsored and promoted women’s termined movement to expand women’s
written will be used in court to promote abor- rights legislation to ensure equal pay for equal rights under the U.S. Constitution. The 1918
tion. work including most recently, the Paycheck flu pandemic nearly halted the drive for rati-
NARAL—Pro-Choice America said: ‘‘The Fairness Act. fication of the 19th Amendment on women’s
ERA would reinforce the constitutional right to In the struggle against wage discrimination, suffrage. But advocates rallied, lobbied
abortion . . . (and) require judges to strike I voted in favor of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay President Woodrow Wilson for support and
down anti-abortion laws . . .’’. Act. urged Congress to pass a joint resolution
The National Right to Life Committee states To help ensure that women are not dis- adopting the amendment. That was followed
that ‘‘the proposed federal ERA would invali- by ratification by the states and final certifi-
advantaged in their careers because of time
cation in August 1920.
date the federal Hyde Amendment and a state taken to attend to their families, I was an early Today, the campaign for ratification of the
restrictions on tax-funded abortions.’’ and strong advocate of multiple legislative ini- Equal Rights Amendment is in the middle of
As director of reproductive-justice initiatives tiatives to provide family medical leave—in- another global pandemic with women losing
and National Women’s Law Center senior cluding the groundbreaking bill that became jobs at a much higher rate than men, espe-
counsel Kelli Garcia said, the ERA would help law, the Family and Medical Leave Act. cially affecting women of color. In these first
create a basis to challenge abortion restric- I voted to ensure that women’s rights are 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration
tions.’’ protected in higher education by strongly sup- and during Women’s History Month, there is
And NOW said: ‘‘An ERA—properly inter- porting Title IX. a real opportunity to make constitutional
I have supported legislation to amend pen- history again with lasting change for wom-
preted—could negate the hundreds of laws en’s rights and gender equality by adding the
that have passed restricting access to abortion sion and tax policies that negatively impact
ERA to the Constitution.
. . .’’. women, and I supported numerous bills to es- No rights denied ’on account of sex’
Those laws restricting abortion include the tablish certain rights for sexual assault sur- Congress approved the ERA in 1972. It says,
Hyde Amendment, waiting periods, parental vivors including the Survivors’ Bill of Rights very simply, that ‘‘equality of rights under
involvement, women’s right to know laws, con- which is now law. the law shall not be denied or abridged by
science rights including the Weldon Amend- Since the mid-1990s, I have led the effort to the United States or any state on account of
end the barbaric practice of human trafficking, sex.’’
ment and any late term abortion ban like the President Joe Biden and Congress now
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. a human rights abuse that is an unimaginable
have the opportunity to rally as well. This
Should the ERA be ratified without clarifying exploitation of women and girls that thrives on
week, the House of Representatives will con-
abortion-neutral language—to wit: ‘‘Nothing in greed, disrespect, and secrecy. sider a joint resolution clearing the way for
Twenty years ago, the U.S. Congress ap- the ERA to be added to the Constitution. If
this Article shall be construed to grant or se-
proved and the President signed legislation the Senate also adopts the resolution, it
cure any right relating to abortion or the fund-
that I authored—the Trafficking Victims Protec- could become part of the Constitution this
ing thereof’’—it is absolutely clear that abor-
tion Act of 2000—a comprehensive whole-of- year.
tion activists will use the ERA as they have The ERA won ratification by the necessary
government initiative to combat sex and labor
successfully used state ERAs in both New three-fourths of the states when Virginia be-
trafficking in the United States and around the
Mexico and Connecticut—to force taxpayers to came the 38th state last year. Earlier, Ne-
world.
pay for abortion on demand. The Violence Against Women Act (See Divi- vada ratified in 2017 and Illinois in 2018. How-
By now, my colleagues know that: sion B) was reauthorized and significantly ex- ever, the ERA has yet to be formally en-
The Supreme Court of New Mexico ruled in shrined into the Constitution because of an
panded by my law. Last Congress, I cospon- arbitrary timeline in the amendment’s pre-
1998 that the state was required to fund abor- sored the Violence Against Women Extension
tion based solely on the state ERA and said amble—not the legislative text sent to the
Act of 2019. states for approval—which set 1979 for ratifi-
the law ‘‘undoubtedly singles out . . . a gen- In 2019, I authored another bill that was cation. Congress changed the timeline by ex-
der-linked condition that is unique to women’’ signed into law-my fifth major law on human tending it to 1982.
and, therefore, ‘‘violates the Equal Rights trafficking—The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Congress can again weigh in by removing
Amendment.’’ Victims Prevention and Protection Act. the timeline and recognizing the final three
In like manner, the Supreme Court of Con- After a young college student from my dis- states, because Article V of the Constitution
necticut invalidated its state ban on abortion trict, Samantha Josephson, was brutally mur- puts the amending process with the Congress
funding and wrote in 1986: ‘‘it is therefore and ratification with the states.
dered by the driver of what she thought was Button supporting the Equal Rights
clear, under the Connecticut ERA, that the her Uber ride, I introduced Sami’s Law which Amendment on April 2, 2013, in Little Rock,
regulation excepting . . . abortions from the passed the House—but never got a vote in Arkansas. Congressional action is needed to
Medicaid program discriminates against the Senate—to make the ride share industry support the attorneys general of Virginia,
women.’’ safer for all. In recent months, it has been Nevada and Illinois, who went to federal
Today in Pennsylvania, activists are suing to shocking to learn that thousands of women court asking the national archivist to in-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
eviscerate the abortion funding restriction in who use Lyft or Uber have been sexually as- clude the ERA in the Constitution.
that state claiming that the Hyde-type restric- But a U.S. district judge ruled this month
saulted and some have been murdered. I re- that the three states did not have standing
tion violates the Pennsylvania Equal Rights introduced Sami’s Law in February. to bring the case, and the 1982 deadline re-
Amendment. Yesterday, it was reported that another mains in effect.
I believe that all human beings—especially woman was sexually assaulted in Ft. Lauder- Now is the time for Congress to recognize
the weakest and most vulnerable including un- dale by an ‘‘off-duty’’ Uber driver. there can be no time limit on equality. The
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:01 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.014 H16MRPT1
H1400 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
House and Senate should approve a joint res- amendment in the RECORD, along with communities. Instead, they will travel
olution ‘‘removing the deadline for the rati- extraneous material, immediately to every State. Without proper testing
fication of the equal rights amendment.’’ prior to the vote on the previous ques- and quarantine, they are likely to
The measure, introduced in the House in
tion. bring COVID–19 with them, and the
January, already has more than 200 co-spon-
sors. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there communities to which they are trans-
The vast majority of Americans across de- objection to the request of the gentle- ferred are unaware.
mographic and partisan lines agree that woman from Minnesota? As a physician and former director of
women should have equal rights with men in There was no objection. the Iowa Department of Public Health,
this country. In a 2020 Pew Research Center Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I I know that the COVID–19 pandemic is
survey, more than 9 in 10 U.S. adults said it yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman not yet over. We must ensure that any
is very important (79%) or somewhat impor- from Iowa (Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS) to individuals the Biden administration
tant (18%). Fully 78% of U.S. adults—includ- speak further on the amendment. insists on releasing into our commu-
ing majorities of women, men, Republicans Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam
and Democrats—favored adding the ERA to nities do not have COVID–19. This is
the Constitution.
Speaker, I thank my good friend, Con- also why I support reinstating the
‘All men would be tyrants if they could’ gresswoman FISCHBACH, for yielding me PAUSE Act, to prevent the introduc-
Abigail Adams is often quoted as saying, time. tion of new COVID–19 cases from Can-
‘‘Remember the Ladies.’’ In March of 1776, I urge my colleagues to defeat the ada and Mexico.
she wrote more than these three words to her previous question so we can take up Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
husband, John, just months before the Dec- my bill, H.R. 1897, the REACT Act. leagues to support this legislation to
laration of Independence was adopted and as My bill would require the Depart- require that we keep all of our commu-
he was engaged in drafting the U.S. Con- ment of Homeland Security to test all
stitution. She had some ideas about what nities and these migrants safe and to
migrants illegally crossing our border stop spreading COVID–19 by voting
should be included ‘‘in the new code of laws’
he was making: ‘‘I desire you would remem- who they plan to release into our com- ‘‘no’’ on the previous question.
ber the ladies and be more generous and fa- munities for COVID–19. Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
vorable to them than your ancestors. . . . Yesterday, I traveled to El Paso, Speaker, President Biden inherited a
Remember, all men would be tyrants if they Texas, to meet with the men and dismantled and gutted immigration
could. If particular care and attention is not women of the United States Customs system. The prior administration’s
paid to the ladies, we are determined to and Border Protection. I saw firsthand strategy of cruelty, chaos, and confu-
formant a rebellion, and will not hold our- the crisis they are facing and believe it
selves bound by any laws in which we have sion was ineffective and set the stage
is our job as Congress to do everything for our current challenges.
no voice or representation.’’
That rebellion has been taking place
in our power to address it. I include in the RECORD a March 15
through the hundreds of peaceful ERA CBP is currently encountering more Columbus Dispatch article titled ‘‘Un-
marches and rallies that led up to the 2017 than 3,000 migrants on average per day, documented immigrants pay billions in
Women’s March, events that galvanized mil- which is rapidly approaching levels taxes each year—and have been for 25
lions of women and men nationwide to new seen at the height of the 2019 crisis. To years.’’
levels of political activism. The #MeToo put this in perspective, President [From the Columbus Dispatch, Mar. 15, 2021]
movement sparked public outrage over sex- Obama’s Secretary of Homeland Secu-
ual assault and misogyny in the workplace. UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS PAY BILLIONS IN
rity, Jeh Johnson, stated during his TAXES EACH YEAR—AND HAVE BEEN FOR 25
In 2020, women again far outnumbered men
as voters with a gender gap that has become
tenure that 1,000 apprehensions a day YEARS
decisive in presidential, Senate and House was considered a bad day. We are at (By Danae King)
elections. And women and men alike sup- more than three times that now, and
Every year, Arturo pays thousands of dol-
ported the Equal Rights Amendment by on top of it, we continue to face a glob- lars in taxes from the revenue produced by
electing a pro-ERA majority of members in al pandemic. his central Ohio-based painting company.
the House and Senate. In February, CBP encountered over But he will never receive Social Security
An estimated 1 million more women than 100,000 migrants on the southwest bor- benefits. Or Medicare. Or Medicaid.
men have lost their jobs during the COVID– der trying to illegally enter our coun- That’s because Arturo, whose last name is
19 lockdowns, and the pandemic shows that not being used for his safety, is an undocu-
try. This does not include those mi-
most essential workers are women, most of mented immigrant from Mexico—one of
them are Black and Latina, and most still grants who may have gotten away or
about 6 million who pay taxes annually, ac-
have the majority of caregiving responsibil- evaded detection, some of whom may
cording to the Congressional Budget Office.
ities. These along with other economic reali- be positive for COVID–19. Jorge Beltran is a Columbus tax preparer
ties make constitutional rights for women The Department of Homeland Secu- who is certified by the IRS to file taxes for
more urgent than ever before. rity announced today that we are on undocumented immigrants. He hopes to
The pandemic has sparked a reexamination track to encounter the highest number shatter misconceptions about immigrants
of the role of government and the need for of migrants along the southwest border not paying taxes and being drains on society.
social safety net and economic policies that A report from the office shows that 50% to
in the last 20 years. Seasonally, migra-
work for all. In short, the new reality of 2021 75% of undocumented immigrants pay bil-
demands that Congress approve the ERA res- tion gets worse in the spring months of
lions in taxes each year—and have been since
olution. It will mark a historic commitment April and May, so we are likely to see
the Internal Revenue Service created a pro-
to women’s rights by ensuring equality these numbers increase over the com- gram 25 years ago allowing people without a
under the law for current and future genera- ing months. Social Security number to file taxes.
tions. Yesterday, I heard directly from the When it comes to state and local taxes, un-
Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Border Patrol agents that few, if any, documented immigrants pay more than $11
Speaker, COVID’s impact on women of the thousands of migrants we saw in billion a year, according to a 2017 report
shows the continued need for equality. CBP custody are being tested for from the Institute on Taxation and Eco-
We have the power to remove the ERA COVID–19. These migrants, and chil- nomic Policy, a nonpartisan nonprofit based
ratification deadline and make it a re- dren, in particular, are being held in fa- in Washington, D.C. In Ohio, they paid $83.2
million in state and local taxes in 2017, ac-
ality. cilities that are already at capacity, cording to the institute.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- and often for longer than the 72-hour Jorge Beltran, left, reviews tax documents
ance of my time. limit permitted by law. According to with client Ana Narciso. Beltran is a Colum-
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I recent reports, as of March 8, 185 mi- bus tax preparer who is certified by the IRS
yield myself such time as I may con- grants released into Brownsville, to file taxes for undocumented immigrants.
sume. Texas, have tested positive for COVID– He hopes to shatter misconceptions about
If we defeat the previous question, I 19. immigrants not paying taxes and being
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
will offer an amendment to the rule to Border security and immigration is drains on society. Narciso has legal status to
be in the United States.
provide for consideration of Congress- not an issue that only affects border
‘‘When you hear people who are citizens—
woman MILLER-MEEKS’ H.R. 1897, the States. It affects every community who may be against immigration or immi-
REACT Act. across the country. If the Biden admin- grants, especially undocumented—say, ‘Oh,
Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous istration continues to release these mi- they’re here and sucking up all the govern-
consent to insert the text of my grants, they will not stay in our border ment resources and taking handouts and
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.016 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1401
welfare.’ That’s not the case,’’ said Jessica Consider his clients Javier and Norma— Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal-
Rodriguez Bell, a Columbus immigration at- whose first names only are being used, as ance of my time.
torney who has undocumented clients. with other undocumented immigrants in this Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I
‘‘These people are not eligible for those story, for their safety—who both worked in
yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
benefits, and many times they’re paying into food service before the pandemic. In March
the system like we are. It’s frustrating to 2020, Javier got laid off but had no access to New York (Mr. KATKO).
hear that a lot.’’ unemployment or COVID–19 relief payments Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I will
Still, many attorneys recommend their un- due to his status. Over the course of the rest note, in response to my colleagues
documented clients pay taxes, Rodriguez of the year, he worked six different jobs to across the aisle, that there is nothing
Bell said. support his family, which includes their wrong with enforcing the immigration
‘‘The reason for that is that, one, it’s in- three U.S.-born children. laws that are on the books. That is all
come they’ve been paying in and are likely The couple made $56,369 in 2020 and got a we are talking about doing at the bor-
entitled to a refund of some sort,’’ Rodriguez refund of $3,337, which made a big difference
Bell said. ‘‘Then, also because in the future,
der, and keeping the border secure.
in their lives, Beltran said, possibly paying
even if they don’t have a current immigra- for five months of their rent. If they had So-
Madam Speaker, yesterday, I visited
tion case pending or even if they’re not eligi- cial Security numbers, they could’ve gotten the southern border, and what I saw
ble for relief at this time . . . oftentimes you $6,900 in federal COVID relief payments in was unacceptable, full stop. I witnessed
want to demonstrate good moral character 2020 to help support their family, Beltran the dangerous and rapidly growing im-
and that you’ve been an upstanding citizen said. pacts of Biden’s border crisis.
while you’ve been here.’’ ‘‘They contribute to all of our commu- I spoke to Border Patrol agents on
Years of tax returns also establish that a nities,’’ he said. ‘‘They pay the school sys- the front line of the crisis and wit-
person has been living in the United States, tem from their taxes. They pay for the roads nessed firsthand what they are up
she said. from their taxes, and they spend money they
To some, though, the issue is not whether make in the grocery stores and movie thea-
against. Thousands of migrants are
or not undocumented immigrants pay taxes, ters and everywhere but nobody knows about showing up every week, hanging onto
said Mark Krikorian, executive director of it.’’ the words and promises of President
the Center for Immigration Studies, a Wash- Beltran shared the story of another two of Biden’s goal of relaxing border restric-
ington, D.C.-based conservative think tank. his clients, Cirilo and Patricia, who live in tions.
‘‘There’s this sort of implicit assumption Mount Vernon and have been in the country Our Border Patrol agents are
that if you pay your taxes everything else is for almost 20 years. Cirilo works two jobs as underresourced and overwhelmed. They
fine,’’ he said. ‘‘Paying your taxes doesn’t a cook, but only made $26,784 last year, pay-
wipe away everything else that you’ve
have been put in an untenable situa-
ing $3,706 in taxes. His earnings had to sup-
done.’’ port his six children—four of whom have De- tion, with little regard for their health
Krikorian said that the real question is ferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or safety.
what is the balance of taxes undocumented status, allowing them to work and go to Department of Homeland Security
immigrants pay versus the services they con- school legally, and two of whom were born in Secretary Mayorkas recently an-
sume. the United States. nounced the Department would begin
‘‘There’s no real debate about less-skilled Nicole, who owns a painting business with allocating FEMA resources. FEMA is
workers,’’ he said. ‘‘Whether they’re legal or her undocumented immigrant husband, the agency that is in charge of over-
illegal, they use more in services than they Arturo, both pose for a portrait on Friday,
pay in taxes.’’ seeing the pandemic and delivering
March 12, 2021. Undocumented immigrants
A 2010 report from another Washington, pay taxes and own businesses that employ vaccines to our American citizens. He
D.C., think tank, the Brookings Institution, people and help the local economy. has taken resources away from Amer-
however, suggests that while U.S.-citizen Arturo and his wife, Nicole, a U.S. citizen ican citizens to deal with this crisis on
children of undocumented immigrants can be whose family is from Mexico and who owns the border. If FEMA is involved, it is,
costly when they’re young, those costs are their painting company with him, are by definition, a disaster.
paid out through a lifetime of taxes. Beltran’s clients as well. They employ 47 Last week, senior Department of
The mere act of filing taxes could be seen people and paid $118,250 in estimated taxes
as a risk for undocumented immigrants be-
Homeland Security officials told the
this year, according to Beltran.
cause it could result in the federal govern- ‘‘Talk about being productive members of
committee that Customs and Border
ment pursing legal action to return the im- society,’’ he said. ‘‘Forty-seven people can Protection doesn’t have the capacity to
migrants to their home country. But Rodri- feed their families, help pay the schools, test and quarantine migrants in their
guez-Bell said she hasn’t seen any such nega- whatever, with the employment they have custody, and that there was no plan-
tive consequences. and that’s generated by this company. ning being done to ensure migrants are
‘‘The IRS is a separate department, so it’s More than $11,000 from the family’s taxes not released by the Federal Govern-
not something where we’ve ever seen infor- went to the city of Columbus. ment at the border if they are COVID–
mation exchanged between the IRS and, say, The couple started their business after
ICE,’’ she said, referring to Immigration and Arturo got injured in his job as a butcher
19 positive. Thousands have been re-
Customs Enforcement. ‘‘This is not some- and was fired. He started working for a leased.
thing that’s going to get you in trouble, and friend as a painter, but had always dreamed I saw with my own eyes hundreds of
you’re not doing something illegal by doing of working for himself and owning a busi- people in this facility. Not a single one
that. It can only help your situation in the ness. So, with the help of a friend, they was tested. And only half of the Border
future if you are filing.’’ started their own business six years ago and Patrol agents have been inoculated. We
In 1996, the IRS created the Individual Tax- now support themselves and their four chil- don’t know how many have COVID–19,
payer Identification Number (ITIN) to allow dren. and quite frankly, I don’t think they
people working in the United States without ‘‘He comes from nothing in Mexico. His
Social Security numbers to pay taxes. It is a parents are farmers, and he has just a middle want to know.
9-digit number, the same length as a Social school, almost high school education,’’ Ni- In the midst of the ongoing pan-
Security number, issued only to those who cole said, of her husband. ‘‘It was really im- demic, it is the Department’s job to en-
are not eligible for Social Security numbers. portant for him not to be stuck. He came to sure it doesn’t release anyone who is
In order to help undocumented immigrants the United States to make something for COVID–19 positive. For this reason, I
get a tax ID number and file, the IRS cer- himself, to provide a better future for his support efforts to defeat the previous
tifies what are called acceptance agents. children.’’ question and bring up commonsense
There are 13 in Columbus, 79 in Ohio and Immigrants are here to make the country
more than 5,000 nationwide.
legislation to require that any indi-
better, Nicole said.
Jorge Beltran, the owner of Belmont Serv- ‘‘This is what makes America great,’’ she vidual released from CBP or ICE cus-
ices LLC, a tax preparation company on Co- said. ‘‘immigrants coming here and finding tody tests negative for COVID–19.
lumbus’ Northwest Side, has been a certified their way and helping the country prosper, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
acceptance agent with the IRS since 2008. too.’’ time of the gentleman has expired.
The vast majority of Beltran’s clients are Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I
undocumented immigrants, and he’s pas- Speaker, during the last 4 years, mil- yield an additional 30 seconds to the
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
sionate about letting people know that they lions of immigrants faced uncertainty gentleman from New York (Mr.
pay taxes.
as the Trump administration pursued KATKO).
‘‘Imagine if more people knew this,’’
Beltran said. ‘‘These are not people asking cruel immigration policies. With pas- Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, Presi-
for a handout. They’re not asking for unem- sage of H.R. 6, we are beginning a new dent Biden’s knee-jerk reversal of pro-
ployment. They’re not asking for any bene- chapter in our Nation’s immigration ductive, effective border security poli-
fits. Even if they wanted to, they couldn’t.’’ policy. cies from the previous administration
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.015 H16MRPT1
H1402 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
was a political calculation that has, derstand the situation, it is important to HHS has not had the capacity to intake the
quite frankly, backfired and created a identify who is arriving at our southwest number of unaccompanied children we have
humanitarian, security, and public border and how we are following the law to been encountering. I describe below the ac-
manage different types of border encounters. tions we have taken and the plans we are
health crisis.
SINGLE ADULTS executing to handle this difficult situation
We can’t allow our Nation’s progress successfully.
in overcoming the ongoing pandemic to The majority of those apprehended at the
southwest border are single adults who are WHY THE CHALLENGE IS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT
be undermined by dangerous policies NOW
currently being expelled under the CDC’s au-
allowing individuals with COVID–19 to Poverty, high levels of violence, and cor-
thority to manage the public health crisis of
be released into our communities. the COVID–19 pandemic. Pursuant to that ruption in Mexico and the Northern Triangle
Madam Speaker, I urge my col- authority under Title 42 of the United States countries have propelled migration to our
leagues to vote to defeat the previous Code, single adults from Mexico and the southwest border for years. The adverse con-
question. Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, ditions have continued to deteriorate. Two
Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Guatemala, and Honduras are swiftly ex- damaging hurricanes that hit Honduras and
Speaker, I include in the RECORD a pelled to Mexico. Single adults from other swept through the region made the living
statement by Department of Homeland countries are expelled by plane to their conditions there even worse, causing more
Security Secretary Alejandro N. countries of origin if Mexico does not accept children and families to flee.
them. There are limited exceptions to our The COVID–19 pandemic has made the situ-
Mayorkas in which he states the many ation more complicated. There are restric-
use of the CDC’s expulsion authority. For ex-
issues associated with the southern ample, we do not expel individuals with cer- tions and protocols that need to be followed.
border and what we are doing to ad- tain acute vulnerabilities. The physical distancing protocol, for exam-
dress those issues. The expulsion of single adults does not ple, imposes space and other limitations on
For example, Border Patrol facilities pose an operational challenge for the Border our facilities and operations.
and border personnel that had not had Patrol because of the speed and minimal The prior administration completely dis-
complete access to a COVID–19 vaccine processing burden of their expulsion. mantled the asylum system. The system was
gutted, facilities were closed, and they cru-
now have complete access to the vac- FAMILIES
elly expelled young children into the hands
cine. It talks about the disruptions of Families apprehended at the southwest of traffickers. We have had to rebuild the en-
the previous administration and their border are also currently being expelled tire system, including the policies and proce-
lack of commitment to deal with ten- under the CDC’s Title 42 authority. Families dures required to administer the asylum
der-age children and many other issues from Mexico and the Northern Triangle laws that Congress passed long ago.
countries are expelled to Mexico unless Mex- The prior administration tore down the
that could help inform this conversa-
ico does not have the capacity to receive the lawful pathways that had been developed for
tion moving forward. families. Families from countries other than children to come to the United States in a
[From the U.S. Department of Homeland Mexico or the Northern Triangle are expelled safe, efficient, and orderly way. It tore down,
Security, Mar. 16, 2021] by plane to their countries of origin. Excep- for example, the Central American Minors
STATEMENT BY HOMELAND SECURITY SEC- tions can be made when a family member has program that avoided the need for children
RETARY ALEJANDRO N. MAYORKAS REGARD- an acute vulnerability. to take the dangerous journey to our south-
ING THE SITUATION AT THE SOUTHWEST BOR- Mexico’s limited capacity has strained our west border.
DER resources, including in the Rio Grande Val- The previous administration also cut for-
There is understandably a great deal of at- ley area of Texas. When Mexico’s capacity is eign aid funding to the Northern Triangle.
tention currently focused on the southwest reached, we process the families and place No longer did we resource efforts in El Sal-
border. I want to share the facts, the work them in immigration proceedings here in the vador, Guatemala, and Honduras to tackle
that we in the Department of Homeland Se- United States. We have partnered with the root causes of people fleeing their homes.
curity (DHS) and across the government are communitybased organizations to test the And, there were no plans to protect our
doing, and our plan of action. Our personnel family members and quarantine them as front-line personnel against the COVID–19
remain steadfast in devotion of their talent needed under COVID-19 protocols. In some pandemic. There was no appropriate plan-
and efforts in the service of our nation. locations, the processing of individuals who ning for the pandemic at all.
The situation at the southwest border is are part of a family unit has strained our As difficult as the border situation is now,
difficult. We are working around the clock to border resources. I explain below additional we are addressing it. We have acted and we
manage it and we will continue to do so. challenges we have encountered and the have made progress. We have no illusions
That is our job. We are making progress and steps we have taken to solve this problem. about how hard it is, and we know it will
we are executing on our plan. It will take UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN take time. We will get it done. We will do so
time and we will not waver in our commit- We are encountering many unaccompanied adhering to the law and our fundamental
ment to succeed. children at our southwest border every day. values. We have an incredibly dedicated and
We will also not waver in our values and A child who is under the age of 18 and not ac- talented workforce.
our principles as a Nation. Our goal is a safe, companied by their parent or legal guardian ACTIONS WE HAVE TAKEN
legal, and orderly immigration system that is considered under the law to be an unac- In less than two months, Customs and Bor-
is based on our bedrock priorities: to keep companied child. We are encountering six- der Protection stood-up an additional facil-
our borders secure, address the plight of chil- and sevenyear-old children, for example, ar- ity in Donna, Texas to process unaccom-
dren as the law requires, and enable families riving at our border without an adult. They panied children and families. We deployed
to be together. As noted by the President in are vulnerable children and we have ended additional personnel to provide oversight,
his Executive Order, ‘‘securing our borders the prior administration’s practice of expel- care, and transportation assistance for unac-
does not require us to ignore the humanity ling them. companied minors pending transfer to HHS
of those who seek to cross them.’’ We are An unaccompanied child is brought to a custody.
both a nation of laws and a nation of immi- Border Patrol facility and processed for We are standing up additional facilities in
grants. That is one of our proudest tradi- transfer to the Department of Health and Texas and Arizona to shelter unaccompanied
tions. Human Services (HHS). Customs and Border children and families. We are working with
THE FACTS Protection is a passthrough and is required Mexico to increase its capacity to receive ex-
We are on pace to encounter more individ- to transfer the child to HHS within 72 hours pelled families. We partnered with commu-
uals on the southwest border than we have in of apprehension. HHS holds the child for nity-based organizations to test and quar-
the last 20 years. We are expelling most sin- testing and quarantine, and shelters the antine families that Mexico has not had the
gle adults and families. We are not expelling child until the child is placed with a sponsor capacity to receive. We have developed a
unaccompanied children. We are securing here in the United States. In more than 80 framework for partnering with local mayors
our border, executing the Centers for Disease percent of cases, the child has a family mem- and public health officials to pay for 100% of
Control and Prevention’s (CDC) public health ber in the United States. In more than 40 the expense for testing, isolation, and quar-
authority to safeguard the American public percent of cases, that family member is a antine for migrants. ICE has also developed
and the migrants themselves, and protecting parent or legal guardian. These are children additional facilities to provide testing, local
the children. We have more work to do. being reunited with their families who will transportation, immigration document as-
This is not new. We have experienced mi- care for them. sistance, orientation, travel coordination in
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
gration surges before—in 2019, 2014, and be- The children then go through immigration the interior, and mechanisms to support
fore then as well. Since April 2020, the num- proceedings where they are able to present a oversight of the migrant families who are
ber of encounters at the southwest border claim for relief under the law. not expelled.
has been steadily increasing. Border Patrol The Border Patrol facilities have become Working with Mexico and international or-
Agents are working around the clock to crowded with children and the 72–hour time- ganizations, we built a system in which mi-
process the flow at the border and I have frame for the transfer of children from the grants who were forced to remain in Mexico
great respect for their tireless efforts. To un- Border Patrol to HHS is not always met. and denied a chance to seek protection under
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.043 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1403
the previous administration can now use a shortly and taking other measures to imple- health pandemic we are living in. This
virtual platform—using their phones—to reg- ment the long needed systemic reforms. We is a crisis. We have suicide rates that
ister. They do not need to take the dan- will shorten from years to months the time we have never seen before amongst stu-
gerous journey to the border. The individuals it takes to adjudicate an asylum claim while
ensuring procedural safeguards and enhanc-
dents. Our businesses are shut down.
are tested, processed, and transported to a
port of entry safely and out of the hands of ing access to counsel. We must do something to protect the
traffickers. We succeeded in processing the President Biden laid out a vision of a American people first.
individuals who were in the Matamoros camp ‘‘multi-pronged approach toward managing We also must protect the migrants.
in Mexico. This is the roadmap going forward migration throughout North and Central But allowing our borders to be porous
for a system that is safe, orderly, and fair. America that reflects the Nation’s highest without the COVID testing is, again, a
To protect our own workforce, we launched values.’’ To that end, we are working with mistake, not only for the Nation, but
Operation Vaccinate Our Workforce (VOW) the Departments of Health and Human Serv-
ices, Justice, and State in an all-of-govern- for the migrants trying to come here.
in late January. At the beginning of this ad-
ment effort to not only address the current It is dangerous for both Americans and
ministration, less than 2 percent of our
frontline personnel were vaccinated. Now situation at our southwest border, but to in- migrants.
more than 25 percent of our frontline per- stitute longer-term solutions to irregular We deserve better than that in Amer-
sonnel have been vaccinated. migration from countries in our hemisphere ica. Our Americans deserve better than
We directed the Federal Emergency Man- that are suffering worsening conditions. This that. And we must support Dr. MILLER-
agement Agency (FEMA) to assist HHS in is powerfully exemplified by the President’s MEEKS’ bill and insist that there is
developing the capacity to meet the surge of goal to invest $4 billion in the Northern Tri-
angle countries to address the root causes of
COVID testing before migrants are re-
unaccompanied children. FEMA already es- leased into America.
tablished one new facility for HHS to shelter migration.
CONCLUSION
Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
700 children. They have identified and are
currently adding additional facilities. We are The situation we are currently facing at Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
working with HHS to more efficiently iden- the southwest border is a difficult one. We may consume.
tify and screen sponsors for children. In two are tackling it. We are keeping our borders Madam Speaker, as difficult as the
days, we recruited more than 560 DHS volun- secure, enforcing our laws, and staying true situation is at our southern border, we
teers to support HHS in our collective efforts to our values and principles. We can do so be- are addressing it.
to address the needs of the unaccompanied cause of the incredible talent and unwaver- The Biden administration has acted,
children. ing dedication of our workforce. and they have made progress. They
We are restarting and expanding the Cen- I came to this country as an infant,
brought by parents who understood the hope
have no illusions about how hard it is,
tral American Minors program. It creates a
lawful pathway for children to come to the and promise of America. Today, young chil- because they inherited a dismantled
United States without having to take the dren are arriving at our border with that program. And to protect our own work-
dangerous journey. Under this expansion, same hope. We can do this. force, they have launched Operation
children will be processed in their home Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Vaccinate our Workers, VOW, in late
countries and brought to the United States Speaker, I reserve the balance of my January.
in a safe and orderly way. time. At the beginning of the Biden admin-
In addition, DHS and HHS terminated a istration, less than 2 percent of our
2018 agreement that had a chilling effect on b 1730
frontline personnel were vaccinated.
potential sponsors—typically a parent or Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I To date, more than 25 percent of our
close relative—from coming forward to care yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
for an unaccompanied child placed in an HHS frontline personnel have been vac-
from New Mexico (Ms. HERRELL).
shelter. In its place, DHS and HHS signed a cinated. That is leadership. That is not
Ms. HERRELL. Madam Speaker, I
new Memorandum of Agreement that pro- avoidance of the problem that we face.
rise because I am concerned about the
motes the safe and timely transfer of chil- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal-
dren. It keeps safeguards designed to ensure
release of aliens into my community
ance of my time.
children are unified with properly vetted without COVID–19 testing.
Dr. MILLER-MEEKS’ changes to this Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I
sponsors who can safely care for them while am prepared to close, and I yield my-
they await immigration proceedings. legislation are vital to protecting
Americans from the spread of COVID– self such time as I may consume.
THE PATH FORWARD Madam Speaker, in closing, there is a
We are creating joint processing centers so
19.
As our Nation continues to deal with crisis at our border. Whether the
that children can be placed in HHS care im- Democrats acknowledge it or not, our
mediately after Border Patrol encounters the COVID–19 pandemic, our State is
still largely locked down, our schools border patrol agents are overwhelmed,
them. We are also identifying and equipping
additional facilities for HHS to shelter unac- are shuttered, and many of our busi- detention facilities are way over capac-
companied children until they are placed nesses have been closed due to orders ity, and COVID–19 is spreading un-
with family or sponsors. These are short- from State and local officials. checked throughout. This puts the
term solutions to address the surge of unac- In many areas along the border, the health of both individuals detained and
companied children. CBP has restarted catch and release in the border agents at risk.
Longer term, we are working with Mexico the midst of this unprecedented pan- We currently require a negative
and international organizations to expand COVID test to travel in the U.S. So
our new virtual platform so that unaccom-
demic. This is completely illogical, es-
pecially while American citizens con- why should the southern border be any
panied children can access it without having
to take the dangerous journey to our border. tinue to live under such restrictions. In different?
As mentioned, we are expanding the Central fact, again, I can point to a double The border crisis is a direct result of
American Minors program to permit more standard. the administration’s lax immigration
children to be processed in their home coun- Madam Speaker, it is very unfair to policy, and it is putting our commu-
tries and if eligible, brought to the United think that we want to do something to nities at further risk of contracting
States in a safe and orderly way. protect these young families, these un- COVID–19.
We are developing additional legal and safe accompanied children, when we know Madam Speaker, I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote
pathways for children and others to reach on the previous question, and a ‘‘no’’
for a fact that they are coming across
the United States. While we are building a
formal refugee program throughout the re- the border at the age 1, 3, and 5 alone, vote on the underlying measure.
gion, we are working with Mexico, the without any supervision. We know for Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal-
Northern Triangle countries, and inter- a fact that they are being raped and ance of my time.
national organizations to establish proc- pillaged along the way. And if we feel Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
essing centers in those countries so that in- that is somehow a benefit to the chil- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
dividuals can be screened through them and dren, let alone being exposed in coming may consume.
brought to the United States if they qualify into this Nation with COVID, then we Last week, we passed a historic
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
for relief under our humanitarian laws and American Rescue Plan, which set out a
are fooling not only ourselves, but,
other authorities.
again, the American people. We aren’t vision of who we are as a nation. We
For years, the asylum system has been
badly in need of reengineering. In addition to just putting the immigrants in harm’s are a country that can conquer this
improving the process by which unaccom- way, but also the American people. virus, a country that cares about elimi-
panied children are placed with family or Madam Speaker, we should be more nating childhood poverty, and a coun-
sponsors, we will be issuing a new regulation mindful of what is happening. This is a try that is dedicated to ensuring that
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.018 H16MRPT1
H1404 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
everyone—everyone, not just the rich— RECESS Blunt Rochester Higgins (NY) Pappas
Bonamici Himes Pascrell
are able to emerge from the pandemic The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bourdeaux Horsford Payne
and do better. ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair Bowman Houlahan Perlmutter
The bills before us today are a con- declares the House in recess subject to Boyle, Brendan Hoyer Peters
F. Huffman Phillips
tinuation of this vision of a country the call of the Chair. Brownley Jackson Lee Pingree
committed to doing better for the peo- Accordingly (at 5 o’clock and 37 min- Bush Jacobs (CA) Pocan
ple. Too many people in America live utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. Bustos Jayapal Porter
in fear, fear because they are not pro- Butterfield Jeffries Pressley
tected under the law, but these bills be- f Carbajal Johnson (GA) Price (NC)
Cárdenas Johnson (TX) Quigley
fore us today say: ‘‘No more.’’ b 1830 Carson Jones
Raskin
The Violence Against Women Reau- Cartwright Kahele
Rice (NY)
Case Kaptur
thorization Act says to domestic abuse AFTER RECESS Casten Keating
Ross
survivors: ‘‘You are safe. You are going Castor (FL) Kelly (IL) Roybal-Allard
The recess having expired, the House Ruiz
to be safe.’’ was called to order by the Speaker pro Castro (TX) Khanna
Ruppersberger
Chu Kildee
H.J. Res. 17, which removes the dead- tempore (Mr. PANETTA) at 6 o’clock and Cicilline Kilmer Rush
line for the ratification of the equal 30 minutes p.m. Clark (MA) Kim (NJ) Ryan
rights amendment says to women: Clarke (NY) Kind Sánchez
‘‘You are equal.’’ ‘‘We are equal.’’ f Cleaver Kirkpatrick Sarbanes
Clyburn Krishnamoorthi Scanlon
The Dream and Promise Act says to PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION Cohen Kuster Schakowsky
Dreamers: ‘‘You, too, can have a shot OF H.R. 1620, VIOLENCE AGAINST Connolly Lamb Schiff
at the American Dream.’’ Cooper Langevin Schneider
WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT Correa Larsen (WA) Schrader
And the Farm Workforce Moderniza- OF 2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSID- Costa Larson (CT) Schrier
tion Act tells our farm workers: ‘‘You ERATION OF H.R. 6, AMERICAN Courtney Lawrence Scott (VA)
can do your job without fear of depor- DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF Craig Lawson (FL) Scott, David
tation.’’ Crist Lee (NV) Sewell
2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDER- Crow Leger Fernandez Sherman
H.R. 1868 tells Americans: ‘‘Don’t ATION OF H.R. 1603, FARM WORK- Cuellar Levin (CA) Sherrill
worry about draconian cuts. Let’s FORCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF Davids (KS) Levin (MI) Sires
focus on recovery.’’ Davis, Danny K. Lieu Slotkin
2021; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDER- Dean Lofgren Smith (WA)
Madam Speaker, the bills before us ATION OF H.R. 1868, PREVENTING DeFazio Lowenthal Soto
today will continue the Democratic PAYGO SEQUESTRATION; PRO- DeGette Luria Spanberger
Congress’ work to do better by all the DeLauro Lynch Stanton
VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF DelBene Malinowski
American people. Stevens
H.J. RES. 17, REMOVING THE Delgado Maloney, Strickland
Madam Speaker, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote DEADLINE FOR THE RATIFICA- Demings Carolyn B. Suozzi
on the rule and the previous question. TION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS DeSaulnier Maloney, Sean Swalwell
Deutch Manning
The material previously referred to AMENDMENT; AND FOR OTHER Dingell Matsui
Takano
by Mrs. FISCHBACH is as follows: Thompson (CA)
PURPOSES Doggett McBath
Thompson (MS)
AMENDMENT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 233 Doyle, Michael McCollum
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- F. McEachin
Titus
At the end of the resolution, add the fol- Tlaib
ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- Escobar McGovern
lowing: Tonko
ished business is the vote on ordering Eshoo McNerney
Torres (CA)
SEC. 11. Immediately upon adoption of this Espaillat Meeks
the previous question on the resolution Evans Meng Torres (NY)
resolution, the House shall proceed to the
(H. Res. 233) providing for consider- Fletcher Mfume Trahan
consideration in the House of the bill (H.R. Trone
1897) to require a diagnostic test for COVID– ation of the bill (H.R. 1620) to reauthor- Foster Moore (WI)
Frankel, Lois Morelle Underwood
19 for an inadmissible alien released from the ize the Violence Against Women Act of Vargas
Gallego Moulton
custody of the United States Customs and 1994, and for other purposes; providing Garamendi Mrvan Veasey
Border Protection or the United States Im- for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6) to Garcı́a (IL) Nadler Velázquez
migration and Customs Enforcement, and for Garcia (TX) Napolitano Wasserman
authorize the cancellation of removal Schultz
other purposes. All points of order against Gomez Neal
and adjustment of status of certain Gonzalez, Neguse Waters
consideration of the bill are waived. The bill aliens, and for other purposes; pro- Watson Coleman
Vicente Newman
shall be considered as read. All points of Welch
viding for consideration of the bill Gottheimer Norcross
order against provisions in the bill are Green, Al (TX) O’Halleran Wexton
waived. The previous question shall be con- (H.R. 1603) to amend the Immigration Wild
Grijalva Ocasio-Cortez
sidered as ordered on the bill and on any and Nationality Act to provide for Harder (CA) Omar Williams (GA)
amendment thereto to final passage without terms and conditions for nonimmigrant Hastings Pallone Wilson (FL)
intervening motion except: (1) one hour of workers performing agricultural labor Hayes Panetta Yarmuth
debate equally divided and controlled by the or services, and for other purposes; pro-
chair and ranking minority member of the NAYS—200
viding for consideration of the bill
Committee on the Judiciary; and (2) one mo- (H.R. 1868) to prevent across-the-board Aderholt Carter (TX) Foxx
tion to recommit. Allen Cawthorn Franklin, C.
direct spending cuts, and for other pur- Amodei Chabot Scott
SEC. 12. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not
apply to the consideration of H.R. 1897.
poses; providing for consideration of Arrington Cheney Fulcher
the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 17) re- Babin Cline Gallagher
Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Bacon Cloud Garbarino
Speaker, I yield back the balance of moving the deadline for the ratifica- Baird Clyde Garcia (CA)
my time, and I move the previous ques- tion of the equal rights amendment; Banks Cole Gibbs
tion on the resolution. and for other purposes, on which the Barr Comer Gimenez
yeas and nays were ordered. Bentz Crawford Gohmert
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bergman Crenshaw Gonzales, Tony
The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Bice (OK) Curtis Gonzalez (OH)
question is on ordering the previous
tion. Biggs Davidson Good (VA)
question. Bilirakis DesJarlais Gooden (TX)
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
The question was taken; and the Bishop (NC) Diaz-Balart Gosar
question is on ordering the previous Boebert Donalds Granger
Speaker pro tempore announced that
question on the resolution. Bost Duncan Graves (LA)
the ayes appeared to have it.
The vote was taken by electronic de- Brooks Dunn Green (TN)
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, vice, and there were—yeas 212, nays Buchanan Emmer Greene (GA)
on that I demand the yeas and nays. 200, not voting 17, as follows:
Buck Estes Griffith
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Bucshon Fallon Grothman
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Budd Feenstra Guest
[Roll No. 78]
ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution Burchett Ferguson Guthrie
YEAS—212
8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Burgess Fischbach Hagedorn
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- Adams Axne Bera Calvert Fitzgerald Harris
Aguilar Barragán Beyer Cammack Fitzpatrick Harshbarger
ther proceedings on this question are Allred Bass Bishop (GA) Carl Fleischmann Hartzler
postponed. Auchincloss Beatty Blumenauer Carter (GA) Fortenberry Hern
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.045 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1405
Herrell McCarthy Rutherford Sires (Pallone) Timmons Wilson (FL) NAYS—204
Herrera Beutler McCaul Salazar Slotkin (Steube) (Hayes)
Aderholt Gonzalez (OH) Moolenaar
Hice (GA) McClain Scalise (Stevens) Watson Coleman
Allen Good (VA) Mooney
Higgins (LA) McClintock Schweikert (Pallone)
Amodei Gooden (TX) Moore (AL)
Hill McHenry Scott, Austin
Hinson McKinley Sessions The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Arrington Gosar Moore (UT)
question is on agreeing to the resolu- Babin Granger Mullin
Hollingsworth Meijer Smith (MO)
Bacon Graves (LA) Murphy (NC)
Hudson Meuser Smith (NE) tion. Baird Graves (MO) Nehls
Huizenga Miller (IL) Smith (NJ)
Issa Miller (WV) Smucker
The question was taken; and the Banks Green (TN) Newhouse
Speaker pro tempore announced that Barr Greene (GA) Norman
Jackson Miller-Meeks Spartz
Bentz Griffith
Jacobs (NY) Moolenaar Stauber the ayes appeared to have it. Bergman Grothman
Nunes
Johnson (LA) Mooney Steel Obernolte
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, on Bice (OK) Guest
Johnson (OH) Moore (AL) Stefanik Owens
Johnson (SD) Moore (UT) Steil that I demand the yeas and nays. Biggs Guthrie
Palazzo
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bilirakis Hagedorn
Jordan Mullin Steube Palmer
Bishop (NC) Harris
Joyce (OH) Murphy (NC) Stewart ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution Pence
Boebert Harshbarger
Joyce (PA) Nehls Stivers Perry
Katko Newhouse Taylor
8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Bost Hartzler
Brooks Hern Pfluger
Keller Norman Tenney The vote was taken by electronic de- Posey
Buchanan Herrell
Kelly (MS) Nunes Thompson (PA) vice, and there were—yeas 216, nays Buck Herrera Beutler Reed
Kelly (PA) Obernolte Tiffany 204, not voting 9, as follows: Reschenthaler
Bucshon Hice (GA)
Kim (CA) Owens Timmons Rice (SC)
[Roll No. 79] Budd Higgins (LA)
Kinzinger Palazzo Turner Rodgers (WA)
Burchett Hill
Kustoff Palmer Upton YEAS—216 Rogers (AL)
Burgess Hinson
LaHood Pence Valadao Rogers (KY)
Adams Gonzalez, Ocasio-Cortez Calvert Hollingsworth
LaMalfa Perry Van Drew Rose
Aguilar Vicente Omar Cammack Hudson
Latta Pfluger Van Duyne Rosendale
Allred Gottheimer Pallone Carl Huizenga
LaTurner Posey Wagner
Auchincloss Green, Al (TX) Panetta Carter (GA) Issa Rouzer
Lesko Reed Walberg
Axne Grijalva Pappas Carter (TX) Jackson Roy
Long Reschenthaler Walorski
Barragán Harder (CA) Pascrell Cawthorn Jacobs (NY) Rutherford
Loudermilk Rice (SC) Weber (TX)
Bass Hastings Payne Chabot Johnson (LA) Salazar
Lucas Rodgers (WA) Webster (FL)
Beatty Hayes Perlmutter Cheney Johnson (OH) Scalise
Luetkemeyer Rogers (AL) Wenstrup
Bera Higgins (NY) Peters Cline Johnson (SD) Schweikert
Mace Rogers (KY) Westerman
Beyer Himes Phillips Cloud Jordan Scott, Austin
Malliotakis Rose Williams (TX)
Bishop (GA) Horsford Pingree Clyde Joyce (OH) Sessions
Mann Rosendale Wittman
Blumenauer Houlahan Pocan Cole Joyce (PA) Smith (MO)
Massie Rouzer Womack
Blunt Rochester Hoyer Porter Comer Katko Smith (NE)
Mast Roy Zeldin
Bonamici Huffman Pressley Crawford Keller Smith (NJ)
NOT VOTING—17 Bourdeaux Jackson Lee Price (NC) Crenshaw Kelly (MS) Smucker
Bowman Jacobs (CA) Quigley Curtis Kelly (PA) Spartz
Armstrong Golden Speier
Boyle, Brendan Jayapal Raskin Davidson Kim (CA) Stauber
Balderson Graves (MO) Vela
F. Jeffries Rice (NY) Davis, Rodney Kinzinger Steel
Brady Lamborn Waltz
Brown Johnson (GA) Ross DesJarlais Kustoff Stefanik
Brown Lee (CA) Wilson (SC) Brownley Johnson (TX) Roybal-Allard Diaz-Balart LaHood Steil
Davis, Rodney Murphy (FL) Young Bush Jones Donalds LaMalfa Steube
Gaetz Simpson Ruiz
Bustos Kahele Duncan Lamborn Stewart
Ruppersberger
Butterfield Kaptur Dunn Latta Stivers
Rush
b 1916 Carbajal Keating Ryan
Emmer LaTurner
Taylor
Cárdenas Kelly (IL) Estes Lesko
Mr. LONG changed his vote from Sánchez Tenney
Carson Khanna Fallon Long
Sarbanes Thompson (PA)
‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Cartwright Kildee Scanlon
Feenstra Loudermilk
Tiffany
Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ changed her Case Kilmer Ferguson Lucas
Schakowsky Timmons
Casten Kim (NJ) Fischbach Luetkemeyer
vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Schiff
Fitzgerald Mace Turner
Castor (FL) Kind Schneider
So the previous question was ordered. Fitzpatrick Malliotakis Upton
Castro (TX) Kirkpatrick
Schrader Valadao
The result of the vote was announced Chu Krishnamoorthi
Schrier
Fleischmann Mann
Van Drew
as above recorded. Cicilline Kuster Fortenberry Massie
Scott (VA) Foxx Mast Van Duyne
Clark (MA) Lamb
Stated for: Clarke (NY) Langevin
Scott, David Franklin, C. McCarthy Wagner
Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, on roll- Sewell Scott McCaul Walberg
Cleaver Larsen (WA)
Sherman Fulcher McClain Walorski
call vote 78, I was not present because I was Clyburn Larson (CT)
Sherrill Weber (TX)
Cohen Lawrence Gallagher McClintock
unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I Sires Garbarino McHenry Webster (FL)
Connolly Lawson (FL)
would have voted ‘‘Yes’’ on ordering the pre- Cooper Lee (CA)
Slotkin Garcia (CA) McKinley Wenstrup
Smith (WA) Westerman
vious question on H. Res. 233. Correa Lee (NV) Gibbs Meijer
Costa Soto Gimenez Meuser Williams (TX)
MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE
Leger Fernandez
Courtney Levin (CA) Spanberger Gohmert Miller (IL) Wittman
RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS Speier Golden Miller (WV) Womack
Craig Levin (MI)
Allred (Davids Garbarino (Joyce Lieu (Beyer) Crist Lieu Stanton Gonzales, Tony Miller-Meeks Zeldin
(KS)) (OH)) Lowenthal Crow Lofgren Stevens
Axne (Stevens) Gonzalez (OH) Cuellar Lowenthal Strickland NOT VOTING—9
(Beyer)
Baird (Walorski) (Joyce (OH)) Davids (KS) Luria Suozzi Armstrong Gaetz Waltz
McEachin
Barragán (Beyer) Gottheimer Davis, Danny K. Lynch Swalwell Balderson Murphy (FL) Wilson (SC)
(Wexton)
Bera (Aguilar) (Suozzi) Dean Malinowski Takano Brady Simpson Young
Meng (Clark Thompson (CA)
Bishop (GA) Grijalva (Garcı́a (MA)) DeFazio Maloney,
Thompson (MS)
(Butterfield) (IL)) Moore (WI) DeGette Carolyn B.
Titus
b 2003
Blumenauer Hastings DeLauro Maloney, Sean
(Beyer) Tlaib
(Beyer) (Wasserman
Moulton
DelBene Manning Ms. MACE and Mr. VAN DREW
Buchanan Schultz) Delgado Matsui Tonko
(Underwood) Torres (CA)
changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to
(Gimenez) Higgins (NY) Demings McBath
Bush (Clark (Kildee) Napolitano DeSaulnier McCollum Torres (NY) ‘‘nay.’’
(MA)) Johnson (TX) (Correa) Deutch McEachin Trahan So the resolution was agreed to.
Cárdenas (Jeffries) Payne Dingell McGovern Trone The result of the vote was announced
(Gomez) Kahele (Mrvan) (Wasserman Doggett McNerney Underwood
Schultz) Vargas as above recorded.
Castro (TX) Kim (NJ) (Davids Doyle, Michael Meeks
(Garcia (TX)) (KS)) Perlmutter F. Meng Veasey A motion to reconsider was laid on
Cleaver (Davids Kind (Connolly) (Courtney) Escobar Mfume Vela the table.
(KS)) Kinzinger Peters (Kildee) Eshoo Moore (WI) Velázquez
MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE
Craig (Herrera- Pingree Espaillat Morelle Wasserman
Schultz RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS
(McCollum) Beutler) (Cicilline) Evans Moulton
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
DeFazio (Davids Kirkpatrick Porter (Wexton) Fletcher Mrvan Waters Allred (Davids Blumenauer Castro (TX)
(KS)) (Stanton) Roybal-Allard Foster Nadler Watson Coleman (KS)) (Beyer) (Garcia (TX))
DeSaulnier Kuster (Clark (Aguilar) Frankel, Lois Napolitano Welch Axne (Stevens) Buchanan Cleaver (Davids
(Matsui) (MA)) Rush Gallego Neal Wexton Baird (Walorski) (Gimenez) (KS))
DesJarlais Langevin Garamendi Neguse Wild Barragán (Beyer) Bush (Clark Craig
(Underwood)
(Fleischmann) (Lynch) Garcı́a (IL) Newman Williams (GA) Bera (Aguilar) (MA)) (McCollum)
Schneider (Crow)
Garamendi Lawson (FL) Garcia (TX) Norcross Wilson (FL) Bishop (GA) Cárdenas DeFazio (Davids
(Sherman) (Demings) Gomez O’Halleran Yarmuth (Butterfield) (Gomez) (KS))
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.020 H16MRPT1
H1406 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
DeSaulnier Kinzinger Napolitano Franklin, C. LaTurner Rosendale NAYS—3
(Matsui) (Herrera- (Correa) Scott Lawrence Ross
Greene (GA) Massie McClintock
DesJarlais Beutler) Payne Fulcher Lawson (FL) Rouzer
(Fleischmann) Kirkpatrick (Wasserman Gallagher Lee (CA) Roy NOT VOTING—11
Garamendi (Stanton) Schultz) Gallego Lee (NV) Roybal-Allard
(Sherman) Perlmutter Garamendi Leger Fernandez Ruiz Armstrong Gaetz Waltz
Kuster (Clark
Garbarino (Joyce (Courtney) Garbarino Lesko Ruppersberger Balderson McHenry Wilson (SC)
(MA))
(OH)) Peters (Kildee) Garcia (CA) Levin (CA) Brady Murphy (FL) Young
Lamborn Rush
Gonzalez (OH) Pingree Garcı́a (IL) Levin (MI) Clarke (NY) Simpson
(Walberg) Rutherford
(Joyce (OH)) Langevin (Cicilline) Garcia (TX) Lieu Ryan
Gottheimer Porter (Wexton) Gibbs Lofgren
(Suozzi)
(Lynch)
Roybal-Allard Gimenez Long
Salazar b 2051
Lawson (FL) Sánchez
Grijalva (Garcı́a (Aguilar) Gohmert Loudermilk
(IL))
(Demings)
Rush
Sarbanes Messrs. STEWART and WEBSTER of
Golden Lowenthal Scalise
Hastings Lieu (Beyer)
(Underwood) Gomez Lucas
Florida changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’
Lowenthal Scanlon
(Wasserman Schneider (Crow) Gonzales, Tony Luetkemeyer Schakowsky to ‘‘yea.’’
Schultz) (Beyer) Sires (Pallone)
McEachin
Gonzalez (OH) Luria Schiff So (two-thirds being in the affirma-
Higgins Slotkin Gonzalez, Lynch
(NY) (Kildee) (Wexton) (Stevens)
Schneider tive) the rules were suspended and the
Vicente Mace Schrader
Johnson Meng (Clark Timmons Good (VA) Malinowski bill, as amended, was passed.
(MA)) Schrier
(TX) (Jeffries) (Steube) Gooden (TX) Malliotakis The result of the vote was announced
Kahele (Mrvan) Moore (WI) Watson Coleman Schweikert
Gosar Maloney, Scott (VA) as above recorded.
Kim (NJ) (Davids (Beyer) (Pallone) Gottheimer Carolyn B.
(KS)) Moulton Wilson (FL) Scott, Austin A motion to reconsider was laid on
Granger Maloney, Sean Scott, David
Kind (Connolly) (Underwood) (Hayes) Graves (LA) Mann Sessions
the table.
Graves (MO) Manning Sewell Stated for:
f Green (TN) Mast
Green, Al (TX) Matsui
Sherman Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker,
Sherrill due to last-minute congressional business, I
PPP EXTENSION ACT OF 2021 Griffith McBath Sires
Grijalva McCarthy
Slotkin was unable to vote on this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Grothman McCaul Had I been present, I would have voted:
Smith (MO)
ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- Guest McClain
Smith (NE) ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 80 (PPP Extension Act of
ished business is the vote on the mo- Guthrie McCollum
Smith (NJ)
Hagedorn McEachin 2021).
tion to suspend the rules and pass the Harder (CA) McGovern
Smith (WA)
Smucker MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE
bill (H.R. 1799) to amend the Small Harris McKinley
Soto RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS
Business Act and the CARES Act to ex- Harshbarger McNerney
Spanberger Allred (Davids Gonzalez (OH) McEachin
Hartzler Meeks
tend the covered period for the pay- Hastings Meijer
Spartz (KS)) (Joyce (OH)) (Wexton)
check protection program, and for Hayes Meng
Speier Axne (Stevens) Gottheimer Meng (Clark
Stanton
other purposes, as amended, on which Hern Meuser Baird (Walorski) (Suozzi) (MA))
Herrell Mfume Stauber Grijalva (Garcı́a Moore (WI)
the yeas and nays were ordered. Barragán (Beyer)
Herrera Beutler Miller (IL) Steel (IL)) (Beyer)
Bera (Aguilar)
The Clerk read the title of the bill. Hice (GA) Miller (WV) Stefanik Hastings Moulton
Bishop (GA)
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Higgins (LA) Miller-Meeks Steil
(Butterfield) (Wasserman (Underwood)
Steube Schultz) Napolitano
question is on the motion offered by Higgins (NY) Moolenaar Blumenauer
Hill Mooney Stevens Higgins (NY) (Correa)
the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stewart
(Beyer)
(Kildee) Payne
Himes Moore (AL) Buchanan
VELÁZQUEZ) that the House suspend the Hinson Moore (UT) Stivers
(Gimenez) Johnson (TX) (Wasserman
rules and pass the bill, as amended. Hollingsworth Moore (WI) Strickland
Bush (Clark
(Jeffries) Schultz)
Suozzi Kahele (Mrvan) Perlmutter
The vote was taken by electronic de- Horsford Morelle (MA))
Houlahan Moulton Swalwell Kim (NJ) (Davids (Courtney)
vice, and there were—yeas 415, nays 3, Takano
Cárdenas
(KS)) Peters (Kildee)
Hoyer Mrvan (Gomez)
not voting 11, as follows: Hudson Mullin Taylor Kind (Connolly) Pingree
Castro (TX) Kinzinger (Cicilline)
[Roll No. 80] Huffman Murphy (NC) Tenney
(Garcia (TX)) (Herrera- Porter (Wexton)
Huizenga Nadler Thompson (CA)
YEAS—415 Cleaver (Davids Beutler) Roybal-Allard
Issa Napolitano Thompson (MS)
(KS)) Kirkpatrick (Aguilar)
Adams Burchett Cuellar Jackson Neal Thompson (PA)
Craig (Stanton) Rush
Aderholt Burgess Curtis Jackson Lee Neguse Tiffany
(McCollum) Kuster (Clark (Underwood)
Aguilar Bush Davids (KS) Jacobs (CA) Nehls Timmons
DeFazio (Davids (MA)) Schneider (Crow)
Allen Bustos Davidson Jacobs (NY) Newhouse Titus
(KS)) Lamborn Sires (Pallone)
Allred Butterfield Davis, Danny K. Jayapal Newman Tlaib
DeSaulnier (Walberg) Slotkin
Amodei Calvert Davis, Rodney Jeffries Norcross Tonko
(Matsui) Langevin (Stevens)
Arrington Cammack Dean Johnson (GA) Norman Torres (CA)
Auchincloss Carbajal DeFazio Johnson (LA) Nunes DesJarlais (Lynch) Timmons
Torres (NY)
Axne Cárdenas DeGette Johnson (OH) O’Halleran (Fleischmann) Lawson (FL) (Steube)
Trahan
Babin Carl DeLauro Johnson (SD) Obernolte Garamendi (Demings) Watson Coleman
Trone
Bacon Carson DelBene Johnson (TX) Ocasio-Cortez (Sherman) Lieu (Beyer) (Pallone)
Turner
Baird Carter (GA) Delgado Jones Omar Garbarino (Joyce Lowenthal Wilson (FL)
Underwood
Banks Carter (TX) Demings Jordan Owens (OH)) (Beyer) (Hayes)
Upton
Barr Cartwright DeSaulnier Joyce (OH) Palazzo Valadao
Barragán Case DesJarlais Joyce (PA) Pallone Van Drew f
Bass Casten Deutch Kahele Palmer Van Duyne
Beatty Castor (FL) Diaz-Balart Kaptur Panetta Vargas
Bentz Castro (TX) Dingell Katko Pappas Veasey STRONGER CHILD ABUSE PREVEN-
Bera Cawthorn Doggett Keating Pascrell
Bergman Chabot Donalds Keller Payne
Vela TION AND TREATMENT ACT
Velázquez
Beyer Cheney Doyle, Michael Kelly (IL) Pence The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
Wagner
Bice (OK) Chu F. Kelly (MS) Perlmutter
Biggs Cicilline Duncan Kelly (PA) Perry
Walberg ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin-
Walorski ished business is the vote on the mo-
Bilirakis Clark (MA) Dunn Khanna Peters
Wasserman
Bishop (GA) Cleaver Emmer Kildee Pfluger
Schultz tion to suspend the rules and pass the
Bishop (NC) Cline Escobar Kilmer Phillips
Blumenauer Cloud Eshoo Kim (CA) Pingree Waters bill (H.R. 485) to reauthorize the Child
Blunt Rochester Clyburn Espaillat Kim (NJ) Pocan Watson Coleman Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act,
Boebert Clyde Estes Kind Porter Weber (TX) and for other purposes, on which the
Bonamici Cohen Evans Kinzinger Posey Webster (FL)
Welch yeas and nays were ordered.
Bost Cole Fallon Kirkpatrick Pressley
Bourdeaux Comer Feenstra Krishnamoorthi Price (NC) Wenstrup The Clerk read the title of the bill.
Bowman Connolly Ferguson Kuster Quigley Westerman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
Boyle, Brendan Cooper Fischbach Kustoff Raskin Wexton
Wild
question is on the motion offered by
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
F. Correa Fitzgerald LaHood Reed
Brooks Costa Fitzpatrick LaMalfa Reschenthaler Williams (GA) the gentleman from Virginia (Mr.
Brown Courtney Fleischmann Lamb Rice (NY) Williams (TX) SCOTT) that the House suspend the
Brownley Craig Fletcher Lamborn Rice (SC) Wilson (FL) rules and pass the bill.
Buchanan Crawford Fortenberry Langevin Rodgers (WA) Wittman
Womack
The vote was taken by electronic de-
Buck Crenshaw Foster Larsen (WA) Rogers (AL)
Bucshon Crist Foxx Larson (CT) Rogers (KY) Yarmuth vice, and there were—yeas 345, nays 73,
Budd Crow Frankel, Lois Latta Rose Zeldin not voting 11, as follows:
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.026 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1407
[Roll No. 81] Slotkin Taylor Vela Moulton Peters (Kildee) Sires (Pallone)
Smith (NE) Tenney Velázquez (Underwood) Pingree Slotkin
YEAS—345 Smith (NJ) Thompson (CA) Walberg Napolitano (Cicilline) (Stevens)
Smith (WA) Thompson (MS) Walorski (Correa) Porter (Wexton) Timmons
Adams Fleischmann Lucas
Smucker Thompson (PA) Wasserman Payne Roybal-Allard (Steube)
Aguilar Fletcher Luetkemeyer
Soto Timmons Schultz (Wasserman (Aguilar) Watson Coleman
Allen Fortenberry Luria
Spanberger Titus Waters Schultz) Rush (Pallone)
Allred Foster Lynch
Spartz Tlaib Watson Coleman Perlmutter (Underwood) Wilson (FL)
Amodei Foxx Mace
Speier Tonko Webster (FL) (Courtney) Schneider (Crow) (Hayes)
Auchincloss Frankel, Lois Malinowski Stanton Torres (CA) Welch
Axne Franklin, C. Malliotakis f
Stauber Torres (NY) Wenstrup
Bacon Scott Maloney, Steel Trahan Westerman
Baird Gallagher Carolyn B. REQUIRING AN AFFIRMATIVE
Stefanik Trone Wexton
Banks Gallego Maloney, Sean Steil Turner Wild
VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE
Barr Garamendi Manning Stevens Underwood Williams (GA) MEMBERS PRESENT AND VOT-
Barragán Garbarino Matsui
Bass Garcia (CA) McBath
Stewart Upton Williams (TX) ING, A QUORUM BEING PRESENT,
Stivers Valadao Wilson (FL) ON FINAL PASSAGE OF HOUSE
Beatty Garcı́a (IL) McCarthy Strickland Van Drew Wittman
Bentz Garcia (TX) McCaul Suozzi Van Duyne Womack JOINT RESOLUTION 17
Bera Gibbs McClain Swalwell Vargas Yarmuth
Bergman Gimenez McCollum
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
Takano Veasey Zeldin
Beyer Golden McEachin ant to section 9 of House Resolution
Bice (OK) Gomez McGovern NAYS—73 233, House Resolution 232 is hereby
Bilirakis Gonzales, Tony McKinley adopted.
Aderholt Fulcher Massie
Bishop (GA) Gonzalez (OH) McNerney
Blumenauer Gonzalez, Meeks
Arrington Gohmert Mast The text of the resolution is as fol-
Babin Good (VA) McClintock lows:
Blunt Rochester Vicente Meijer Biggs Gooden (TX) Miller (IL)
Bonamici Gottheimer Meng Bishop (NC) Gosar H. RES. 232
Bost Graves (LA) Meuser Mooney
Boebert Granger Moore (AL) Resolved, That an affirmative vote of a ma-
Bourdeaux Graves (MO) Mfume
Bowman Green, Al (TX) Miller (WV)
Brooks Green (TN) Mullin jority of the Members present and voting, a
Buck Greene (GA) Norman quorum being present, shall be required on
Boyle, Brendan Grijalva Miller-Meeks Budd Griffith final passage of House Joint Resolution 17.
F. Guthrie Moolenaar Palazzo
Burchett Grothman
Brown Hagedorn Moore (UT) Burgess Guest
Perry f
Brownley Harder (CA) Moore (WI) Pfluger
Cammack Harris
Buchanan Harshbarger Morelle Carl Hern Rogers (AL) BLACK LIVES MATTER IS
Bucshon Hartzler Moulton Rose FIGHTING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Carter (TX) Herrell
Bush Hastings Mrvan Rosendale
Cline Hice (GA)
Bustos Hayes Murphy (NC) Cloud Higgins (LA) Rouzer (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was
Butterfield Herrera Beutler Nadler Clyde Jackson Roy given permission to address the House
Calvert Higgins (NY) Napolitano Rutherford for 1 minute.)
Crawford Jordan
Carbajal Hill Neal
Cárdenas Himes Neguse
Davidson Kelly (MS) Scott, Austin Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker,
Donalds LaHood Sessions I rise today to pose a question to my
Carson Hinson Nehls Duncan LaMalfa Smith (MO)
Carter (GA) Hollingsworth Newhouse Dunn LaTurner Steube
good friend, the Senator from Wis-
Cartwright Horsford Newman consin.
Estes Lesko Tiffany
Case Houlahan Norcross
Casten Hoyer Nunes
Fallon Loudermilk Weber (TX) It amazes me that in the conspicuous
Fitzgerald Mann and confirmed insurrection of January
Castor (FL) Hudson O’Halleran
Castro (TX) Huffman Obernolte NOT VOTING—11 6, when there were persons who were
Cawthorn Huizenga Ocasio-Cortez literally attacking and beating law en-
Armstrong McHenry Waltz
Chabot Issa Omar
Cheney Jackson Lee Owens
Balderson Murphy (FL) Wilson (SC) forcement officers in plain view; seek-
Brady Simpson Young ing to kill the Vice President, the
Chu Jacobs (CA) Pallone
Gaetz Wagner
Cicilline Jacobs (NY) Palmer Speaker, and Members of Congress; and
Clark (MA) Jayapal Panetta throwing off racial epithets, that Sen-
Clarke (NY) Jeffries Pappas b 2138 ator from Wisconsin seemed to be con-
Cleaver Johnson (GA) Pascrell
Clyburn Johnson (LA) Payne Mr. KELLY of Mississippi changed fused.
Cohen Johnson (OH) Pence his vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ He was not afraid of the insurrection-
Cole Johnson (SD) Perlmutter Messrs. CAWTHORN, PALMER, and ists, who were beating police officers,
Comer Johnson (TX) Peters
Connolly Jones Phillips CARTER of Georgia changed their vote but he would be afraid of young people
Cooper Joyce (OH) Pingree from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ of Black Lives Matter, who were fight-
Correa Joyce (PA) Pocan So (two-thirds being in the affirma- ing for social justice, and allegedly
Costa Kahele Porter those who were Antifa, which is really
Courtney Kaptur Posey
tive) the rules were suspended and the
Craig Katko Pressley bill was passed. an ideology.
Crenshaw Keating Price (NC) The result of the vote was announced It strikes me quite amazing that this
Crist Keller Quigley as above recorded. individual would not understand that
Crow Kelly (IL) Raskin that is racist. That is racism.
Cuellar Kelly (PA) Reed A motion to reconsider was laid on
I would hope that if a Senator takes
Curtis Khanna Reschenthaler the table.
Davids (KS) Kildee Rice (NY) an oath to serve the people of the
MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE
Davis, Danny K. Kilmer Rice (SC) United States of America and his own
RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS
Davis, Rodney Kim (CA) Rodgers (WA) State that is very diverse that he
Dean Kim (NJ) Rogers (KY) Allred (Davids DeSaulnier Kind (Connolly)
(KS))
would correct that kind of behavior
DeFazio Kind Ross (Matsui) Kinzinger
DeGette Kinzinger Roybal-Allard Axne (Stevens) DesJarlais (Herrera- and that he would, in fact, not be
DeLauro Kirkpatrick Ruiz Baird (Walorski) (Fleischmann) Beutler) someone who would offer to say that
DelBene Krishnamoorthi Ruppersberger Barragán (Beyer) Garamendi Kirkpatrick Black Lives Matter is worthy of being
Delgado Kuster Rush Bera (Aguilar) (Sherman) (Stanton)
Demings Kustoff Ryan Bishop (GA) Garbarino (Joyce
frightened of.
Kuster (Clark No, they are not. They are fighting
DeSaulnier Lamb Salazar (Butterfield) (OH)) (MA))
DesJarlais Lamborn Sánchez Blumenauer Gonzalez (OH) Lamborn
for social justice. They are fighting for
Deutch Langevin Sarbanes (Beyer) (Joyce (OH)) what is right. I think the gentleman
(Walberg)
Diaz-Balart Larsen (WA) Scalise Buchanan Gottheimer
Dingell Larson (CT) Scanlon (Gimenez) (Suozzi)
Langevin needs to get corrected in what he is
(Lynch) thinking.
Doggett Latta Schakowsky Bush (Clark Grijalva (Garcı́a
Lawson (FL)
Doyle, Michael Lawrence Schiff (MA)) (IL))
(Demings) f
F. Lawson (FL) Schneider Cárdenas Hastings
Emmer Lee (CA) Schrader (Gomez) (Wasserman Lieu (Beyer) RECOGNIZING VINCENT SPERANZA,
Lowenthal
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Escobar Lee (NV) Schrier Castro (TX) Schultz) 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION PARA-
Eshoo Leger Fernandez Schweikert (Garcia (TX)) Higgins (NY) (Beyer)
Espaillat Levin (CA) Scott (VA) Cleaver (Davids (Kildee) McEachin TROOPER
Evans Levin (MI) Scott, David (KS)) Johnson (TX) (Wexton) (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois
Feenstra Lieu Sewell Craig (Jeffries) Meng (Clark
Ferguson Lofgren Sherman (McCollum) Kahele (Mrvan) (MA))
asked and was given permission to ad-
Fischbach Long Sherrill DeFazio (Davids Kim (NJ) (Davids Moore (WI) dress the House for 1 minute and to re-
Fitzpatrick Lowenthal Sires (KS)) (KS)) (Beyer) vise and extend his remarks.)
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.028 H16MRPT1
H1408 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, minute and to revise and extend his re-
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recog- I rise today in strong support of the re- marks.)
nize Mr. Vincent Speranza, a 101st Air- authorization of the Violence Against Mr. LAMALFA. President Trump is
borne Division paratrooper, a Battle of Women Act, my legislation, which will owed yet another apology from fake
the Bulge legend, and now a frequent be on this House floor tomorrow. news outlets. The recent revelation
flyer out of the Abraham Lincoln Cap- Madam Speaker, for years, VAWA about the Washington Post and its re-
ital Airport in Springfield, Illinois. has been instrumental in safeguarding traction and other disinformation
Mr. Speranza is 95 years old and usu- women and children from abuse, an- sources going with a made-up narrative
ally flies out of Abraham Lincoln on guish, and violence, and has resulted in from ‘‘sources’’ in the Georgia election
his way to travel the world or to jump the saving of millions of lives. scandal prove, once again, that no act
out of airplanes like last year with the Madam Speaker, in my own district is out of bounds for the media, Demo-
U.S. Army’s Golden Knights. in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, A crats, and others with Trump derange-
Just a few weeks ago, I had the honor Woman’s Place has served as a life- ment syndrome in their effort to dis-
of being on the same flight as he was. saving resource for over 40 years; and credit President Trump. The Wash-
TSA Officers Martin Derhake and NOVA, the Network of Victim Assist- ington Post even went so far as to
Deanna Victor love Mr. Speranza and ance, has helped over 3,600 victims— criticize all conservative media for not
know he will always have a new story neither of which would be able to do covering this story.
to brighten their day and lift their their work without the help of VAWA Two distorted accounts of phone calls
spirits. and the reauthorization. by President Trump got us two phony,
Madam Speaker, in August of 2018, 7- baseless impeachment proceedings by
Mr. Speranza grew up in Staten Is-
year-old Kayden Mancuso of Bucks this House. With no real review, wit-
land but now lives in Sherman, Illinois.
County was murdered by her father ness testimony, or anything else re-
He became a paratrooper after basic
after being awarded partial, unsuper- sembling due process in the bum-rush
training and joined the 101st just prior
vised custody, despite a documented to have round two of impeachment, the
to the Battle of the Bulge, where his history of violence. She was a beautiful
actions have cemented his legacy to blatant political usage of this process
young girl whose life was taken from is a stain on this institution and should
this day. Mr. Speranza filled up his us.
Army helmet with beer from a tap in be an embarrassment to all who drove
Kayden’s Law is included in this bill
Bastogne for his friend who was wound- it.
and takes steps to improve our re- Apologies are owed not only to Presi-
ed. Later, Airborne Beer was born be- sponse to the failures of State courts
cause of Speranza’s efforts. Madam dent Trump, but, more importantly, to
to protect children in custody pro-
Speaker, I urge you to look this story the citizens of the United States, who
ceedings.
up if you haven’t already. Madam Speaker, VAWA is lifesaving lived through a year of being clamped
I thank Mr. Speranza for his service legislation, and I implore my col- down, their jobs lost and damaged, sav-
to our country, for the way his pres- leagues and all of my friends who we ings used up, and a giant legacy of def-
ence brightens everyone’s day, and for have built relationships with on both icit and death that this institution
helping his fellow troops find a beer sides of the aisle to join me tomorrow should be tackling.
during the Battle of the Bulge. Instead, many weeks and costs wast-
in supporting this legislation.
Cheers to many more years, my ed on two impeachments in two years
f in the House. Shame on this institu-
friend.
f
REMEMBERING MICHAEL tion for fulfilling this fake news.
SCARBROUGH f
b 2145 (Mr. CARTER of Georgia asked and HONORING THE SERVICE OF
SCHOOL TESTING was given permission to address the JUDGE JEFF BURDETTE
(Mr. AUCHINCLOSS asked and was House for 1 minute and to revise and
extend his remarks.) (Mr. COMER asked and was given
given permission to address the House permission to address the House for 1
for 1 minute.) Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam
Speaker, I rise today to remember and minute and to revise and extend his re-
Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Madam Speaker, marks.)
the American Rescue Plan is going to honor an important voice of Tybee Is-
land, Georgia. Michael, or Mike, Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise
help get kids back to full, in-person today to recognize my very good
learning in Massachusetts’ Fourth Con- Scarbrough passed away on March 4.
He was born in Birmingham, Ala- friend, Judge Jeff Burdette, from Mt.
gressional District. Since even before Vernon, Kentucky, in Rockcastle
taking office, opening the schools has bama, but eventually moved to Nor-
cross, Georgia, where he became vice County, upon his retirement as circuit
been my top district priority. court judge after 30 years of distin-
With the rescue plan, we are not only president of Marathon Construction.
Mike later moved to Tybee Island in guished service to the good people of
boosting the production of vaccines the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
1992, where he and his lovely wife, Iris,
that protect teachers and staff, but we Judge Burdette’s circuit court dis-
became owners of Lazaretto Creek Ma-
are also providing money for HVAC up- trict comprised Rockcastle, Lincoln,
rina. There, they created Captain
grades and for ongoing COVID surveil- and Pulaski Counties.
Mike’s Dolphin Tours.
lance testing in the schools. This test- Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours was Judge Burdette was considered a con-
ing catches outbreaks early and breaks voted the best adventure tour on Tybee stitutional scholar who was respected
transmission chains. It provides con- Island for 9 straight years, and it was by everyone, not just on the bench and
fidence and transparency as we reopen. all thanks to Mike’s tireless contribu- in the legal community, but everyone
I am proud that scientists and opera- tions and engaging persona. in the community in southern Ken-
tors in my district are developing these Mike was an active member of the tucky.
cutting-edge, low-cost school testing Tybee Island Republican Club, Tybee He was instrumental in launching
technologies, including at Ginkgo Island American Legion, and the Alee the 28th Circuit Adult Drug Court and
Bioworks, CIC Health, and Project Bea- Temple Shriners. the rocket docket.
con. Classrooms must open, and they I am thankful for his wonderful con- Judge Burdette has been someone I
must be safe for students and teachers tributions to Tybee Island for the last have always looked up to, and I wish
alike. With vaccines and testing, they few decades. him the very best in his retirement. I
will be. My thoughts and prayers go out to thank him on behalf of the United
f his family, friends, and all who knew States House of Representatives for his
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
him during this most difficult time. service to the good people of Kentucky.
REAUTHORIZATION OF VAWA
f f
(Mr. FITZPATRICK asked and was
given permission to address the House PRESIDENT TRUMP ADJOURNMENT
for 1 minute and to revise and extend (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. JA-
his remarks.) permission to address the House for 1 COBS of California). Pursuant to section
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.057 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1409
11(b) of House Resolution 188, the Thereupon (at 9 o’clock and 51 min- House adjourned until tomorrow,
House stands adjourned until 10 a.m. utes p.m.), under its previous order, the Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at 10 a.m.
h
tomorrow.
BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF PAYGO LEGISLATION
Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on
passage, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, that H.R. 1651, the COVID–19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021,
as amended, would have no significant effect on the deficit, and therefore, the budgetary effects of such bill are estimated
as zero.
Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on
passage, the attached estimate of the costs of H.R. 1652, the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021,
as amended, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.
ESTIMATE OF PAY-AS-YOU-GO EFFECTS for H.R. 1652
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars—
2031 2021– 2021–
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2026 2031
h
Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Impact ................................................................................................................................................................... 0 38 243 513 763 950 1,025 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 2,505 7,530
Components may not sum to totals because of rounding.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, 10017-26-Region 3] received February 25, 2021, EC-607. A letter from the Chairman and
ETC. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Admin-
104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- istration, transmitting the Administration’s
Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive mittee on Energy and Commerce. FY 2020 Federal Information Security Mod-
communications were taken from the EC-602. A letter from the Associate Direc- ernization Act Report; to the Committee on
Speaker’s table and referred as follows: tor, Regulatory Management Division, Envi- Oversight and Reform.
EC-597. A letter from the Congressional As- ronmental Protection Agency, transmitting EC-608. A letter from the Director, Equal
sistant II, Board of Governors of the Federal the Agency’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Employment Opportunity and Inclusion,
Reserve System, transmitting the Board’s Virginia; Negative Declarations Certifi- Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation,
final Major rule — Net Stable Funding cation for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient transmitting the Corporation’s 2020 No Fear
Ratio: Liquidity Risk Measurement Stand- Air Quality Standard Including the 2016 Oil Act Report, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note;
ards and Disclosure Requirements [Regula- and Natural Gas Control Techniques Guide- Public Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by
tion WW; Docket No.: R-1537] (RIN: 7100- lines [EPA-R03-OAR-2020-0283; FRL-10016-88- Public Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat.
AE51) received March 16, 2021, pursuant to 5 Region 3] received February 25, 2021, pursu- 3242); to the Committee on Oversight and Re-
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- form.
251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Fi- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee EC-609. A letter from the Chief, Branch of
nancial Services. on Energy and Commerce. Delisting and Foreign Species, Fish and
EC-598. A letter from the Associate Direc- EC-603. A letter from the Associate Direc- Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior,
tor, Regulatory Management Division, Envi- tor, Regulatory Management Division, Envi-
transmitting the Department’s final rule —
ronmental Protection Agency, transmitting ronmental Protection Agency, transmitting
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and
the Agency’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; the Agency’s final rule — Air Plan Approval;
Plants; Removing Bradshaw’s Lomatium
West Virginia; 1997 8-Hour Ozone National
Arkansas; Infrastructure for the 2015 Ozone (Lomatium bradshawii) from the Federal
Ambient Air Quality Standard Second Main-
National Ambient Air Quality Standards List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
tenance Plan for the West Virginia Portion
[EPA-R06-OAR-2019-0616; FRL-10018-28-Re- [Docket No.: FWS-R1-ES-2019-0013;
for the Charleston, West Virginia Area Com-
gion 6] received February 25, 2021, pursuant FF09E22000 FXES11130000000 212] (RIN: 1018-
prising Kanawha and Putnam Counties
to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, [EPA-R03-OAR-2020-0194; FRL-10017-11-Re- BD59) received March 15, 2021, pursuant to 5
Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on gion 3] received February 25, 2021, pursuant U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec.
Energy and Commerce. to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Nat-
EC-599. A letter from the Associate Direc- ural Resources.
Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on
tor, Regulatory Management Division, Envi- Energy and Commerce. EC-610. A letter from the Director, Regula-
ronmental Protection Agency, transmitting EC-604. A letter from the Associate Direc- tions and Disclosure Law Division, U.S. Cus-
the Agency’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; tor, Regulatory Management Division, Envi- toms and Border Protection, Department of
Massachusetts; Infrastructure State Imple- ronmental Protection Agency, transmitting Homeland Security, transmitting the De-
mentation Plan Requirements for the 2015 the Agency’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; partment’s final rule — Imposition of Import
Ozone Standard [EPA-R01-OAR-2019-0659; Wisconsin; VOC RACT Requirements for Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological
FRL-10018-99-Region 1] received February 25, Lithographic Printing Facilities [EPA-R05- and Ethnological Material from Morocco
2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public OAR-2019-0700; FRL-10018-39-Region 5] re- (RIN: 1515-AE60) received February 25, 2021,
Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the ceived February 25, 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law
Committee on Energy and Commerce. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com-
EC-600. A letter from the Associate Direc- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and mittee on Ways and Means.
tor, Regulatory Management Division, Envi- Commerce. EC-611. A letter from the Chair, Medicare
ronmental Protection Agency, transmitting EC-605. A letter from the Acting Assistant Payment Advisory Commission, transmit-
the Agency’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; General Counsel, Regulatory Affairs Divi- ting the Commission’s March 2021 Report to
Pennsylvania; 1997 8-Hour Ozone National sion, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Congress: Medicare Payment Policy, pursu-
Ambient Air Quality Standard Second Main- transmitting the Department’s direct final ant to 42 U.S.C. 1395b-6(b)(1)(c); Aug. 14, 1935,
tenance Plan for the Harrisburg-Lebanon- rule — Revisions to Safety Standard for In- ch. 531, title XVIII, Sec. 1805(b)(1)(c) (as
Carlisle Area [EPA-R03-OAR-2020-0288; FRL- fant Swings [Docket No.: CPSC-2013-0025] re- amended by Public Law 111-148, Sec.
10016-56-Region 3] received February 25, 2021, ceived February 25, 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2801(b)(1)); (124 Stat. 332); jointly to the Com-
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 mittees on Energy and Commerce and Ways
104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and and Means.
mittee on Energy and Commerce. Commerce. f
EC-601. A letter from the Associate Direc- EC-606. A letter from the Director, Equal
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
tor, Regulatory Management Division, Envi- Employment Opportunity and Inclusion, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON
ronmental Protection Agency, transmitting Farm Credit Administration, transmitting PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
the Agency’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; the Administration’s 2020 No FEAR Act Re-
Pennsylvania; 1997 8-Hour Ozone National port, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; Public Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of
Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) Sec- Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by Public committees were delivered to the Clerk
ond Maintenance Plan for the Altoona (Blair Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. 3242); to for printing and reference to the proper
County) Area [EPA-R03-OAR-2020-0332; FRL- the Committee on Oversight and Reform. calendar, as follows:
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MR7.059 H16MRPT1
H1410 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
Mrs. TORRES of California: Committee on Georgia, Mr. GAETZ, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mrs. NAPOLITANO,
Rules. House Resolution 233. Resolution pro- BABIN, Mr. ROY, Mr. CLOUD, Mrs. MIL- Mr. TORRES of New York, Ms. NOR-
viding for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1620) LER of Illinois, Mr. ARRINGTON, Mr. TON, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mr. GALLEGO, Mr.
to reauthorize the Violence Against Women ROSENDALE, Mr. NORMAN, Mrs. CORREA, Mr. SOTO, Mr. JOHNSON of
Act of 1994, and for other purposes; providing BOEBERT, Mr. PERRY, Mr. GOODEN of Georgia, Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia,
for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6) to au- Texas, Mr. GOOD of Virginia, Mr. TIF- Ms. MENG, Ms. VELÁZQUEZ, Mr.
thorize the cancellation of removal and ad- FANY, Mr. STEUBE, and Mr. SMITH of KHANNA, Mr. RUSH, Mr. JONES, Ms.
justment of status of certain aliens, and for Nebraska): MCCOLLUM, Mr. BROWN, Mr.
other purposes; providing for consideration H.R. 1901. A bill to close loopholes in the CARBAJAL, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Ms. JA-
of the bill (H.R. 1603) to amend the Immigra- immigration laws that serve as incentives to COBS of California, Ms. LEE of Cali-
tion and Nationality Act to provide for aliens to attempt to enter the United States fornia, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. JAYAPAL,
terms and conditions for nonimmigrant unlawfully, and for other purposes; to the Mrs. DEMINGS, Mr. GOMEZ, Mr. GREEN
workers performing agricultural labor or Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition of Texas, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illi-
services, and for other purposes; providing to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a nois, Mr. CÁRDENAS, Ms. LEGER
for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1868) to period to be subsequently determined by the FERNANDEZ, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. SMITH
prevent across-the-board direct spending Speaker, in each case for consideration of of Washington, Ms. ESCOBAR, Ms.
cuts, and for other purposes; providing for such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- NEWMAN, Mr. GARCÍA of Illinois, Ms.
consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. tion of the committee concerned. DEGETTE, Mrs. BEATTY, Ms. DEAN,
Res. 17) removing the deadline for the ratifi- By Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina (for Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr.
cation of the equal rights amendment; and himself, Mr. ISSA, Mr. BROOKS, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. SÁNCHEZ, Ms. ADAMS,
for other purposes (Rept. 117–12). Referred to GAETZ, Mr. OWENS, Mr. NORMAN, Mr. Ms. DELAURO, Mr. PALLONE, Ms. CHU,
the House Calendar. PERRY, Mr. WILSON of South Caro- and Mr. SUOZZI):
lina, Mr. MANN, Mr. BANKS, Mr. GOH- H.R. 1909. A bill to amend the Immigration
f
MERT, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, and Mrs. and Nationality Act to provide for the ad-
PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS LESKO): justment of status of essential workers, and
H.R. 1902. A bill to amend title 5, United for other purposes; to the Committee on the
Under clause 2 of rule XII, public States Code, to eliminate the use of official Judiciary.
bills and resolutions of the following time by Federal employees; to the Com- By Mr. CHABOT (for himself and Mr.
titles were introduced and severally re- mittee on Oversight and Reform. LATTA):
ferred, as follows: By Mr. BOST (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1910. A bill to amend the Controlled
GOLDEN): Substances Act to list fentanyl-related sub-
By Mr. GIMENEZ:
H.R. 1903. A bill to amend title II of the stances as schedule I controlled substances;
H.R. 1895. A bill to enhance the prepared-
Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to to the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
ness of the Transportation Security Admin-
partnership grants for the establishment of and in addition to the Committee on the Ju-
istration for public health threats to the
rural teaching residency programs, and for diciary, for a period to be subsequently de-
transportation security system of the United
other purposes; to the Committee on Edu- termined by the Speaker, in each case for
States, and for other purposes; to the Com-
cation and Labor. consideration of such provisions as fall with-
mittee on Homeland Security.
By Mr. BOWMAN (for himself and Mr. in the jurisdiction of the committee con-
By Mr. KIM of New Jersey (for himself
CLEAVER): cerned.
and Mr. FITZPATRICK): H.R. 1904. A bill to include broadband as a By Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts (for
H.R. 1896. A bill to amend title I of the Pa- utility that tenants residing in federally as- herself, Mr. BOWMAN, and Ms.
tient Protection and Affordable Care Act to sisted housing can have subsidized by the BONAMICI):
provide for additional grants for States to Federal Government, and for other purposes; H.R. 1911. A bill to provide assistance with
conduct activities related to establishing to the Committee on Financial Services, and respect to child care infrastructure, and for
American Health Benefit Exchanges; to the in addition to the Committee on Ways and other purposes; to the Committee on Edu-
Committee on Energy and Commerce. Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- cation and Labor, and in addition to the
By Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS (for herself, mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways
Mr. KATKO, and Mr. NORMAN): sideration of such provisions as fall within and Means, and Financial Services, for a pe-
H.R. 1897. A bill to require a diagnostic test the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. riod to be subsequently determined by the
for COVID-19 for an inadmissible alien re- By Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- Speaker, in each case for consideration of
leased from the custody of the United States sylvania (for himself, Ms. DEAN, Mr. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic-
Customs and Border Protection or the FITZPATRICK, and Mr. HASTINGS): tion of the committee concerned.
United States Immigration and Customs En- H.R. 1905. A bill to amend the Federal By Mr. RODNEY DAVIS OF ILLINOIS:
forcement, and for other purposes; to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow the H.R. 1912. A bill to amend the Higher Edu-
Committee on the Judiciary. sponsor of a drug to use a non-animal test as cation Act of 1965 to clarify the treatment of
By Mr. CARBAJAL (for himself and an alternative to an animal test for purposes certain institutional financial assistance; to
Mr. LAMALFA): of demonstrating the safety and effective- the Committee on Education and Labor.
H.R. 1898. A bill to amend the FAST Act to ness of a drug if such approach satisfies the By Mr. KELLY OF MISSISSIPPI (for him-
authorize appropriations for the United requirements of the applicable statutes and self and Mr. BACON):
States Forest Service, and for other pur- regulations; to the Committee on Energy H.R. 1913. A bill to authorize the extension
poses; to the Committee on Transportation and Commerce. of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal
and Infrastructure. By Mr. BROWN: trade relations treatment) to products of Uz-
By Mr. GRIFFITH: H.R. 1906. A bill to amend title 18, United bekistan; to the Committee on Ways and
H.R. 1899. A bill to amend the Controlled States Code to prohibit persons convicted of Means.
Substances Act to provide for the modifica- misdemeanor crimes against dating partners By Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. BLU-
tion, transfer, and termination of a registra- and persons subject to protection orders MENAUER, Ms. BONAMICI, Ms. NORTON,
tion to manufacture, distribute, or dispense from possessing firearms, and for other pur- Mrs. HAYES, Mr. THOMPSON of Cali-
controlled substances or list I chemicals, and poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. fornia, and Ms. PRESSLEY):
for other purposes; to the Committee on En- By Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1914. A bill to amend title XIX of the
ergy and Commerce, and in addition to the TRONE): Social Security Act to encourage State Med-
Committees on the Judiciary, and the Budg- H.R. 1907. A bill to authorize the Attorney icaid programs to provide community-based
et, for a period to be subsequently deter- General to make grants for technical assist- mobile crisis intervention services, and for
mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- ance and training in the operation or estab- other purposes; to the Committee on Energy
sideration of such provisions as fall within lishment of a lethality assessment program, and Commerce.
the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. and for other purposes; to the Committee on By Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mrs.
By Mr. BERGMAN (for himself and Mr. the Judiciary. NAPOLITANO, and Mr. FITZPATRICK):
NEGUSE): By Mr. CASE (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1915. A bill to amend the Federal
H.R. 1900. A bill to require the Secretary of KAHELE): Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize
the Treasury to mint coins in commemora- H.R. 1908. A bill to authorize the Secretary certain water pollution control programs,
tion of the health care professionals, first re- of the Interior to conduct a study to assess and for other purposes; to the Committee on
sponders, scientists, researchers, all essen- the suitability and feasibility of designating Transportation and Infrastructure.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
tial workers, and individuals who provided certain land as the Ka’ena Point National By Ms. ESHOO (for herself, Mr. FER-
care and services during the coronavirus Heritage Area, and for other purposes; to the GUSON, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mrs. AXNE,
pandemic; to the Committee on Financial Committee on Natural Resources. Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. MCEACHIN, Mrs.
Services. By Mr. CASTRO of Texas (for himself, LURIA, Mr. STANTON, Ms. STEVENS,
By Mr. BIGGS (for himself, Mr. JOR- Mr. LIEU, Mr. VARGAS, Ms. Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. GOTTHEIMER, Mrs.
DAN, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Ms. HERRELL, BARRAGÁN, Mr. VELA, Mr. ESPAILLAT, TRAHAN, Ms. BARRAGÁN, Mr. GRI-
Mr. BUDD, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. HICE of Ms. GARCIA of Texas, Mr. MCGOVERN, JALVA, Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. GALLEGO,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.032 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1411
Mr. CARBAJAL, Ms. WILD, Mr. SUOZZI, H.R. 1918. A bill to provide for the refi- H.R. 1925. A bill to authorize the Secretary
Mr. DEUTCH, Ms. NORTON, Mr. nancing and recalculation of certain Federal of the Interior to conduct a study to assess
FITZPATRICK, Ms. BROWNLEY, Mrs. student loans, and for other purposes; to the the suitability and feasibility of designating
HAYES, Mr. TAKANO, Ms. BLUNT ROCH- Committee on Education and Labor. certain land as the South Kona National
ESTER, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. KIM of New By Mr. GOMEZ (for himself, Mr. HARD- Heritage Area, and for other purposes; to the
Jersey, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. CROW, ER of California, Mr. PANETTA, Mr. Committee on Natural Resources.
Miss RICE of New York, Mr. STAUBER, AUCHINCLOSS, Ms. BARRAGÁN, Mr. By Mr. LAMALFA (for himself, Mr.
Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE NORMAN, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. GROTHMAN,
PAYNE, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Ms. of Pennsylvania, Mr. CARBAJAL, Mr. Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. HICE of Georgia,
TLAIB, Mr. MOULTON, Mr. PASCRELL, CÁRDENAS, Mr. CASTRO of Texas, Ms. Mrs. MILLER of Illinois, Mr. STEUBE,
Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mrs. BEATTY, CHU, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. COHEN, Mr. Mr. KELLY of Mississippi, Mr. JOR-
Mr. VELA, Mr. COOPER, Ms. UNDER- CORREA, Mr. COSTA, Ms. DEAN, Mr. DAN, Mr. BANKS, Mr. WEBER of Texas,
WOOD, Mr. TRONE, Mr. YOUNG, Ms. DEFAZIO, Mr. DESAULNIER, Mr. Mr. ADERHOLT, and Mr. BABIN):
MENG, Ms. PORTER, Ms. SCANLON, Mr. ESPAILLAT, Mr. GALLEGO, Ms. GARCIA H.R. 1926. A bill to amend chapter 110 of
RESCHENTHALER, Mr. VAN DREW, Mr. of Texas, Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit gen-
TIMMONS, Ms. CRAIG, Mr. NEGUSE, Ms. Texas, Mr. GREEN of Texas, Mr. GRI- der reassignment medical interventions on
PINGREE, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. POSEY, Mr. JALVA, Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. JACKSON minors, and for other purposes; to the Com-
LAMB, Mr. COLE, Mr. JOYCE of Penn- LEE, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. KIND, Ms. LEE mittee on the Judiciary.
sylvania, Mr. SIRES, Mr. PALAZZO, of California, Mr. LEVIN of California, By Mr. LAMALFA (for himself, Mr.
Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana, Mr. YAR- Mr. LIEU, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. NORMAN, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. GROTHMAN,
MUTH, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mrs. LOWENTHAL, Ms. MATSUI, Ms. MCCOL- Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. HICE
RADEWAGEN, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. LUM, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mrs. NAPOLI- of Georgia, Mrs. MILLER of Illinois,
BUTTERFIELD, Mr. TONKO, Mr. STIV- TANO, Ms. NORTON, Ms. OMAR, Ms. Mr. STEUBE, Mr. KELLY of Mis-
ERS, Ms. ROSS, Mr. LEVIN of Michi- PINGREE, Mr. POCAN, Ms. PRESSLEY, sissippi, Mr. JORDAN, Mr. BANKS, Mr.
gan, Ms. HOULAHAN, Mrs. NAPOLI- Mr. RUSH, Ms. SÁNCHEZ, Ms. SCHA- WEBER of Texas, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr.
TANO, Mr. RASKIN, Mr. MCNERNEY, KOWSKY, Mr. SCHIFF, Ms. SCHRIER, BABIN, and Mr. GOOD of Virginia):
Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. MORELLE, Ms. Mr. SIRES, Mr. SMITH of Washington, H.R. 1927. A bill to prohibit taxpayer-fund-
BASS, Ms. BONAMICI, Ms. CLARKE of Mr. SOTO, Mr. SUOZZI, Mr. SWALWELL, ed gender reassignment medical interven-
New York, Ms. SALAZAR, Mr. MRVAN, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. THOMPSON of Cali- tions, and for other purposes; to the Com-
mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad-
Ms. LEE of California, Mr. RUTHER- fornia, Mrs. TORRES of California,
dition to the Committees on the Judiciary,
FORD, Ms. SÁNCHEZ, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mrs. TRAHAN, Mr. VARGAS, Mr. VELA,
and Ways and Means, for a period to be sub-
Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr. WELCH,
sequently determined by the Speaker, in
PRICE of North Carolina, Mr. and Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia):
each case for consideration of such provi-
GARAMENDI, Ms. VELÁZQUEZ, Mr. H.R. 1919. A bill to amend the Food and Nu-
sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
ADERHOLT, Ms. KELLY of Illinois, Mr. trition Act of 2008 to treat attendance at an
committee concerned.
JONES, Mr. PHILLIPS, Ms. OMAR, Mr. institution of higher education the same as
By Mr. LIEU:
ALLEN, Mr. GARBARINO, Mr. GOSAR, work for the purpose of determining eligi- H.R. 1928. A bill to amend the Elementary
Mr. LAWSON of Florida, Mr. RUSH, Mr. bility to participate in the supplemental nu- and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to pro-
CARTER of Georgia, Mr. BACON, Mr. trition assistance program; to the Com- tect students from sexual abuse, and for
GROTHMAN, Mr. HARDER of California, mittee on Agriculture. other purposes; to the Committee on Edu-
Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas, Mr. By Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana (for him- cation and Labor.
MANN, Mr. UPTON, Mr. COHEN, Mr. self and Mr. CUELLAR): By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of
CICILLINE, Mr. KHANNA, Mrs. H.R. 1920. A bill to provide for Federal
New York:
HARTZLER, Ms. BUSH, Mr. BOST, Ms. agency accountability and improve the effec- H.R. 1929. A bill to amend title 44, United
STRICKLAND, Ms. MANNING, Mr. tiveness of major rules in accomplishing States Code, to require the President make
BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, their regulatory objectives by requiring ret- and preserve records, and for other purposes;
Mr. GUEST, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. rospective review and report, and for other to the Committee on Oversight and Reform.
O’HALLERAN, Ms. MOORE of Wis- purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of
consin, Mr. BABIN, Ms. TITUS, Ms. ary. New York (for herself and Mr.
JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. POCAN, Mr. By Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana: COMER):
KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mr. SEAN PATRICK H.R. 1921. A bill to amend the Federal H.R. 1930. A bill to amend the Federal Ad-
MALONEY of New York, Ms. DELBENE, Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize visory Committee Act to increase the trans-
Mr. RYAN, Mr. STEWART, Mr. the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration parency of Federal advisory committees, and
HAGEDORN, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. EMMER, Program, and for other purposes; to the for other purposes; to the Committee on
and Mr. MOORE of Utah): Committee on Transportation and Infra- Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the
H.R. 1916. A bill to provide health insur- structure. Committees on Ways and Means, and the
ance benefits for outpatient and inpatient By Mr. HICE of Georgia (for himself, Budget, for a period to be subsequently de-
items and services related to the diagnosis Mr. COMER, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. termined by the Speaker, in each case for
and treatment of a congenital anomaly or LATURNER, Mr. C. SCOTT FRANKLIN of consideration of such provisions as fall with-
birth defect; to the Committee on Energy Florida, and Mr. CLYDE): in the jurisdiction of the committee con-
and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- H.R. 1922. A bill to reauthorize and modify cerned.
mittees on Ways and Means, and Education the authority of the Merit Systems Protec- By Ms. MATSUI (for herself, Mr.
and Labor, for a period to be subsequently tion Board, and for other purposes; to the TAKANO, Mr. YOUNG, Ms. CHU, Mr.
determined by the Speaker, in each case for Committee on Oversight and Reform, and in BUCK, Ms. MENG, Ms. LEE of Cali-
consideration of such provisions as fall with- addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- fornia, Mr. RASKIN, Mr. SMITH of
in the jurisdiction of the committee con- fairs, for a period to be subsequently deter- Washington, Ms. NORTON, Mr.
cerned. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- KAHELE, Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. PORTER,
By Mrs. FLETCHER (for herself and sideration of such provisions as fall within Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. SUOZZI, Ms.
Mr. MCCAUL): the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. ESHOO, Mr. SAN NICOLAS, Mr.
H.R. 1917. A bill to modify eligibility re- By Mr. HIMES (for himself and Ms. KHANNA, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr.
quirements for certain hazard mitigation as- NORTON): LOWENTHAL, Mr. CARSON, Mr. HARDER
sistance programs, and for other purposes; to H.R. 1923. A bill to amend title 18, United of California, Mr. GOMEZ, Mr. CASTRO
the Committee on Transportation and Infra- States Code, to protect more victims of do- of Texas, Ms. OMAR, Mr. GARAMENDI,
structure, and in addition to the Committee mestic violence by preventing their abusers Mr. KILMER, Mr. BERA, and Mr.
on Financial Services, for a period to be sub- from possessing or receiving firearms, and CASE):
sequently determined by the Speaker, in for other purposes; to the Committee on the H.R. 1931. A bill to provide competitive
each case for consideration of such provi- Judiciary. grants for the promotion of Japanese Amer-
sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the By Mr. JEFFRIES (for himself, Mr. ican confinement education as a means to
committee concerned. TAYLOR, Mr. NADLER, and Mr. CREN- understand the importance of democratic
By Mr. GARAMENDI (for himself, Mr. SHAW): principles, use and abuse of power, and to
FITZPATRICK, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE H.R. 1924. A bill to provide first-time, low- raise awareness about the importance of cul-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
of Pennsylvania, Mrs. BUSTOS, Mr. level, nonviolent simple possession offenders tural tolerance toward Japanese Americans,
CARBAJAL, Mr. COHEN, Ms. MENG, an opportunity to expunge that conviction and for other purposes; to the Committee on
Miss RICE of New York, Mr. SAN after successful completion of court-imposed Natural Resources.
NICOLAS, Mr. SIRES, Mr. TONKO, Mr. probation; to the Committee on the Judici- By Mrs. MCBATH (for herself and Mr.
HARDER of California, Ms. CRAIG, Mr. ary. LOWENTHAL):
KATKO, Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI, and Mr. By Mr. KAHELE (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1932. A bill to amend the Higher Edu-
VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas): CASE): cation Act of 1965 to require institutions of
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L16MR7.100 H16MRPT1
H1412 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
higher education to disclose hazing inci- By Mrs. RADEWAGEN (for herself, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. KIL-
dents, and for other purposes; to the Com- SABLAN, Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN, and DEE, Mr. LAWSON of Florida, Mr.
mittee on Education and Labor. Mr. SAN NICOLAS): LEVIN of California, Mr. MCGOVERN,
By Mrs. MCBATH (for herself and Mr. H.R. 1941. A bill to amend the Immigration Ms. OMAR, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. PRESSLEY,
STIVERS): and Nationality Act to waive certain natu- Mr. RYAN, Mr. SAN NICOLAS, Mr.
H.R. 1933. A bill to require institutions of ralization requirements for United States DEFAZIO, and Mr. GARCÍA of Illinois):
higher education to disclose hazing-related nationals, and for other purposes; to the H.R. 1948. A bill to amend title 38, United
misconduct, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. States Code, to modify authorities relating
Committee on Education and Labor. By Mr. RICE of South Carolina (for to the collective bargaining of employees in
By Mr. MCCAUL (for himself, Mr. himself and Ms. MACE): the Veterans Health Administration; to the
CUELLAR, Mr. RESCHENTHALER, and H.R. 1942. A bill to extend Federal recogni- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Mr. LANGEVIN): tion to the Waccamaw Indian People of By Ms. TENNEY:
H.R. 1934. A bill to direct the Federal Gov- Conway, South Carolina, and for other pur- H.R. 1949. A bill to amend section 201 of
ernment to provide assistance and technical poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- title 18, United States Code, to redefine the
expertise to enhance the representation and sources. term ‘‘official act’’ in bribery cases involving
leadership of the United States at inter- By Mr. RICE of South Carolina (for public officials to strengthen accountability
national standards-setting bodies that set himself and Ms. MACE): and oversight; to the Committee on the Judi-
standards for equipment, systems, software, H.R. 1943. A bill to extend Federal recogni- ciary.
and virtually-defined networks that support tion to the Pee Dee Indian Tribe of McColl, By Ms. TENNEY:
5th and future generations mobile tele- South Carolina; to the Committee on Nat- H.R. 1950. A bill to amend title 5, United
communications systems and infrastructure, ural Resources. States Code, to provide for the temporary
and for other purposes; to the Committee on By Mr. RICE of South Carolina (for halt in pension payments for Members of
Foreign Affairs. himself, Mrs. MURPHY of Florida, Mr. Congress sentenced for certain offenses, and
By Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina (for LAHOOD, and Mr. PANETTA): for other purposes; to the Committee on
himself and Mr. BIGGS): H.R. 1944. A bill to provide a tax credits for House Administration, and in addition to the
H.R. 1935. A bill to direct the Secretary of certain expenses associated with protecting Committee on Oversight and Reform, for a
Defense to reassign 95 percent of the mem- employees from COVID-19; to the Committee period to be subsequently determined by the
bers of the National Guard deployed to the on Ways and Means. Speaker, in each case for consideration of
National Capital Region to the southern land By Ms. SÁNCHEZ (for herself, Mr. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic-
border of the United States, and for other ESTES, Ms. CHU, Mr. MCCAUL, Ms. tion of the committee concerned.
purposes; to the Committee on Armed Serv- DELBENE, and Mrs. NAPOLITANO): By Mr. THOMPSON of California (for
ices. H.R. 1945. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- himself, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. BERA, Mr.
By Mr. NEGUSE: enue Code of 1986 to provide for an election CARBAJAL, Mr. COSTA, Mr.
H.R. 1936. A bill to require the Comptroller to expense certain qualified sound recording DESAULNIER, Ms. ESHOO, Mr.
General to evaluate and issue a report on the costs otherwise chargeable to capital ac- GARAMENDI, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr.
structural and economic impacts of climate count; to the Committee on Ways and
resiliency at the Federal Emergency Man- KHANNA, Mr. LAMALFA, Ms. LEE of
Means. California, Ms. LOFGREN, Mrs.
agement Agency, including recommenda- By Ms. SEWELL (for herself, Mr.
tions on how to improve the building codes NAPOLITANO, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Ms.
ARRINGTON, Mr. RUIZ, Mr. HUDSON, NORTON, Mr. PANETTA, Ms. ROYBAL-
and standards that the Agency uses to pre- Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Mr.
pare for climate change and address resil- ALLARD, and Ms. SPEIER):
WENSTRUP, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. H.R. 1951. A bill to increase the Federal
iency in housing, public buildings, and infra- FERGUSON, Mr. KIND, Mr. DANNY K. share provided under the Robert T. Stafford
structure such as roads and bridges; to the DAVIS of Illinois, and Mr. CRENSHAW): Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Committee on Transportation and Infra- H.R. 1946. A bill to amend title XVIII of the
structure. Act for a certain time frame during fiscal
Social Security Act to provide for Medicare year 2020; to the Committee on Transpor-
By Mr. NORMAN (for himself, Mr. coverage of multi-cancer early detection
LATURNER, Mrs. MCCLAIN, Mr. CAL- tation and Infrastructure.
screening tests; to the Committee on Energy By Ms. VELÁZQUEZ:
VERT, Mr. GAETZ, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- H.R. 1952. A bill to provide for the estab-
GOSAR, Mr. TIMMONS, Ms. MACE, and mittee on Ways and Means, for a period to be lishment of a national standard for incor-
Mr. WEBER of Texas): subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
H.R. 1937. A bill to require recipients of porating a passive identification ability into
each case for consideration of such provi- all firearms sold in the United States, and to
Federal funds to disclose information relat-
sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the require the reporting of lost or stolen fire-
ing to programs, projects, or activities car-
committee concerned. arms to the appropriate law enforcement au-
ried out using the Federal funds; to the Com-
By Mr. SMITH of Washington: thorities; to the Committee on the Judici-
mittee on Oversight and Reform. H.R. 1947. A bill to provide emergency rent-
By Ms. NORTON: ary.
al assistance under the Housing Choice By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey:
H.R. 1938. A bill to amend title 37, United
Voucher Program of the Department of H.J. Res. 31. A joint resolution proposing
States Code, to ensure that a member of a
Housing and Urban Development, and for an amendment to the Constitution of the
reserve component of a uniformed service,
other purposes; to the Committee on Finan- United States relative to equal rights for
who performs active service for more than 30
cial Services. men and women; to the Committee on the
consecutive days under multiple calls or or-
By Mr. TAKANO (for himself, Mr. Judiciary.
ders to active service that specify periods of
BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. BRENDAN F. By Mr. RASKIN:
30 days or less, is paid the same basic allow-
BOYLE of Pennsylvania, Mr. BROWN, H. Res. 232. A resolution requiring an af-
ance for housing as a similarly situated
member of a reserve component called or or- Ms. BROWNLEY, Mr. CARBAJAL, Mr. firmative vote of a majority of the Members
dered to active service for a period of more CÁRDENAS, Ms. CHU, Mr. CLEAVER, present and voting, a quorum being present,
than 30 days; to the Committee on Armed Mr. COHEN, Mr. COOPER, Mr. CUELLAR, on final passage of House Joint Resolution
Services. Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. 17; to the Committee on Rules.
By Mr. O’HALLERAN (for himself and ESHOO, Mr. ESPAILLAT, Mr. EVANS, By Ms. CLARKE of New York (for her-
Mr. YOUNG): Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ self, Mr. RUSH, Ms. SEWELL, Ms. LEE
H.R. 1939. A bill to require the Secretary of of Texas, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HAS- of California, Mrs. HAYES, Mr. HAS-
Health and Human Services to award addi- TINGS, Mrs. HAYES, Mr. HIGGINS of TINGS, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms.
tional funding through the Sanitation Fa- New York, Ms. NORTON, Ms. JACOBS KELLY of Illinois, Ms. PRESSLEY, Mrs.
cilities Construction Program of the Indian of California, Mr. KAHELE, Ms. KAP- LAWRENCE, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis-
Health Service, and for other purposes; to TUR, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. sissippi, Mr. PAYNE, Mrs. WATSON
the Committee on Natural Resources, and in KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, COLEMAN, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Ms.
addition to the Committee on Energy and Mr. LAMB, Mr. LARSEN of Wash- JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. VEASEY, Ms.
Commerce, for a period to be subsequently ington, Ms. LEE of California, Mr. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mrs. BEATTY,
determined by the Speaker, in each case for LEVIN of Michigan, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Ms. ADAMS, Mr. BROWN, Mr. CARSON,
consideration of such provisions as fall with- Mrs. LURIA, Mr. LYNCH, Mrs. MCBATH, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr.
in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. MOORE of Wis- HORSFORD, Ms. VELÁZQUEZ, Mr.
cerned. consin, Mr. MRVAN, Ms. NEWMAN, Mr. MEEKS, Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Ms.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
By Mr. PENCE (for himself, Mr. WEB- NORCROSS, Mr. PANETTA, Mr. PAPPAS, NORTON, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Ms.
STER of Florida, and Mr. GUEST): Mr. POCAN, Ms. PINGREE, Miss RICE of PLASKETT, Ms. SCANLON, Mr. BOW-
H.R. 1940. A bill to establish a public build- New York, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. MAN, Mr. JONES, and Mr. TORRES of
ings public-private partnership pilot pro- RUSH, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. SCHIFF, New York):
gram, and for other purposes; to the Com- Ms. SHERRILL, Mr. SIRES, Ms. SPEIER, H. Res. 234. A resolution acknowledging
mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- Mr. SUOZZI, Mr. SWALWELL, Ms. the history and lasting impact of the Federal
ture. TITUS, Mr. TRONE, Mr. VARGAS, Mrs. Government-created problem of redlining
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L16MR7.100 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1413
and the responsibility of the Federal Govern- H. Res. 242. A resolution raising awareness Congress has the power to enact this legis-
ment to address such impact; to the Com- of the racial disparities in the impact of lation pursuant to the following:
mittee on Financial Services. colorectal cancer on the Black community; Necessary and Proper Clause (Art. 1, Sec. 8,
By Mr. GREEN of Texas (for himself, to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Cl. 18)
Mr. CASTRO of Texas, Ms. OMAR, Mr. f By Mr. BROWN:
HASTINGS, Ms. PRESSLEY, Ms. BASS, H.R. 1907.
Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. COHEN, Ms. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY Congress has the power to enact this legis-
NORTON, Mr. COOPER, Ms. TITUS, Mr. STATEMENT lation pursuant to the following:
DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, and Mr. Necessary and Proper Clause (Art. 1, Sec. 8,
MCGOVERN): Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Cl. 18)
H. Res. 235. A resolution supporting the de- the Rules of the House of Representa- By Mr. CASE:
mands of the #EndSARS movement for jus- tives, the following statements are sub- H.R. 1908.
tice, accountability, and meaningful police mitted regarding the specific powers Congress has the power to enact this legis-
and security sector reforms in Nigeria and granted to Congress in the Constitu- lation pursuant to the following:
calling upon the President and the Secretary tion to enact the accompanying bill or Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution
of State to safeguard and promote the pro- By Mr. CASTRO of Texas:
tection of freedoms of thought, assembly, joint resolution. H.R. 1909.
and expression in Nigeria and around the By Mr. GIMENEZ: Congress has the power to enact this legis-
world; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. H.R. 1895. lation pursuant to the following:
By Ms. LEE of California (for herself, Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitutional Authority—Necessary and
Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Ms. NORTON, lation pursuant to the following: Proper Clause (Art. I, Sec. 8, Clause 18)
Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. Article 1, section 8, clause 18—To make all THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
COHEN, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Ms. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for ARTICLE I, SECTION 8: POWERS OF
GARCIA of Texas, Mr. MEEKS, and carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- CONGRESS CLAUSE 18
Mrs. DINGELL): ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- The Congress shall have power . . . To
H. Res. 236. A resolution supporting the stitution in the Government of the United make all laws which shall be necessary and
goals and ideals of Social Work Month and States, or in any Department or Officer proper for carrying into execution the fore-
World Social Work Day on March 16, 2021; to thereof. going powers, and all other powers vested by
the Committee on Education and Labor. By Mr. KIM of New Jersey: this Constitution in the government of the
By Ms. LOFGREN: H.R. 1896. United States, or in any department or offi-
H. Res. 237. A resolution recognizing the Congress has the power to enact this legis- cer thereof.
cultural and historical significance of lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. CHABOT:
Nowruz; to the Committee on Foreign Af- Article I, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 1910.
fairs. Constitution Congress has the power to enact this legis-
By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of By Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS: lation pursuant to the following:
New York: H.R. 1897. The constitutional authority on which this
H. Res. 238. A resolution providing Congress has the power to enact this legis- joint resolution is derived is provided in Ar-
amounts for the expenses of the Committee lation pursuant to the following: ticle 1, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitu-
on Oversight and Reform in the One Hundred Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Con- tion, which grants Congress the power to
Seventeenth Congress; to the Committee on stitution provide for the ‘‘general Welfare of the
House Administration. By Mr. CARBAJAL: United States.’’
By Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ (for herself, H.R. 1898. By Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts:
Ms. TLAIB, Mr. GOMEZ, and Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1911.
MEEKS): lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis-
H. Res. 239. A resolution commemorating Article IV, Section 3 and Article I, Section lation pursuant to the following:
the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s inde- 8 This bill is enacted pursuant to the power
pendence; to the Committee on Foreign Af- By Mr. GRIFFITH: granted to Congress under Article I, Section
fairs. H.R. 1899. 8, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution.
By Mr. SCHIFF (for himself, Mr. PAL- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois:
LONE, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1912.
VALADAO, Ms. TITUS, Mr. COSTA, Mr. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Congress has the power to enact this legis-
KHANNA, Mr. CICILLINE, Mrs. NAPOLI- granted to Congress under Article I, Section lation pursuant to the following:
TANO, Ms. CHU, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. 8 of the United States Constitution. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of
BEYER, Ms. SCANLON, Mr. By Mr. BERGMAN: the United States
KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. H.R. 1900. By Mr. KELLY of Mississippi:
MCGOVERN, Ms. PORTER, Ms. CLARK Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1913.
of Massachusetts, Ms. SPANBERGER, lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis-
Ms. ESHOO, Mr. SIRES, Mr. LEVIN of Article One, Section Eight of the United lation pursuant to the following:
Michigan, Mr. LIEU, Mr. LOWENTHAL, States Constitution Article I, Section 8, clause 1 and Article I,
Mr. GOTTHEIMER, Mr. AUCHINCLOSS, By Mr. BIGGS: Section 8, clause 3 of the United States Con-
Mr. NUNES, Ms. OMAR, Ms. SÁNCHEZ, H.R. 1901. stitution.
and Mr. SUOZZI): Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. DEFAZIO:
H. Res. 240. A resolution calling on Azer- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1914.
baijan to immediately release all prisoners Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 Congress has the power to enact this legis-
of war and captured civilians; to the Com- By Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina: lation pursuant to the following:
mittee on Foreign Affairs. H.R. 1902. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 (relating to
By Ms. SHERRILL (for herself, Mrs. Congress has the power to enact this legis- power to make all laws necessary and proper
WATSON COLEMAN, and Mr. PAYNE): lation pursuant to the following: for carrying out the powers vested in Con-
H. Res. 241. A resolution expressing the Article 1, Section 8 gress)
sense of Congress that reopening schools for By Mr. BOST: By Mr. DEFAZIO:
in-person instruction should be a critical pri- H.R. 1903. H.R. 1915.
ority for local, State, and Federal policy- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis-
makers, and that funding for K-12 schools lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following:
under the American Rescue Plan and State Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- Article I, Section 8, Clause 1, Clause 3, and
vaccination guidelines should be used to help tion Clause 18 of the Constitution.
get children back in the classroom; to the By Mr. BOWMAN: By Ms. ESHOO:
Committee on Education and Labor. H.R. 1904. H.R. 1916.
By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN (for her- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis-
self, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. BISHOP of Geor- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following:
gia, Mr. ALLRED, Ms. VELÁZQUEZ, Ms. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. Article 1, Section 8
CLARKE of New York, Ms. JACKSON By Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- By Mrs. FLETCHER:
LEE, Mrs. HAYES, Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. sylvania: H.R. 1917.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
MEEKS, Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, H.R. 1905. Congress has the power to enact this legis-
Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. PRESSLEY, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following:
COHEN, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18. To make all
Mr. SAN NICOLAS, Mr. DANNY K. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- Laws which shall be necessary and proper for
DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. NORTON, Ms. tion under the General Welfare Clause. carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow-
ADAMS, Ms. BASS, Mr. SIRES, Mr. By Mr. BROWN: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con-
SOTO, Mr. POCAN, and Mr. CARSON): H.R. 1906. stitution in the Government of the United
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L16MR7.100 H16MRPT1
H1414 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
States, or in any Department or Officer Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis-
thereof. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following:
By Mr. GARAMENDI: Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- Article I, Section 8
H.R. 1918. tion By Ms. SEWELL:
Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mrs. MCBATH: H.R. 1946.
lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1932. Congress has the power to enact this legis-
Article 1, Section 8 Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following:
By Mr. GOMEZ: lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu-
H.R. 1919. Article I, Section 8: Congress has the tion.
Congress has the power to enact this legis- power ‘‘to regulate commerce with foreign By Mr. SMITH of Washington:
lation pursuant to the following: nations, and among the several states, and H.R. 1947.
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 with the Native American tribes’’ Congress has the power to enact this legis-
By Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana: By Mrs. MCBATH: lation pursuant to the following:
H.R. 1920. H.R. 1933. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 and Clause 18
Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- (relating to the power to make all laws nec-
lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: essary and proper for carrying out the pow-
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the U.S. Article I, Section 8: Congress has the ers vested in Congress).
Constitution. power ‘‘to regulate commerce with foreign By Mr. TAKANO:
By Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana: nations, and among the several states, and H.R. 1948.
H.R. 1921. with the Native American tribes’’ Congress has the power to enact this legis-
Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. MCCAUL: lation pursuant to the following:
lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1934.
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United Article I, Section 8
Congress has the power to enact this legis-
States Constitution By Ms. TENNEY:
lation pursuant to the following:
By Mr. HICE of Georgia: H.R. 1949.
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of
H.R. 1922. Congress has the power to enact this legis-
the United States
Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following:
By Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina:
lation pursuant to the following: Under Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitu-
H.R. 1935.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion, Congress has the power ‘‘to make all
To make all laws which shall be necessary lation pursuant to the following: Laws which shall be necessary and proper for
and proper for carrying into Execution the Article 1, Section 8 of the United States carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow-
foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vest- Constitution ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con-
ed by this Constitution in the Government of By Mr. NEGUSE: stitution in the Government of the United
the United States, or in any Department or H.R. 1936. States, or any Department of Officer thereof.
Officer thereof Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. TENNEY:
By Mr. HIMES: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1950.
H.R. 1923. Article I, Section 8 Congress has the power to enact this legis-
Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. NORMAN: lation pursuant to the following:
lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1937. Under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitu-
Article I, Section 8 Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion, Congress has the power ‘‘to make all
By Mr. JEFFRIES: lation pursuant to the following: Laws which shall be necessary and proper for
H.R. 1924. Article 1 Section 8 carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow-
Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. NORTON: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con-
lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1938. stitution in the Government of the United
This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Congress has the power to enact this legis- States, or any Department of Officer thereof.
granted to Congress under Article I, Section lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. THOMPSON of California:
8 clause 18 of the United States Constitution. Clause 18 of section 8 of article I of the H.R. 1951.
By Mr. KAHELE: Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis-
H.R. 1925. By Mr. O’HALLERAN: lation pursuant to the following:
Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1939. Article 1
lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. VELÁZQUEZ:
U.S Constitution including Article 1, Sec- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1952.
tion 8, Clause 1 (General Welfare Clause) and Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 Congress has the power to enact this legis-
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 (Necessary and By Mr. PENCE: lation pursuant to the following:
Proper Clause), Article 4, Section 3, Clause 2 H.R. 1940. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1
(Property) Congress has the power to enact this legis- The Congress shall have Power to . . . pro-
By Mr. LAMALFA: lation pursuant to the following: vide for the . . . general Welfare of the
H.R. 1926. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United United States; . . .
Congress has the power to enact this legis- States Constitution which grants Congress By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey:
lation pursuant to the following: the authority to make all Laws which shall H.J. Res. 31.
Article I, Section 8, clause 1 be necessary and proper for carrying into Congress has the power to enact this legis-
By Mr. LAMALFA: Execution the foregoing Powers, and all lation pursuant to the following:
H.R. 1927. other Powers vested by this Constitution in Article V of the United States Constitu-
Congress has the power to enact this legis- the Government of the United States, or in tion.
lation pursuant to the following: any Department or Officer thereof.
Article I, Section 8, clause 1 By Mrs. RADEWAGEN: f
By Mr. LIEU: H.R. 1941.
H.R. 1928. Congress has the power to enact this legis- ADDITIONAL SPONSORS
Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors
lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8 of the United States were added to public bills and resolu-
Pursuant to Article 1, Section 8. Constitution. tions, as follows:
By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of By Mr. RICE of South Carolina:
New York: H.R. 1942. H.R. 6: Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr.
H.R. 1929. Congress has the power to enact this legis- SCHNEIDER, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Ms. JACK-
Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: SON LEE, Mr. GREEN of Texas, Mr. LARSON of
lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 Connecticut, Mr. CASE, Ms. STRICKLAND, Mr.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Con- By Mr. RICE of South Carolina: ALLRED, Mr. LIEU, Ms. CRAIG, Mrs. KIRK-
stitution of the United States grants the H.R. 1943. PATRICK, Mr. TRONE, and Ms. CASTOR of Flor-
Congress the power to enact this law. Congress has the power to enact this legis- ida.
By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 24: Mr. TURNER.
New York: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 H.R. 38: Mr. SESSIONS and Ms. TENNEY.
H.R. 1930. By Mr. RICE of South Carolina: H.R. 51: Ms. BOURDEAUX.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1944. H.R. 69: Mr. BACON.
lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 82: Mr. VALADAO, Mr. WITTMAN, Mr.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Con- lation pursuant to the following: CUELLAR, Ms. NEWMAN, Mr. BRENDAN F.
stitution of the United States grants the Article I, Section 8 of the United States BOYLE of Pennsylvania, Mr. MOULTON, Mr.
Congress the power to enact this law. Constitution FALLON, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. TURNER, Mr.
By Ms. MATSUI: By Ms. SÁNCHEZ: EMMER, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Mr. PETERS, Ms.
H.R. 1931. H.R. 1945. NORTON, and Mr. BROWN.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.035 H16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1415
H.R. 95: Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina and H.R. 1057: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 1520: Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina.
Mr. WALBERG. CLYDE, Mrs. HARSHBARGER, Mr. C. SCOTT H.R. 1527: Mr. BACON.
H.R. 144: Mr. MCNERNEY, Ms. MOORE of FRANKLIN of Florida, Mr. CRENSHAW, Mr. H.R. 1534: Mr. TAYLOR.
Wisconsin, Ms. NORTON, Mr. PERLMUTTER, CAWTHORN, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. MANN, and Mr. H.R. 1536: Mr. KELLY of Mississippi and Mr.
Mr. BEYER, and Ms. ROSS. GARBARINO. TURNER.
H.R. 151: Mr. SWALWELL and Ms. JACOBS of H.R. 1087: Mr. GARCÍA of Illinois. H.R. 1551: Mr. POCAN.
California. H.R. 1111: Mr. SAN NICOLAS. H.R. 1553: Mr. EVANS.
H.R. 176: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 1112: Mr. HORSFORD and Mr. WELCH. H.R. 1576: Mrs. BEATTY and Mr. CASTEN.
H.R. 189: Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. H.R. 1115: Mr. HARDER of California, Mrs. H.R. 1581: Ms. LEE of California, Mr. DOG-
H.R. 214: Mr. KILMER and Mr. SMITH of HAYES, Mr. LATURNER, Ms. CHENEY, Mr. GETT, Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ, Mr. MICHAEL F.
Washington. GUTHRIE, Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas, DOYLE of Pennsylvania, Ms. PORTER, Mr.
H.R. 255: Mrs. TRAHAN and Mr. YARMUTH. and Mr. SAN NICOLAS. LARSON of Connecticut, Ms. DEGETTE, and
H.R. 256: Mrs. TRAHAN and Ms. KUSTER. H.R. 1170: Ms. PELOSI. Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas.
H.R. 263: Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Mr. COHEN, H.R. 1179: Mr. FULCHER. H.R. 1584: Mr. DAVIDSON.
and Mrs. HARSHBARGER. H.R. 1193: Ms. GARCIA of Texas, Mr. GREEN H.R. 1595: Mr. RUTHERFORD.
H.R. 288: Mrs. LESKO and Mr. BARR. of Texas, Mrs. LESKO, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. H.R. 1603: Ms. SPANBERGER and Mr. BAIRD.
H.R. 303: Mr. TURNER and Mr. KILMER. JACKSON LEE, Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER, Mr. H.R. 1618: Mr. BLUMENAUER.
H.R. 305: Mr. GONZALEZ of Ohio, Mr. HILL, BERA, Mr. BANKS, Mr. TRONE, Mrs. MCBATH, H.R. 1620: Ms. JAYAPAL, Ms. PRESSLEY, Mr.
Mr. GOTTHEIMER, and Mrs. HARTZLER. and Mrs. LURIA. PRICE of North Carolina, Ms. MATSUI, Ms.
H.R. 310: Mr. BOST. H.R. 1194: Ms. STRICKLAND. PINGREE, Ms. WEXTON, Mr. PAPPAS, Ms.
H.R. 315: Mr. BERA, Ms. NORTON, and Mr. H.R. 1195: Ms. MENG, Mr. RASKIN, Mr. SCHRIER, Mr. LIEU, Ms. ADAMS, Mr. CART-
GALLEGO. KEATING, Mrs. AXNE, Mr. YARMUTH, Ms. JA- WRIGHT, and Mr. COURTNEY.
H.R. 322: Mr. TIMMONS. COBS of California, Ms. UNDERWOOD, Mr. H.R. 1627: Ms. NORTON, Mrs. WATSON COLE-
H.R. 333: Mr. KILMER. ESPAILLAT, Mrs. MCBATH, and Mr. BROWN. MAN, and Mr. SAN NICOLAS.
H.R. 350: Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Mr. H.R. 1200: Mr. DOGGETT. H.R. 1631: Mrs. DEMINGS, Mr. GRIJALVA, and
MCGOVERN, Mr. MEEKS, Mr. THOMPSON of H.R. 1202: Mr. SCHNEIDER, Mr. SUOZZI, Mrs. Mrs. TRAHAN.
Mississippi, Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mr. KIRKPATRICK, Mr. JONES, Mr. POCAN, Mr. H.R. 1633: Mr. COOPER.
QUIGLEY, Mr. NORCROSS, Mr. ALLRED, Ms. CONNOLLY, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, and Ms. H.R. 1636: Ms. KUSTER, Ms. WASSERMAN
BASS, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mr. NEGUSE, and Mr. MENG. SCHULTZ, Mrs. DINGELL, Ms. MATSUI, Mr.
JEFFRIES. H.R. 1210: Mr. GUEST. QUIGLEY, Ms. BUSH, Mr. CLEAVER, and Ms.
H.R. 380: Mr. LATTA. H.R. 1219: Mr. LUETKEMEYER and Mr. RUP- LEE of California.
H.R. 392: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina and PERSBERGER. H.R. 1646: Mr. GONZALEZ of Ohio.
Mr. ALLRED. H.R. 1221: Mr. CONNOLLY. H.R. 1651: Mr. TAYLOR.
H.R. 393: Mr. EVANS and Ms. DEAN. H.R. 1227: Ms. NORTON, Ms. WILD, and Mr. H.R. 1652: Mrs. HARTZLER, Mr. OWENS, Mr.
H.R. 419: Mr. CLOUD. SOTO. PHILLIPS, Ms. GRANGER, Mr. BROWN, Mr. GON-
H.R. 425: Ms. BASS. H.R. 1282: Mr. O’HALLERAN, Mr. GOLDEN, ZALEZ of Ohio, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. NEGUSE, Mr.
H.R. 463: Mr. QUIGLEY and Mr. JONES. Mr. KIND, Mrs. LESKO, Mr. BERGMAN, Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. CARBAJAL, and
H.R. 477: Mr. HARDER of California. LAMB, Mr. OBERNOLTE, Mr. KIM of New Jer- Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN.
H.R. 502: Mr. TRONE. sey, and Mr. PHILLIPS. H.R. 1680: Mr. CLYDE.
H.R. 568: Mr. HARRIS. H.R. 1290: Mr. COHEN. H.R. 1695: Ms. STEFANIK and Mr. RUPPERS-
H.R. 586: Mr. CRIST and Ms. DEAN. H.R. 1297: Mr. CROW, Ms. MACE, and Mr. BERGER.
H.R. 604: Mr. RUSH. CARSON. H.R. 1699: Mr. OWENS, Ms. CHENEY, Mr.
H.R. 611: Mr. BOST and Mr. PAYNE. H.R. 1302: Ms. MACE and Mr. TURNER. DUNCAN, Mr. RESCHENTHALER, Mr. HILL, Mr.
H.R. 613: Ms. SÁNCHEZ. H.R. 1313: Ms. NORTON. CRAWFORD, Mr. JOYCE of Ohio, and Mr.
H.R. 619: Mr. REED. H.R. 1346: Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. GOODEN of Texas.
H.R. 651: Ms. NORTON and Mrs. TRAHAN. H.R. 1349: Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. CASE, and H.R. 1704: Ms. KUSTER.
H.R. 707: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Ms. ROSS, Mr. TURNER. H.R. 1712: Mrs. CAMMACK, Mr. ISSA, Ms.
Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. ALLEN, and Mr. BENTZ. H.R. 1366: Mr. SUOZZI and Mr. MCGOVERN. CHENEY, Ms. STEFANIK, Mr. BUCSHON, and Ms.
H.R. 708: Mr. JOYCE of Ohio and Mrs. H.R. 1368: Mr. CROW, Mr. MRVAN, and Ms. MACE.
MCBATH. MANNING. H.R. 1718: Mr. GOODEN of Texas, Mr. BUR-
H.R. 712: Mr. CASE, Mr. BEYER, and Mr. H.R. 1392: Ms. PORTER. GESS, Mr. HAGEDORN, and Mr. GOHMERT.
NEGUSE. H.R. 1400: Mr. LEVIN of California. H.R. 1728: Mr. CLEAVER.
H.R. 721: Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. VARGAS, and H.R. 1417: Mr. GOHMERT. H.R. 1729: Mr. MEUSER.
Ms. NORTON. H.R. 1434: Mr. FITZPATRICK and Mr. H.R. 1730: Mr. SOTO.
H.R. 735: Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, BURCHETT. H.R. 1735: Mr. JONES.
and Ms. BARRAGÁN. H.R. 1445: Mr. OWENS, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, H.R. 1750: Mr. NORMAN, Mr. BACON, and Mr.
H.R. 748: Mr. LYNCH, Mr. Garcı́a of Illinois, Mrs. GREENE of Georgia, Mr. BROOKS, Mrs. BABIN.
Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. SÁNCHEZ, Ms. SHERRILL, HARSHBARGER, and Mr. LAMBORN. H.R. 1758: Mr. KELLER, Mr. BISHOP of North
Ms. NEWMAN, Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 1448: Ms. CHU, Mr. PHILLIPS, Mr. RUIZ, Carolina, and Mrs. LESKO.
JONES, Mr. RUSH, Mr. SARBANES, Ms. Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. GARBARINO, Mr. H.R. 1761: Mr. WALBERG.
JAYAPAL, Mrs. DEMINGS, and Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. GUEST, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Ms. NEWMAN, H.R. 1766: Mr. TAYLOR.
H.R. 806: Mr. YOUNG. Mr. HARDER of California, Mr. KINZINGER, H.R. 1793: Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin.
H.R. 815: Mr. MEEKS, Mr. SUOZZI, Ms. Ms. SPANBERGER, Mr. DELGADO, Ms. NORTON, H.R. 1794: Mrs. HAYES and Mr. SAN NICO-
BLUNT ROCHESTER, Ms. CLARK of Massachu- Mr. JONES, Mr. CLINE, Ms. TITUS, Mr. DOG- LAS.
setts, Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. PAL- GETT, Mr. KIND, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. CLEAVER, H.R. 1795: Mr. SAN NICOLAS and Mrs.
LONE, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. BEYER, and Ms. Ms. GRANGER, and Mr. WITTMAN. HAYES.
SÁNCHEZ. H.R. 1455: Mr. CÁRDENAS, Ms. CHU, Ms. H.R. 1799: Mr. STAUBER, Ms. NORTON, Mr.
H.R. 819: Mr. ROSE. ESHOO, Mrs. HAYES, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. RASKIN, KUSTOFF, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. ISSA, Ms. SE-
H.R. 825: Ms. BROWNLEY and Ms. SCANLON. Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mrs. WAT- WELL, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. SUOZZI, Mr.
H.R. 840: Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. HORSFORD, and SON COLEMAN, Mr. BROWN, Mr. MORELLE, Ms. WENSTRUP, Ms. SPANBERGER, Mr. HAGEDORN,
Mr. PANETTA. BROWNLEY, and Ms. ADAMS. Ms. WILD, Mrs. HINSON, Mr. CASE, Mr. RYAN,
H.R. 852: Mr. PHILLIPS and Mr. H.R. 1458: Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. CRIST, Mr. Ms. ROSS, Ms. SLOTKIN, Mr. RUSH, Ms. WIL-
RESCHENTHALER. PASCRELL, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mrs. LIAMS of Georgia, Mr. GOTTHEIMER, Mr.
H.R. 860: Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. HAYES, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. BLUNT RASKIN, Mr. SMITH of Washington, Mrs.
H.R. 941: Mr. TRONE and Mrs. HAYES. ROCHESTER, and Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York, Mrs.
H.R. 959: Mr. ESPAILLAT, Mr. KEATING, and H.R. 1464: Ms. TITUS, Ms. NORTON, Mr. RODGERS of Washington, Mr. MORELLE, Mr.
Mr. COOPER. DEFAZIO, Ms. JACKSON LEE, and Mr. RASKIN. JACOBS of New York, Ms. MENG, Ms. HER-
H.R. 962: Ms. NORTON, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. H.R. 1466: Ms. NORTON, Ms. JACKSON LEE, RERA BEUTLER, Mr. SCHRADER, Mr. FOSTER,
BROWN, Mr. EVANS, Mr. GOTTHEIMER, Mr. Mr. EVANS, and Mr. BOST. Mr. TONKO, Mr. CÁRDENAS, Mr. ESPAILLAT,
RYAN, and Ms. MENG. H.R. 1482: Ms. TENNEY and Mr. COHEN. Mr. EMMER, Mr. SCHNEIDER, Mr. PAPPAS, Mr.
H.R. 970: Mr. OWENS and Mr. CAWTHORN. H.R. 1487: Ms. TENNEY. COHEN, Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Mr.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
H.R. 978: Ms. NEWMAN. H.R. 1490: Ms. TENNEY and Mr. COHEN. DEFAZIO, Mrs. AXNE, Mr. WELCH, Ms.
H.R. 1012: Ms. ROSS. H.R. 1491: Ms. BASS. PLASKETT, Mr. HORSFORD, Mr. LAWSON of
H.R. 1019: Mr. POCAN, Ms. BROWNLEY, Ms. H.R. 1492: Mr. LEVIN of California, Mr. HAS- Florida, Mr. CICILLINE, Mrs. BUSTOS, Mr.
DEGETTE, and Mr. MCGOVERN. TINGS, and Mr. GALLEGO. MEEKS, Ms. MATSUI, Ms. ADAMS, Mrs.
H.R. 1020: Mr. FOSTER. H.R. 1502: Ms. TENNEY and Mr. COHEN. MCBATH, Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. SHERRILL, Ms.
H.R. 1027: Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. H.R. 1505: Mr. QUIGLEY and Mr. HASTINGS. ESHOO, Mrs. FLETCHER, Miss GONZÁLEZ-
H.R. 1038: Mr. CURTIS. H.R. 1517: Mr. COHEN and Mr. WELCH. COLÓN, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.042 H16MRPT1
H1416 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 16, 2021
SCANLON, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Ms. BARRAGÁN, BACON, Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania, Mr. H. Res. 214: Mr. SUOZZI.
Mr. MFUME, Ms. SALAZAR, Mr. CARBAJAL, Ms. ALLEN, and Mr. FULCHER. H. Res. 225: Mr. BLUMENAUER and Mr.
WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. VAN DREW, Mr. H.R. 1864: Mr. COHEN and Mr. OBERNOLTE. KHANNA.
BUCSHON, Mr. LEVIN of California, Mr. HUD- H.R. 1865: Ms. DEAN. H. Res. 231: Ms. MCCOLLUM and Mrs. ROD-
SON, Mr. SABLAN, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. H.R. 1866: Mr. LUCAS, Mr. BABIN, and Mr. GERS of Washington.
VARGAS, Ms. VAN DUYNE, Mr. O’HALLERAN, LATURNER.
Mr. TAYLOR, Mrs. TRAHAN, Mr. SAN NICOLAS, H.R. 1883: Mr. GOSAR. f
Mrs. MURPHY of Florida, Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, H.R. 1884: Mr. GALLEGO.
Ms. STRICKLAND, Mr. DELGADO, Mr. PETERS, H.R. 1892: Mr. MOORE of Utah, Mr.
OBERNOLTE, Mr. TIMMONS, Mr. BUCHANAN, CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIM-
Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. GARAMENDI, Mrs.
Mr. WENSTRUP, Mr. WILSON of South Caro- ITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIM-
RADEWAGEN, Ms. WEXTON, and Mr. JOHNSON
of Georgia. lina, Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina, Mr. ITED TARIFF BENEFITS
H.R. 1809: Ms. BROWNLEY, Mr. CÁRDENAS, MCKINLEY, Mr. GARCIA of California, Mr. Under clause 9 of rule XXI, lists or
Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York, ISSA, Mr. VAN DREW, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr.
MOOLENAAR, Ms. MALLIOTAKIS, Mr. LATTA,
statements on congressional earmarks,
Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. NEGUSE, Ms. ADAMS, Mr. limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
GALLEGO, Mr. DESAULNIER, Mr. SIRES, and Mr. HERN, and Mr. STAUBER.
H.J. Res. 17: Ms. JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. benefits were submitted as follows:
Ms. STEVENS.
H.R. 1812: Mr. NEHLS, Mr. VAN DREW, Mr. LAMB, Mr. HOYER, and Mr. BUTTERFIELD. OFFERED BY MR. PALLONE
CRAWFORD, and Mr. BOST. H. Con. Res. 19: Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. The provisions that warranted a referral to
H.R. 1827: Mr. RESCHENTHALER. JEFFRIES, Mr. CORREA, and Ms. WILSON of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in
H.R. 1829: Mr. VAN DREW and Mr. CARL. Florida. H.R. 1868 do not contain any congressional
H. Res. 30: Ms. NORTON.
H.R. 1830: Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited
H. Res. 45: Ms. DELBENE.
H.R. 1832: Ms. SLOTKIN, Ms. MALLIOTAKIS, tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 of rule
H. Res. 47: Ms. TLAIB.
Mr. WALBERG, Mrs. BOEBERT, Mr. KILMER, H. Res. 104: Mr. COHEN. XXI.
Ms. TLAIB, and Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. H. Res. 114: Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mrs. KIM of OFFERED BY MR. YARMUTH
H.R. 1834: Ms. CHU, Mr. GREEN of Texas, California, Mr. GIBBS, Ms. TENNEY, Ms. DEAN, The provisions that warranted a referral to
Mr. TAKANO, Ms. MATSUI, Ms. LEE of Cali- Mr. LUETKEMEYER, and Ms. TLAIB. the Committee on the Budget in H.R. 1868 do
fornia, Mr. KIM of New Jersey, Ms. STRICK- H. Res. 121: Mr. EVANS and Ms. ROSS. not contain any congressional earmarks,
LAND, Mr. JONES, Ms. ESCOBAR, Mr. HAS- H. Res. 130: Mr. KHANNA. limited tax benefits, or limited tariff bene-
TINGS, Mr. SIRES, Ms. BARRAGÁN, and Mr. H. Res. 131: Mr. SABLAN. fits as defined in clause 9 of rule XXI.
SAN NICOLAS. H. Res. 134: Mr. GREEN of Texas.
H.R. 1836: Mr. MRVAN. H. Res. 153: Mr. OWENS. OFFERED BY MR. BURGESS
H.R. 1837: Mr. ZELDIN, Mr. BABIN, and Mr. H. Res. 162: Mr. JACKSON. The amendment to be offered by Rep-
LATURNER. H. Res. 196: Mr. CASTRO of Texas, Ms. PIN- resentative BURGESS, or a designee, to H.R.
H.R. 1854: Mr. PHILLIPS. GREE, Ms. JAYAPAL, and Mr. PRICE of North 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthor-
H.R. 1855: Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma and Mr. Carolina. ization Act does not contain any congres-
BURGESS. H. Res. 204: Ms. BROWNLEY, Mrs. NAPOLI- sional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or lim-
H.R. 1861: Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. TANO, Mr. MRVAN, Mr. CASE, Mr. SIRES, Mr. ited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 of
PERRY, Ms. STEFANIK, Mr. KELLER, Mr. COHEN, and Mr. COURTNEY. rule XXI.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with HOUSE
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:59 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR7.046 H16MRPT1
Congressional Record
E PL
UR M
IB NU
U U
S
117 th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
United States
of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
Vol. 167 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 No. 49
Senate
The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was ceed to executive session to resume part of the American dream. I have
called to order by the President pro consideration of the following nomina- every confidence that, under Ms.
tempore (Mr. LEAHY). tion, which the clerk will report. Guzman’s leadership, the SBA will help
f The senior assistant legislative clerk small business owners hold onto their
read the nomination of Isabella dreams until our economy comes roar-
PRAYER Casillas Guzman, of California, to be ing back.
The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- Administrator of the Small Business AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021
fered the following prayer: Administration. Mr. President, this morning, I also
Let us pray. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY LEADER want to continue the theme of high-
Father of life, awaken in our Sen- The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The lighting aspects of the American Res-
ators the joy of living this day with all majority leader is recognized. cue Plan that have not received enough
its new challenges and hopes. May they (Mr. WARNOCK assumed the Chair.) attention.
see in the challenges opportunities to NOMINATION OF ISABELLA CASILLAS GUZMAN We have heard a lot about the
grow in grace and in a deeper knowl- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, the progress we have made on vaccines. I
edge of You. May they find in their COVID–19 pandemic has revealed just read, this morning, that 109 million
hopes seeds to plant that will bring a how important the Federal Govern- Americans have received at least one
harvest of healing to our land. Lord, ment can be in helping workers, fami- vaccination, so we are well on the path
fill their working hours with Your re- lies, and businesses during a time of to getting Americans vaccinated, and
deeming radiance and their hearts with crisis. Congress has passed trillions of checks have gone out the door. I was
Your peace. Keep them safe, for they dollars in urgent relief, and we have re- on a call with people from central
have found in You a refuge. Instruct lied on Federal Agencies to implement Brooklyn—Bed-Stuy and Brownsville—
them with Your truth as You give that aid quickly, reliably, com- last night, and many had already re-
them faith to believe in the certainty petently.
ceived their checks. It was very much
of Your ultimate triumph. So, while it might not normally be as
We pray in Your strong Name. Amen. high profile as other Cabinet-level needed. It was very much welcomed.
As President Biden announced yes-
f Agencies, the Small Business Adminis-
terday, on the vaccines, we have had
tration has recently been in the spot-
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 100 million shots in people’s arms and
light. Over the last 12 months, the
The President pro tempore led the Small Business Administration has 100 million checks in people’s pockets.
Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: overseen two pandemic-related pro- Let’s say that again. That sounds good
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the grams that will dole out more than $1 to me—100 million shots in people’s
United States of America, and to the Repub- trillion to our Nation’s small busi- arms and 100 million checks in people’s
lic for which it stands, one nation under God, nesses, nonprofits, and religious insti- pockets. The Democrats are delivering
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
tutions. Moving forward, it will play a what we promised.
f prominent role in implementing the Now, we have heard a lot about how
American Rescue Plan. the American Rescue Plan will help
RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME
Today, the Senate will vote on Presi- Americans who need it the most. The
The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under 20 percent of Americans at the lowest
dent Biden’s nominee to take on that
the previous order, the leadership time levels of income will receive the high-
important job: Ms. Isabella Guzman.
is reserved. est levels of support. It is about time.
Ms. Guzman could not be more ready.
f She comes from a family of small busi- We had the mirror image of that when
CONCLUSION OF MORNING ness owners herself. Her dad ran his our Republican colleagues ran the Sen-
BUSINESS own veterinary clinic. Not only is Ms. ate, where the top 1 percent did the
Guzman a veteran of the Small Busi- best and the bottom 20 percent was to-
The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Morn-
ness Administration, in serving as the tally ignored. That is backward. God
ing business is closed.
Deputy Chief of Staff in the Obama ad- bless the people who are in the top 1
f percent, but they don’t need the help.
ministration, she has just finished a
EXECUTIVE SESSION stint as a top official at California’s Of- It is the people struggling to feed their
fice of Business and Economic Develop- families, pay the rent, and help the
ment, helping support the fifth largest kids in school who need the help. We
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR economy in the world. are doing it for the first time in a
The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Under For many Americans, opening and while. Experts predict that child pov-
the previous order, the Senate will pro- operating a business of their own is erty could be cut in half. Meanwhile,
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
S1531
.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:46 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.000 S16MRPT1
S1532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
the top 1 percent of Americans will see I said, you know: I am CHUCK SCHU- including most nonprofits and church-
an income boost of zero percent. As I MER, the son of Abe Schumer of Cen- es. Up to 90 percent of minority-owned
said, God bless them, but they are tury Exterminating. You owe us 6 small businesses will qualify for this
doing fine already. They are doing fine months. We have been doing a good job funding, closing the racial gap and
already. of exterminating your house. keeping local economies from deterio-
And we have heard a lot about how Do you know what he said to me? rating further.
the American Rescue Plan will prime Your dad is a small business man. He We invest $10 billion in State, local,
the American economy to come roaring can’t afford a lawyer. He can’t afford and Tribal small business financing
back. Economists are already pro- anything to go after me. I am not pay- programs.
jecting that economic growth could ing. We expand the employee retention
double as a result of the American Res- This is the anguish that small busi- tax credit so that businesses of any size
cue Plan. When over 75–85, I think it ness people face, so we need to help can more easily keep their workers on
is—percent of Americans get some them. We need to help them. the payroll because that one doesn’t
checks, the money goes out. It starts That is one of the many reasons I am have an employee number limit.
revitalizing our economy. People shop so proud of the American Rescue Finally, we bolstered and expanded
in the stores, eat at the restaurants, Plan—because it provides tens of bil- the popular Paycheck Protection Pro-
even begin to travel and see their rel- lions of dollars in support for small gram to include more nonprofits, in-
atives, maybe, for the first time if peo- businesses that have suffered during cluding labor and agricultural organi-
ple are vaccinated. the pandemic. The American Rescue zations that unfortunately, in Decem-
Wow, this is great news. This is great Plan is nothing short of a lifeline for ber, our Republican colleagues
news. I think that America is turning Main Street businesses from one end of wouldn’t let in.
the corner, and I think the attitude of this country to the other: Main Street In a nutshell, the American Rescue
Americans is turning the corner as businesses in rural America, Main Plan provides a colossal boost for our
well. People now see a brighter future Street businesses in suburban America, Nation’s small businesses and will
for this country and their regions. and Main Street businesses in urban make sure that all of them, not just
Today, though, as I said, there is so America and in our inner cities. It is a those with the right connections, can
much in this bill that, every day, I lifeline. access relief. It will help millions of
want to focus on something else that For starters, the American Rescue Americans keep their jobs, retain their
may not be focused upon. Since the Plan provides $30 billion for res- incomes, and support their families
Senate is set to vote on the confirma- taurants and bars through the RES- during this recovery.
tion of the new SBA Administrator, TAURANTS Act—the first bipartisan Now, we know many of these busi-
today is a good opportunity to expand amendment added to the bill—spon- nesses are not out of the woods yet.
on just how the American Rescue Plan sored by Senators SINEMA and WICKER. There is still some time until our coun-
will help our Nation’s 30 million small The American Rescue Plan also in- try can fully open up, until families eat
businesses. cludes more than $1 billion in addi- inside their favorite restaurant or col-
We all know that small businesses tional support for our Nation’s small leagues can meet at a bar for happy
have been some of the hardest hit enti- theaters and venues, adding to a grant hour, until we can see one of our favor-
ties by the pandemic. Early in the cri- program I helped create in December ite performers put on a concert. But we
sis, 80 percent of small businesses—four called the Save our Stages Act. These are already seeing signs of hope.
out of five—reported having to close independent art venues, restaurants, As a Washington Post headline an-
their doors at one point. Just the other and places like that—churches—are the nounced recently, ‘‘Companies are scal-
day, I heard of a local New York busi- hardest hit because that is where peo- ing back layoffs because of [the Amer-
ness owner who was forced to close up ple gather. When they are not gath- ican Rescue Plan].’’ Let me say that
shop after surviving most of the pan- ering, there is no income whether it be again, proudly and happily. ‘‘Compa-
demic. You could hear the pain in his the money they pay the small business, nies are scaling back layoffs because of
voice. He poured his entire soul into the checks they pay at the restaurants [the American Rescue Plan],’’ and the
this business. I know. This hits home or the money they leave on the collec- Senate, I assure the American people,
for me. tion plates, when they are not there, in is going to keep working to make sure
My dad was a small business man. He our religious institutions. So this is a that the support for our businesses re-
struggled. He had a little extermi- good thing. mains intact over the next few months.
nating business all through my grow- I want to say one more thing about I yield the floor.
ing years—from the day I was born Save our Stages. It not only includes I suggest the absence of a quorum.
until the day I left the house. My more money for Save our Stages; it in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
brother, sister, and I still have vivid cludes an amendment I authored to clerk will call the roll.
memories of Dad’s pacing the floor on allow venue owners to apply for aid The senior assistant legislative clerk
Sunday nights at 2 a.m. because he through Save our Stages without los- proceeded to call the roll.
hated going to work on Monday morn- ing eligibility for traditional small Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I
ing—so many challenges, so much business grants through the PPP. So ask unanimous consent that the order
thrown at him, and not much he could that is a change that our arts institu- for the quorum call be rescinded.
do about it. He was wondering how he tions and our independent venues and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
would actually provide for his family. theaters should know—that they could objection, it is so ordered.
Praise God, he retired at around 70. He get both the PPP and Save our Stages. RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER
is now 97. He has been a happy man for Now, these venues, the small busi-
these last 27 years. God is good, as the nesses of many types, the nonprofits, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re-
Presiding Officer knows better than they are the lifeblood of our commu- publican leader is recognized.
most of us, but he struggled. nities. They were the first to close; FILIBUSTER
So, when I hear about the anguish of they will be the last to open. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President,
small business people, I will never for- I am hopeful that the support we today I would like to begin with a few
get. I would work there sometimes— passed in the American Rescue Plan quotations.
weekends, summers. He sent me out to will help our small businesses, our the- The legislative filibuster . . . is the most
collect checks from a landlord who had aters, our music venues, and our res- important distinction between the Senate
had three or four smaller buildings, taurants to hold on until we can all and the House. Without the 60-vote threshold
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
and my dad’s company had done the ex- gather safely once again. for legislation, the Senate becomes a
majoritarian institution like the House,
terminating. The guy hadn’t paid for 6 That is not all. The American Rescue
much more subject to the whims of short-
months. I traveled, and it took me Plan provides $15 billion in flexible, term electoral change. No Senator would
about an hour to an hour and a half on targeted grants to help small busi- like to see that happen. So let’s find a way
two buses to get to this man’s door. I nesses that have had a hard time ac- to further protect the 60-vote rule for legisla-
knocked. He opened the door. cessing relief over the last 12 months, tion.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:46 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.002 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1533
That was the current Democratic West Virginia to reverse themselves would just be the first domino of many,
leader, Senator SCHUMER, in April of are not just arguing for some proce- until the Senate ceases to be distinct
2017, less than 4 years ago. dural tweak, not a procedural tweak; from the House in any respect. This
Now, here is another quote, Mr. they are arguing for a radically less chaos would not open up an express
President: stable and less consensus-driven sys- lane to liberal change. It would not
What about [the] nuclear option doing tem of government. Forget about en- open up an express lane for the Biden
away with the filibuster? during laws with broad support; noth- Presidency to speed into the history
I can tell you that would be the end of the ing in Federal law would ever be set- books. The Senate would be more like
Senate as it was originally devised and cre- tled. a 100-car pileup—nothing moving.
ated going back to our Founding Fathers. We Does anyone really believe the Amer-
have to acknowledge our respect for the mi-
And then there is the small matter
ican people were voting for an entirely that majorities are actually never per-
nority, and that is what the Senate tries to
do in its composition and in its procedure.
new system of government by electing manent. The last time a Democratic
Joe Biden to the White House and a 50– leader was trying to start a nuclear ex-
That was the assistant Democratic 50 Senate? This is a 50–50 Senate. There
leader, Senator DURBIN, in 2018, about 3 change, I remember offering a warning.
was no mandate to completely trans- I said my colleagues would regret it a
years ago. form America by the American people
A few years ago, 33 Members of the lot sooner than they thought. In just a
on November 3. That may be what a few years and a few Supreme Court va-
Democratic side signed a letter insist- few liberal activists want, but does
ing that ‘‘we preserve existing rules, cancies later, many of my Democratic
anyone believe that millions of Ameri- colleagues said publicly that they did.
practices, and traditions’’ regarding cans thought that is what they were
legislation. Now, under pressure from Touching the hot stove again would
electing? Of course not. yield the same result but even more
the outside, many of our Democratic There is an ironic element to this
colleagues are abandoning their stated dramatic.
whole conversation. Some Democratic
principles as fast as possible. As soon as Republicans wound up
Senators seem to imagine this would
Yesterday, Senator DURBIN said the back in the saddle, we wouldn’t just
be a tidy tradeoff. If they could just
filibuster is not a core principle but erase every liberal change that hurt
break the rules on a razor-thin major-
‘‘an offhanded clerical suggestion.’’ An the country. We would strengthen
ity, sure, it might damage the institu-
offhanded clerical suggestion. America with all kinds of conservative
tion, but then nothing would stand be-
A number of Senate Democrats are policies, with zero—zero—input from
tween them and their entire agenda—a
trying to pressure the senior Senators the other side. How about this: nation-
new era of fast-track policymaking.
from West Virginia and Arizona to wide right-to-work for working Ameri-
But anyone who really knows the Sen-
abandon their own very recent commit- cans; defunding Planned Parenthood
ate knows that is not what would hap-
ments to honor this central rule of the and sanctuary cities on day one; a
pen.
Senate. whole new era of domestic energy pro-
So let me say this very clearly for all
The Framers designed the Senate to duction; sweeping new protections for
99 of my colleagues: Nobody serving in
require deliberation, to force coopera- conscience and the right to life of the
this Chamber can even begin—can even
tion, and to ensure that Federal laws unborn; concealed-carry reciprocity in
begin—to imagine what a completely
in our big, diverse country earn broad all 50 States and the District of Colum-
scorched-earth Senate would look like.
enough buy-in to receive the lasting None of us have served 1 minute in bia; and massive hardening of the secu-
consent of the government. James the Senate that was completely rity on our southern border.
Madison said the Senate should be a drained of comity and consent. This is We saw during amendment votes,
‘‘complicated check’’ against ‘‘im- an institution that requires unanimous just days ago, that some commonsense
proper acts of legislation.’’ Thomas consent to turn the lights on before Republican positions actually enjoy
Jefferson said that ‘‘great innovations noon, to proceed with a garden-variety more support right now than some of
should not be forced on slender majori- floor speech, to dispense with the read- the Democratic committee chairs’ pri-
ties.’’ ing of lengthy legislative text, to orities, and this is with them in the
Senate Democrats parroted all these schedule committee business, and to majority. So the pendulum would
arguments when they were the ones move even noncontroversial nominees swing both ways, and it would swing
benefiting from minority protection. at anything besides a snail’s pace. hard.
When President Trump pressed Repub- So I want our colleagues to imagine My colleagues and I have refused to
licans to kill the filibuster, our Demo- a world where every single task—every kill the Senate for instant gratifi-
cratic colleagues cried foul. When our one of them—requires a physical cation. In 2017 and in 2018, I was lobbied
Republican majority stood on principle quorum, which, by the way, the Vice to do exactly what Democrats want to
and refused to wreck the rules, our President does not count in deter- do now. A sitting President leaned on
Democratic colleagues happily used mining a quorum. Everything that me to do it. He tweeted about it. What
the filibuster themselves. In some Democratic Senates did to Presidents did I do? I said to the President at that
cases, they flat-out blocked legislation, Bush and Trump and everything the time: No. I said ‘‘no’’ repeatedly, be-
like Senator TIM SCOTT’s police reform Republican Senate did to President cause being a U.S. Senator comes with
bill. In many other cases, Democrats Obama would be child’s play compared higher duties than steamrolling any
did what minority parties always do to the disaster that Democrats would obstacle to short-term power. I meant
and leveraged the existence of the fili- create for their own priorities if—if— it. Republicans meant it.
buster to influence must-pass legisla- they break the Senate. Less than 2 months ago, two of our
tion long before it got to the floor. So this is not a tradeoff between Democratic colleagues said they mean
There is so much emphasis on the trampling etiquette but then getting to it too. If they keep their word, we have
most extreme bills that either party quickly transform the country. That is a bipartisan majority that can put
might pass with a simple majority. a false choice. Even the most basic as- principle first and keep the Senate
People forget that the Senate’s 60-vote pects of our colleagues’ agenda, the safe.
threshold is the only reason—the only most mundane tasks of the Biden Pres- I suggest the absence of a quorum.
reason—that any routine, must-pass idency, would actually be harder—
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
legislation is bipartisan except during harder—not easier for Democrats in a
clerk will call the roll.
divided government. Big funding deals, post-nuclear Senate that is 50–50, dead
appropriations bills, farm bills, high- even. The senior assistant legislative clerk
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
way bills, the NDAA—the Senate’s 60- If the Democrats break the rules to proceeded to call the roll.
vote threshold backstops all of it. It is kill rule XXII on a 50–50 basis, then we Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask
not just about controversial items; it is will use every other rule to make tens unanimous consent that the order for
about everything we do. of millions of Americans’ voices heard. the quorum call be rescinded.
The Senate Democrats who are pres- Perhaps the majority would come after The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
suring our colleagues from Arizona and the other rules next. Perhaps rule XXII objection, it is so ordered.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.004 S16MRPT1
S1534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
DEATH TAX tax bill from the Federal Government. dirty word, and families and employees
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, last week And so the only thing left for his chil- should not be punished because a fam-
I introduced a bill to permanently re- dren to do will be to start selling off ily has worked hard and built up a suc-
peal the death tax. farm equipment and land. In some cessful farm or ranch or business.
I have been pushing to repeal the cases, they will be able to keep the On top of all this, the death tax is an
death tax for a long time because I farm, just a smaller version of it. In inefficient tax that raises a small
have seen the consequences the tax can others, they may have to sell off the amount of revenue while placing a very
have for family farms and ranches and family farm entirely. The same thing large burden on farmers and ranchers
for family businesses. And I am proud can happen with family-owned busi- and small business men and women.
that we protected a lot of family farms nesses. Repealing the death tax is an idea
and businesses 3 years ago with the Tax In the case of a larger family-owned that has won bipartisan support in the
Cuts and Jobs Act by doubling the business, the business owner may be past, including support from more than
death tax exemption, but the death tax worth $15 or $20 million, but only a one sitting Democratic Senator. I hope
is still a big problem. small fraction of that may be money in it will win bipartisan support in this
First of all, the change we made to the bank. The vast majority may be Congress as well. And I will continue to
the death tax in the Tax Cuts and Jobs tied up in the business. In that case, fight to ensure that no family farm or
Act isn’t permanent. The increased ex- when the Federal Government comes business has to worry about this pun-
emption level expires at the end of 2025. around demanding 40 percent of the ishing tax.
Second, Democrats, who are always taxable estate, all the money that that I said it before, and I will say it
eager to seize any possible revenue business owner had in the bank won’t again: One family farm or business lost
source, have proposed not merely re- even come close to covering the tax is one too many.
turning the exemption to its previous bill. I yield the floor.
level but reducing it even further. And To pay the Federal Government, the I suggest the absence of a quorum.
that would be a big problem for a lot of owner’s descendants will have to sell The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
family farms and businesses. off part or all of the family business. clerk will call the roll.
The death tax is a fundamentally And this can happen again and again. The senior assistant legislative clerk
flawed idea, both in theory and in prac- Think about a business that was proceeded to call the roll.
tice. Every American, of course, has an started half a century ago and passed Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask
obligation to pay taxes to help support down from father to daughter, to unanimous consent that the order for
our government, but there should be a grandson. With every death, the Fed- the quorum call be rescinded.
limit to how many times the govern- eral Government will have come de- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr.
ment can tax you. And death should manding a big chunk of that estate. By PADILLA). Without objection, it is so
not be a taxable event. the time you get to the third genera- ordered.
The money you leave at your death tion, the business may be struggling to Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask to
has already been taxed by the govern- stay afloat if it is still around at all. speak as if in morning business.
ment at least once, which makes the I recently read testimony from a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
death tax double taxation. business owner who stated that, with- objection, it is so ordered.
People who support the death tax out death tax reform, the family com- FILIBUSTER
tend to talk as if the death tax only af- pany will end with him. Why? Because Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, it is
fects the fabulously wealthy, but that the company will have to be sold to flattering when the Republican Senate
isn’t the case. Small- and medium- meet the tax bill the Federal Govern- leader comes to the floor and mentions
sized businesses, family farms, and ment will hand his descendants. The your name, and Senator MCCONNELL
ranches spend a lot of time and money company has already faced the death did just that this morning.
on estate planning to avoid being hit tax multiple times in its history and The issue was the filibuster. Senator
by this tax. Farmers and ranchers in given millions upon millions to the MCCONNELL found a quote several years
my State know, without careful and Federal Government. This next death ago where I spoke in favor of the fili-
costly planning, the Federal Govern- tax bill will be the death blow. buster to protect minority rights in
ment can come around after their I am proud that Republicans im- the Senate. It is true. I did say that. It
death demanding a staggering 40 per- proved the death tax situation for a lot was based on life experience. Having al-
cent of their taxable estate, and their of family farms and businesses by pass- ready served in the Senate for a num-
children won’t have the money to pay ing estate tax reform in the Tax Cuts ber of years, I came to understand how
without risking the farm or the ranch. and Jobs Act, but doubling the exemp- it evolved as one of the procedures in
Why? Well, farming and ranching is tion is not enough. There are still fam- the Senate.
often a cash-poor business. ily farms and businesses out there that But I have to say to you that my im-
A farmer might, technically, be aren’t protected from this tax. And in pression of the filibuster changed, and
worth several million dollars, but the my view, losing even one family farm the reason it changed was none other
vast majority of that is land and farm- or ranch or business to the death tax is than the Republican Senate majority
ing equipment. Only a small fraction of one too many, not to mention the fact leader, now minority leader, Senator
it is money in the bank. that in less than 5 years, the expanded MCCONNELL. You see, the filibuster
The Farm Bureau reports that over exemption will expire putting many really was created in the Senate
the past 10 years, the value of farmland farms and businesses back in the tax’s through its own rules, as I explained
has increased by nearly 50 percent. It is crosshairs. yesterday, and it came to define the
completely possible that a farmer’s Family farms and businesses play a Senate in this respect. The Founding
land might have substantially in- vital role in the economy and in com- Fathers looked to the Senate to pro-
creased in value over the past decade, munities. Family farms and ranches vide two representatives—literally,
while his income has barely increased are the lifeblood literally of rural com- Senators—from each State, regardless
at all or, with commodity prices the munities in South Dakota. They are a of population, so smaller States, back
past few years, they may have been los- source of jobs. They provide support for in the original Colonies, like Delaware,
ing money. In fact, it is perfectly pos- local businesses. They help build up would have the same number of Sen-
sible that in a bad year, a farm with local schools and local infrastructure. ators as a large State, like Virginia.
several million dollars’ worth of land Losing a local farm can hit rural com- That was their intention.
might barely break even income-wise. munities very hard. So the protection of minority rights
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
So what happens when a farmer dies? It is mind-boggling that the Federal was kind of built into the definition of
Well, the Federal Government will Government imposes a tax that pun- the U.S. Senate, and the filibuster be-
claim up to 40 percent of his taxable es- ishes all the things we should be en- came its manifestation in the daily
tate. But his liquid assets—in other couraging. The death tax punishes hard procedure of the Senate. Under that fil-
words, the cash he has available—will work. It punishes success. It punishes ibuster, of course, one Senator could
likely not come close to covering the innovation. ‘‘Success’’ should not be a stop the debate, or at least slow it
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.006 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1535
down, by insisting on a filibuster, only us to hang on to the traditions of the for dramatically scaling up vaccina-
to be stopped by an extraordinary ma- Senate, I would tell you that their in- tions in America. The administration
jority of the Senate voting to return to terpretation of the traditions is stran- helped to strike a historic partnership
the regular business. gling this body. They have beaten the between rival drugmakers, ramped up
That was the case in 1957 because, in old filibuster to the point where it is manufacture of the vaccine, and im-
August of 1957, Senator Strom Thur- hardly recognizable and is now the reg- proved coordination with State offi-
mond took to the floor of this U.S. ular order of business in the U.S. Sen- cials everywhere.
Senate and initiated the longest fili- ate. We are seeing a world of difference
buster in its history. For 24 hours and That is why many of us, frustrated that this makes. When you put com-
18 minutes, the man stood by his desk with having worked so hard to come petent, qualified leadership in charge
and spoke without stopping. He didn’t here, wanting to do the best we can to in the White House and in State cap-
have any permission to leave the floor represent the people who have sent us itols, good things happen. Our weekly
for any reason and certainly couldn’t here, are so frustrated by the current vaccine shipments in Illinois have
sit down without losing his filibuster. state of procedure. And for Senator nearly doubled. The Federal Govern-
He did it. He did it for the wrong rea- MCCONNELL and other Republicans to ment has erected a mass vaccination
son, I am afraid, because he was trying come to the floor and plead for hanging site at the United Center in Chicago. It
to stop the march of civil rights in this on to this tradition is actually plead- has also supported partnerships with
country, but he did it. Determinedly, ing for the Senate to continue to do community health centers and retail
he achieved that goal. less and less each year. pharmacies to expand access to vac-
When he did, in 1957, that was the There are those of us now in control cines. A cautious hopefulness is wash-
broken fifth filibuster in the history of on the majority side—the bare major- ing over America, but we can’t lose
the Senate in the previous five decades. ity side—on the Democratic side, who momentum in our fight against COVID.
In other words, if you went back to 1919 really believe there is much more to be To put this pandemic really behind
and all the way to 1957, Strom Thur- done in the Senate. The American peo- us and to bury it in history, we need to
mond’s was the fifth time in history a ple expect us to respond. lend a hand to the many poor nations
filibuster was broken. Once every dec- Now, you might ask: Well, how did that have yet to receive a single dose
ade, a filibuster was broken on the Sen- you pass the American Rescue Plan if of vaccine. The inequities are stark.
ate floor. there is a filibuster used so frequently? Ten countries have accounted for 75
Well, that world has changed—dra- It was under a process called reconcili- percent of the total vaccinations ad-
matically changed. We can now have ation, which depends on a majority ministered worldwide, while approxi-
five filibusters in a couple of weeks. We vote. You can’t filibuster under the mately 100 countries have yet to ad-
now have, on average, 80 filibusters a reconciliation. That is why this amaz- minister any vaccine doses. This dan-
year because of the urging and direc- ing bill, this new law, the American gerous shortfall has the potential to
tion of the Senator from Kentucky, Rescue Plan by President Biden, is so undermine the good work that is hap-
Senator MCCONNELL. He has institu- sweeping in its reach. We had to try to pening here in America. Closing this
tionalized the filibuster to the point combine, under this law, so many pro- gap is not only the right and moral
where it is now the normal course of visions that had been affected by the thing to do, it is the safest and smart-
business, not an extraordinary proce-
pandemic and the state of the economy est thing to do to stop the threat
dure.
because we knew that returning to the COVID, and its increasingly contagious
I recounted the fact that I introduced
the DREAM Act 20 years ago—20 years regular order of business with the fili- variants, pose to us all.
ago. DURBIN, what kind of a Senator buster looming every single day would Remember back a little over a year
are you that in 20 years you can’t pass tie our hands just as sure as we have ago, an obscure city in China generated
the DREAM Act? Well, I brought it to seen in the past several years. a virus—we think they did—that ended
So, Senator MCCONNELL, thank you up circling the world many times over
the Senate floor on five different occa-
for mentioning my name, but if I be- and changing life on this planet.
sions, and on five different occasions it
came skeptical of the filibuster, it is Last month, I received a briefing
was stopped by the filibuster. Other
Members can tell the story of their leg- because of your use of it. I hope that from Dr. Fauci on the new genetic
islative experience on the floor too. you understand that you can’t have it mutations of COVID–19. He shared
The point I am getting to is this: It both ways. It can’t be a rare procedure troubling news about variants that are
wasn’t until Senator MCCONNELL and and be a procedure that dominates the emerging in the United Kingdom,
the Republicans who follow him de- actual business of the Senate as this South Africa, and Brazil. Some of them
cided to make the filibuster just daily has done for so many years. may have more resistance to our cur-
business in the Senate that it was CORONAVIRUS rent vaccines than we care to see. He
abused to the point where the Senate Mr. President, last year I came to the warned that if we fail to stamp out the
stopped doing regular legislative busi- floor on multiple occasions to ask con- virus globally, then we will continue to
ness. sent for a simple, sensible resolution. see risks within our own borders.
I would like Senator MCCONNELL to It called for the United States to co- Variants of the virus could counteract
come to the floor the next opportunity operate in global efforts to address the the tremendous progress we have made
he has and explain this to me. In the COVID pandemic. At that time, that and the progress that we are poised to
last calendar year, 2020, the Senate point was obvious, and it is even more make in the near future.
considered 29 amendments on the floor obvious today. As I said at the outset, viruses don’t
of the Senate in the entire year. Now, Pandemics don’t respect borders. recognize borders. Crushing the virus
that doesn’t count a vote-arama, which None of us is safe from highly infec- in other countries is a strategic invest-
is an aberration that I don’t think tious diseases until all of us are safe. ment in our own national safety and
would ever be accused of being delib- That is especially important to keep in security. President Biden understands
erative. But 29 regular-order amend- mind as we begin to turn a corner here this. He is serious about addressing the
ments during the course of a year—em- in America. virus first in America and then around
barrassing, isn’t it? When you think of Last week, during his first address to the world. He has set us on a pace to
this great so-called debating society, 29 the Nation, President Biden announced vaccinate all eligible Americans over
times we brought an amendment to the that all adults in America over the age the course of the next several months.
floor? Well, it was an improvement—an of 18 will be eligible for vaccinations on Let me urge those who are hesitant
improvement over the previous year, a May 1 of this year. If all goes to plan, or skeptical as to whether it is the
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
30-percent improvement, in fact—be- we can look forward, as President right thing to do, do it, please—for
cause in the year 2019, under Senator Biden mentioned, to a Fourth of July yourself, for those you love, and for
MCCONNELL’s leadership, we had 22 with family and close friends at a close this Nation.
amendments. distance. President Biden wisely halted Presi-
So when Senator MCCONNELL and Considering what they inherited, the dent Trump’s withdrawal from the
others come to the floor and plead for Biden administration deserves credit World Health Organization. He joined
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.007 S16MRPT1
S1536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
the global COVAX vaccine effort, and it. I hope and expect that they will do Before Louis DeJoy took over, 91 per-
he allocated significant funding toward the same when it comes to supporting cent of Postal Service customers gave
global vaccination efforts, funding that the global effort against COVID–19. The USPS high marks—one of the highest
is expanded under the American Rescue moment calls for nothing less. approval ratings of any government
Plan, which we passed just a few weeks Public health experts understand Agency. Today, postal customers
ago in the Senate. that. President Biden understands across America—certainly in my State
Secretary of the Treasury Janet that. I know we here in Congress un- of Illinois—customers wait anxiously
Yellen recently announced that the derstand that. We can end the threat of for important checks and bills that ar-
United States will support the issuance COVID once and for all. It is within our rive weeks late, if at all. They check
of special drawing rights, a type of IMF power. tracking websites to search for delayed
foreign exchange reserve that can help UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE packages, only to read that the pack-
poor countries buy vaccines and weath- Mr. President, let me start this age is ‘‘out for delivery.’’
er the economic fallout from the pan- statement by saying I am a fan of the In some neighborhoods in Chicago,
demic, a welcome move that I encour- U.S. Postal Service. I have been residents have given up hope of receiv-
aged and was a coauthor of with Sen- throughout my life. I believe the men ing mail at home. They stand in line
ator SANDERS and Congressman and women who make the Postal Serv- for hours at the local post office to try
‘‘CHUY’’ GARCÍA. ice work do a great service to this to retrieve their mail themselves.
Just last week, the President an- country and distinguish us from many Often, even that doesn’t work.
nounced a partnership with key allies countries in the world that don’t have Tracey Otis is one of those people.
in the Pacific region to provide at least anything near our service or reliability One day last month, she was one of 40
1 billion COVID vaccines in countries in delivering the mail. Having said customers—40—waiting in line at the
in Asia. This is prescient, global lead- that, and believe it to my inner being, Postal Service station in the Gresham
ership long overdue. The President’s the Postal Service needs to take a hard neighborhood on the South Side of Chi-
actions will save lives here at home look at what is going on within their cago. Ms. Otis hadn’t had regular mail
and abroad, and these investments will ranks today. delivery since Christmas. She waited in
fuel a global economic recovery, which Last month, the U.S. Postal Service line for hours, hoping to retrieve a
Great Lakes area sent out the postal package of diabetic test strips before
we all want to see.
To understand why a global strategy equivalent of an SOS. It put out the her current supply ran out. She told a
is called for, look at history. Some of call to mail carriers in five sur- Chicago Sun-Times reporter that she
you who are witnessing this statement rounding States asking for letter car- would volunteer to sort the mail if it
on the floor at home may be old riers to come to my State of Illinois to would help. She went home empty-
help deliver a huge backlog of undeliv- handed that day, still not sure where
enough to have a distinct circular scar
ered mail. It also called for mail car- her package was or when, if ever, she
on your upper arm. Maybe you have
riers to help deliver Chicago’s mail on might see it.
seen it on the arms of a parent or
Sundays. Last month, my staff in Chicago esti-
grandparent. That mark is a relic from Ken Labbe is one of the mail carriers mated that there might be 300 pieces of
one of the world’s greatest public who answered that call for help. Mr. mail sitting undelivered in four Chi-
health victories: the eradication of the Labbe has been a mail carrier in Mount cago postal facilities. We based that on
deadly smallpox virus. Prospect, IL, just outside of Chicago, the number of complaints we received
The fact that so few people living for 28 years. He is the president of the in our office. After that, the Postal In-
today remember the death and misery local letter carriers union. He is also spector General released a report that
caused by that disease is a testament quite an athlete. In 2002, he was the showed we were wrong. There weren’t
to the global public health strategy only male mail carrier on the USPS- 300 letters in postal limbo in these fa-
that stopped it. Smallpox was one of sponsored professional cycling team. cilities; there were 19,000 undelivered
the most devastating diseases to afflict He volunteered for the last Sunday in pieces of mail in those four facilities.
mankind. It is estimated to have killed February. He figured he had the knowl- Since then, in my State, the chaos
up to 300 million people in the 20th cen- edge and endurance to help reduce the has stretched way beyond Chicago. We
tury, 500 million people in the last hun- mail backlog that had plagued the hear from all over the State: Spring-
dred years. Postal Service in Chicago. What he dis- field, Champaign-Urbana, Belleville,
In 1967, the World Health Organiza- covered, he said, stunned him. At every East St. Louis, Quincy, Peoria, the
tion launched a historic international home he delivered to, he stuffed 20 to 30 Quad Cities, and Rockford. These
effort to eradicate it. It was one of the pieces of mail in the mailbox. He delays in Illinois and across America
most successful public health initia- worked 12 hours on that Sunday, from are causing real hardship for tens of
tives in human history. Next month 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., sunup to sundown, millions of Americans waiting for mail
marks the 41st anniversary of that his- without a break, even for lunch. Still, delivery. Patients and pharmacists
toric achievement. he couldn’t complete the assigned complain about late medication. Peo-
In the years since, America has led workload; the sheer volume of back- ple are getting dinged for late mort-
similar global efforts to stamp out dis- logged mail was too great. Inside the gage and utility payments and forced
eases like polio and Ebola. If we follow local post office, Ken said, he found to pay late fees. Insurance policies are
in these footsteps, historians will one packages stacked everywhere. Some being canceled because of late pay-
day add COVID to the top of that list of appeared to have been there for a ments. Small business owners are
historic achievements. month or more. The entire situation forced to wait weeks or months for
Pursuing a global strategy is the looked, in his words, ‘‘like an episode payments. Others are flooded with calls
most effective way—maybe the only of ‘Extreme Hoarders.’’’ ‘‘A crisis.’’ and emails from customers wondering
way—to accelerate vaccine production Chicagoland is not the only postal where their packages are—a good way
and distribution in every corner of the chaos location. Nearly 9 months after a to lose business.
world. By sharing our wealth of knowl- new Postmaster General unveiled his Who is Louis DeJoy, the mastermind
edge and resources with the world, we surprise reorganization plan, postal of this mess? Did he come through the
reap lifesaving benefits, not just service in much of the Nation is er- ranks of the Postal Service, like four
around the world but right here at ratic. Delays are longer than ever. Postmasters General before him? No.
home. The delivery times have shrunk to His qualifications? He is a former logis-
We all know public health is bigger historic lows since Louis DeJoy took tics executive who donated millions of
than partisanship and always has been. over last June. At the end of December, dollars to Donald Trump and the Re-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
In the 2000s, for example, I called on the Agency had an on-time rate of 38 publicans—no experience working at
then-President Bush to help stem the percent for nonlocal mail. What was it the Postal Service before Donald
scourge of AIDS around the world 1 year earlier? Ninety-two percent. A Trump tapped him to head this Agency
through the historic PEPFAR Pro- 92-percent on-time rate descended to 38 last June.
gram. At the time, many of my Repub- percent under Postmaster General One month later, in the middle of a
lican friends in the Senate supported DeJoy. pandemic that turned postal deliveries
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:46 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.008 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1537
into a lifeline for many, Mr. DeJoy un- The legislative clerk proceeded to the grant program immediately. We
veiled a radical plan to reorganize the call the roll. have been working with the staff there,
Postal Service, after only 1 month in Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I and we have given these venues that
the job and no experience in the De- ask unanimous consent that the order have been shuttered—the first to close
partment. He slashed overtime hours, for the quorum call be rescinded. and the last to reopen—the ability to
prohibited late and extra mail delivery The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without access PPP loans, which is really im-
trips, and set stricter delivery sched- objection, it is so ordered. portant right now. We also want to get
ules. NOMINATION OF ISABELLA CASILLAS GUZMAN the grant program out immediately—
In August, with no public expla- Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I get that money out—and distribute
nation, the Postal Service began re- rise in support of Isabella Guzman, cur- over $16 billion in grants. Our venues
moving mail-sorting machines from rently the director of California’s Of- can’t wait. They need that relief. Ms.
postal facilities around the country, re- fice of the Small Business Advocate— Guzman will be key to leading our way
ducing their ability to process mail. the Presiding Officer’s State—to be the out of this and helping Senator SCHU-
Amazingly, the Postal Service Inspec- Administrator of the U.S. Small Busi- MER with his theaters in New York to
tor General determined that the ness Administration. the Fargo Theatre in North Dakota.
changes were ordered with no analysis We all know the importance of small We need to get this done.
and no understanding of how they businesses and how they have been hit We just passed restaurant relief as
might affect timeliness of mail deliv- so hard during this pandemic. Small part of the American Rescue Plan—a
ery. A Federal lawsuit forced the Agen- businesses employ nearly half of all major, major bill—with the $28.6 billion
cy to put the changes on hold until private sector workers and make out- Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which
after the election. sized contributions to the innovation is going to be so key. I was at The
On February 6, Mr. DeJoy was quoted that makes America’s economy strong. Block Food & Drink restaurant in
in the Washington Post saying that his Yet the coronavirus has put millions of Saint Louis Park on Sunday and then
new plan for reorganizing the Postal people out of business, hundreds of headed up to Duluth, to the Boat Club,
Service would be ready for public re- thousands of these mom-and-pop, with the mayor and the owners of the
lease ‘‘as early as next week.’’ He said Boat Club. There were stories I heard
brick-and-mortar retail shops out of
that on February 6. We are still wait- of servers who had been laid off, then
business, and restaurants out of busi-
ing for it, waiting for the DeJoy plan came back, laid off, then came back,
ness.
to shape up the Postal Service. It is We are so pleased that there is, as we and there were stories I heard about
like waiting for a lost package. say in Minnesota, a lighthouse that we the owners of some of these res-
We know some of the biggest changes are looking to now. I was up in Duluth taurants in their taking out repeated
he intends to propose because he has on Sunday, and instead of the light at loans. They are hanging in there, and
confirmed them publicly. The DeJoy we need to have their backs.
the end of the tunnel, which so many of
plan for shaping up the post office is One out of six restaurants in this
us talk about with regard to the end of
expected to call for the following: more country has permanently closed down
this pandemic, the mayor there re- during the pandemic. As the leader of
service cuts, higher prices, and slower ferred to it as a lighthouse, for they
mail delivery. If that sounds like a the antitrust subcommittee in the Sen-
have a lot of lighthouses on Lake Supe- ate, we don’t want to just give all of
winning combination to you, I have rior. The end of this pandemic is our
some vintage computers to sell to your our food service and action in the res-
lighthouse. We see the blinking lights taurant area to the big guys. We are
business. In short, this is not a solu- from a distance, but we know we are
tion; this is sabotage of an essential pleased we have successful restaurant
not there yet. To get there, we not only chains in this country, but that can’t
public service, and we shouldn’t tol-
need to get this vaccine to every per- be the only thing we have. That is why
erate it.
son—and the President has said we will helping these smaller venues is so im-
Well, America has a new President
who understands that affordable, effi- have vaccines available by the end of portant.
cient postal service is essential to May for every adult in America—but Ms. Guzman gets that. She is a life-
America. Five days after taking office, we have to get it distributed, and our long proponent of small businesses and
President Biden replaced the Chair of pandemic bill certainly is going to be a is the daughter of a small business
the Postal Regulatory Commission. major step toward getting that done. owner. As a former entrepreneur, this
We also need to get our business makes her the right person for this job
Late last month, he filled three vacan-
cies of the Postal Service Board of Gov- economy back in order. We need to be at a pivotal time in the life of our
ernors, the body that hires the Post- able to not be so far down in the country. She has the backing of the
master General and oversees the Postal ground that we can’t climb out of U.S. Chamber of Commerce and numer-
Service. where we are. That is why having Ms. ous trade organizations. I know her
I encourage President Biden to make Guzman in place—someone with her leadership at the SBA will put our
all the changes necessary to rescue the record and her ability to lead and who struggling businesses in the best hands.
Postal Service. Mr. DeJoy has offered a served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and I ask my colleagues to support the
stream of excuses for the chaos that as the Senior Adviser at the Small nomination of Isabella Guzman to be
has fallen the Postal Service since he Business Administration during the Administrator of the Small Business
showed up. He says it is the pandemic, Obama administration—is so impor- Administration. The Presiding Officer
the Christmas holidays, bad weather, tant. must be proud to have someone who
an election that saw a record number She will oversee the Paycheck Pro- has done such good work in California
of Americans vote by mail. He has a tection Program, which we established in this job. We are excited about her
list as long as your arm. on a bipartisan basis in March of 2020 and what she can do.
I would remind him that in 1864, we as part of the CARES Act, as she un- NOMINATION OF XAVIER BECERRA
held a national election in the middle derstands the need for greater equity Mr. President, today, I rise to speak
of a Civil War, and 150,000 Union Army in loan distribution and has shown a in support of Xavier Becerra’s nomina-
troops voted absentee from the field. commitment to transparency and accu- tion to serve as Secretary of Health
The Postal Service is as old as America rate loan data. She has made clear that and Human Services (HHS).
itself. It has proven that it can adapt she will make the Paycheck Protection Attorney General Becerra will bring
to crises with the right leadership. If Program more accessible to businesses a fresh perspective to HHS at a critical
Mr. DeJoy cannot or will not provide that have traditionally not had access time during this pandemic. While there
that leadership, I respectfully suggest to the banking relationships needed to is light at the end of the tunnel with
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
he step down. secure loans and grants. the distribution of the coronavirus vac-
I yield the floor. Very significantly to me and to those cines, there is still work to do to end
Mr. LEAHY. I suggest the absence of of us who worked on the Save our this pandemic and put our country on a
a quorum. Stages bill, including Senator CORNYN road to recovery, and that is where At-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of Texas, who led the bill with me, she torney General Becerra’s leadership
clerk will call the roll. has made clear that she will move on will be crucial.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.009 S16MRPT1
S1538 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
Attorney General Becerra’s 12 terms eral Becerra told me and other mem- and, thankfully, the American people
in the U.S. House of Representatives bers of the Senate Committee on Com- can now see the light at the end of the
gave him a solid foundation in knowing merce, Science, and Transportation tunnel. Already, more than 20 percent
how to set agendas and achieve results, that ‘‘every consumer should be able to of all Americans have received at least
which we saw deployed in his work as a own and control his or her data’’ and one COVID–19 vaccine dose, with an av-
key leader on the Committee on Ways that ‘‘if we decide that we don’t want erage of more than 2.39 million addi-
and Means, ranking member of the anyone to use [our data], it’s our tional doses being administered each
Subcommittee on Social Security, and choosing.’’ His testimony was reas- day. We can see the light at the end of
chair of the House Democratic Caucus. suring, and I look forward to working the tunnel, but we are not there yet.
He helped to expand the Children’s with him to ensure consumers can have The COVID–19 pandemic has deci-
Health Insurance Program, modernize peace of mind when it comes to the se- mated American small businesses, and
and strengthen Medicare, and helped curity of their personal health data. the worst effects have been felt by the
pass the Affordable Care Act. His com- Given the pandemic’ s spotlight on most vulnerable small businesses, espe-
mitment to the letter and spirit of this the vulnerability of our Nation’s sen- cially those in Black, Latino, Native,
law is something he carried into his iors, I am eager to work with the Biden and rural communities, so the SBA
role as California Attorney General, administration to improve the safety must continue to be a lifeline in the
fighting to maintain his State’s ability and well-being of older Americans. coming months. That is why it is im-
to bring millions of previously unin- When my 92-year-old dad, living in a portant that we confirm Ms. Guzman’s
sured residents under the ACA’s um- memory care facility, was diagnosed nomination, so she can provide the per-
brella. with COVID–19 last year, I was only manent, steady leadership the SBA
Last November, he led the defense of able to visit him through a window. He needs right now.
the Affordable Care Act in the U.S. Su- recognized me, but he just didn’t un- When we passed the CARES Act, Con-
preme Court on behalf of 20 States and derstand why we couldn’t be in the gress tasked the SBA with one of the
the District of Columbia. His tweet same room together. Tens of thousands most important aspects of our COVID–
after the oral arguments concisely of families have been through these 19 relief effort. We knew we had to sup-
sums up the national importance of his wrenching situations over the past port our small businesses because the
effort: ‘‘The ACA saves lives. It is the year and want to see the Federal Gov- public health restrictions on public
law of the land.’’ He brings a strong ernment doing more. Attorney General gatherings, which have saved thou-
commitment to using the law and regu- Becerra recently moved to make the sands of lives and kept our commu-
latory tools to make access to health California Department of Justice Med- nities safe, have been especially chal-
care and other vital services equi- icaid Fraud Control Unit a full-fledged lenging for small businesses. We had to
table—the very thing that makes our division, underscoring his commitment help small businesses so that, when we
nation strong. to protecting seniors and people with get out of this pandemic, when our
I look forward to working with him disabilities. I know his leadership will economy returns, our small businesses
on ensuring that everyone has access place the needs of seniors front and will emerge in a position to help our
to quality and affordable healthcare, center. economy recover and continue to grow.
and I know he will be a partner in the Attorney General Becerra has the ex- The CARES Act included $377 billion
fight against the coronavirus and our pertise and experience and the enforce- in funds for small businesses and cre-
goal of getting all eligible Americans ment and regulatory savvy to handle ated the Paycheck Protection Pro-
vaccinated, even in hard-to-reach the job of protecting public health, gram, the EIDL advance program, and
areas. strengthening our hospitals and health the small business debt relief program
Last week, President Biden signed care system, making sure people have to help small businesses that had tradi-
into law the American Rescue Plan access to quality, affordable health tional SBA loans, like the 7(a) and 504.
Act, which included major funding to care, and supporting our health care In April, we passed legislation to re-
address the Nation’s worsening mental workers. And as the first Latino to plenish the PPP, EIDL, and the EIDL
health and addiction crisis. This is a lead the Department of Health and advance grant program with $370 bil-
high priority of mine and an issue with Human Services, he will bring a per- lion in additional funds. Then, in De-
which Attorney General Becerra has sonal understanding of the immediate cember, we passed the bipartisan Eco-
firsthand experience. He started his ca- need for equitable access to care. nomic Aid Act to provide another $325
reer as a legal aid attorney in Massa- With that, I ask my colleagues to billion to support small businesses,
chusetts, supporting clients contending support the nomination: Xavier allow for second round PPP loans, and
with mental health issues. I am eager Becerra as Secretary of Health and create the Shuttered Venue Operators
to work with him on this issue. Human Services. Thank you. Grant Program. In total last year, Con-
Addressing the skyrocketing costs of I yield the floor. gress appropriated more than $1 tril-
prescription drugs is another area I suggest the absence of a quorum. lion to the SBA for COVID–19 relief
where Attorney General Becerra has The PRESIDING OFFICER. The programs.
shown key leadership. He and I share a clerk will call the roll. Since the passage of the CARES Act,
belief that fairer competition means The bill clerk proceeded to call the the SBA has approved more than 7.5
increased access to affordable prescrip- roll. million PPP loans worth more than
tion drugs and better public health. As Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask $687 billion and more than 3.7 million
California Attorney General, he inves- unanimous consent that the order for EIDL loans worth more than $200 bil-
tigated and brought enforcement ac- the quorum call be rescinded. lion. These loans and grants have saved
tions against drug manufacturers’ anti- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without millions of jobs and prevented millions
competitive business practices to help objection, it is so ordered. of small businesses from closing their
reduce drug prices and ensure that peo- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask doors.
ple have access to the drugs they need. unanimous consent that I be permitted I want to thank the SBA personnel
In March 2020, he led a bipartisan group to finish my remarks before we vote. who have worked long hours, including
of 46 State attorneys general who suc- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nights and weekends, to implement
cessfully advocated before the U.S. Su- objection, it is so ordered. these critical programs.
preme Court to uphold the rights of NOMINATION OF ISABELLA CASILLAS GUZMAN SBA still has a lot of work left to do.
States to regulate and address the ris- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise to As I mentioned, the December bill cre-
ing cost of prescription drugs. voice my strong support for Isabella ated the Shuttered Venue Operators
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
The United States must do more to Guzman’s nomination to serve as Ad- Grant Program, which we expect the
ensure that new technologies have ap- ministrator of the Small Business Ad- SBA to open in the coming weeks.
propriate privacy and security protec- ministration. SBA also has to open a new $28.6 bil-
tions for health data. At a September Our Nation passed the 1-year mark of lion grant program for restaurants and
2020 hearing on the need for Federal COVID–19’s being declared a national bars, which was created by the historic
data privacy legislation, Attorney Gen- emergency last Saturday, March 13, American Rescue Plan.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.003 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1539
The plan appropriated an additional Business Association, the Small Busi- Sanders Sullivan Warnock
Schatz Tester Warren
$50 billion in economic relief for small ness Majority, the National Federation Schumer Thune Whitehouse
businesses, including $15 billion to tar- of Independent Businesses, and many Shaheen Tillis Wicker
geted EIDL advance grants, an addi- other small business advocacy groups. Sinema Toomey Wyden
tional $7.25 billion to PPP, and $1.25 Smith Van Hollen
SBA needs an Administrator who can Stabenow Warner
Young
billion for shuttered venue grants. hit the ground running, and I am con-
The plan also required SBA to launch fident Mrs. Guzman is exactly the right NAYS—18
a Community Navigator Pilot Pro- person for the job. Blackburn Daines Rubio
gram, which is designed to help small Boozman Hagerty Sasse
I urge my colleagues who have spo- Braun Hawley Scott (FL)
businesses in underserved and under- ken with small business owners who Cotton Kennedy Scott (SC)
banked communities access the still need support from the SBA—and I Crapo Lee Shelby
COVID–19 relief resources available to am sure everyone has—to join me and Cruz Risch Tuberville
them. These programs will be key to vote to confirm Mrs. Guzman as the NOT VOTING—2
our economic recovery. SBA Administrator. Hirono Lummis
That brings me to Mrs. Guzman’s I yield the floor.
nomination. Mrs. Guzman has decades The PRESIDING OFFICER. The yeas
CLOTURE MOTION are 80, the nays are 18.
of experience working with, sup-
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. The motion is agreed to.
porting, and founding small businesses,
LUJÁN). Pursuant to rule XXII, the The Senator from Delaware.
which have prepared her to lead the
Chair lays before the Senate the pend- Mr. COONS. I ask unanimous consent
SBA during this moment.
ing cloture motion, which the clerk that all postcloture time on the
Most recently, Mrs. Guzman was the
will state. Guzman nomination be considered ex-
State of California’s director of the Of-
The bill clerk read as follows: pired at 2:30 p.m. today.
fice of Small Business Advocate, where
she oversaw implementation of the CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
State’s COVID–19 Relief Grant Pro- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- objection, it is so ordered.
gram. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Mr. COONS. I yield the floor.
Mrs. Guzman also helped lead SBA Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby f
move to bring to a close debate on the nomi-
during the Obama administration, nation of Executive Calendar No. 26, Isabella RECESS
serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff Casillas Guzman, of California, to be Admin-
and Senior Advisor for 3 years, from The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
istrator of the Small Business Administra-
2014 through 2017. the previous order, the Senate stands
tion.
During her nomination hearing last Charles E. Schumer, Benjamin L. Cardin, in recess until 2:15 p.m.
month, Mrs. Guzman demonstrated her Richard Blumenthal, Christopher A. Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:37 p.m.,
commitment to ensuring that SBA’s Coons, Patty Murray, Chris Van Hol- recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem-
relief programs, as well as its tradi- len, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jeff Merkley, bled when called to order by the Pre-
Brian Schatz, Cory A. Booker, Amy siding Officer (Ms. SINEMA).
tional loan programs, are implemented
Klobuchar, Sherrod Brown, Angus S. f
equitably and that they help small King, Jr., Kirsten E. Gillibrand, Tim
businesses in Black, Latino, Native, Kaine, Tammy Baldwin, Ron Wyden. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued
rural, and other underserved commu-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
nities overcome the historic barriers
imous consent, the mandatory quorum ator from Nevada.
they face.
call has been waived. NOMINATION OF ISABELLA CASILLAS GUZMAN
She is committed to ensuring the
The question is, Is it the sense of the Ms. ROSEN. Madam President, I
Agency has the right systems, tech-
Senate that debate on the nomination stand here today in support of Isabel
nology, and operating procedures in
of Isabella Casillas Guzman, of Cali- Guzman’s nomination to serve as SBA
place to advance the mission and reach
fornia, to be Administrator of the Administrator.
all of our small businesses.
And she is committed to ‘‘ensure Small Business Administration, shall This pandemic has been challenging
funds get into the hands of small busi- be brought to a close? for our communities, and it has been
nesses who have been hurt the most by The yeas and nays are mandatory especially devastating for our small
the pandemic and the economic crisis under the rule. businesses. We urgently need a leader
through no fault of their own.’’ The clerk will call the roll. who is experienced and prepared for the
As we learned during the pandemic, The bill clerk called the roll. work ahead, someone who will hit the
SBA has a key role to play in our Na- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the ground running to revive and restore
tion’s effort to fight systems of in- Senator from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO) is our small businesses and bring back
equality that prevent many entre- necessarily absent. jobs, and Isabel Guzman is exactly the
preneurs in underserved and under- Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is right person for this task.
banked communities from starting and necessarily absent: the Senator from Having previously served in the U.S.
growing successful businesses. Wyoming (Ms. LUMMIS). Small Business Administration, Mrs.
Mrs. Guzman will be an advocate for The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 80, Guzman knows the Agency well. She
small businesses in these communities nays 18, as follows: understands the struggles that small
within the administration, and she will [Rollcall Vote No. 120 Ex.] businesses and workers face, not just
be a strong partner to us in Congress as YEAS—80 during this pandemic but also their
we build better capacity to support Baldwin Durbin Luján day-to-day needs. She will use the
small businesses through the coming Barrasso Ernst Manchin Agency’s tools to support small busi-
economic recovery. Bennet Feinstein Markey nesses, and she will fight fiercely on
Blumenthal Fischer Marshall
Mrs. Guzman’s commitment to eq- Blunt Gillibrand McConnell
their behalf.
uity and her deep knowledge of the Booker Graham Menendez Ninety-nine percent of Nevada busi-
needs of small businesses and the best Brown Grassley Merkley nesses are small businesses. This is a
Burr Hassan Moran diverse community that embodies the
policies to help them are why she re- Cantwell Heinrich Murkowski
ceived bipartisan praise during her Capito Hickenlooper Murphy entrepreneurial spirit of our State, and
nomination hearing and was advanced Cardin Hoeven Murray over the last year they have faced ob-
by the committee by a bipartisan vote. Carper Hyde-Smith Ossoff stacle after obstacle. Thousands of Ne-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
Casey Inhofe Padilla
Mrs. Guzman has earned broad sup- Cassidy Johnson Paul
vada business owners have called my
port from the small business commu- Collins Kaine Peters office for help.
nity. Her nomination has been en- Coons Kelly Portman These small business owners are—
dorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Com- Cornyn King Reed well, they are people. They are people
Cortez Masto Klobuchar Romney
merce, U.S. Hispanic Chamber, the U.S. Cramer Lankford Rosen who have poured their hard-earned
Black Chamber, the National Small Duckworth Leahy Rounds money into starting businesses. They
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.013 S16MRPT1
S1540 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
are people who have dedicated their on the nomination of Katherine C. Tai tack on workers in our country be-
lives to building a business from the to serve as the next U.S. Trade Rep- cause, when American workers have to
ground up. They are people whose resentative. compete against slave labor, everybody
shops and stores and services—well, For Senators who watched any of Ms. loses. It is truly a race to absolute rock
they are cornerstones for our commu- Tai’s nomination hearing before the bottom when it comes to labor rights.
nities. And now, through no fault of committee, you will know that Ms. Tai Ms. Tai is committed to President
their own, these small business owners has a whole lot of fans on both sides of Biden’s Build Back Better agenda. A
are left wondering if their businesses the aisle here in the Senate. So I am key part of that agenda is ensuring
are going to make it. just going to take a few minutes to dis- that our workers are competing on a
Last week, President Biden signed cuss some of the reasons why I think level playing field with the rest of the
the American Rescue Plan into law. Ms. Tai is a terrific choice for this job. world. It is certainly not a level play-
This is a major win for small busi- First, she knows that the name of the ing field when other countries are pro-
nesses across the country. It includes game when it comes to this country’s ducing goods with slave labor.
targeted support for Black, Latino, trade policy is protecting and creating Our government has laws on the
AAPI, and minority-owned businesses, high-skill, high-wage jobs. Our country books that can crack down on coun-
as well as support for businesses in our saw, for the past 4 years, that a strat- tries using slave labor and keep those
rural communities. Over $1 billion in egy of sending mean tweets and acting products out of our market, but it is
grants are in there to save our stages on chaos does not translate into more going to require an unwavering com-
and independent live venues. There is good jobs. Under President Biden, and mitment to tough trade enforcement.
over $7 billion for the Paycheck Pro- with Katherine Tai leading USTR, I am This will continue to be an area of spe-
tection Program. There is $15 billion confident we will have a more effective cial focus for the Finance Committee.
for EIDL Advance grants and $25 bil- approach. Our colleague Senator BROWN and I
lion to keep restaurants afloat. Ms. Tai also has exactly the right ex- have worked on this issue for a long,
This will provide real relief to small perience for the job. She led crack- long time. I know Ms. Tai is committed
business owners, employees, and the downs against China’s trade cheating to working with us on it, and I know
families that they provide for, that and job rip-offs. As the top trade staff- that she will work with colleagues on
count on them. For so many, this addi- er on the Ways and Means Committee, the other side of the aisle on this and
tional aid will mean the difference be- she was at the forefront to improve the other issues. It is an opportunity to
tween a business keeping its doors open new NAFTA when the Trump adminis- stand up for what is right around the
or closing them forever. tration handed to Congress a deal that world and protect American jobs and
And now we need an SBA Adminis- just wasn’t strong enough for Amer- wages at the same time.
trator who will see that this relief is ican workers. She already has a long So Katherine Tai is qualified. She
delivered swiftly and fully. I am con- track record of achieving wins for has the right diversity of experience.
fident that Isabel Guzman will be an America’s workers, businesses, farm- She has her priorities right, which is to
asset in bringing our small businesses ers, and ranchers. get more American workers into the
back. Second, Ms. Tai has committed to winner’s circle of trade policy, and she
We must also do more for our small the Finance Committee that she will is going to do it in a way that pro-
businesses, which is why, if confirmed, work to bring more transparency to motes openness, accountability, and
I look forward to working with Mrs. trade policy. Bringing more sunlight to transparency.
Guzman and the SBA to remove the the country’s trade agreements ought I believe Ms. Tai is going to have
cap on EIDL loans and to provide full to be a priority that every Senator strong bipartisan support here in the
EIDL Advance grants to all eligible shares. That is why I am glad that Senate when we vote in just a few min-
small businesses, giving greater access President Biden has chosen somebody utes. I want Senators on both sides of
to the relief that all our small business with congressional experience for the the aisle to know that Ms. Tai has con-
owners need. The EIDL and EIDL Ad- role of USTR. sistently, throughout her time in pub-
vance Programs have helped countless The Constitution gives the Congress lic service, worked in a bipartisan way
small businesses in Nevada and in authority over international trade. Un- with respect to ensuring that, at a
States across the country through fortunately, Congress, over the years, time when modern communications
these tough times, but the arbitrary has delegated some of its power to the and transportation have, to some ex-
caps on these loans and grants are pre- executive branch. So what that means tent, shrunk the world and trade has
venting small businesses from receiv- is, now, all sides need to work together gotten to be more and more important,
ing the funding assistance they need to as partners, with open channels of com- she is going to be on the side of work-
properly recover. munication, accountability, and trans- ers. She is going to be on the side of
Full EIDL loans and grants are what parency. And when I talk about trans- trade done right. I am with her 100 per-
Congress intended when we passed the parency, I am talking about trans- cent of the way.
CARES Act 1 year ago. It is what we parency with the American people. I I urge all Senators to support Kath-
promised small businesses at the begin- know that Ms. Tai will continue to erine Tai for this crucial post at USTR.
I yield the floor.
ning of the pandemic. So we owe it to raise the bar for transparency and com-
VOTE ON GUZMAN NOMINATION
America’s small businesses and work- munication with Congress because she
has been on our side of policymaking, Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, I
ers to keep our word, and I know Isabel
and she has already proved that that would ask unanimous consent that the
Guzman is the right person to help us
kind of openness and accountability is scheduled vote occur immediately.
keep this promise.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
As we continue on the road to recov- a key priority for her.
With a former Senator in the White objection, it is so ordered.
ery, made possible by the American The question is, Will the Senate ad-
Rescue Plan, I urge my colleagues to House and a former House staffer at
vise and consent to the Guzman nomi-
confirm Mrs. Guzman’s nomination so USTR, I believe there would be a pro-
nation?
that she can immediately get to work ductive partnership with Congress so Mr. WYDEN. I ask for the yeas and
for our small businesses. we can get trade done right and make nays.
Thank you. sure that trade policy creates those The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a
I yield to the Senator from Oregon. high-skill, high-wage jobs that are a sufficient second?
Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, I cer- priority for every elected official. There appears to be a sufficient sec-
tainly share the good Senator’s views Finally, there is another Finance ond.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
with respect to Mrs. Guzman as well. Committee priority that I will just The clerk will call the roll.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- mention. On Thursday, the committee The senior assistant legislative clerk
ator from Oregon. will hold a hearing on the subject of called the roll.
NOMINATION OF KATHERINE C. TAI stamping out forced labor around the Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the
Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, the world. Forced labor is evil, it is mor- Senator from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO) is
Senate will soon take a procedural vote ally repugnant, and it is a direct at- necessarily absent.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.017 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1541
Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- As my colleagues are well aware,
necessarily absent: the Senator from imous consent, the mandatory quorum trade is an issue that impacts every
Wyoming (Ms. LUMMIS). call has been waived. corner of our country and, indeed,
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there The question is, Is it the sense of the every corner of our globe. Roughly 75
any other Senators in the Chamber de- Senate that debate on the nomination percent—listen to this—75 percent of
siring to vote? of Katherine C. Tai, of the District of the world’s purchasing power and over
The result was announced—yeas 81, Columbia, to be United States Trade 95 percent of the world’s consumers lie
nays 17, as follows: Representative, with the rank of Am- outside of our country’s borders. If the
[Rollcall Vote No. 121 Ex.] bassador Extraordinary and Pleni- United States is going to continue to
YEAS—81 potentiary, shall be brought to a close? be successful, we need to be able to tap
Baldwin Hassan Peters The yeas and nays are mandatory into those markets and expand trading
Barrasso Heinrich Portman under the rule. opportunities while ensuring a level
Bennet Hickenlooper Reed The clerk will call the roll. playing field for American businesses
Blumenthal Hoeven Romney The legislative clerk called the roll.
Blunt Hyde-Smith Rosen
and, I might say, for American con-
Booker Inhofe Rounds Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the sumers as well.
Brown Johnson Sanders Senator from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO) is In Delaware, the First State, and
Burr Kaine Schatz necessarily absent. throughout our Nation, trade policies
Cantwell Kelly Schumer Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is
Capito King Shaheen affect how American businesses, both
Cardin Klobuchar Shelby necessarily absent: the Senator from large and small—be they financial
Carper Lankford Sinema Wyoming (Ms. LUMMIS). services, tech companies, workers,
Casey Leahy Smith The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there
Cassidy Luján Stabenow
farmers, manufacturers—can compete
Collins Manchin Sullivan
any other Senators in the Chamber de- in the global economy. But thanks to
Coons Markey Tester siring to vote? President Trump’s haphazard trade
Cornyn Marshall Thune The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 98, wars over the last 4 years, American
Cortez Masto McConnell Tillis nays 0, as follows:
Cramer Menendez Toomey farmers, manufacturers, producers, and
Duckworth Merkley Van Hollen [Rollcall Vote No. 122 Ex.] consumers too often have been left
Durbin Moran Warner YEAS—98 hanging in the balance—a situation
Ernst Murkowski Warnock
Feinstein Murphy Warren
Baldwin Grassley Portman that has been exasperated by this pan-
Fischer Murray Whitehouse
Barrasso Hagerty Reed demic.
Bennet Hassan Risch Now more than ever, all of them are
Gillibrand Ossoff Wicker
Blackburn Hawley Romney
Graham Padilla Wyden
Blumenthal Heinrich Rosen
in need of greater certainty and pre-
Grassley Paul Young
Blunt Hickenlooper Rounds dictability. For the last 30, 40 years
NAYS—17 Booker Hoeven Rubio that I have served as Delaware’s Treas-
Boozman Hyde-Smith Sanders
Blackburn Daines Rubio Braun Inhofe
urer, Congressman, Governor, and Sen-
Boozman Hagerty Sasse
Sasse Brown Johnson ator, when I ask businesses what they
Braun Hawley Scott (FL) Schatz
Cotton Kennedy
Burr Kaine Schumer want or need, more often than not,
Scott (SC) Cantwell Kelly
Crapo Lee Tuberville Scott (FL) they say ‘‘certainty and predict-
Capito Kennedy
Cruz Risch
Cardin King
Scott (SC) ability.’’ For the last 4 years, we have
Shaheen
NOT VOTING—2 Carper Klobuchar had too little of both.
Shelby
Hirono Lummis
Casey Lankford
Sinema Instead of the chaotic approach of
Cassidy Leahy the last 4 years, we need strategic and
Collins Lee Smith
The nomination was confirmed. Stabenow thoughtful trade policies. That is why
Coons Luján
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Cornyn Manchin Sullivan President Biden has nominated Kath-
ator from New Jersey. Cortez Masto Markey Tester
Thune erine Tai, an experienced public serv-
Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, I Cotton Marshall
Tillis ant and trade expert, to serve as our
Cramer McConnell
ask unanimous consent that the mo- Crapo Menendez Toomey Nation’s top trade official. Katherine
tion to reconsider be considered made Cruz Merkley Tuberville will be a steady hand at the U.S. Trade
and laid upon the table and that the Daines Moran Van Hollen
Warner Rep’s Office, and as a key member of
President be immediately notified of Duckworth Murkowski
Durbin Murphy Warnock the Biden administration, she will
the Senate’s action. Ernst Murray Warren make sure that our trade policies ben-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Feinstein Ossoff Whitehouse efit all Americans and leave no one be-
objection, it is so ordered. Fischer Padilla Wicker
hind. She will work hard to help jump-
Gillibrand Paul Wyden
f Graham Peters Young start our economy and ensure that
CLOTURE MOTION NOT VOTING—2
American goods and services can reach
international markets and that we can
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Hirono Lummis
compete on a level playing field.
to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Katherine comes to this role with an
Senate the pending cloture motion, vote, the yeas are 98, the nays are 0. exceptional breadth and depth of rel-
which the clerk will state. The motion is agreed to. evant trade expertise. She has earned a
The senior assistant legislative clerk
f remarkable reputation as an expert in
read as follows: her field and is a leader who is re-
CLOTURE MOTION EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
spected by Democrats and Republicans
We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The alike in this Chamber and in the House
ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the clerk will report the nomination. of Representatives.
Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The legislative clerk read the nomi- In her previous role, Katherine was
move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- nation of Katherine C. Tai, of the Dis-
nation of Executive Calendar No. 29, Kath- chief trade counsel for the House Ways
trict of Columbia, to be United States and Means Committee. There, she was
erine C. Tai, of the District of Columbia, to
be United States Trade Representative, with Trade Representative, with the rank of a lead negotiator on the USMCA, U.S.-
the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Mexico-Canada-America Trade Agree-
Plenipotentiary. potentiary. ment, which notably passed Congress
Charles E. Schumer, Chris Van Hollen, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- with overwhelming bipartisan support,
Michael F. Bennet, Jack Reed, Tammy ator from Delaware. in no smart part because of her efforts.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
Duckworth, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jeff NOMINATION OF KATHERINE C. TAI Members of my own staff are grateful
Merkley, Christopher A. Coons, Rich-
Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I am for the opportunity to work with Kath-
ard Blumenthal, Patrick J. Leahy,
Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, Brian delighted to rise today in full support erine to secure historically strong en-
Schatz, Robert Menendez, Richard J. of Katherine Tai, President Biden’s vironmental provisions, including new
Durbin, Martin Heinrich, Maria Cant- nominee to be our next U.S. Trade Rep- monitoring and enforcement tools in
well. resentative. the USMCA, which will help make sure
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.001 S16MRPT1
S1542 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
that alleged environmental violations Given Katherine’s track record and and we are lucky to have her. She will
will be investigated and remedied in a many years of experience working succeed if confirmed. She will succeed
timely manner. These new tools and re- across the aisle in Congress, I am con- Robert Lighthizer and Michael
sources will help ensure that environ- fident that she has the broad support Froman, our immediate past two Trade
mental protections are not just words necessary to be a highly skilled and ef- Reps. Those are big shoes to fill, but
on a piece of paper but policies that fective U.S. Trade Representative as she is very well prepared to fill them.
will actually be put into practice and she takes on the many trade challenges With that, I suggest the absence of a
consistently maintained well into the that we face, and I invite my col- quorum.
future. leagues to join me in voting to confirm The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
As chairman of both the Environ- Katherine Tai to serve as our next clerk will call the roll.
ment and Public Works Committee and Trade Representative. The bill clerk proceeded to call the
the Finance Subcommittee on Inter- If I could, do I have a few more min- roll.
national Trade, I look forward to work- utes to speak? Mr. COTTON. Madam President, I
ing with my colleagues and with Kath- The PRESIDING OFFICER. You do. ask unanimous consent that the order
erine Tai and her team to build on the Mr. CARPER. Madam President, my for the quorum call be rescinded.
progress that was made in the USMCA. legislative director is a woman named The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
Another immense trade challenge Xiao. Lucy is her first name, Lucy objection, it is so ordered.
that we face now is to effectively Xiao. She said to me several months NOMINATION OF XAVIER BECERRA
counter China’s unfair trade practices ago, after the election—Joe Biden was Mr. COTTON. Madam President, the
and its expanding influence in inter- elected—she said: You know, we were Senate is considering the nomination
national trade. Since joining the World working on the USMCA last year. We of California Attorney General Xavier
Trade Organization, the WTO, in 2001, worked with a woman who was a very Becerra to be Secretary of the Depart-
China has proven to be a bad actor senior member of the House Ways and ment of Health and Human Services.
time and again. I believe that, working Means Committee staff to help make Without question, the Senate should
with our allies in the Pacific Rim in a sure the environmental provisions in reject this nomination.
spirit similar to the Trans-Pacific the law are not only strong but en- In the midst of this pandemic, Amer-
Partnership, we can more effectively forceable. ica deserves a Health Secretary who is
ensure that China adheres to its trade She said: The woman we worked with solely—solely focused on getting shots
commitments with us and with the rest is a top staff person on the House Ways in arms, getting kids back to school,
of the world. and Means Committee. Her name is and getting parents back to work. But
Katherine has the expertise to help Katherine Tai. that is not Mr. Becerra.
make that happen. Her prior experi- Lucy said to me: I think that Kath- Over his long career in politics, his
ence as U.S. Trade Rep’s Chief Counsel erine Tai might make a good U.S. primary passion has been ramming
for China Trade Enforcement, where Trade Rep and may make a very inter- through a radical, far-left agenda and
she led efforts to hold China account- esting human story as well. using the power of his office to per-
I have huge respect for Lucy’s judg- secute his political enemies.
able at the WTO for its unfair trade
ment, and I turned around and I called Mr. Becerra would be in charge of ad-
practices, is going to prove to be a tre-
on the phone the chairman of the Ways ministering the Nation’s health pro-
mendous asset for our Nation.
and Means Committee, an old col- grams, but he has virtually no experi-
We would be lucky to have Katherine
league from my days in the House, ence or expertise in healthcare. His
Tai, a committed public servant, rep-
RICHARD NEAL. only experience responding to the pan-
resent our Nation on the world stage.
I said: RICHARD, does the name demic, as far as I can tell, has been his
As a daughter of immigrants and the
‘‘Katherine Tai’’ mean anything to enforcement of California’s excessive
first woman of color to be nominated
you? and traumatizing lockdowns over the
to serve as U.S. Trade Rep, Katherine He said: Oh, yes. She is a great mem-
often cites her parents, also both pub- last year.
ber of my staff. Mr. Becerra has been California’s top
lic servants, as her inspiration. I said: She has been suggested as
In her testimony to the Finance cop, overseeing the most draconian and
someone who might serve as the U.S.
Committee that I serve on, Katherine unconstitutional series of lockdowns
Trade Rep. What do you think?
said—I want to quote her. Here is what He said: She would be excellent. She anywhere in our country. He has shut-
she said. Speaking of her parents, she would be excellent. tered churches while liquor stores and
said: The next call I made was to Ted marijuana dispensaries remain open.
I am proud of their service to the nation Kaufman, former U.S. Senator, former He has destroyed small, family-owned
that welcomed them. And I am proud to live chief of staff to Joe Biden for many businesses while enriching massive cor-
in a country where, in just one generation, years, and the interim Senator in this porations.
their daughter could grow up to represent body for 2 years after Joe was elected In the false name of public health, he
the United States and our interests around has rigorously enforced unscientific
the globe.
Vice President. I called former Senator
Kaufman, who was in charge of the and unproductive measures that have
Those are her words. transition for the Biden team, and I ruined the lives of Californians. Today,
I, too, am proud to serve in a country said: Ted, I think I have a good name California’s unemployment rate stands
where this is possible. for Trade Rep. at 9 percent—45 percent higher than
Simply put, Katherine has decades of I explained who Katherine Tai was the national average, nearly two times
experience in trade, years of experience and her history and her work experi- higher than our unemployment rate in
working in trade in a bipartisan fash- ence and what Chairman RICHARD NEAL Arkansas. That is the result of bad pol-
ion, and a keen understanding of the said about her. icy. And jobless Californians have Xa-
role Congress can play alongside the I said: She might be a keeper. vier Becerra and Gavin Newsom to
administration to implement success- A week later, he called me and he thank for their struggles.
ful trade policies. said: We are getting all kinds of great If Mr. Becerra’s record as attorney
As the world grapples with the great- comments about Katherine Tai. general is any indication, every Amer-
est economic downturn since the Great He said: You know, I think you don’t ican should be alarmed by how this
Depression, it is more important now always have the best judgment, TOM nominee would fight the pandemic—
than ever to have a leader at the U.S. CARPER, but I think in this case, maybe not with science, compassion, or com-
Trade Rep’s Office who will work with you are like a blind squirrel that occa- mon sense but with crushing political
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
Congress to advance a trade agenda sionally finds a nugget. force. Few Americans believe that Cali-
that uplifts American workers in every And I think maybe in this case, I fornia’s lockdown commissar deserves
corner of our country, spurs domestic have, with the strong support and help a promotion. Unfortunately, the Sen-
manufacturing, and improves environ- of Lucy. ate may just give him one.
mental and labor standards throughout So that is the story. That is my Mr. Becerra is also a vocal advocate
the world. Katherine Tai story. She is a keeper, for the socialist takeover of healthcare
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.025 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1543
known euphemistically as Medicare for purchase healthcare coverage that vio- that, apparently, the Democrats in
All. He supports destroying union lated their sincerely held religious be- Congress and in the White House agree.
healthcare plans, crushing Medicare liefs. And when he was asked about all After all, this legislation includes a
Advantage, and ultimately taking of this in the Senate, like any bully, he long list of non-COVID-related prior-
away your health insurance on the job, tried to cover it up, denying that he ities, again, completely unrelated to
which covers, I would add, 158 million sued the Little Sisters at all. If he will the crisis at hand: blank checks for
Americans. This disastrous boondoggle sue the Little Sisters, then what will mismanaged union pension funds, fund-
would cost $34 trillion and would inevi- he do to you and your family? ing for climate justice, backdoor
tably result in the rationing of care, A few of my colleagues have indi- money for Planned Parenthood, an ex-
hurting senior citizens most of all. cated that they will vote for Mr. clusive paid leave program for govern-
Medicare for All would, in reality, re- Becerra, despite disagreeing with these ment bureaucrats, and the list goes on
sult in Medicare for None. radical views. Perhaps they think and on.
Last year, President Biden acknowl- those are just his personal beliefs, that Before the bill was even signed into
edged that Medicare for All would yield he won’t practice what he preaches. law, folks from the other side of the
massive tax hikes for middle-class fam- Perhaps they think he won’t under- aisle started advocating making many
ilies. Yet Joe Biden selected a sup- mine pro-life protections like the Hyde of the provisions permanent. This is an
porter of this disastrous Medicare for Amendment and use his office to per- emergency measure, supposedly, but
All plan to be his top Cabinet official secute Catholic nuns. I would ask those folks advocated making those tem-
on healthcare. colleagues to look at Mr. Becerra’s porary provisions permanent, further
And, of course, Mr. Becerra wouldn’t
record, not the words he utters to get proof that this is more than just a pan-
be a Biden administration nominee if
their vote, and then to reconsider their demic relief response; this is about, in
he didn’t also support open borders.
support because any honest assessment the words of Mr. CLYBURN, restruc-
But he has gone further on open bor-
ders than even most of the other Biden will show that Xavier Becerra is a par- turing government as we know it.
tisan cultural warrior who has consist- But it doesn’t stop there. Now our
administration officials, saying out
ently abused his office to punish his en- Democratic colleagues in the House
loud what so many Democrats silently
emies and to enact far-left policies in and some in the Senate apparently
believe. He has openly argued for the
decriminalization of illegal immigra- Congress and in California. want to hijack the State and Federal
tion. He has even stated with a straight If the Senate confirms his nomina- election system, starting with making
face that illegal immigration does ab- tion, they will be empowering Mr. temporary pandemic election responses
solutely no harm at all, directly or in- Becerra to bring California’s permanent. Of course, our elections are
directly, to American citizens. If Mr. lockdowns, lawsuits, and liberal poli- run at the State and local level. As a
Becerra really believes that, he is cies to all of our 50 States, and that matter of fact, I recall, given the ef-
hopelessly naive and needs to get out a would be a disaster for our country. forts of the Russian intelligence serv-
little more. I will close with a simple request for ices to interfere with our election in
He can start by talking to the mil- President Biden, who campaigned on 2016, one of the strengths of our system
lions of Americans who are out of work unity and ending a terrible pandemic: was its dispersed nature, suggesting, in
or whose wages have stagnated thanks Merely do what you said you would do. other words, that if it had been a single
to competition from illegal aliens. He Send us a nominee who will unify the system, it would have been much easier
could also visit the graves of thousands country and bring consensus, not one for our adversaries to interfere—and
of Americans killed by Mexican drugs who will scrape by on the slimmest of particularly in the cyber realm.
and terrorized by gangs like MS–13. If majorities. Send us a nominee who is But we know, as a result of the pan-
confirmed, Mr. Becerra would oversee actually a healthcare expert, and the demic, States made provisional
our Nation’s response to the drug crisis Senate will gladly consider them. Xa- changes to their 2020 election processes
and the maintenance of many migrant vier Becerra is not that nominee, and to make sure that people could safely
detention facilities. His radical open the Senate should reject his nomina- exercise their right to vote. In my
borders advocacy would make matters tion resoundingly. State, we extended early voting. We al-
worse on both fronts. It would also fuel I yield the floor. lowed voters to submit mail-in ballots
the ever-growing surge of unvetted, un- I suggest the absence of a quorum. in designated drop boxes.
tested, and unvaccinated illegal aliens The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Several States, of course, expanded
into our Nation, spreading the clerk will call the roll. eligibility for mail-in voting. Some,
coronavirus in our communities just as The bill clerk proceeded to call the like California, took things even fur-
it looks like we are about to turn the roll. ther and sent mail-in ballots to every
corner on this pandemic. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask registered voter. At the time, these
Finally, Mr. Becerra holds opinions unanimous consent that the order for changes were billed as temporary,
on abortion that are unacceptable, un- the quorum call be rescinded. given the unique and extraordinary na-
just, and far outside the mainstream. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. MUR- ture of the challenges presented by the
As a Member of Congress, he voted in PHY). Without objection, it is so or- pandemic, but as the House minority
favor of partial-birth abortion—a dis- dered. whip has said, this pandemic, appar-
turbing and deadly procedure per- ELECTION SECURITY ently, is viewed as a tremendous oppor-
formed in the very last stages of preg- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, about 1 tunity to restructure the way we run
nancy. As California’s attorney gen- year ago today, Congress was in the and conduct elections.
eral, he tried to destroy anyone who midst of a debate about the most effec- House Democrats have passed legisla-
opposed his extreme position on this tive way to respond to COVID–19. On a tion to make many of the temporary
issue. He brought 15 felony charges call with his colleagues, the House ma- changes in the 2020 elections perma-
against pro-life, undercover journalists jority whip, Mr. CLYBURN, reportedly nent and add a list of other so-called
who exposed Planned Parenthood’s ille- laid out his vision about how his cau- reforms in order to federalize our
gal and disgusting sale of baby body cus in the House should proceed. He State- and local-run elections. This is
parts—a move that even the liberal Los said, it is reported: This is a tremen- in the face of article I of the Constitu-
Angeles Times called ‘‘disturbingly ag- dous opportunity to restructure things tion that explicitly gives the States
gressive.’’ He defended an unconstitu- to fit our vision. the power to regulate the times, places,
tional law that would have forced pro- For American families, this pan- and manner of holding elections.
life crisis pregnancy centers to adver- demic has been an unmistakable trag- Yet this 791-page document creates a
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
tise for abortions, the very thing it is edy, one characterized by lost lives and one-size-fits-all mandate for all States.
their mission to oppose—something lost livelihoods, but, apparently, for It actually preempts State law, start-
that the U.S. Supreme Court called a some, it is viewed as a tremendous op- ing with mail-in balloting. Any person
‘‘serious threat’’ to freedom of speech. portunity. in any State could request a mail-in
He even sued to force an order of The partisan $1.9 trillion bill that ballot for any reason. There is no need
nuns, the Little Sisters of the Poor, to was signed into law last week is proof to say why you can’t vote in person,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.027 S16MRPT1
S1544 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
which is the current policy in most public assistance programs. Well, we rity. A partisan attempt to overhaul
States. know these databases are not limited our entire election system is hardly a
Those ballots would not, under this to registered voters or even eligible confidence-building exercise. This bill
bill, even have to be mailed in by the voters. That could include people ille- is not a serious attempt to improve se-
voter or dropped in a State-sanctioned gally present in the country because curity and accountability in our elec-
ballot box because this legislation le- some States allow a driver’s license to tions; rather, it is a partisan power
galizes ballot harvesting, which means be issued to noncitizens who are not le- grab that will do serious damage to our
that mail-in ballots could be collected gally present in the country. These Republic.
by paid activists or campaign staffers databases include other noncitizens I yield the floor.
or anyone who has a stake in the out- and others not eligible to vote, not to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
come of the election. mention the fact that those who are al- ator from New Jersey.
It goes so far as to specify that ready registered to vote could be reg- RACISM
States may not put any limit on how istered again and again. Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I
many voted and sealed absentee ballots And even if there are duplicate reg- take no pleasure in coming to the floor
any designated person can return. It istrations or if someone passes away or today. We in the Senate take pride in
really sounds like an invitation to moves, States would not be allowed to our decorum and our sense of comity
fraud, and you can see how this could clean up the voter rolls within 6 with each other, so much so that we
go badly pretty quickly. Maybe the months of an election. Just when you often twist ourselves into pretzels to
ballot gets turned in with thousands of think things can’t get any crazier, they avoid saying anything that might be
others. Maybe it is altered. Maybe it do. interpreted as a criticism of another
ends up in the trash. It is hard to say. Our Democratic colleagues are pro- Senator. Yet there comes a time when
That gets to one of the root problems posing that the taxpayers fund their these verbal gymnastics simply won’t
with this legislation is it does create elections. A lot of companies have a do. You are either going to speak the
limitless opportunities for fraud. Every match program for charitable giving. If truth or fail to do justice to the values
single ballot cast illegally or due to an employee donates to a charity of you hold dear.
fraud undercuts and neutralizes every their choice, then the company will What one of our colleagues said last
legally cast ballot. match that donation dollar for dollar. week about the events of January 6 was
One way this bill removes some of The same principle applies except, in- felt by many to be racist and hurtful—
the most basic requirements of most stead of a charity getting the money, a stain on the office he is so fortunate
States’ ballot integrity safeguards under this proposed legislation, it is to hold.
against election fraud is by removing now a political candidate. Instead of a Look, I get that no one likes to be
any requirement of identification. This company footing the bill, it is the tax- called racist, but sometimes there is
was, we should recall, one of the main payers, and instead of an exact match, just no other way to describe the use of
recommendations of the bipartisan 2005 it is up to $6 for every $1 donated. That bigoted tropes that for generations
Commission on Federal Election Re- means if someone donates 200 bucks to have threatened Black lives by stoking
form, cochaired by former President their preferred candidate, Federal tax- White fear of African Americans and
Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of payers will wind up coughing up $1,200. Black men in particular.
State James Baker III. The Commis- Well, I think there are a lot of better On a radio show, our colleague ex-
sion recommended that voters should uses for government tax dollars. They plained that he never feared for his
be required to present photo ID cards can go to support crime victims or sup- safety during the January 6 insurrec-
and that States should provide free port the response to the humanitarian tion of the U.S. Capitol. But make no
cards to voters who did not have a driv- crisis at the border, which we are expe- mistake, under different cir-
er’s license. riencing right now. But, no, the pro- cumstances, he would have been afraid.
In order to vote in person, most posal in this legislation is, let’s use it He said:
States require voters to produce some to elect them. Now, had the tables been turned—now, Joe,
valid form of identification. I know Then there are the campaign vouch- this will get me in trouble—had the tables
mine does. In Texas, there are three op- ers. This bill creates a new program been turned and President Trump won the
tions—actually, several options: a driv- that provides eligible voters with a $25 election and those were tens of thousands of
er’s license, a passport, a military ID, a voucher to donate to the campaign of Black Lives Matter and antifa protesters, I
citizenship certificate, and other forms their choosing—again, more govern- might have been a little concerned.
of government-issued ID. If, for some ment, taxpayer-funded election activi- Is that not racism?
reason, you can’t obtain one of these ties. I don’t think the Senator is ignorant
forms of ID, there is still a process in I could go on and on. of the fact that for centuries in this
place to allow a person to vote by pre- This legislation also alters the funda- country, White supremacy has thrived
senting other documents, making sure mental structure of the Federal Elec- on using fear to justify oppression, dis-
that they identify the person casting tion Commission to remove any need crimination, and violence against peo-
the ballot. for bipartisanship or consensus build- ple of color. I do, however, think my
Matching the name of an eligible ing. It undermines trust and account- colleague may be ignorant of the pain
voter with the name on a valid form of ability in elections. It implements a caused by his comments and unaware
ID is a commonsense safeguard against new financial disclosure policy that of how they compound the trauma that
fraud but one which this legislation even the American Civil Liberties so many still feel in the wake of the
seeks to eliminate. If you go to a con- Union says ‘‘could directly interfere events of January 6.
venience store and want to buy a six- with the ability of many to engage in Because I do not think I can do jus-
pack of beer or if you want to buy ciga- political speech about causes that they tice to that pain, I want to share with
rettes or you want to get on an air- care about.’’ That is the ACLU. you an email I received this weekend.
plane, you have to present an ID card, Above all, this bill amounts to noth- It is from one of the most devoted pub-
but this bill eliminates that require- ing more than a Federal hijacking of lic servants I have ever had the pleas-
ment when it comes to the most sacred State elections. I can promise you, ure of working with, an African-Amer-
duty and privilege that we have as citi- folks in my State don’t want Speaker ican member of my staff. His name is
zens, and that is to vote. PELOSI or Majority Leader SCHUMER to Keith Roachford. He has devoted near-
This legislation stops States from re- determine how elections are run in our ly three and one-half decades to serv-
quiring voters to provide proof of iden- State. They want accountable leaders ing the people of New Jersey in Con-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
tification. Just sign a piece of paper in our State, elected by and account- gress and his community as a faithful
saying you are who you are, and no one able to them, to determine the best churchgoer and Boy Scout leader. It
can ask any questions. On top of that, way to conduct free and fair elections. reads:
this bill would require the States to Following the last two Presidential Senator,
automatically register anyone in their campaigns, the side that lost had ex- I would not normally send you an email
databases, for everything from DMV to pressed concerns about election secu- like this but I am at a loss of how to express
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.029 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1545
the outrage and hurt I am feeling from the thets at officers of color. And people Indeed, last October, the Department
comments made by Senator JOHNSON that he who would never do anything to break of Homeland Security issued a report
would have been more afraid on January 6th the law would not try to overturn the confirming that White supremacists
if the insurrectionists would have been from rule of law, plot to kill elected offi- pose the most lethal domestic terror
Black Lives Matter.
I am blessed to be on your staff and have
cials, and stop the peaceful transfer of threat to the American people. Re-
had the opportunity to serve as a staff mem- power as instructed by the Constitu- search from the Center for Strategic
ber in the NJ delegation for 34 years, but this tion of the United States. and International Studies finds that
is the most painful thing I have ever heard Now, I know what some rightwing White supremacists and their sympa-
being said by a US Senator. media pundits and some of my Repub- thizers carried out two-thirds of ter-
I could not imagine that the horrible and lican colleagues will say. They say it rorist plots and attacks in 2020.
painful events from [January] 6th could be every time they are asked to accept In the weeks since January 6, we
replicated in a statement from a sitting some responsibility for perpetuating have learned that far-right extremist
member of the Senate. the lies told by President Trump that
However, Johnson’s comment is worse groups that regularly preach White su-
inspired the violent events of January premacy, such as the Oath Keepers and
than the image of the insurrectionists walk-
ing through the Capitol building with the 6. the Proud Boys, played a major role in
confederate flag. They say: What about Black Lives plotting and executing the attack on
He is perpetrating the racist trope that the Matter? the U.S. Capitol.
country should fear black people. They say: Well, what about it? Every Member of this body owes
I have experienced what it is like to have Well, I say: Well, what about it?
The violent picture they paint of this their life to the sacrifices made that
a taxi cab pass you by in order to pick up
white passengers who are further down the movement could not be more divorced afternoon by Capitol Police officers, in-
block of where you are standing. from reality. At this point, several rep- cluding officers of color. At least 100 of-
Nothing can describe the feeling when you utable studies have confirmed that the ficers were physically injured in the
have entered a store and having store clerks protests launched in the wake of January 6 attack. One officer, a vet-
watch your every step while shopping.
George Floyd’s chilling murder were eran and fellow New Jerseyan named
Sandy— Brian Sicknick, later succumbed to the
overwhelmingly peaceful. I repeat: The
That is his wife— Black Lives Matter movement is over- injuries he sustained. Two others sub-
and I have had the conversations with our whelmingly peaceful. I know many sequently committed suicide. Hundreds
sons when they were young about how to people don’t care about facts these of officers now carry with them invis-
enter a store; not look suspicious; keep your ible scars from the trauma they en-
hands out of your pockets until you make
days, but it is the truth.
One study out of Harvard University dured that day—scars that may not
your purchase; or how to respond and talk to fade for years or even decades.
police officers in any interaction. analyzed 7,305 Black Lives Matter pro-
I have had the difficult conversation of ex- tests. The conclusion? Allow me to For one of our colleagues to cast
plaining to a young black scouter in our quote Professor Erica Chenoweth. She those who attacked the Capitol as
scout troop why a white campground store said: harmless patriots while stroking fear
clerk accused him of not paying for an item Only 3.7 percent of the protests involved of Black Americans is like rubbing salt
because he was black. property damage or [some form of] van- in an open wound.
[This] type of hate speech is [not] new. The dalism. Some portion of these involved nei- Everybody in this body should know
hardest part of what he said is that in 2021, ther police nor protesters, but people engag- that when you perpetuate such racist
a United States Senator would so freely ex- ing in vandalism or looting alongside the tropes, you contribute to a culture
press this type of hate out loud. protests. In short, our data suggest that 96.3
I am so grateful for our officers who en-
that gives people permission to treat
percent of events involved no property dam-
dured so many injuries on [January] 6th, and Black Americans as suspicious and
age or police injuries, and in 97.7 percent of
I pray that they will recover physically and events, no injuries were reported among par- their lives as expendable. We in the
mentally. ticipants, bystanders or police. Senate are supposed to hold ourselves
They are going through so much right now,
Likewise, the Armed Conflict Loca- to a higher standard. We are supposed
I feel guilty that my email to you might to advance America’s long march to-
sound shallow because of the pain they are
tion & Event Data Project—an organi-
zation I might add is partially funded ward a more perfect Union, not coddle
trying to overcome. and cater to those who would take us
I understand that the Senate works best by the U.S. Department of State’s Bu-
when both sides can find common ground, reau of Conflict and Stabilization Oper- backwards, and we are supposed to
but how do [you] really reach common ations—examined 7,750 different Black stand up for the truth. That is what
ground when [such views can be held]? Lives Matter demonstrations across brought me to the floor today.
Again, I am sorry for reaching out late on the Nation last summer. They found I hope Members of this body on both
Saturday evening, but I needed to share this just 3 percent of those protests associ- sides of the aisle will join me in mak-
with you. ing sure that we do not debase the in-
Keith.
ated with any violence or property de-
struction whatsoever. They also con- stitution and the people we are called
To read these pained words both cluded that police departments ‘‘dis- to serve—all the people—for whom so
broke my heart and boiled my blood. proportionately used force while inter- much pain has existed for years and ex-
Thousands of people of color serve in vening in demonstrations associated ists still today.
the U.S. Capitol workforce. They are with the [Black Lives Matter] move- With that, I yield the floor.
legislative staffers like Keith and Cap- ment relative to other types of dem- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
itol Police officers and maintenance onstrations.’’ ator from Oklahoma.
workers, cafeteria staff, and so much Indeed, on January 6, as we waited BORDER SECURITY
more. I should not have to stand here for hours for backup from the National Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, on
and remind anyone that many of them Guard and other law enforcement agen- January 20 of this year, President
feared for their lives on January 6. But cies to come to the aid of Congress, I Biden declared the repeal of an emer-
not Senator JOHNSON. He felt no fear. know that I am not the only one who gency action at our southwest border.
He wasn’t afraid because, and I quote: could not help but think of the violent, He withdrew that and said there is no
I knew those are people that love this government-sanctioned crackdowns emergency that currently exists there
country, that truly respect law enforcement, that met Black Lives Matter protesters and paused all funding for the border
would never do anything to break the law, so last summer. wall system construction—stopped it.
I wasn’t concerned. The bottom line is that these lies Wherever it was that day, it ended that
People who love this country do not casting Black Lives Matter as violent day.
desecrate our most sacred democratic have already done real damage. They The same day, he announced a 100-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
institutions and display symbols of ra- have convinced millions of Americans day moratorium on deportations in the
cial hatred like the Confederate flag in that they should fear those who march country—stopped that. Within a few
the halls of Congress. People who re- under the banner of this movement for days, the courts stepped in and a Fed-
spect law enforcement do not assault justice, when really it is the resurgence eral court said that you can’t just stop
Capitol Police officers, beat them with- of violent White supremacy that should actually executing faithfully the laws
in inches of death, and hurl ugly epi- be Americans’ real cause for alarm. of the United States. The court halted
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.032 S16MRPT1
S1546 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
then his halt of a moratorium on de- are not going to allow you in. It is fencing are done except for the gate
portations. In this case, his actual re- called title 42 authority. The Trump area, and, literally, the steel for the
quest for a moratorium on deportation administration actually put that in gates are laying on the ground.
halt was for those who had actually place and said: During the time of the Why in the world would you do con-
gone all the way through the court sys- pandemic, we are trying to limit cross- struction and have it stop to say you
tem and a Federal court had asked border traffic. You can’t just come in. can build everything except close the
them to be removed from the United The Biden team changed that and gates?
States. That is what President Biden said: If you are 18 and up, you can’t The Border Patrol team has literally
was trying to stop. come in immediately. If you are 17 and drug over some of the steel just to be
Federal courts then stepped in and down, you can. able to stack it in front of the gaps
said that when the courts said they had So we are seeing a massive surge of that are in the fence here to keep vehi-
to be removed, the executive branch unaccompanied minors right now. It is cles from driving through and try to
can’t just ignore that. They have to ac- literally an invitation to say: You can put different barriers there and try to
tually be removed. come, but don’t bring your family with slow down the traffic.
That opened the flood gates. Those you. For every one of these gaps along
two announcements together—that we When I sat down with the folks at these miles and miles of fence, they are
are not going to do any more border HHS there, who are doing a fantastic having to assign a Border Patrol agent
construction, that we are going to stop job with the best they can to be able to there just to be able to sit at that gap
that, and the announcement of the take care of those kids, I asked them: because it is the obvious place to lit-
moratorium—started the process of a What are you seeing? erally be able to walk through the
stir in Central America among the The vast majority of the kids that fence.
human smugglers to get the word out they are seeing coming across the bor- There is only one reason that you
to say this President is going to allow der are 16- and 17-year-old males. When would have a fence like this for miles
to let people in and it is going to be dif- you hear the term, ‘‘We’ve got all these and miles and leave it open as a gap—
ferent. kids coming across the border,’’ some- to allow people through. Worse than
Why would I say that and why would times, as Americans, we think these that, all the way through this con-
they say that? Because even in the are 5-year-olds crossing the border. struction area is just a dirt path they
time when I was sitting down with now They are not. The vast majority of used for construction. But in the con-
Secretary Mayorkas in his hearings be- them are 16- and 17-year-old males tract itself, it was set up to allow for
fore he was actually confirmed, I asked coming across the border. They are the fence construction first. Remem-
him in those hearings: If there is a also being transported to individuals ber, this is a wall system. There is
caravan coming to the United States who are here in the country who are technology and wall.
right now with hundreds of people in it family members and who are already Walls are medieval, I get that, but
and growing, what is your message to present here in the country. Most of there is a reason we still use fences in
them if you became the Secretary of those are also illegally present in the our backyard and still a reason we use
DHS? What would you want to make country. They are uncles and aunts. fences as barriers because they work.
sure those folks heard? They are cousins and brothers and sis- They slow people down from actually
His response to me in that hearing ters who are already here because we crossing that barrier.
was: I would tell them to wait. Not yet. have separate categories of how we ac- But it is a wall system in place. For
Not yet. tually transition those kids to someone miles and miles and miles in the con-
The coyotes didn’t hear it that way. who can take care of them before we tract and as it is written, they put up
They accelerated pushing people. have the court hearing. Most of those the fence first, close up the gates sec-
What is actually happening on the court hearings will take 2 the years. ond, and then they finish the road so
border? They are crossing the border, these 16- Border Patrol can actually pass
Last weekend, I spent the weekend in and 17-year-old males, and being con- through here, even when it rains in this
Arizona just south of Tucson in nected with an uncle who is already area, to have a simple road passage
Nogales, a small little town of 26,000 here and many times, illegally, as well. there. Then they put in ground-based
people that sits right on the border They will have the next 2 years to be sensors so they can detect when people
with Mexico. It is 26,000 on the Amer- here before they have a court hearing are walking across. Then they put in
ican side, but on the Mexican side it is and be able to go through the process— lights and cameras—all the technology
a city of 450,000. It is a very large com- if they come to the court hearing. we talk about in this room. I can’t re-
munity on that side and, literally, they When I visited with the folks at Cus- member how many times I have heard
have built up the community directly toms and Border Protection, they were my Democratic colleagues say: Fences
against the border. frustrated with the lack of funding are old. Let’s just do the technology.
Much of that border fencing has been that has been given to them to be able Technology can help manage this.
there a very long time. They built to take care of the needs for that par- In this situation, the contract is out
properties directly against that fence. ticular facility and help manage the and done. The fence is already in-
They are Mexicans. They can do that. number of people who are coming stalled, except for the gates, but no
That is their property to be able to do through. They need additional assist- technology is there. So, literally, the
that. That is not the issue. ance because in that very old facility, Biden team stops before what even
The interesting thing was to visit they need additional barriers to just they claim is the effective part to stop
with folks from HHS taking care of the help them manage the flow of people as people illegally crossing the border.
unaccompanied minors in the area, to they come through. The $1.6 billion was paused—that $1.6
visit with Customs and Border Protec- When I visited with Border Patrol, that goes to simply closing the gates
tion that are actually handling the we drove just a couple of miles out into and installing the technology. That is
cross-border transition, and with Bor- the desert, just to the west of this town what remains. This is nonsensical.
der Patrol leadership to go through of 450,000 people, to go see the new I understand the Biden team and
that area and see it. fence that is being constructed. It may some of my Democratic colleagues
Let me tell you a couple of things I be hard to see it in this, but miles and want a more open border. They have
saw this weekend to help you get the miles of new fencing are going in. been clear on that. This does not pro-
context. The folks who I visited with at But on the day of January 20, con- vide security for our Nation. This is
HHS, who are there taking care of the struction was halted. In this particular the result of saying: I don’t want any
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
unaccompanied minors coming in—and area, there are miles and miles of fenc- more wall.
we are seeing a significant surge of un- ing except for these gaps in the fence. This is a nonsensical system on our
accompanied minors because the Biden Those gaps were put in there to be southern border, with literally open
administration has changed the policy gates. So if they have to take care of areas that you could drive a truck
and said that if you are 18 years old the fence, they can get access to both through and where Border Patrol
and up, because of the pandemic, we sides of this. These miles and miles of agents have to then sit at. Rather than
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.034 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1547
monitor large areas, they are stuck and have a national mandate. They do posed to be about—getting kids back to
monitoring the open door. not. If there is any mandate when you school, getting people back to work,
Listen, we can have arguments about have a 50–50 Senate and when you have and getting the virus behind us. Presi-
immigration, but, supposedly, we all such a narrow range in the numbers be- dent Biden said ‘‘there is a good
agree we should have border security— tween the Republicans and the Demo- chance’’ that small groups of people
at least we used to. This doesn’t make crats in the House, you would say it is can get together outside in July. Well,
sense. But this is now the reality, and a mandate to move to the middle. That he said, ‘‘that doesn’t mean large
it will sit like this for we don’t know is what the American people voted for. events.’’
how long—maybe forever—until we as They said: Let’s get to the middle. The Democrats spent $1.9 trillion,
a nation determine this has to change. Let’s find solutions to move our coun- and, once again, they moved the goal-
It is an open invitation. try forward. posts. Congress has already paid for
Have things really changed signifi- It does seem, to me, what the Demo- enough vaccines for every American to
cantly on the border? Let me give you crats are doing is an unprecedented get vaccinated by the end of May. The
an example that is pre-COVID—pre- overreach. The Democrats have only Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
COVID, February of last year, before had control in Washington for about a vention says that getting vaccinated
COVID came through. So don’t say month and a half, and it has already means getting your life back. This is
that things have changed in COVID. In cost the American people $1.9 trillion. what they told us. It means you can
February of 2020, we had under 40,000 It is an astonishingly large figure. It have indoor gatherings without masks.
people who were apprehended crossing was supposed to be for coronavirus re- America needs to be fully open before
our southern border that month—under lief, but 1 percent of the money went the Fourth of July.
40,000 pre-COVID. That is a transition for vaccines, and only 9 percent went The Democrats haven’t even finished
and an arrest process. to actually fighting the coronavirus. their victory lap over the spending bill,
This February, with the only thing Yet, before they passed the bill, that is and they are already telling us they
changing being the change of Presi- what the Democrats said it was for. It want more. Here are just a few exam-
dents, we had over 100,000 people ille- does seem to be the oldest page in the ples of what they propose to do, not
gally crossing the border. One year Democratic playbook. with their money but with the Amer-
later, we go from less than 40,000 to We all remember the old ObamaCare ican people’s money—the taxpayers’
over 100,000. bill and debate and discussion. They money, the hard-earned dollars of the
This is a manufactured crisis that is said it was a tax. When they needed people who go to work every day and
happening on our border: a halting of votes in Congress, they said it wasn’t a send their tax dollars to Washington.
closing up the holes in the fence; state- In their $1.9 trillion wish list, the
tax. Then they realized they were
ments that we are going to do a mora- Democrats tried to double the min-
going to lose in court, and they said it
torium, that we are not going to have imum wage by Federal mandate. They
was a tax all over again. Well, we have
anyone deported anymore; changing failed, but they are going to keep try-
seen the same playbook here. They said
the rules on unaccompanied minors to ing.
we needed more coronavirus relief, and Now, of course, the Office of Manage-
basically invite them to come into the then they passed this liberal wish list. ment and Budget, which took a look at
United States; and, again, statements Once they had the votes, they admitted this thing, said: Well, if they had suc-
like, ‘‘Caravans, I will just tell them to the bill was not about coronavirus ceeded, it would have forced 1.4 million
pause; we are not quite ready for you medical relief, healthcare relief or vac- Americans who have jobs right now to
yet.’’ cines or fighting the disease. No—a lib- be out of their jobs because, when you
That is really not going to be a pause eral wish list. mandate a doubling of the minimum
at all. That is going to be an invita- Now, don’t just take my word for it. wage, small businesses are either going
tion. That is not me saying that. It is The Democratic majority leader, to have to close or lay off certain peo-
the thousands and thousands of people standing right there, called it a ‘‘turn- ple so they can pay the wages to others
who are coming to be able to connect ing point’’ that transforms the United in an effort to keep the doors open. It
with relatives who are already here and States. The White House Press Sec- means less tax revenue overall for the
to be able to walk through a process, to retary called it the ‘‘most progressive country, and it means more spending
be able to go around our visa applica- bill in American history.’’ One Demo- for unemployment insurance. If you
tion process and go around legal immi- cratic leader in the House called it an add it up, it would increase the na-
gration. ‘‘ideological revolution.’’ I guess they tional debt by about an additional $54
I remind us as a country that we forgot it was supposed to be about the billion.
allow a million people a year to legally coronavirus. It doesn’t sound like In their $1.9 trillion wish list, the
come to the United States and become coronavirus healthcare relief to me. Democrats also wrote a big check to
citizens—a million people a year. We After the bill passed, Speaker PELOSI the teachers unions.
are not a stingy nation in engaging admitted this was the same bill that Now, they actually didn’t need the
with legal immigration. There is a she put forward last summer. Back money because, in the five bipartisan
right way to do it, and we welcome then, the New York Times looked at it coronavirus bills that we have passed
people to do it the right way. This is and called it ‘‘more a messaging docu- in overwhelming majorities, we sent
welcoming people to do it the wrong ment than a viable piece of legisla- schools $113 billion. The schools
way, and that does not help our secu- tion.’’ POLITICO called it a ‘‘Demo- haven’t even spent most of that money
rity as a nation. cratic wish list filled up with all the yet. In fact, they have only spent about
I yield the floor. party’s favorite policies.’’ $16 billion of the $113 billion. There is
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- This was never a coronavirus relief almost $100 billion yet to spend. On top
ator from Wyoming. bill. They used the coronavirus to of that, the Democrats have just put up
BUDGET cover the payoff to all of the most pow- another $170 billion in their wish list. If
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I erful people in the Democratic Party: you add it up, that is nearly $270 bil-
come to the floor to talk about Presi- $85 billion to union pension plans, irre- lion to spend with no promise—none—
dent Biden’s runaway spending pro- sponsibly run; $26 billion for California to reopen the schools.
posals. Gavin Newsom; $12.5 billion for New The Democratic leader wants to for-
Of course, as a conservative Repub- York and Governor Andrew Cuomo; a give $1 trillion in student loans. Sub-
lican, when I look at this thing, I have big payoff for teachers unions and po- sidizing student loans just lets colleges
to say: Wait a second. This is not some- tentially millions for Planned Parent- raise prices. That is exactly what
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
thing that I can support in any way. hood. would happen if Leader SCHUMER’s plan
We have a 50–50 Senate here in the President Biden signed the bill, and were to become law. Colleges don’t
United States. The Democrats have then he gave a speech a few hours need to raise prices. They need to lower
won a narrow margin in the House, but later. In effect, he admitted the bill the cost of education.
the Democrats in Washington are act- doesn’t get us 1 day closer to reopening Senator SANDERS has an even more
ing like they have won in a landslide our country. This is what this was sup- radical proposal. He wants to forgive
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.035 S16MRPT1
S1548 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
all Federal student loans, and that da. They didn’t vote for $12 trillion in ber of unaccompanied alien children
would cost $1.6 trillion. Forgive them new spending and new taxes with in- was up 171 percent.
all. Just forgive all of the loans. It creased tax rates and increased taxes The Department of Health and
doesn’t matter. Rich or poor, forgive on long-term investments like your Human Services, which is responsible
all of the loans. Well, that would drive home and increased taxes like the for the care of the unaccompanied chil-
up the price of tuition even higher. If it death tax—oh—and more money for the dren after they arrive in the United
allows colleges to get the money di- IRS so it can send agents to inves- States, had 7,300 unaccompanied chil-
rectly from the Federal Government tigate the American public even fur- dren referrals in February. That is the
without having to go through the stu- ther. highest number of February referrals
dents, the costs will escalate dramati- I would urge the Biden administra- in the history of the program.
cally. tion and my Democratic colleagues to As of late last week, Health and
Let me remind my Democratic col- listen to the people and to the people Human Services had over 8,500 unac-
leagues that most Americans don’t from whom I hear every weekend in companied children in its facilities.
have college degrees. Yet, under the Wyoming. It is time to put down the As of this past weekend, more than
Democratic plan, all taxpayers—all 4,200 were being held by the Customs
credit card. It is time to stop the
and Border Patrol holding facilities,
taxpayers—would have to pay for the spending spree. It is time to move to
with nearly 3,000 being held past the
college tuitions for all of the students, the middle to solve problems—that
legal limit of 72 hours.
including those who have families who would be best for our Nation if we These are the ‘‘kids in cages,’’ whom
can clearly afford to pay the tuitions would address them—for the people of many of our Democratic colleagues
to the colleges which they attend. It this great Nation. were so outraged about a few years
doesn’t matter. If you go to the most I yield the floor. ago, blaming Trump, even though the
exclusive college or if you go to your I suggest the absence of a quorum. so-called cages were created in the
State college, if you have a debt, we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
Obama administration, just being re-
are going to get rid of it, says the clerk will call the roll.
used again.
Democratic proposal, and the hard- The senior assistant legislative clerk Curiously, we are not seeing nearly
working taxpayers of America are proceeded to call the roll. as much outrage now as we saw during
going to be stuck with the bill. Count Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask
the Trump episode. Where is our fair
me out on that one. unanimous consent that the order for and balanced press today?
The Democrats want to take tax dol- the quorum call be rescinded. Reports emerged late last week that
lars from people who don’t have college The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without one Border Patrol facility in Texas was
degrees or who never went to college objection, it is so ordered. operating at 729 percent of pandemic
and give it to the leftwing professors at BORDER SECURITY capacity. Many minors who had been in
so many universities, and this is Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, we custody for over 5 days were reportedly
wrong. welcome about a million immigrants able to shower only once.
President Biden also wants to double every year. We welcome them because If this were happening during the
down on ObamaCare. He thinks they come here, abiding by our laws, Trump administration, our Democratic
ObamaCare didn’t go far enough. Ac- and we need immigrants. We have been colleagues would be expressing their
cording to one estimate, President a welcoming country for a long time, anger and their outrage on any media
Biden’s healthcare plan would cost but I come to the floor to speak about outlet that they could find. But be-
about an additional $2.25 trillion. These the ongoing crisis at our southern bor- cause this crisis is happening as a re-
are astronomically large figures. His der—a crisis that, I think, this admin- sult of President Biden’s policies, we
housing plan would cost $640 billion. istration doesn’t want to admit is a have mostly silence.
The Democrats have proposed another crisis. Because of some changes in pol- President Biden’s border crisis
$2 trillion in infrastructure spending. icy, we have that crisis, and that crisis reaches beyond just these staggering
One Democratic Senator even called is people entering our country in viola- numbers that I have given you. First,
for doubling that amount—$4 trillion tion of our laws. it is a humanitarian tragedy—a crisis.
in new infrastructure spending. Since taking office, this administra- The Biden administration’s policies
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I tion has advanced policies that have have incentivized unaccompanied chil-
could go on and on. If you add up all of undermined immigration enforcement. dren and family units to make an in-
the new spending proposals by the These policies undermine efforts to se- credibly dangerous trip to our southern
Democrats and the White House and cure our southern border, and they en- borders.
courage illegal immigration into our On March 10, Reuters reported that
the Senate, it could cost nearly $12
country. President Biden has signaled the Mexican Government is worried
trillion. By the end of this year, the
that, when it comes to immigration that the Biden administration’s asy-
national debt is going to be bigger than
that violates our laws, the United lum policies ‘‘are stoking illegal immi-
our economy, and we have the biggest
gration and creating business for orga-
economy in the world. Even before the States is open for business. Speaker
nized crime’’—from the Mexican Gov-
Democrats passed their wish list, we PELOSI and House Democrats are dou-
ernment, reported by Reuters.
were on track this year to have the bling down on that position this very There is no doubt that cartels are
second biggest deficit since World War week. They are working to pass several profiting greatly from this trafficking.
II. mass amnesty bills that contain no One Mexican official was quoted as
When the Democrats increase spend- provisions related to securing the bor- saying: ‘‘Migrants have become a com-
ing, we know what is next—massive der. modity.’’
tax increases on the American public. It turns out that people are finally The article went on to discuss how
We heard it yesterday in the news. It paying attention. U.S. Customs and gangs are ‘‘diversifying methods of
was in the headlines. That is President Border Protection recently confirmed smuggling’’ and how smugglers are ad-
Biden’s plan—the first major tax in- that it had encountered over 100,000 mi- vising migrants on how to more easily
crease in 28 years. He is proposing the grants attempting to cross the south- apply for asylum in the United States,
biggest tax increase since 1993. He ern border in February—the first full including by bringing children.
wants to raise taxes on businesses and month of this new administration. It also described how higher con-
on families, and he even wants to res- That is the highest total for the month centrations of migrants in areas near
urrect the death tax. Let me remind of February since 2006. News reports the U.S.-Mexican border have encour-
President Biden what happened after are that Democrats are blaming aged gangs to recruit some migrants as
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
1993. A year later, the Republicans Trump’s policies for this situation that drug mules and to kidnap other mi-
took back the House and took back the we are in. Yet the number of single grants. For what? For money. This is a
Senate. adults encountered at the southern tragedy, and it is a tragedy created in
The 2020 elections were close. The border was up 175 percent compared to just recent weeks by changes of poli-
American people didn’t vote for this last February. The number of family cies at the border by this new adminis-
radical agenda, and it is a radical agen- units was up 170 percent, and the num- tration.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.037 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1549
Second, President Biden’s border cri- It is a significant issue to be able to had the 19th straight month of wage
sis presents a public health threat in help individuals to be able to achieve growth of 3 percent or more. We had 3.5
the middle of a pandemic. their God-given potential in life, but percent unemployment, a 50-year low.
Recent reports have indicated that also it is really important to our econ- We had historically low unemployment
the administration plans to turn two omy because workforce is one of the for Blacks, Hispanics. We had the low-
Texas facilities, where migrant family big challenges we have. So to be able to est poverty rate we had in 60 years.
units are being held, into rapid proc- get good-paying benefits for those Things are going well, not just for the
essing centers. The plan is to hold the workers, it is important but also to economy but bringing people out of the
family units for 3 days or less. help our economy fully recover from sidelines and in to work. But, obvi-
It is unclear if all of these migrants the effects of the COVID–19 pandemic. ously, the pandemic hit hard. And,
are being tested for COVID–19, when It has been over a year now since the now, as the economy begins to recover
they are being tested, how they are pandemic changed all of our lives. In again, we have to be sure that people
being tested, and how they are being the early weeks and months of that cri- have the skills they need to take ad-
handled if they test positively. sis, it looked like things were going to vantage of a growing economy.
Recent media reports also indicate continue to be really tough. I stayed in The pro-growth policies that we have
that 100 undocumented immigrants touch with business owners and work- had along the way, including the tax
who were released by the Department ers across my home State of Ohio to cuts, tax reform, regulatory relief, had
of Homeland Security into the United hear how they were handling the clo- helped to make sure that economy was
States later tested positive for the sures, the layoffs, the other painful not just strong but also inclusive. So
virus. In these times, as we are all con- side effects of the crisis in those early we have to keep that up as well.
cerned about the pandemic, it can’t be months. Finally, things are getting But just as the biggest challenge pre-
acceptable. better, and we are beginning to see COVID, when we had a strong economy,
Finally, President Biden’s border cri- more reopenings. was finding workers with needed skills,
sis has created a situation that is over- In Ohio, we just learned that people we are back there again. So if we want
whelming the men and women who are going to be able to get vaccinations to get back to the kind of economy we
work to protect our borders. It is if they are 40 years old or older versus all want, the workforce challenge has
straining the resources of agencies that 60 years old and older as of the end of to be addressed.
must cope with the results of this ad- the week. And within another 10 days, In fact, again, I think it will be an
ministration’s misguided immigration everybody 16 years and up will be able even bigger challenge now because dur-
policies. to get a vaccine. And we have opened ing COVID–19, there has been a disloca-
One of the most important respon- up some wonderful mass vaccination tion in the economy. Some jobs have
sibilities of the Federal Government centers. I volunteered at one on Satur- been lost, and people have to find new
and any Presidential administration, day. I spent 5 hours directing people jobs and develop skills. Some are going
Republican or Democrat, is to enforce and heard a lot of emotional stories to have to leave the hospitality indus-
our immigration laws in ways that en- about people really excited about get- try, for instance, and they might want
sure the sovereignty of our borders, ting back to their families—grand- to go into the tech sector or go into
protects the American people, and, parents being able to see their the manufacturing sector or the
lastly, discourages illegal immigration. grandkids for the first time in a year healthcare sector. So that ability to
It is clear that this administration has and the opposite, children being able to shift jobs and develop skills is more
failed to live up to this responsibility. visit their parents or grandparents for important than ever.
I hope that President Biden changes the first time since the COVID–19 crisis I am hearing it from employers all
course and begins to work with Con- hit, and people excited about getting over Ohio; that as unemployment con-
gress in a bipartisan way to secure our back to work and back to school. So we tinues to fall, there are thousands of
borders and, at the same time, reform are going to be able to see this because job openings for positions like welders
our laws in ways that discourage this of Operation Warp Speed and the heroic and machinists in our manufacturing
violation of our immigration laws by efforts of our medical researchers and plants. I mentioned the national figure
people just willy-nilly crossing the bor- begin to help move our economy for- of 500,000 jobs are available right now,
der, even being invited here. If they in- ward. so we are certainly seeing that in Ohio
stead continue on their present course, In fact, we just found out that the in our factories, medical technicians in
this will be just the first of many bor- economy added a healthy 379,000 jobs in hospitals, a lot of interest in techs and
der surges to come over the next 4 February. That was encouraging. And in people who are willing to work in
years. more and more businesses, again, are healthcare to help others, computer
What we need is to keep our doors reopening and replacing the signs that programmers, coders. Almost every
open, as we have done for decades with said ‘‘Closed Because of COVID’’ with sector of the economy is looking for
legal immigrants, and do everything signs that now say ‘‘Help Wanted.’’ people who have coding skills. So these
we can to discourage people from com- I was at a hearing today, and the rep- are the kinds of jobs that economists
ing here in violation of our laws. resentative from the National Associa- call the midlevel skills; you know, they
I yield the floor. tion of Manufacturers told us that need more than a high school degree,
I suggest the absence of a quorum. there are over 500,000 manufacturing for sure, but don’t need a college de-
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. MAR- jobs that are being offered right now. gree. And they actually are jobs that
KEY). The clerk will call the roll. In other words, there is a shortage of pay quite well with good benefits. So
The legislative clerk proceeded to manufacturing skills right now. So these are the kinds of jobs that we need
call the roll. that is a good thing in the sense that to be sure that we are providing out
Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask that means there will be opportunity, there.
unanimous consent that the order for but we have to have the skills to be The supply of skilled workers in that
the quorum call be rescinded. able to fill those jobs. category, students pursuing post-high
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Perhaps most promising, the non- school certificates in one of these
objection, it is so ordered. partisan Congressional Budget Office, skilled areas, falls way short. They call
The Senator from Ohio. called CBO—it is a group around here it the skills gap. And it is holding back
JOBS ACT that gives us advice on the economy— our economy from reaching its poten-
Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I am said that even without the most recent tial, just as it is holding back individ-
here on the floor today to talk about spending package, the $1.9 trillion uals from achieving their potential.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
workforce training, a critical issue al- package, that the economy is going to There was one study from 2019 that
ways but particularly now as we get to recover to where it was prepandemic by found that the skills gap could cause us
the point where we are coming out of midyear. So by June 30, they think the to miss out on nearly $1.2 trillion of
the COVID–19 crisis, the economy is economy will be back to where it was economic output over the next, at that
picking up, and we need more workers prepandemic. And we had a good econ- point, 10 years. So, unfortunately, that
in this country. omy then. In February, a year ago, we skills gap hasn’t been closed. In fact,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:56 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.039 S16MRPT1
S1550 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
again, I think it is more important force needs. Most industry-recognized So it is one of those examples where,
than ever that we address it. certificates require more than the CTE if we could direct some of these Fed-
The best option, I think, is to tackle training. They require a higher level of eral resources, not taking it away from
it head-on by getting more people en- training. And CTE programs, as out- colleges or universities but into our
rolled in these programs that can pro- standing as they can be, are usually in- training programs, it would make so
vide the skills training and equip them accessible to Americans who are no much sense, particularly for low-in-
with the specialized skills that they longer of high school age but would come students. And that is how I get to
need. stand to benefit greatly from these the Pell grants.
When people hear the words ‘‘skills skills programs. So people who are out
training,’’ their first thought is often So Senator KAINE and I have intro-
of high school, adults, to get that more
of career and technical education, CTE. duced legislation that is called the
advanced certificate or to help older
There are some great CTE programs Jumpstart Our Businesses by Sup-
learners, the best option is to instead
around the country. Some in my gen- porting Students Act, or the JOBS Act.
attend a certificate-granting technical
eration called it vocational education, workforce training program, the kind So we came up with an acronym so we
but this is not your father’s Olds- offered by your community college or could end up with the JOBS Act.
mobile. This is not the same old voca- It makes all the sense in the world. It
your technical school.
tional education; this is high-tech These programs are outstanding. At says that instead of getting a Pell
stuff. It is really exciting what is going Ohio technical schools, like the East- grant that can only be used for going
on. These programs are run by middle land-Fairfield Career Center, the Van- to a college or university, you should
schools and by high schools that teach tage Community College, the Delaware be able to get a Pell grant to get one of
students an incredible variety of skills: Area Career Center, Stark State, and these shorter-term, industry-recog-
health sciences, business management, others, I have spoken to students in nized certificates. They have to be
culinary arts, manufacturing skills. By technical programs who tell me how
the way, they are incredibly popular. high-quality, industry recognized. I
excited they are to put these skills to think it would be much better for the
The good programs are really oversub- work. Unfortunately, individuals po-
scribed. students and certainly much better for
One data point that I found inter- tentially interested in these programs the economy. Those are the middle
esting said that 92 percent of high often cannot afford to make the invest- skills that we need so desperately. Yet
school students are taking at least ment in that education without some we are not supporting those students.
some kind of skills training course financial assistance.
I talked to Dr. Para Jones today. She By the way, of those students who
from the CTE programs. That doesn’t end up going to college with a Pell
is with Stark State in Summit County,
mean 92 percent are enrolled full time grant, they say that fewer than half
Akron, OH. She told me an interesting
in CTE but taking at least some of end up getting a college degree in the
story. She said that they have a real
those courses. end. Why? Well, the Pell doesn’t pay
I have visited those schools all over need in that area of Ohio, and, frankly,
around the country, for truckdrivers. for your full expenses. There are very
Ohio. Again, they are exciting. They
are specialized high schools that offer So for people to have the certificate, few colleges in Ohio where you can use
students a more specialized path than which is called a CDL—commercial a Pell and get through without having
the traditional path that many stu- truckdrivers license—they had open- significant additional expenses on top
dents are encouraged to take, which ings in their courses, but it was $5,000. of that.
would be to try to get a 4-year college It cost $5,000 to get a CDL. And even It is tough, and a lot of people drop
degree. though these students would be mak- out to be able to go back to work, as
By the way, again, this path, this ing that $5,000 and more in the coming opposed to these career and training
specialized path, where you get these years because truck driving is going to programs where, No. 1, you are looking
skills, leads to no student debt—assum- be quite a good career for them—50-, down the tunnel and you can see the
ing you could find a way to pay for the 60-, 70,000 bucks a year, plus benefits, light at the end of the tunnel. You
skills training, which we will talk depending on how much they are will- have got 10 weeks in this training pro-
about in a second—and a good job with ing to drive—the 5,000 bucks was just gram. You can get there. And you see
good pay and good benefits, as opposed too much of a burden, too high a hur- at the end of that—to mix my meta-
to many people who go to college and dle. So her view is: You guys have to phors here, you see the rainbow at the
end up having a lot of debt and not help us to be able to help students get end of that, which is a job, a great job,
having a degree that enables them to into the programs they want to get with good benefits. Plus, the $6,400
get the kind of job that they want. So into. from the Pell Program pays for it. For
it is a great option to do CTE and to I remember talking to a welder at a
career and technical high school pro- the most part, these programs are fully
get the skills training. paid for by the Pell grant. So it is a
I am cofounder and cochair of what gram. It was a woman, 1 of 2 women in
we call the Senate CTE Caucus, Career a class of 12 people—10 guys, 2 women. really good idea.
and Technical Education Caucus, with She was doing some pretty sophisti- And the JOBS Act is something Sen-
my colleague Senator TIM KAINE of cated welding, but she said she wanted ator TIM KAINE and I have introduced
Virginia. And we have worked to to take it to the next level; she wanted before and we are introducing again
strengthen CTE programs, made them to be an underwater welder, which pays this week. We want these low-income
more accessible, made them more af- a lot. We are talking over a hundred students to be able to get what they
fordable, provided more Federal help thousand bucks a year, easily; yet she need to be able to get the good jobs,
for them. We have gone now from 2 to couldn’t get the skills at the high and we want our economy to be able to
more than 29 Senators in our CTE Cau- school level. get those positions filled so that we
cus. Our goal is to increase awareness And when she was offered a Pell can continue to grow our economy as a
of these CTE programs and the skills grant to go to college, she decided to country.
training they provide and get students take that instead, even though she By the way, it doesn’t mean these
interested in that kind of career train- wanted to be a welder. The government students aren’t going to go on to a col-
ing, provide the resources and opportu- couldn’t help her go to welding school.
lege or university. I was in a CTE pro-
nities that will then provide them what And this welding school was expensive.
gram several years ago talking to some
they need for good jobs with good pay. It makes the $5,000 for getting the CDL
students, one of whom was going to a
We have also worked together on bi- look like nothing. So it was tens of
local manufacturer who was a supplier
partisan legislation to make sure that thousands of dollars to get this ad-
to GE Aviation, which makes aircraft
the Federal Government is a better vanced certificate.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
But she was offered the Pell grant to engines. He ended up going—50,000
partner to States and local commu-
go to college, so she was going to col- bucks a year at the time, good bene-
nities as they work to ensure these
lege, even though she would rather be a fits—to this manufacturer. He was
young people have the skills to find
welder. By the way, these welders are learning welding and other skills.
good jobs.
But CTE at the high school level highly sought after by the energy in- Well, that company ended up paying
alone isn’t going to solve our work- dustry and others. for his college later, which I later
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:10 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.041 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1551
found out, which is not atypical. So it Americans have this opportunity to de- 2.3. The Chairman of the Committee, or if
is a good example of where it doesn’t velop the skills to grow in the career of the Chairman is not present the Vice Chair-
mean you are not going to go to col- their choice and fulfill their potential man, shall preside over all meetings of the
Committee. In the absence of the Chairman
lege. Some people will want to, and in life. and the Vice Chairman at any meeting, the
some people won’t. This young man I yield back. ranking majority member, or if no majority
wanted to get an engineering degree, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- member is present, the ranking minority
and the company was happy to help ator from Michigan. member present, shall preside.
him do that to be able to come back to f 2.4. Except as otherwise provided in these
that company and to provide those Rules, decisions of the Committee shall be
LEGISLATIVE SESSION by a majority vote of the members present
skills. and voting. A quorum for the transaction of
So whether it is learning how to con- Committee business, including the conduct
duct HVAC installation, how to oper- MORNING BUSINESS of executive sessions, shall consist of no less
ate factory machinery, how to program than one third of the Committee members,
Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask
computers, these programs teach stu- except that for the purpose of hearing wit-
unanimous consent that the Senate nesses, taking sworn testimony, and receiv-
dents practical, transferrable skills to
proceed to legislative session for a pe- ing evidence under oath, a quorum may con-
be able to keep our economy moving.
Increasing access to the skills train- riod of morning business, with Sen- sist of one Senator.
ators permitted to speak therein for up 2.5. A vote by any member of the Com-
ing through the JOBS Act can also mittee with respect to any measure or mat-
serve to lend a helping hand for those to 10 minutes each.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ter being considered by the Committee may
who have lost their jobs due to COVID– be cast by proxy if the proxy authorization
19. As I said earlier, many jobs have objection, it is so ordered. (1) is in writing; (2) designates the member of
come back and are continuing to come f the Committee who is to exercise the proxy;
back as we reopen our economy, but we SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON (3) is limited to a specific measure or matter
are still down about nine, nine and a and any amendments pertaining thereto; and
INTELLIGENCE RULES OF PRO- (4) is signed by the member wishing to cast
half million jobs from before the pan- CEDURE a vote by proxy, either by handwritten sig-
demic. Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask nature or autopen. Proxies shall not be con-
Some are at businesses that are now sidered for the establishment of a quorum.
unanimous consent that the Senate Se-
closed or in industries that have strug- 2.6. Whenever the Committee by roll call
lect Committee on Intelligence’s Rules vote reports any measure or matter, the re-
gled and may be fundamentally
of Procedure be printed in the RECORD. port of the Committee upon such measure or
changed as a result of the pandemic. In There being no objection, the mate-
other words, some of these jobs won’t matter shall include a tabulation of the
rial was ordered to be printed in the votes cast in favor of and the votes cast in
come back, so people need to re-up RECORD, as follows: opposition to such measure or matter by
their skills training. Folks who had each member of the Committee.
RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE SELECT COM-
those jobs, giving them the option to MITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE RULE 3. SUBCOMMITTEES
invest in a new skill set through tech- Creation of subcommittees shall be by ma-
RULE 1. CONVENING OF MEETINGS
nical education funded by a Pell grant jority vote of the Committee. Subcommit-
1.1. The regular meeting day of the Select
is a ray of hope, a chance for them to Committee on Intelligence for the trans- tees shall deal with such legislation and
get back on their feet, to find new, ex- action of Committee business shall be every oversight of programs and policies as the
citing, good-paying jobs. Committee may direct. The subcommittees
Tuesday of each month that the Senate is in
I am pleased to say the JOBS Act has shall be governed by the Rules of the Com-
session, unless otherwise directed by the
been endorsed by the National Skills mittee and by such other rules they may
Chairman.
adopt which are consistent with the Rules of
Coalition, the Association for Career 1.2. The Chairman shall have authority,
the Committee. Each subcommittee created
and Technical Education, the Associa- upon notice, to call such additional meetings
shall have a chairman and a vice chairman
tion of Community College Trustees— of the Committee as the Chairman may
who are selected by the Chairman and Vice
deem necessary and may delegate such au-
in fact, last year, it was their No. 1 pri- Chairman, respectively.
thority to any other member of the Com-
ority, among the community colleges— mittee. RULE 4. REPORTING OF MEASURES OR
the American Association of Commu- 1.3. A special meeting of the Committee RECOMMENDATIONS
nity Colleges, and other groups. may be called at any time upon the written 4.1. No measures or recommendations shall
The reason the JOBS Act has this request of five or more members of the Com- be reported, favorably or unfavorably, from
kind of strong support is it is the best mittee filed with the Clerk of the Com- the Committee unless a majority of the
proposal out there that will help fill mittee. Committee is actually present and a major-
1.4. In the case of any meeting of the Com- ity concur.
the skills gap we have right now. It 4.2. In any case in which the Committee is
mittee, other than a regularly scheduled
will cover programs that, at a min- unable to reach a unanimous decision, sepa-
meeting, the Clerk of the Committee shall
imum, require 150 hours and 8 weeks to notify every member of the Committee of rate views or reports may be presented by
complete. Alternative proposals se- the time and place of the meeting and shall any member or members of the Committee.
verely limit the programs by requiring 4.3. A member of the Committee who gives
give reasonable notice which, except in ex-
them to have too many hours, 320 notice of intention to file supplemental, mi-
traordinary circumstances, shall be at least
nority, or additional views at the time of
hours. Ohio community colleges have 24 hours in advance of any meeting held in
final Committee approval of a measure or
told me none of their short-term train- Washington, D.C. and at least 48 hours in the
matter, shall be entitled to not less than
ing programs would qualify under that case of any meeting held outside Wash-
three weekdays in which to file such views,
ington, D.C.
higher number of hour requirement. in writing with the Clerk of the Committee.
1.5. If five members of the Committee have
Programs like welding, precision ma- made a request in writing to the Chairman
Such views shall then be included in the
chining, and electrical trades—we need Committee report and printed in the same
to call a meeting of the Committee, and the
the JOBS Act now. As we work to get volume, as a part thereof, and their inclusion
Chairman fails to call such a meeting within
shall be noted on the cover of the report.
our economy back up to speed, passing seven calendar days thereafter, including the 4.4. Routine, non-legislative actions re-
the JOBS Act is a top priority for Sen- day on which the written notice is sub- quired of the Committee may be taken in ac-
ator KAINE, for myself, and for other mitted, these members may call a meeting cordance with procedures that have been ap-
Members on both sides of the aisle. by filing a written notice with the Clerk of proved by the Committee pursuant to these
Let’s be sure that we work together the Committee who shall promptly notify Committee Rules.
each member of the Committee in writing of
to get this legislations across the fin- RULE 5. NOMINATIONS
the date and time of the meeting.
ish line. It just makes too much sense. 5.1. Unless otherwise ordered by a joint de-
RULE 2. MEETING PROCEDURES
It is going to help tens of thousands of termination made by the Chairman and Vice
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
people have better opportunities. It is 2.1. Meetings of the Committee shall be Chairman, nominations referred to the Com-
open to the public except as provided in mittee shall be held for at least 14 calendar
going to help our economy fill the crit- paragraph 5(b) of Rule XXVI of the Standing days before being voted on by the Com-
ical jobs it needs to recover. Rules of the Senate. mittee.
We need to seize this opportunity, 2.2. It shall be the duty of the Staff Direc- 5.2. Each member of the Committee shall
seize it now, get this economy back on tor to keep or cause to be kept a record of all be promptly furnished a copy of all nomina-
track, and ensure Ohioans and all Committee proceedings. tions referred to the Committee.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.042 S16MRPT1
S1552 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
5.3. Nominees who are invited to appear be- fect by a majority of the members present, tempt recommendation or subpoena enforce-
fore the Committee shall be heard in public subject such counsel to disciplinary action ment proceeding either in writing or in per-
session, except as provided in Rule 2.1. which may include warning, censure, re- son, and agreed by majority vote of the Com-
5.4. No confirmation hearing shall be held moval, or a recommendation of contempt mittee to forward such recommendation to
sooner than seven calendar days after receipt proceedings. the Senate.
of the background questionnaire and finan- (d) Role of Counsel for Witness. There shall 8.10. Release of Name of Witness.—Unless
cial disclosure statement unless the time be no direct or cross-examination by counsel authorized by the Chairman, the name of
limit is waived by a majority vote of the for the witness. However, counsel for the any witness scheduled to be heard by the
Committee. witness may submit any question in writing Committee shall not be released prior to, or
5.5. The Committee vote on the confirma- to the Committee and request the Com- after, appearing before the Committee. Upon
tion shall not be sooner than 48 hours after mittee to propound such question to the authorization by the Chairman to release the
the Committee has received transcripts of counsel’s client or to any other witness. The name of a witness under this paragraph, the
the confirmation hearing unless the time counsel for the witness also may suggest the Vice Chairman shall be notified of such au-
limit is waived by unanimous consent of the presentation of other evidence or the calling thorization as soon as practicable thereafter.
Committee. of other witnesses. The Committee may use No name of any witness shall be released if
5.6. No nomination shall be reported to the or dispose of such questions or suggestions such release would disclose classified infor-
Senate unless the nominee has filed a re- as it deems appropriate. mation, unless authorized under Section 8 of
sponse to the Committee’s background ques- 8.5. Statements by Witnesses.—Witnesses S. Res. 400 of the 94th Congress or Rule 9.7.
tionnaire and financial disclosure statement may make brief and relevant statements at
RULE 9. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CLASSIFIED
with the Committee. the beginning and conclusion of their testi-
OR COMMITTEE SENSITIVE MATERIAL
mony. Such statements shall not exceed a
RULE 6. INVESTIGATIONS 9.1. Committee staff offices shall operate
reasonable period of time as determined by
No investigation shall be initiated by the the Chairman, or other presiding members. under strict security procedures adminis-
Committee unless at least five members of Any witness required or desiring to make a tered by the Committee Security Director
the Committee have specifically requested prepared or written statement for the record under the direct supervision of the Staff Di-
the Chairman or the Vice Chairman to au- of the proceedings shall file a paper and elec- rector and Minority Staff Director. At least
thorize such an investigation. Authorized in- tronic copy with the Clerk of the Committee, one United States Capitol Police Officer
vestigations may be conducted by members and insofar as practicable and consistent shall be on duty at all times at the entrance
of the Committee and/or designated Com- with the notice given, shall do so at least 48 of the Committee to control entry. Before
mittee staff members. hours in advance of his or her appearance be- entering the Committee office space all per-
RULE 7. SUBPOENAS fore the Committee, unless the Chairman sons shall identify themselves and provide
and Vice Chairman determine there is good identification as requested.
Subpoenas authorized by the Committee
cause for noncompliance with the 48 hours 9.2. Classified documents and material
for the attendance of witnesses or the pro-
requirement. shall be stored in authorized security con-
duction of memoranda, documents, records,
8.6. Objections and Rulings.—Any objection tainers located within the Committee’s Sen-
or any other material may be issued by the
raised by a witness or counsel shall be ruled sitive Compartmented Information Facility
Chairman, the Vice Chairman, or any mem-
upon by the Chairman or other presiding (SCIF). Copying, duplicating, or removing
ber of the Committee designated by the
member, and such ruling shall be the ruling from the Committee offices of such docu-
Chairman, and may be served by any person
of the Committee unless a majority of the ments and other materials is strictly prohib-
designated by the Chairman, Vice Chairman
Committee present overrules the ruling of ited except as is necessary for the conduct of
or member issuing the subpoenas. Each sub-
the chair. Committee business, and as provided by
poena shall have attached thereto a copy of
8.7. Inspection and Correction.—All wit- these Rules. All classified documents or ma-
S. Res. 400 of the 94th Congress, and a copy
nesses testifying before the Committee shall terials removed from the Committee offices
of these rules.
be given a reasonable opportunity to inspect, for such authorized purposes must be re-
RULE 8. PROCEDURES RELATED TO THE TAKING turned to the Committee’s SCIF for over-
in the office of the Committee, the tran-
OF TESTIMONY night storage.
script of their testimony to determine
8.1. Notice.—Witnesses required to appear whether such testimony was correctly tran- 9.3. ‘‘Committee sensitive’’ means informa-
before the Committee shall be given reason- scribed. The witness may be accompanied by tion or material that pertains to the con-
able notice and all witnesses shall be fur- counsel. Any corrections the witness desires fidential business or proceedings of the Se-
nished a copy of these Rules. to make in the transcript shall be submitted lect Committee on Intelligence, within the
8.2. Oath or Affirmation.—At the direction in writing to the Committee within five days meaning of paragraph 5 of Rule XXIX of the
of the Chairman or Vice Chairman, testi- from the date when the transcript was made Standing Rules of the Senate, and is: (1) in
mony of witnesses may be given under oath available to the witness. Corrections shall be the possession or under the control of the
or affirmation which may be administered limited to grammar and minor editing, and Committee; (2) discussed or presented in an
by any member of the Committee. may not be made to change the substance of executive session of the Committee; (3) the
8.3. Questioning.—Committee questioning the testimony. Any questions arising with work product of a Committee member or
of witnesses shall be conducted by members respect to such corrections shall be decided staff member; (4) properly identified or
of the Committee and such Committee staff by the Chairman. Upon request, the Com- marked by a Committee member or staff
as are authorized by the Chairman, Vice mittee may provide to a witness those parts member who authored the document; or (5)
Chairman, or the presiding member. of testimony given by that witness in execu- designated as such by the Chairman and Vice
8.4. Counsel for the Witness.—(a) Gen- tive session which are subsequently quoted Chairman (or by the Staff Director and Mi-
erally. Any witness may be accompanied by or made part of a public record, at the ex- nority Staff Director acting on their behalf).
counsel, subject to the requirement of para- pense of the witness. Committee sensitive documents and mate-
graph (b). 8.8. Requests To Testify.—The Committee rials that are classified shall be handled in
(b) Counsel Clearances Required. In the will consider requests to testify on any mat- the same manner as classified documents
event that a meeting of the Committee has ter or measure pending before the Com- and material in Rule 9.2. Unclassified com-
been closed because the subject matter was mittee. A person who believes that testi- mittee sensitive documents and materials
classified in nature, counsel accompanying a mony or other evidence presented at a public shall be stored in a manner to protect
witness before the Committee must possess hearing, or any comment made by a Com- against unauthorized disclosure.
the requisite security clearance and provide mittee member or a member of the Com- 9.4. Each member of the Committee shall
proof of such clearance to the Committee at mittee staff, may tend to affect adversely at all times have access to all papers and
least 24 hours prior to the meeting at which that person’s reputation, may request in other material received from any source.
the counsel intends to be present. A witness writing to appear personally before the Com- The Staff Director shall be responsible for
who is unable to obtain counsel may inform mittee to testify or may file a sworn state- the maintenance, under appropriate security
the Committee of such fact. If the witness ment of facts relevant to the testimony, evi- procedures, of a document control and ac-
informs the Committee of this fact at least dence, or comment, or may submit to the countability registry which will number and
24 hours prior to his or her appearance before Chairman proposed questions in writing for identify all classified papers and other clas-
the Committee, the Committee shall then the questioning of other witnesses. The Com- sified materials in the possession of the
endeavor to obtain voluntary counsel for the mittee shall take such action as it deems ap- Committee, and such registry shall be avail-
witness. Failure to obtain such counsel will propriate. able to any member of the Committee.
not excuse the witness from appearing and 8.9. Contempt Procedures.—No rec- 9.5. Whenever the Select Committee on In-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
testifying. ommendation that a person be cited for con- telligence makes classified material avail-
(c) Conduct of Counsel for the Witness. tempt of Congress or that a subpoena be oth- able to any other committee of the Senate or
Counsel for witnesses appearing before the erwise enforced shall be forwarded to the to any member of the Senate not a member
Committee shall conduct themselves in an Senate unless and until the Committee has, of the Committee, such material shall be ac-
ethical and professional manner at all times upon notice to all its members, met and con- companied by a verbal or written notice to
in their dealings with the Committee. Fail- sidered the recommendation, afforded the the recipients advising of their responsi-
ure to do so shall, upon a finding to that ef- person an opportunity to address such con- bility to protect such materials pursuant to
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.010 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1553
section 8 of S. Res. 400 of the 94th Congress. the conclusion of such meetings, and may be and until such a member of the Committee
The Security Director of the Committee made available to the department, agency, staff agrees in writing, as a condition of em-
shall ensure that such notice is provided and office, committee, or entity concerned only ployment, to abide by the conditions of the
shall maintain a written record identifying in accordance with the security procedures nondisclosure agreement promulgated by the
the particular information transmitted and of the Committee. Select Committee on Intelligence, pursuant
the committee or members of the Senate re- 9.11. Attendance of agencies or entities to Section 6 of S. Res. 400 of the 94th Con-
ceiving such information. that were not formally invited to a closed gress, and to abide by the Committee’s code
9.6. Access to classified information sup- proceeding of the Committee shall not be ad- of conduct.
plied to the Committee shall be limited to mitted to the closed meeting except upon ad- 10.7. As a precondition for employment on
those Committee staff members with appro- vance permission from the Chairman and the Committee, each member of the Com-
priate security clearance and a need-to- Vice Chairman, or by the Staff Director and mittee staff must agree in writing to notify
know, as determined by the Committee, and, Minority Staff Director acting on their be- the Committee of any request for testimony,
under the Committee’s direction, the Staff half. either during service as a member of the
Director and Minority Staff Director. RULE 10. STAFF Committee staff or at any time thereafter
9.7. No member of the Committee or of the 10.1. For purposes of these rules, Com- with respect to information obtained by vir-
Committee staff shall disclose, in whole or in mittee staff includes employees of the Com- tue of employment as a member of the Com-
part or by way of summary, the contents of mittee, consultants to the Committee, or mittee staff. Such information shall not be
any classified or committee sensitive papers, any other person engaged by contract or oth- disclosed in response to such requests, except
materials, briefings, testimony, or other in- erwise to perform services for or at the re- as directed by the Committee in accordance
formation received by, or in the possession quest of the Committee. To the maximum with Section 8 of S. Res. 400 of the 94th Con-
of, the Committee to any other person, ex- extent practicable, the Committee shall rely gress and the provisions of these rules or, in
cept as specified in this rule. Committee on its full-time employees to perform all the event of the termination of the Com-
members and staff do not need prior approval staff functions. No individual may be re- mittee, in such manner as may be deter-
to disclose classified or committee sensitive tained as staff of the Committee or to per- mined by the Senate.
information to persons in the Executive form services for the Committee unless that 10.8. The Committee shall immediately
branch, the members and staff of the House individual holds appropriate security clear- consider action to be taken in the case of
Permanent Select Committee on Intel- ances. any member of the Committee staff who fails
ligence, and the members and staff of the 10.2. The appointment of Committee staff to conform to any of these Rules. Such dis-
Senate, provided that the following condi- shall be approved by the Chairman and Vice ciplinary action may include, but shall not
tions are met: Chairman, acting jointly, or, at the initia- be limited to, revocation of the Committee
(1) for classified information, the recipi- tive of both or either be confirmed by a ma- sponsorship of the staff person’s security
ents of the information must possess appro- jority vote of the Committee. After approval clearance and immediate dismissal from the
priate security clearances (or have access to or confirmation, the Chairman shall certify Committee staff.
the information by virtue of their office); Committee staff appointments to the Finan- 10.9. Within the Committee staff shall be
(2) for all information, the recipients of the cial Clerk of the Senate in writing. No Com- an element with the capability to perform
information must have a need-to-know such mittee staff shall be given access to any audits of programs and activities undertaken
information for an official governmental classified information or regular access to by departments and agencies with intel-
purpose; and the Committee offices until such Committee ligence functions. The audit element shall
(3) for all information, the Committee staff has received an appropriate security conduct audits and oversight projects that
members and staff who provide the informa- clearance as described in Section 6 of S. Res. have been specifically authorized by the
tion must be engaged in the routine perform- 400 of the 94th Congress. Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Com-
ance of Committee legislative or oversight 10.3. The Committee staff works for the mittee, acting jointly through the Staff Di-
duties. Otherwise, classified and committee Committee as a whole, under the supervision rector and Minority Staff Director. Staff
sensitive information may only be disclosed of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the shall be assigned to such element jointly by
to persons outside the Committee (to include Committee. The duties of the Committee the Chairman and Vice Chairman, and staff
any congressional committee, Member of staff shall be performed, and Committee with the principal responsibility for the con-
Congress, congressional staff, or specified staff personnel affairs and day-to-day oper- duct of an audit shall be qualified by train-
non-governmental persons who support intel- ations, including security and control of ing or experience in accordance with accept-
ligence activities) with the prior approval of classified documents and material, shall be ed auditing standards.
the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the administered under the direct supervision 10.10. The workplace of the Committee
Committee, or the Staff Director and Minor- and control of the Staff Director. All Com- shall be free from illegal use, possession,
ity Staff Director acting on their behalf, mittee staff shall work exclusively on intel- sale, or distribution of controlled substances
consistent with the requirements that classi- ligence oversight issues for the Committee. by its employees. Any violation of such pol-
fied information may only be disclosed to The Minority Staff Director and the Minor- icy by any member of the Committee staff
persons with appropriate security clearances ity Counsel shall be kept fully informed re- shall be grounds for termination of employ-
and a need-to-know such information for an garding all matters and shall have access to ment. Further, any illegal use of controlled
official governmental purpose. Public disclo- all material in the files of the Committee. substances by a member of the Committee
sure of classified information in the posses- 10.4. The Committee staff shall assist the staff, within the workplace or otherwise,
sion of the Committee may only be author- minority as fully as the majority in the ex- shall result in reconsideration of the secu-
ized in accordance with Section 8 of S. Res. pression of minority views, including assist- rity clearance of any such staff member and
400 of the 94th Congress. ance in the preparation and filing of addi- may constitute grounds for termination of
9.8. Failure to abide by Rule 9.7 shall con- tional, separate, and minority views, to the employment with the Committee.
stitute grounds for referral to the Select end that all points of view may be fully con- 10.11. All personnel actions affecting the
Committee on Ethics pursuant to Section 8 sidered by the Committee and the Senate. staff of the Committee shall be made free
of S. Res. 400 of the 94th Congress. Prior to 10.5. The members of the Committee staff
from any discrimination based on race,
a referral to the Select Committee on Ethics shall not discuss either the substance or pro-
color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
pursuant to Section 8 of S. Res. 400, the cedure of the work of the Committee with
handicap, or disability.
Chairman and Vice Chairman shall notify any person not a member of the Committee
or the Committee staff for any purpose or in RULE 11. PREPARATION FOR COMMITTEE
the Majority Leader and Minority Leader.
9.9. Before the Committee makes any deci- connection with any proceeding, judicial or MEETINGS
sion regarding the disposition of any testi- otherwise, either during their tenure as a 11.1. Under direction of the Chairman and
mony, papers, or other materials presented member of the Committee staff or at any the Vice Chairman designated Committee
to it, the Committee members shall have a time thereafter, except as directed by the staff members shall brief members of the
reasonable opportunity to examine all perti- Committee in accordance with Section 8 of Committee at a time sufficiently prior to
nent testimony, papers, and other materials S. Res. 400 of the 94th Congress and the pro- any Committee meeting to assist the Com-
that have been obtained by the members of visions of these rules, or in the event of the mittee members in preparation for such
the Committee or the Committee staff. termination of the Committee, in such a meeting and to determine any matter which
9.10. Attendance of persons outside the manner as may be determined by the Senate. the Committee member might wish consid-
Committee at closed meetings of the Com- The Chairman may authorize the Staff Di- ered during the meeting. Such briefing shall,
mittee shall be kept at a minimum and shall rector and the Staff Director’s designee, and at the request of a member, include a list of
be limited to persons with appropriate secu- the Vice Chairman may authorize the Minor- all pertinent papers and other materials that
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
rity clearance and a need-to-know the infor- ity Staff Director and the Minority Staff Di- have been obtained by the Committee that
mation under consideration for the execu- rector’s designee, to communicate with the bear on matters to be considered at the
tion of their official duties. The Security Di- media in a manner that does not divulge meeting.
rector of the Committee may require that classified or committee sensitive informa- 11.2. The Staff Director and/or Minority
notes taken at such meetings by any person tion. Staff Director may recommend to the Chair-
in attendance shall be returned to the secure 10.6. No member of the Committee staff man and the Vice Chairman the testimony,
storage area in the Committee’s offices at shall be employed by the Committee unless papers, and other materials to be presented
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.011 S16MRPT1
S1554 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
to the Committee at any meeting. The deter- the provisions of Paragraph 1 of Rule XXIV the Select Committee with respect to such
mination whether such testimony, papers, of the Standing Rules of the Senate at the preliminary inquiry or adjudicatory review.
and other materials shall be presented in beginning of each Congress. For purposes of Any Member of the Senate appointed for
open or executive session shall be made pur- paragraph 4 of Rule XXV of the Standing such purposes shall be of the same party as
suant to the Rules of the Senate and Rules of Rules of the Senate, service of a Senator as the Member who is ineligible or disqualifies
the Committee. a member or chairman of the Select Com- himself or herself.
11.3. The Staff Director shall ensure that mittee shall not be taken into account. Sec. 2. (a) It shall be the duty of the Select
covert action programs of the U.S. Govern- (b) Vacancies in the membership of the Se- Committee to—
ment receive appropriate consideration by lect Committee shall not affect the author- (1) receive complaints and investigate alle-
the Committee no less frequently than once ity of the remaining members to execute the gations of improper conduct which may re-
a quarter. functions of the committee, and shall be flect upon the Senate, violations of law, vio-
filled in the same manner as original ap- lations of the Senate Code of Official Con-
RULE 12. LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
pointments thereto are made. duct and violations of rules and regulations
12.1. The Clerk of the Committee shall (c)(1) A majority of the members of the Se- of the Senate, relating to the conduct of in-
maintain a calendar for the information of lect Committee shall constitute a quorum dividuals in the performance of their duties
each Committee member showing the meas- for the transaction of business involving as Members of the Senate, or as officers or
ures introduced and referred to the Com- complaints or allegations of, or information employees of the Senate, and to make appro-
mittee and the status of such measures; about, misconduct, including resulting pre- priate findings of fact and conclusions with
nominations referred to the Committee and liminary inquiries, adjudicatory reviews, respect thereto;
their status; and such other matters as the recommendations or reports, and matters re- (2)(A) recommend to the Senate by report
Committee determines shall be included. The lating to Senate Resolution 400, agreed to or resolution by a majority vote of the full
calendar shall be available to all members of May 19, 1976. committee disciplinary action to be taken
the Committee. (2) Three members shall constitute a with respect to such violations which the Se-
12.2. Measures referred to the Committee quorum for the transaction of routine busi- lect Committee shall determine, after ac-
may be referred by the Chairman and/or Vice ness of the Select Committee not covered by cording to the individual concerned due no-
Chairman to the appropriate department or the first paragraph of this subparagraph, in- tice and opportunity for a hearing, to have
agency of the Government for reports there- cluding requests for opinions and interpreta- occurred;
on. (B) pursuant to subparagraph (A) rec-
tions concerning the Code of Official Con-
ommend discipline, including—
RULE 13. COMMITTEE TRAVEL duct or any other statute or regulation (i) in the case of a Member, a recommenda-
No member of the Committee or Com- under the jurisdiction of the Select Com- tion to the Senate for expulsion, censure,
mittee Staff shall travel on Committee busi- mittee, if one member of the quorum is a payment of restitution, recommendation to
ness unless specifically authorized by the member of the majority Party and one mem- a Member’s party conference regarding the
Chairman and Vice Chairman. Requests for ber of the quorum is a member of the minor- Member’s seniority or positions of responsi-
authorization of such travel shall state the ity Party. During the transaction of routine bility, or a combination of these; and
purpose and extent of the trip. A full report business any member of the Select Com- (ii) in the case of an officer or employee,
shall be filed with the Committee when trav- mittee constituting the quorum shall have dismissal, suspension, payment of restitu-
el is completed. the right to postpone further discussion of a tion, or a combination of these;
RULE 14. SUSPENSION AND AMENDMENT OF THE
pending matter until such time as a major- (3) subject to the provisions of subsection
RULES
ity of the members of the Select Committee (e), by a unanimous vote of 6 members, order
are present. that a Member, officer, or employee be rep-
(a) These Rules may be modified, amended, (3) The Select Committee may fix a lesser rimanded or pay restitution, or both, if the
or repealed by the Committee, provided that number as a quorum for the purpose of tak- Select Committee determines, after accord-
a notice in writing of the proposed change ing sworn testimony. ing to the Member, officer, or employee due
has been given to each member at least 48 (d)(1) A member of the Select Committee notice and opportunity for a hearing, that
hours prior to the meeting at which action shall be ineligible to participate in— misconduct occurred warranting discipline
thereon is to be taken. (A) any preliminary inquiry or adjudica- less serious than discipline by the full Sen-
(b) These Rules shall continue and remain tory review relating to— ate;
in effect from one Congress to the next Con- (i) the conduct of— (4) in the circumstances described in sub-
gress unless they are changed as provided (I) such member; section (d)(3), issue a public or private letter
herein. (II) any officer or employee the member ofadmonition to a Member, officer, or em-
f supervises; or ployee, which shall not be subject to appeal
(III) any employee of any officer the mem- to the Senate;
SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ber supervises; or (5) recommend to the Senate, by report or
ETHICS RULES OF PROCEDURE (ii) any complaint filed by the member; resolution, such additional rules or regula-
and tions as the Select Committee shall deter-
Mr. COONS. Mr. President, in accord- (B) the determinations and recommenda- mine to be necessary or desirable to insure
ance with rule XXVI, paragraph 2 of tions of the Select Committee with respect proper standards of conduct by Members of
the Standing Rules of the Senate, I ask to any preliminary inquiry or adjudicatory the Senate, and by officers or employees of
unanimous consent, for myself as review described in subparagraph(A). the Senate, in the performance of their du-
chairman of the Select Committee on For purposes of this paragraph, a member ties and the discharge of their responsibil-
Ethics and for Senator JAMES of the Select Committee and an officer of the ities;
Senate shall be deemed to supervise any offi- (6) by a majority vote of the full com-
LANKFORD, vice chairman of the com- cer or employee consistent with the provi-
mittee, that the rules of procedure of mittee, report violations of any law, includ-
sion of paragraph 12 of Rule XXXVII of the ing the provision of false information to the
the Select Committee on Ethics, which Standing Rules of the Senate. Select Committee, to the proper Federal and
were adopted February 23, 1978, and re- (2) A member of the Select Committee State authorities; and
vised November 1999, be printed in the may, at the discretion of the member, dis- (7) develop and implement programs and
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD for the 117th qualify himself or herself from participating materials designed to educate Members, offi-
Congress. in any preliminary inquiry or adjudicatory cers, and employees about the laws, rules,
review pending before the Select Committee regulations, and standards of conduct appli-
There being no objection, the mate-
and the determinations and recommenda- cable to such individuals in the performance
rial was ordered to be printed in the tions of the Select Committee with respect of their duties.
RECORD, as follows: to any such preliminary inquiry or adjudica- (b) For the purposes of this resolution—
RULES OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ETHICS tory review. Notice of such disqualification (1) the term ‘‘sworn complaint’’ means a
PART I: ORGANIC AUTHORITY shall be given in writing to the President of written statement of facts, submitted under
the Senate. penalty of perjury, within the personal
SUBPART A—S. RES. 338 AS AMENDED
(3) Whenever any member of the Select knowledge of the complainant alleging a vio-
S. Res. 338, 88th Cong., 2d Sess. (1964) Committee is ineligible under paragraph (1) lation of law, the Senate Code of Official
Resolved, That (a) there is hereby estab- to participate in any preliminary inquiry or Conduct, or any other rule or regulation of
lished a permanent select committee of the adjudicatory review or disqualifies himself the Senate relating to the conduct of indi-
Senate to be known as the Select Committee or herself under paragraph (2) from partici- viduals in the performance of their duties as
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
on Ethics (referred to hereinafter asthe ‘‘Se- pating in any preliminary inquiry or adju- Members, officers, or employees of the Sen-
lect Committee’’) consisting of six Members dicatory review, another Senator shall, sub- ate;
of the Senate, of whom three shall be se- ject to the provisions of subsection (d), be (2) the term ‘‘preliminary inquiry’’ means
lected from members of the majority party appointed to serve as a member of the Select a proceeding undertaken by the Select Com-
and three shall be selected from members of Committee solely for purposes of such pre- mittee following the receipt of a complaint
the minority party. Members thereof shall be liminary inquiry or adjudicatory review and or allegation of, or information about, mis-
appointed by the Senate in accordance with the determinations and recommendations of conduct by a Member, officer, or employee of
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:01 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.013 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1555
the Senate to determine whether there is (e)(1) Any individual who is the subject of any action regarding any complaint or alle-
substantial credible evidence which provides a reprimand or order of restitution, or both, gation, which, in the determination of the
substantial cause for the Select Committee pursuant to subsection (a)(3) may, within 30 Select Committee is more appropriately con-
to conclude that a violation within the juris- days of the Select Committee’s report to the ducted by counsel not employed by the Gov-
diction of the Select Committee has oc- Senate of its action imposing a reprimand or ernment of the United States as a regular
curred; and order of restitution, or both, appeal to the employee.
(3) the term ‘‘adjudicatory review’’ means Senate by providing written notice of the (2) Any adjudicatory review as defined in
a proceeding undertaken by the Select Com- basis for the appeal to the Select Committee section 2(b)(3) shall be conducted by outside
mittee after a finding, on the basis of a pre- and the presiding officer of the Senate. The counsel as authorized in paragraph (1), un-
liminary inquiry, that there is substantial presiding officer of the Senate shall cause less the Select Committee determines not to
credible evidence which provides substantial the notice of the appeal to be printed in the use outside counsel.
cause for the Select Committee to conclude Congressional Record and the Senate Jour- (c) With the prior consent of the depart-
that a violation within the jurisdiction of nal. ment or agency concerned, the Select Com-
the Select Committee has occurred. (2) A motion to proceed to consideration of mittee may (1) utilize the services, informa-
(c) (1) No— an appeal pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be tion and facilities of any such department or
(A) adjudicatory review of conduct of a highly privileged and not debatable. If the agency of the Government, and (2) employ on
Member or officer of the Senate may be con- motion to proceed to consideration of the ap- a reimbursable basis or otherwise the serv-
ducted; peal is agreed to, the appeal shall be decided ices of such personnel of any such depart-
(B) report, resolution, or recommendation on the basis of the Select Committee’s report ment or agency as it deems advisable. With
relating to such an adjudicatory review of to the Senate. Debate on the appeal shall be the consent of any other committee of the
conduct may be made; and limited to 10 hours, which shall be divided Senate, or any subcommittee thereof, the
(C) letter of admonition pursuant to sub- equally between, and controlled by, those fa- Select Committee may utilize the facilities
section (d)(3) may be issued, unless approved voring and those opposing the appeal. and the services of the staff of such other
by the affirmative recorded vote of no fewer (f) The Select Committee may, in its dis- committee or subcommittee whenever the
than 4 members of the Select Committee. cretion, employ hearing examiners to hear chairman of the SelectCommittee deter-
(2) No other resolution, report, rec- testimony and make findings of fact and/or mines that such action is necessary and ap-
ommendation, interpretative ruling, or advi- recommendations to the Select Committee propriate.
sory opinion maybe made without an affirm- concerning the disposition of complaints. (d)(1) Subpoenas maybe authorized by—
ative vote of a majority of the Members of (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of (A) the Select Committee; or
the Select Committee voting. this section, no adjudicatory review shall be (B) the chairman and vice chairman, act-
(d)(1) When the Select Committee receives initiated of any alleged violation of any law, ing jointly.
a sworn complaint or other allegation or in- the Senate Code of Official Conduct, rule, or (2) Any such subpoena shall be issued and
formation about a Member, officer, or em- regulation which was not in effect at the signed by the chairman and the vice chair-
ployee of the Senate, it shall promptly con- time the alleged violation occurred. No pro- man and may be served by any person des-
duct a preliminary inquiry into matters visions of the Senate Code of Official Con- ignated by the chairman and vice chairman.
raised by that complaint, allegation, or in- duct shall apply to or require disclosure of (3) The chairman or any member of the Se-
formation. The preliminary inquiry shall be any act, relationship, or transaction which lect Committee may administer oaths to
of duration and scope necessary to determine occurred prior to the effective date of the ap- witnesses.
whether there is substantial credible evi- plicable provision of the Code.The Select (e)(1) The Select Committee shall prescribe
dence which provides substantial cause for Committee may initiate an adjudicatory re- and publish such regulations as it feels are
the Select Committee to conclude that a vio- view of any alleged violation of a rule or law necessary to implement the Senate Code of
lation within the jurisdiction of the Select which was in effect prior to the enactment of Official Conduct.
Committee has occurred. The Select Com- the Senate Code of Official Conduct if the al- (2) The Select Committee is authorized to
mittee may delegate to the chairman and leged violation occurred while such rule or issue interpretative rulings explaining and
vice chairman the discretion to determine law was in effect and the violation was not a clarifying the application of any law, the
the appropriate duration, scope, and conduct matter resolved on the merits by the prede- Code of Official Conduct, or any rule or regu-
of a preliminary inquiry. cessor Select Committee. lation of the Senate within its jurisdiction.
(2) If as a result of a preliminary inquiry (h) The Select Committee shall adopt writ- (3) The Select Committee shall render an
under paragraph (1), the Select Committee ten rules setting forth procedures to be used advisory opinion, in writing within a reason-
determines by a recorded vote that there is in conducting preliminary inquiries and ad- able time, in response to a written request
not such substantial credible evidence, the judicatory reviews. by a Member or officer of the Senate or a
Select Committee shall dismiss the matter. (i) The Select Committee from time to candidate for nomination for election, or
The Select Committee may delegate to the time shall transmit to the Senate its rec- election to the Senate, concerning the appli-
chairman and vice chairman the authority, ommendation as to any legislative measures cation of any law, the Senate Code of Official
on behalf of the Select Committee, to dis- which it may consider to be necessary for Conduct, or any rule or regulation of the
miss any matter that they determine, after a the effective discharge of its duties. Senate within its jurisdiction to a specific
preliminary inquiry, lacks substantial merit. Sec. 3. (a) The Select Committee is author- factual situation pertinent to the conduct or
The Select Committee shall inform the indi- ized to (1) make such expenditures; (2) hold proposed conduct of the person seeking the
vidual who provided to the Select Committee such hearings; (3) sit and act at such times advisory opinion.
the complaint, allegation, or information, and places during the sessions, recesses, and (4) The Select Committee may in its dis-
and the individual who is the subject of the adjournment periods of the Senate; (4) re- cretion render an advisory opinion in writing
complaint, allegation, or information, of the quire by subpoena or otherwise the attend- within a reasonable time in response to a
dismissal, together with an explanation of ance of such witnesses and the production of written request by any employee of the Sen-
the basis for the dismissal. such correspondence, books, papers, and doc- ate concerning the application of any law,
(3) If as a result of a preliminary inquiry uments; (5) administer such oaths; (6) take the Senate Code of Official Conduct, or any
under paragraph (1), the Select Committee such testimony orally or by deposition; (7) rule or regulation of the Senate within its
determines that a violation is in advertent, employ and fix the compensation of a staff jurisdiction to a specific factual situation
technical, or other wise of a de minim is na- director, a counsel, an assistant counsel, one pertinent to the conduct or proposed conduct
ture, the Select Committee may dispose of or more investigators, one or more hearing of the person seeking the advisory opinion.
the matter by issuing a public or private let- examiners, and such mechanical, clerical, (5) Notwithstanding any provision of the
ter of admonition, which shall not be consid- and other assistants and consultants as it Senate Code of Official Conduct or any rule
ered discipline. The Select Committee may deems advisable; and (8) to procure the tem- or regulation of the Senate, any person who
issue a public letter of admonition upon a porary services (not in excess of one year) or relies upon any provision or finding of an ad-
similar determination at the conclusion of intermittent services of individual consult- visory opinion in accordance with the provi-
an adjudicatory review. ants, or organizations thereof, by contract as sions of paragraphs (3) and (4) and who acts
(4) If, as a result of a preliminary inquiry independent contractors or, in the case of in- in good faith in accordance with the provi-
under paragraph (1), the Select Committee dividuals, by employment at daily rates of sions and findings of such advisory opinion
determines that there is such substantial compensation not in excess of the per diem shall not, as a result of any such act, be sub-
credible evidence and the matter cannot be equivalent of the highest rate of compensa- ject to any sanction by the Senate.
appropriately disposed of under paragraph tion which may be paid to a regular em- (6) Any advisory opinion rendered by the
(3), the Select Committee shall promptly ini- ployee of the Select Committee. Select Committee under paragraphs (3) and
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
tiate an adjudicatory review. Upon the con- (b)(1) The Select Committee is authorized (4) may be relied upon by (A) any person in-
clusion of such adjudicatory review, the Se- to retain and compensate counsel not em- volved in the specific transaction or activity
lect Committee shall report to theSenate, as ployed by the Senate (or by any department with respect to which such advisory opinion
soon as practicable, the results of such adju- or agency of the executive branch of the is rendered: Provided, however, that the re-
dicatory review, together with its rec- Government) whenever the Select Com- quest for such advisory opinion included a
ommendations (if any) pursuant to sub- mittee determines that the retention of out- complete and accurate statement of the spe-
section (a)(2). side counsel is necessary or appropriate for cific factual situation; and, (B) any person
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.037 S16MRPT1
S1556 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
involved in any specific transaction or activ- tion for the complaint, shall conduct an in- information available, the committee shall
ity which is indistinguishable in all its mate- vestigation of the matter, including an in- keep a written record showing, in the case of
rial aspects from the transaction or activity vestigation of reports and statements filed any particular information, which com-
with respect to which such advisory opinion by that complainant with respect to the mittee or which Members of the Senate re-
is rendered. matter which is the subject of the complaint. ceived such information. No Member of the
(7) Any advisory opinion issued in response The committee shall afford to the person Senate who, and no committee which, re-
to a request under paragraph (3) or (4) shall who is the subject of the complaint due no- ceives any information under this sub-
be printed in the Congressional Record with tice and, if it determines that there is sub- section, shall disclose such information ex-
appropriate deletions to assure the privacy stantial reason to believe that such violation cept in a closed session of the Senate.
of the individual concerned. The Select Com- has occurred or is about to occur, oppor- (d) It shall be the duty of the Select Com-
mittee shall, to the extent practicable, be- tunity for all parties to participate in a mittee on Standards and Conduct to inves-
fore rendering an advisory opinion, provide hearing before the select committee. The se- tigate any unauthorized disclosure of intel-
any interested party with an opportunity to lect committee shall issue a written decision ligence information by a Member, officer or
transmit written comments to the Select on each complaint under this subsection not employee of the Senate in violation of sub-
Committee with respect to the request for later than thirty days after such a complaint section (c) and to report to the Senate con-
such advisory opinion. The advisory opinions has been filed or, if a hearing is held, not cerning any allegation finds to be substan-
issued by the Select Committee shall be later than thirty days after the conclusion of tiated.
compiled, indexed, reproduced, and made such hearing. Such decision shall be based on (e) Upon the request of any person who is
available on a periodic basis. written findings of fact in the case by the se- subject to any such investigation, the Select
(8) A brief description of a waiver granted lect committee. If the select committee Committee on Standards and Conduct shall
under paragraph 2(c) [NOTE: Now Paragraph finds, in its written decision, that a violation release to such individual at the conclusion
1] of Rule XXXIV or paragraph 1 of Rule of its investigation a summary of its inves-
has occurred or is about to occur, the com-
XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate tigation together with its findings. If, at the
mittee may take such action and enforce-
shall be made available upon request in the conclusion of its investigation, the Select
ment as it considers appropriate in accord-
Select Committee office with appropriate de- Committee on Standards and Conduct deter-
ance with applicable rules, precedents, and
letions to assure the privacy of the indi- mines that there has been a significant
standing orders of the Senate, and such
breach of confidentiality or unauthorized
vidual concerned. other standards as may be prescribed by such
Sec. 4. The expenses of the Select Com- disclosure by a Member, officer, or employee
committee.
of the Senate, it shall report its findings to
mittee under this resolution shall be paid (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of
the Senate and recommend appropriate ac-
from the contingent fund of the Senate upon law, no court or administrative body in the
tion such as censure, removal from com-
vouchers approved by the chairman of the United States or in any territory thereof
mittee membership, or expulsion from the
Select Committee. Sec. 5. As used in this res- shall have jurisdiction to entertain any civil
Senate, in the case of a Member, or removal
olution, the term ‘‘officer or employee of the action of any character concerning or re-
from office or employment or punishment
Senate’’ means— lated to a violation of the franking laws or for contempt, in the case of an officer or em-
(1) an elected officer of the Senate who is an abuse of the franking privilege by any ployee.
not a Member of the Senate; person listed under subsection (a) of this sec-
(2) an employee of the Senate, any com- SUBPART D—RELATING TO RECEIPT AND DIS-
tion as entitled to send mail as franked mail,
mittee or subcommittee of the Senate, or POSITION OF FOREIGN GIFTS AND DECORA-
until a complaint has been filed with the se-
any Member of the Senate; TIONS RECEIVED BY MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND
lect committee and the committee has ren-
(3) the Legislative Counsel of the Senate or EMPLOYEES OF THE SENATE OR THEIR
dered a decision under subsection (b) of this
any employee of his office; SPOUSES OR DEPENDENTS, PROVISIONS RELAT-
section.
(4) an Official Reporter of Debates of the ING TO THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ETHICS
(d) The select committee shall prescribe
Senate and any person employed by the Offi- regulations for the holding of investigations Section 7342 of title 5, United States Code,
cial Reporters of Debates of the Senate in and hearings, the conduct of proceedings, states as follows:
connection with the performance of their of- and the rendering of decisions under this Sec. 7342. Receipt and disposition of foreign
ficial duties; subsection providing for equitable proce- gifts and decorations.
(5) a Member of the Capitol Police force ‘‘(a) For the purpose of this section—
dures and the protection of individual, pub- ‘‘(1) ‘‘employee’ means—
whose compensation is disbursed by the Sec- lic, and Government interests. The regula- ‘‘(A) an employee as defined by section 2105
retary of the Senate; tions shall, insofar as practicable, contain of this title and an officer or employee of the
(6) an employee of the Vice President if the substance of the administrative proce- United States Postal Service or of the Postal
such employee’s compensation is disbursed dure provisions of sections 551–559 and 701– Rate Commission;
by the Secretary of the Senate; and 706, of title 5, United States Code. These reg- ‘‘(B) an expert or consultant who is under
(7) an employee of a joint committee of the ulations shall govern matters under this sub- contract under section 3109 of this title with
Congress whose compensation is disbursed by section subject to judicial review thereof. the United States or any agency, depart-
the Secretary of the Senate. (e) The select committee shall keep a com- ment, or establishment thereof, including, in
SUBPART B—PUBLIC LAW 93–191—FRANKED MAIL, plete record of all its actions, including a the case of an organization performing serv-
PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SELECT COM- record of the votes on any question on which ices under such section, any individual in-
MITTEE a record vote is demanded. All records, data, volved in the performance of such services;
Sec. 6. (a) The Select Committee on Stand- and files of the select committee shall be the ‘‘(C) an individual employed by, or occu-
ards and Conduct of the Senate [NOTE: Now property of the Senate and shall be kept in pying an office or position in, the govern-
the Select Committee on Ethics] shall pro- the offices of the select committee or such ment of a territory or possession of the
vide guidance, assistance, advice and coun- other places as the committee may direct. United States or the government of the Dis-
sel, through advisory opinions or consulta- SUBPART C—STANDING ORDERS OF THE SENATE trict of Columbia;
tions, in connection with the mailing or con- REGARDING UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE OF ‘‘(D) a member of a uniformed service;
templated mailing of franked mail under sec- INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION, S. RES. 400, 94TH ‘‘(E) the President and the Vice President;
CONGRESS, PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SE- ‘‘(F) a Member of Congress as defined by
tion 3210, 3211, 3212, 3218(2) or 3218, and in
LECT COMMITTEE section 2106 of this title (except the Vice
connection with the operation of section
President) and any Delegate to the Congress;
3215, of title 39, United States Code, upon the SEC. 8. * * *
and
request of any Member of the Senate or (c)(1) No information in the possession of ‘‘(G) the spouse of an individual described
Member-elect, surviving spouse of any of the the select committee relating to the lawful in subparagraphs (A) through (F) (unless
foregoing, or other Senate official, entitled intelligence activities of any department or such individual and his or her spouse are sep-
to send mail as franked mail under any of agency of the United States which has been arated) or a dependent (within the meaning
those sections. The select committee shall classified under established security proce- of section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code
prescribe regulations governing the proper dures and which the select committee, pur- of 1986) of such an individual, other than a
use of the franking privilege under those sec- suant to sub section (a) or (b) of this section, spouse or dependent who is an employee
tions by such persons. has determined should not be disclosed, shall under subparagraphs (A) through (F);
(b) Any complaint filed by any person with be made available to any person by a Mem- ‘‘(2) ‘foreign government’ means—
the select committee that a violation of any ber, officer, or employee of the Senate except ‘‘(A) any unit of foreign governmental au-
section of title 39, United State Code, re- in a closed session of the Senate or as pro- thority, including any foreign national,
ferred to in subsection (a) of this section is vided in paragraph (2). State, local, and municipal government;
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
about to occur or has occurred within the (2) The select committee may, under such ‘‘(B) any international or multinational or-
immediately preceding period of 1 year, by regulations as the committee shall prescribe ganization whose membership is composed of
any person referred to in such subsection (a), to protect the confidentiality of such infor- any unit of foreign government described in
shall contain pertinent factual material and mation, make any information described in subparagraph (A); and
shall conform to regulations prescribed by paragraph (1) available to any other com- ‘‘(C) any agent or representative of any
the select committee. The select committee, mittee or any other Member of the Senate. such unit or such organization, while acting
if it determines there is reasonable justifica- Whenever the select committee makes such as such;
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.039 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1557
‘‘(3) ‘gift’ means a tangible or intangible eral Services in accordance with subsection and shall transmit such listing to the Sec-
present (other than a decoration) tendered (e)(1) or provide for its disposal in retary of State who shall publish a com-
by, or received from, a foreign government; ‘‘(3) When an employee deposits a gift of prehensive listing of all such statements in
‘‘(4) ‘decoration’ means an order, device, more than minimal value for disposal or for the Federal Register.
medal, badge, insignia, emblem, or award official use pursuant to paragraph (2), or ‘‘(2) Such listings shall include for each
tendered by, or received from, a foreign gov- within 30 days after accepting travel or trav- tangible gift reported—
ernment; el expenses as provided in paragraph ‘‘(A) the name and position of the em-
‘‘(5) ‘minimal value’ means a retail value (1)(B)(ii) unless such travel or travel ex- ployee;
in the United States at the time of accept- penses are accepted in accordance with spe- ‘‘(B) a brief description of the gift and the
ance of $100 or less, except that— cific instructions of his or her employing circumstances justifying acceptance;
‘‘(A) on January 1, 1981, and at 3 year inter- agency, the employee shall file a statement ‘‘(C) the identity, if known, of the foreign
vals thereafter, ‘minimal value’ shall be re- with his or her employing agency or its dele- government and the name and position of
defined in regulations prescribed by the Ad- gate containing the information prescribed the individual who presented the gift;
in subsection (f) for that gift. ‘‘(D) the date of acceptance of the gift;
ministrator of General Services, in consulta- ‘‘(E) the estimated value in the United
tion with the Secretary of State, to reflect ‘‘(d) The Congress consents to the accept-
ing, retaining, and wearing by an employee States of the gift at the time of acceptance;
changes in the consumer price index for the and
immediately preceding 3—year period; and of a decoration tendered in recognition of ac-
tive field service in time of combat oper- ‘‘(F) disposition or current location of the
‘‘(B) regulations of an employing agency gift.
may define ‘minimal value’ for its employees ations or awarded for other outstanding or
‘‘(3) Such listings shall include for each
to be less than the value established under unusually meritorious performance, subject
gift of travel or travel expenses—
this paragraph; and to the approval of the employing agency of ‘‘(A) the name and position of the em-
‘‘(6) ‘employing agency’ means— such employee. Without this approval, the ployee;
‘‘(A) the Committee on Standards of Offi- decoration is deemed to have been accepted ‘‘(B) a brief description of the gift and the
cial Conduct of the House of Representa- on behalf of the United States, shall become circumstances justifying acceptance; and
tives, for Members and employees of the the property of the United States, and shall ‘‘(C) the identity, if known, of the foreign
House of Representatives, except that those be deposited by the employee, within sixty government and the name and position of
responsibilities specified in subsections days of acceptance, with the employing the individual who presented the gift.
(c)(2)(A), (e)(1), and (g)(2)(B) shall be carried agency for official use, for forwarding to the ‘‘(4) In transmitting such listings for the
out by the Clerk of the House; Administrator of General Services for dis- Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of
‘‘(B) the Select Committee on Ethics of the posal in accordance with subsection (e)(1), or Central Intelligence may delete the informa-
Senate, for Senators and employees of the for disposal in accordance with subsection tion described in subparagraphs (A) and (C)
Senate, except that those responsibilities (e)(2). of paragraphs (2) and (3) if the Director cer-
(other than responsibilities involving ap- ‘‘(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), tifies in writing to the Secretary of State
proval of the employing agency) specified in gifts and decorations that have been depos- that the publication of such information
subsections (c)(2),(d), and (g)(2)(B) shall be ited with an employing agency for disposal could adversely affect United States intel-
carried out by the Secretary of the Senate; shall be (A) returned to the donor, or (B) for- ligence sources.
‘‘(C) the Administrative Office of the warded to the Administrator of General ‘‘(g)(1) Each employing agency shall pre-
United States Courts, for judges and judicial Services for transfer, donation, or other dis- scribe such regulations as may be necessary
branch employees; and posal in accordance with the provisions of to carry out the purpose of this section. For
‘‘(D) the department, agency, office, or the Federal Property and Administrative all employing agencies in the executive
other entity in which an employee is em- Services Act of 1949. However, no gift or branch, such regulations shall be prescribed
ployed, for other legislative branch employ- decoration that has been deposited for dis- pursuant to guidance provided by the Sec-
ees and for all executive branch employees. posal may be sold without the approval of retary of State. These regulations shall be
‘‘(b) An employee may not— the Secretary of State, upon a determination implemented by each employing agency for
‘‘(l)request or otherwise encourage the ten- that the sale will not adversely affect the its employees.
der of a gift or decoration; or foreign relations of the United States. Gifts ‘‘(2) Each employing agency shall—
‘‘(2) accept a gift or decoration, other than and decorations may be sold by negotiated ‘‘(A) report to the Attorney General cases
in accordance with, the provisions of sub- sale. in which there is reason to believe that an
sections (c) and (d). ‘‘(2) Gifts and decorations received by a employee has violated this section;
‘‘(c)(1) The Congress consents to— Senator or an employee of the Senate that ‘‘(B) establish a procedure for obtaining an
‘‘(A) the accepting and retaining by an em- are deposited with the Secretary of the Sen- appraisal, when necessary, of the value of
ployee of a gift of minimal value tendered ate for disposal, or are deposited for an offi- gifts; and
and received as a souvenir or mark of cour- cial use which has terminated, shall be dis- ‘‘(C) take any other actions necessary to
tesy; and posed of by the Commission on Arts and An- carry out the purpose of this section.
tiquities of the United States Senate. Any ‘‘(h) The Attorney General may bring a
‘‘(B) the accepting by an employee of a gift
such gift or decoration may be returned by civil action in any district court of the
of more than minimal value when such gift
the Commission to the donor or may be United States against any employee who
is in the nature of an educational scholar-
transferred or donated by the Commission, knowingly solicits or accepts a gift from a
ship or medical treatment or when it appears
subject to such terms and conditions as it foreign government not consented to by this
that to refuse the gift would likely cause of-
may prescribe, (A) to an agency or instru- section or who fails to deposit or report such
fense or embarrassment or otherwise ad-
mentality of (i) the United States, (ii) a gift as required by this section. The court in
versely affect the foreign relations of the
State, territory, or possession of the United which such action is brought may assess a
United States, except that
States, or a political subdivision of the fore- penalty against such employee in any
‘‘(i) a tangible gift of more than minimal
going, or (iii) the District of Columbia, or (B) amount not to exceed the retail value of the
value is deemed to have been accepted on be-
to an organization described in section gift improperly solicited or received plus
half of the United States and, upon accept-
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 $5,000.
ance, shall become the property of the
‘‘(i) The President shall direct all Chiefs of
United States; and which is exempt from taxation under section
a United States Diplomatic Mission to in-
‘‘(ii) an employee may accept gifts of trav- 501(a) of such Code. Any such gift or decora-
form their host governments that it is a gen-
el or expenses for travel taking place en- tion not disposed of as provided in the pre-
eral policy of the United States Government
tirely outside the United States (such as ceding sentence shall be forwarded to the Ad-
to prohibit United States Government em-
transportation, food, and lodging) of more ministrator of General Services for disposal
ployees from receiving gifts or decorations of
than minimal value if such acceptance is ap- in accordance with paragraph (1). If the Ad-
more than minimal value.
propriate, consistent with the interests of ministrator does not dispose of such gift or ‘‘(j) Nothing in this section shall be con-
the United States, and permitted by the em- decoration within one year, he shall, at the strued to derogate any regulation prescribed
ploying agency and any regulations which request of the Commission, return it to the by any employing agency which provides for
may be prescribed by the employing agency. Commission and the Commission may dis- more stringent limitations on the receipt of
‘‘(2) Within 60 days after accepting a tan- pose of such gift or decoration in such man- gifts and decorations by its employees.
gible gift of more than minimal value (other ner as it considers proper, except that such ‘‘(k) The provisions of this section do not
than a gift described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii)), gift or decoration may be sold only with the apply to grants and other forms of assistance
an employee shall— approval of the Secretary of State upon a de- to which section 108A of the Mutual Edu-
‘‘(A) deposit the gift for disposal with his termination that the sale will not adversely cational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
or her employing agency; or affect the foreign relations of the United applies.’’
‘‘(B) subject to the approval of the employ- States.
PART II: SUPPLEMENTARY PROCEDURAL RULES
ing agency, deposit the gift with that agency ‘‘(f)(1) Not later than January 31 of each
for official use. Within 30 days after termi- year, each employing agency or its delegate 145 Cong. Rec. S1832 (daily ed. Feb. 23, 1999)
nating the official use of a gift under sub- shall compile a listing of all statements filed RULE 1: GENERAL PROCEDURES
paragraph (B), the employing agency shall during the preceding year by the employees (a) OFFICERS: In the absence of the Chair-
forward the gift to the Administrator of Gen- of that agency pursuant to subsection (c)(3) man, the duties of the Chair shall be filled by
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.040 S16MRPT1
S1558 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
the Vice Chairman or, in the Vice Chair- the absence of the other may constitute the port. (See Rule 8 on Procedures for Handling
man’s absence, a Committee member des- quorum. Committee Sensitive and Classified Mate-
ignated by the Chairman. (e) ORDER OF BUSINESS: Questions as to rials.)
(b) PROCEDURAL RULES: The basic pro- the order of business and the procedure of (k) INELIGIBILITY OR DISQUALIFICA-
cedural rules of the Committee are stated as the Committee shall in the first instance be TION OF MEMBERS AND STAFF:
a part of the Standing Orders of the Senate decided by the Chairman and Vice Chairman, (1) A member of the Committee shall be in-
in Senate Resolution 338, 88th Congress, as subject to reversal by a vote by a majority of eligible to participate in any Committee pro-
amended, as well as other resolutions and the Committee. ceeding that relates specifically to any of
laws. Supplementary Procedural Rules are (f) HEARINGS ANNOUNCEMENTS: The the following:
stated herein and are hereinafter referred to Committee shall make public announcement (A) a preliminary inquiry or adjudicatory
as the Rules. The Rules shall be published in of the date, place and subject matter of any review relating to (i) the conduct of (I) such
the Congressional Record not later than hearing to be conducted by it at least one member; (II) any officer or employee the
week before the commencement of that hear- member supervises; or (ii) any complaint
thirty days after adoption, and copies shall
ing, and shall publish such announcement in filed by the member; and
be made available by the Committee office (B) the determinations and recommenda-
upon request. the Congressional Record. If the Committee
tions of the Committee with respect to any
(c) MEETINGS: determines that there is good cause to com-
preliminary inquiry or adjudicatory review
(1) The regular meeting of the Committee mence a hearing at an earlier date, such no-
described in subparagraph (A).
shall be the first Thursday of each month tice will be given at the earliest possible For purposes of this paragraph, a member
while the Congress is in session. time. of the committee and an officer of the Sen-
(2) Special meetings may be held at the (g) OPEN AND CLOSED COMMITTEE ate shall be deemed to supervise any officer
call of the Chairman or Vice Chairman if at MEETINGS: Meetings of the Committee or employee consistent with the provision of
least forty-eight hours notice is furnished to shall be open to the public or closed to the paragraph 12 of Rule XXXVII of the Standing
all members. If all members agree, a special public (executive session), as determined Rules of the Senate.
meeting may be held on less than forty-eight under the provisions of paragraphs 5(b) to (d) (2) In any Committee proceeding appears
hours notice. of Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the to relate to a member of the Committee in a
(3)(A) If any member of the Committee de- Senate. Executive session meetings of the manner described in subparagraph (1) of this
sires that a special meeting of the Com- Committee shall be closed except to the paragraph, the staff shall prepare a report to
mittee be called, the member may file in the members and the staff of the Committee. On the Chairman and Vice Chairman. If either
office of the Committee a written request to the motion of any member, and with the ap- the Chairman or the Vice Chairman con-
the Chairman or Vice Chairman for that spe- proval of a majority of the Committee mem- cludes from the report that it appears that
cial meeting. bers present, other individuals may be ad- the member may be ineligible, the member
(B) Immediately upon the filing of the re- mitted to an executive session meeting for a shall be notified in writing of the nature of
quest the Clerk of the Committee shall no- specific period or purpose. the particular proceeding and the reason
tify the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the (h) RECORD OF TESTIMONY AND COM- that it appears that the member may be in-
filing of the request. If, within three cal- MITTEE ACTION: An accurate stenographic eligible to participate in it. If the member
endar days after the filing of the request, the or transcribed electronic record shall be kept agrees that he or she is ineligible, the mem-
Chairman or the Vice Chairman does not call of all Committee proceedings, whether in ex- ber shall so notify the Chairman or Vice
the requested special meeting, to be held ecutive or public session. Such record shall Chairman. If the member believes that he or
within seven calendar days after the filing of include Senators’ votes on any question on she is not ineligible, he or she may explain
the request, any three of the members of the which a recorded vote is held. The record of the reasons to the Chairman and Vice Chair-
Committee may file their written notice in a witness’s testimony, whether in public or man, and if they both agree that the member
the office of the Committee that a special executive session, shall be made available for is not ineligible, the member shall continue
meeting of the Committee will be held at a inspection to the witness or his counsel to serve. But if either the Chairman or Vice
specified date and hour; such special meeting under Committee supervision; a copy of any Chairman continues to believe that the
may not occur until forty-eight hours after testimony given by that witness in public member is ineligible, while the member be-
the notice is filed. The Clerk shall imme- session, or that part of the testimony given lieves that he or she is not ineligible, the
diately notify all members of the Committee by the witness in executive session and sub- matter shall be promptly referred to the
of the date and hour of the special meeting. sequently quoted or made part of the record Committee. The member shall present his or
The Committee shall meet at the specified in a public session shall be made available to her arguments to the Committee in execu-
date and hour. any witness if he so requests. (See Rule 5 on tive session. Any contested questions con-
(d) QUORUM: Procedures for Conducting Hearings.) cerning a member’s eligibility shall be de-
(1) A majority of the members of the Select (i) SECRECY OF EXECUTIVE TESTI- cided by a majority vote of the Committee,
Committee shall constitute a quorum for the MONY AND ACTION AND OF COMPLAINT meeting in executive session, with the mem-
transaction of business involving complaints PROCEEDINGS: ber in question not participating.
or allegations of, or information about, mis- (1) All testimony and action taken in exec- (3) A member of the Committee may, at
conduct, including resulting preliminary in- utive session shall be kept secret and shall the discretion of the member, disqualify
quiries, adjudicatory reviews, recommenda- not be released outside the Committee to himself or herself from participating in any
tions or reports, and matters relating to any individual or group, whether govern- preliminary inquiry or adjudicatory review
Senate Resolution 400, agreed to May 19, mental or private, without the approval of a pending before the Committee and the deter-
1976. minations and recommendations of the Com-
majority of the Committee.
(2) Three members shall constitute a (2) All testimony and action relating to a mittee with respect to any such preliminary
quorum for the transaction of the routine complaint or allegation shall be kept secret inquiry or adjudicatory review.
(4) Whenever any member of the Com-
business of the Select Committee not cov- and shall not be released by the Committee
mittee is ineligible under paragraph (1) to
ered by the first subparagraph of this para- to any individual or group, whether govern-
participate in any preliminary inquiry or ad-
graph, including requests for opinions and mental or private, except the respondent, judicatory review, or disqualifies himself or
interpretations concerning the Code of Offi- without the approval of a majority of the herself under paragraph (3) from partici-
cial Conduct or any other statute or regula- Committee, until such time as a report to pating in any preliminary inquiry or adju-
tion under the jurisdiction of the Select the Senate is required under Senate Resolu- dicatory review, another Senator shall be ap-
Committee, if one member of the quorum is tion 338, 88th Congress, as amended, or unless pointed by the Senate to serve as a member
a Member of the Majority Party and one otherwise permitted under these Rules. (See of the Committee solely for purposes of such
member of the quorum is a Member of the Rule 8 on Procedures for Handling Com- preliminary inquiry or adjudicatory review
Minority Party. During the transaction of mittee Sensitive and Classified Materials.) and the determinations and recommenda-
routine business any member of the Select (j) RELEASE OF REPORTS TO PUBLIC: tions of the Committee with respect to such
Committee constituting the quorum shall No information pertaining to, or copies of preliminary inquiry or adjudicatory review.
have the right to postpone further discussion any Committee report, study, or other docu- Any member of the Senate appointed for
of a pending matter until such time as a ma- ment which purports to express the view, such purposes shall be of the same party as
jority of the members of the Select Com- findings, conclusions or recommendations of the member who is ineligible or disqualifies
mittee are present. the Committee in connection with any of its himself or herself.
(3) Except for an adjudicatory hearing activities or proceedings may be released to (5) The President of the Senate shall be
under Rule 5 and any deposition taken out- any individual or group whether govern- given written notice of the ineligibility or
side the presence of a Member under Rule 6, mental or private, without the authorization disqualification of any member from any
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
one Member shall constitute a quorum for of the Committee. Whenever the Chairman preliminary inquiry, adjudicatory review, or
hearing testimony, provided that all Mem- or Vice Chairman is authorized to make any other proceeding requiring the appointment
bers have been given notice of the hearing determination, then the determination may of another member in accordance with sub-
and the Chairman has designated a Member be released at his or her discretion. Each paragraph (k)(4).
of the Majority Party and the Vice Chairman member of the Committee shall be given a (6) A member of the Committee staff shall
has designated a Member of the Minority reasonable opportunity to have separate be ineligible to participate in any Com-
Party to be in attendance, either of whom in views included as part of any Committee re- mittee proceeding that the staff director or
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.041 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1559
outside counsel determines relates specifi- Senate, or has engaged in improper conduct depositions, or subpoenas deemed appro-
cally to any of the following: which may reflect upon the Senate. Such priate to obtain information upon which to
(A) the staff member’s own conduct; complaints or allegations or information make any determination provided for by this
(B) the conduct of any employee that the maybe reported to the Chairman, the Vice Rule.
staff member supervises; Chairman, a Committee member, or a Com- (d) OPPORTUNITY FOR RESPONSE: A
(C) the conduct of any member, officer or mittee staff member. preliminary inquiry may include an oppor-
employee for whom the staff member has (b) SOURCE OF COMPLAINT, ALLEGA- tunity for any known respondent or his or
worked for any substantial period; or TION, OR INFORMATION: Complaints, alle- her designated representative to present ei-
(D) a complaint, sworn or unsworn, that gations, and information to be reported to ther a written or oral statement, or to re-
was filed by the staff member. At the direc- the Committee may be obtained from a vari- spond orally to questions from the Com-
tion or with the consent of the staff director ety of sources, including but not limited to mittee. Such an oral statement or answers
or outside counsel, a staff member may also the following: shall be transcribed and signed by the person
be disqualified from participating in a Com- (1) sworn complaints, defined as a written providing the statement or answers.
mittee proceeding in other circumstances statement of facts, submitted under penalty (e) STATUS REPORTS: The Committee
not listed above. of perjury, within the personal knowledge of staff or outside counsel shall periodically re-
(l) RECORDED VOTES: Any member may the complainant alleging a violation of law, port to the Committee in the form and ac-
require a recorded vote on any matter. the Senate Code of Official Conduct, or any cording to the schedule prescribed by the
(m) PROXIES; RECORDING VOTES OF other rule or regulation of the Senate relat- Committee. The reports shall be confiden-
ABSENT MEMBERS: ing to the conduct of individuals in the per- tial.
(1) Proxy voting shall not be allowed when formance of their duties as members, offi- (f) FINAL REPORT: When the preliminary
the question before the Committee is the ini- cers, or employees of the Senate; inquiry is completed, the staff or outside
tiation or continuation of a preliminary in- (2) anonymous or informal complaints; counsel shall make a confidential report,
quiry or an adjudicatory review, or the (3) information developed during a study or oral or written, to the Committee on find-
issuance of a report or recommendation re- inquiry by the Committee or other commit- ings and recommendations, as appropriate.
tees or subcommittees of the Senate, includ- (g) COMMITTEE ACTION: As soon as prac-
lated thereto concerning a Member or officer
ing information obtained in connection with ticable following submission of the report on
of the Senate. In any such case an absent
legislative or general oversight hearings; the preliminary inquiry, the Committee
member’s vote may be announced solely for
(4) information reported by the news shall determine by a recorded vote whether
the purpose of recording the member’s posi-
media; or there is substantial credible evidence which
tion and such announced votes shall not be
(5) information obtained from any indi- provides substantial cause for the Com-
counted for or against the motion.
vidual, agency or department of the execu- mittee to conclude that a violation within
(2) On matters other than matters listed in
tive branch of the Federal Government. the jurisdiction of the Committee has oc-
paragraph (m)(1) above, the Committee may
(c) FORM AND CONTENT OF COM- curred. The Committee may make any of the
order that the record be held open for the
PLAINTS: A complaint need not be sworn following determinations:
vote of absentees or recorded proxy votes if (1) The Committee may determine that
the absent Committee member has been in- nor must it be in any particular form to re-
ceive Committee consideration, but the pre- there is not such substantial credible evi-
formed of the matter on which the vote oc- dence and, in such case, the Committee shall
curs and has affirmatively requested of the ferred complaint will:
(1) state, whenever possible, the name, ad- dismiss the matter. The Committee, or
Chairman or Vice Chairman in writing that Chairman and Vice Chairman acting jointly
he be so recorded. dress, and telephone number of the party fil-
ing the complaint; on behalf of the Committee, may dismiss any
(3) All proxies shall be in writing, and shall
(2) provide the name of each member, offi- matter which, after a preliminary inquiry, is
be delivered to the Chairman or Vice Chair-
cer or employee of the Senate who is specifi- determined to lack substantial merit. The
man to be recorded.
cally alleged to have engaged in improper Committee shall inform the complainant of
(4) Proxies shall not be considered for the
conduct or committed a violation; the dismissal.
purpose of establishing a quorum. (2) The Committee may determine that
(3) state the nature of the alleged improper
(n) APPROVAL OF BLIND TRUSTS AND there is such substantial credible evidence,
conduct or violation;
FOREIGN TRAVEL REQUESTS BETWEEN (4) supply all documents in the possession but that the alleged violation is inadvertent,
SESSIONS AND DURING EXTENDED RE- of the party filing the complaint relevant to technical, or otherwise of a de minimis na-
CESSES: During any period in which the or in support of his or her allegations as an ture. In such case, the Committee may dis-
Senate stands in adjournment between ses- attachment to the complaint. pose of the matter by issuing a public or pri-
sions of the Congress or stands in a recess vate letter of admonition, which shall not be
scheduled to extend beyond fourteen days, RULE 3: PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING
A PRELIMINARY INQUIRY considered discipline and which shall not be
the Chairman and Vice Chairman, or their subject to appeal to the Senate. The issuance
designees, acting jointly, are authorized to (a) DEFINITION OF PRELIMINARY IN-
QUIRY: A ‘‘preliminary inquiry’’ is a pro- of a letter of admonition must be approved
approve or disapprove blind trusts under the by the affirmative recorded vote of no fewer
provision of Rule XXXIV. ceeding undertaken by the Committee fol-
lowing the receipt of a complaint or allega- than four members of the Committee voting.
(o) COMMITTEE USE OF SERVICES OR (3) The Committee may determine that
EMPLOYEES OF OTHER AGENCIES AND tion of, or information about, misconduct by
there is such substantial credible evidence
DEPARTMENTS: With the prior consent of a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate
and that the matter cannot be appropriately
the department or agency involved, the Com- to determine whether there is substantial
disposed of under paragraph (2). In such case,
mittee may (1) utilize the services, informa- credible evidence which provides substantial
the Committee shall promptly initiate an
tion, or facilities of any such department or cause for the Committee to conclude that a
adjudicatory review in accordance with Rule
agency of the Government, and (2) employ on violation within the jurisdiction of the Com-
4. No adjudicatory review of conduct of a
a reimbursable basis or otherwise the serv- mittee has occurred.
(b) BASIS FOR PRELIMINARY INQUIRY: Member, officer, or employee of the Senate
ices of such personnel of any such depart- may be initiated except by the affirmative
ment or agency as it deems advisable. With The Committee shall promptly commence a
preliminary inquiry whenever it has received recorded vote of not less than four members
the consent of any other committee of the of the Committee.
Senate, or any subcommittee, the Com- a sworn complaint, or other allegation of, or
information about, alleged misconduct or RULE 4: PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING
mittee may utilize the facilities and the AN ADJUDICATORY REVIEW
services of the staff of such other committee violations pursuant to Rule 2.
or subcommittee whenever the Chairman (c) SCOPE OF PRELIMINARY INQUIRY: (a) DEFINITION OF ADJUDICATORY RE-
(1) The preliminary inquiry shall be of such VIEW: An ‘‘adjudicatory review’’ is a pro-
and Vice Chairman of the Committee, acting
duration and scope as is necessary to deter- ceeding undertaken by the Committee after
jointly, determine that such action is nec-
mine whether there is substantial credible a finding, on the basis of a preliminary in-
essary and appropriate.
evidence which provides substantial cause quiry, that there is substantial cause for the
RULE 2: PROCEDURES FOR COMPLAINTS, for the Committee to conclude that a viola- Committee to conclude that a violation
ALLEGATIONS, OR INFORMATION tion within the jurisdiction of the Com- within the jurisdiction of the Committee has
(a) COMPLAINT, ALLEGATION, OR IN- mittee has occurred. The Chairman and Vice occurred.
FORMATION: Any member or staff member Chairman, acting jointly, on behalf of the (b) SCOPE OF ADJUDICATORY REVIEW:
of the Committee shall report to the Com- Committee may supervise and determine the When the Committee decides to conduct an
mittee, and any other person may report to appropriate duration, scope, and conduct of a adjudicatory review, it shall be of such dura-
the Committee, a sworn complaint or other preliminary inquiry. Whether a preliminary tion and scope as is necessary for the Com-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
allegation or information, alleging that any inquiry is conducted jointly by the Chairman mittee to determine whether a violation
Senator, or officer, or employee of the Sen- and Vice Chairman or by the Committee as within its jurisdiction has occurred. An adju-
ate has violated a law, the Senate Code of Of- a whole, the day to day supervision of a pre- dicatory review shall be conducted by out-
ficial Conduct, or any rule or regulation of liminary inquiry rests with the Chairman side counsel as authorized by section 3(b)(1)
the Senate relating to the conduct of any in- and Vice Chairman, acting jointly. of Senate Resolution 338 unless the Com-
dividual in the performance of his or her (2) A preliminary inquiry may include any mittee determines not to use outside coun-
duty as a Member, officer, or employee of the inquiries, interviews, sworn statements, sel. In the course of the adjudicatory review,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.042 S16MRPT1
S1560 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
designated outside counsel, or if the Com- (iii) In the case where the Committee de- an adjudicatory hearing; and any hearing
mittee determines not to use outside coun- termines, after according to the Member, of- which is concerned with possible disciplinary
sel, the Committee or its staff, may conduct ficer, or employee due notice and oppor- action against a respondent or respondents
any inquiries or interviews, take sworn tunity for a hearing, that misconduct oc- designated by the Committee shall be an ad-
statements, use compulsory process as de- curred warranting discipline less serious judicatory hearing. In any adjudicatory
scribed in Rule 6, or take any other actions than discipline by the full Senate, and sub- hearing, the procedures described in para-
that the Committee deems appropriate to se- ject to the provisions of paragraph (h) of this graph (j) shall apply.
cure the evidence necessary to make a deter- rule relating to appeal, by a unanimous vote (d) SUBPOENA POWER: The Committee
mination. of six members order that a Member, officer may require, by subpoena or otherwise, the
(c) NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: The Com- or employee be reprimanded or pay restitu- attendance and testimony of such witnesses
mittee shall give written notice to any tion or both; and the production of such correspondence,
known respondent who is the subject of an (iv) In the case where the Committee de- books, papers, documents or other articles as
adjudicatory review. The notice shall be sent termines that misconduct is inadvertent, it deems advisable. (See Rule 6.)
to the respondent no later than five working technical, or otherwise of a de minimis na- (e) NOTICE OF HEARINGS: The Com-
days after the Committee has voted to con- ture, issue a public or private letter of admo- mittee shall make public an announcement
duct an adjudicatory review. The notice nition to a Member, officer or employee, of the date, place, and subject matter of any
shall include a statement of the nature of which shall not be subject to appeal to the hearing to be conducted by it, in accordance
the possible violation, and description of the Senate. with Rule 1(f).
evidence indicating that a possible violation (3) In the case where the Committee deter- (f) PRESIDING OFFICER: The Chairman
occurred. The Committee may offer the re- mines, upon consideration of all the evi- shall preside over the hearings, or in his ab-
spondent an opportunity to present a state- dence, that the facts do not warrant a find- sence the Vice Chairman. If the Vice Chair-
ment, orally or in writing, or to respond to ing that there is substantial credible evi- man is also absent, a Committee member
questions from members of the Committee, dence which provides substantial cause for designated by the Chairman shall preside. If
the Committee staff, or outside counsel. the Committee to conclude that a violation an oath or affirmation is required, it shall be
(d) RIGHT TO A HEARING: The Com- within the jurisdiction of the Committee has administered to a witness by the Presiding
mittee shall accord a respondent an oppor- Officer, or in his absence, by any Committee
occurred, the Committee may dismiss the
tunity for a hearing before it recommends member.
matter.
disciplinary action against that respondent (g) WITNESSES:
(4) Promptly, after the conclusion of the
to the Senate or before it imposes an order of (1) A subpoena or other request to testify
adjudicatory review, the Committee’s report
restitution or reprimand (not requiring dis- shall be served on a witness sufficiently in
and recommendation, if any, shall be for-
cipline by the full Senate). advance of his or her scheduled appearance
(e) PROGRESS REPORTS TO COM- warded to the Secretary of the Senate, and a
copy shall be provided to the complainant to allow the witness a reasonable period of
MITTEE: The Committee staff or outside time, as determined by the Committee, to
counsel shall periodically report to the Com- and the respondent. The full report and rec-
ommendation, if any, shall be printed and prepare for the hearing and to employ coun-
mittee concerning the progress of the adju- sel if desired.
dicatory review. Such reports shall be deliv- made public, unless the Committee deter-
mines by the recorded vote of not less than (2) The Committee may, by recorded vote
ered to the Committee in the form and ac- of not less than four members of the Com-
cording to the schedule prescribed by the four members of the Committee that it
should remain confidential. mittee, rule that no member of the Com-
Committee, and shall be confidential. mittee or staff or outside counsel shall make
(f) FINAL REPORT OF ADJUDICATORY (h) RIGHT OF APPEAL:
(1) Any individual who is the subject of a public the name of any witness subpoenaed
REVIEW TO COMMITTEE: Upon completion
reprimand or order of restitution, or both, by the Committee before the date of that
of an adjudicatory review, including any
pursuant to subsection (g)(2)(iii), may, with- witness’s scheduled appearance, except as
hearings held pursuant to Rule 5, the outside
in 30 days of the Committee’s report to the specifically authorized by the Chairman and
counsel or the staff shall submit a confiden-
Senate of its action imposing a reprimand or Vice Chairman, acting jointly.
tial written report to the Committee, which
order of restitution, or both, appeal to the (3) Any witness desiring to read a prepared
shall detail the factual findings of the adju-
Senate by providing written notice of the ap- or written statement in executive or public
dicatory review and which may recommend
peal to the Committee and the presiding offi- hearings shall file a copy of such statement
disciplinary action, if appropriate. Findings
cer of the Senate. The presiding officer shall with the Committee at least two working
of fact of the adjudicatory review shall be de-
tailed in this report whether or not discipli- cause the notice of the appeal to be printed days in advance of the hearing at which the
nary action is recommended. in the Congressional Record and the Senate statement is to be presented. The Chairman
(g) COMMITTEE ACTION: Journal. and Vice Chairman shall determine whether
(1) As soon as practicable following sub- (2) S. Res. 338 provides that a motion to such statements may be read or placed in the
mission of the report of the staff or outside proceed to consideration of an appeal pursu- record of the hearing.
counsel on the adjudicatory review, the Com- ant to paragraph (1) shall be highly privi- (4) Insofar as practicable, each witness
mittee shall prepare and submit a report to leged and not debatable. If the motion to shall be permitted to present a brief oral
the Senate, including a recommendation or proceed to consideration of the appeal opening statement, if he or she desires to do
proposed resolution to the Senate concerning isagreed to, the appeal shall be decidedon the so.
disciplinary action, if appropriate. A report basis ofthe Committee’s report to the Sen- (h) RIGHT TO TESTIFY: Any person whose
shall be issued, stating in detail the Commit- ate. Debate on the appeal shall be limited to name is mentioned or who is specifically
tee’s findings of fact, whether or not discipli- 10 hours, which shall be divided equally be- identified or otherwise referred to in testi-
nary action is recommended. The report tween, and controlled by, those favoring and mony or in statements made by a Committee
shall also explain fully the reasons under- those opposing the appeal. member, staff member or outside counsel, or
lying the Committee’s recommendation con- any witness, and who reasonably believes
RULE 5: PROCEDURES FOR HEARINGS that the statement tends to adversely affect
cerning disciplinary action, if any. No adju-
dicatory review of conduct of a Member, offi- (a) RIGHT TO HEARING: The Committee his or her reputation may—
cer or employee of the Senate may be con- may hold a public or executive hearing in (1) Request to appear personally before the
ducted, or report or resolution or rec- any preliminary inquiry, adjudicatory re- Committee to testify in his or her own be-
ommendation relating to such an adjudica- view, or other proceeding. The Committee half; or
tory review of conduct may be made, except shall accord a respondent an opportunity for (2) File a sworn statement of facts relevant
by the affirmative recorded vote of not less a hearing before it recommends disciplinary to the testimony or other evidence or state-
than four members of the Committee. action against that respondent to the Senate ment of which he or she complained. Such
(2) Pursuant to S. Res. 338, as amended, or before it imposes an order of restitution request and such statement shall be sub-
section 2(a), subsections (2), (3), and (4), after or reprimand. (See Rule 4(d).) mitted to the Committee for its consider-
receipt of the report prescribed by paragraph (b) NON-PUBLIC HEARINGS: The Com- ation and action.
(f) of this rule, the Committee may make mittee may at any time during a hearing de- (i) CONDUCT OF WITNESSES AND
any of the following recommendations for termine in accordance with paragraph 5(b) of OTHER ATTENDEES: The Presiding Officer
disciplinary action or issue an order for rep- Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Sen- may punish any breaches of order and deco-
rimand or restitution, as follows: ate whether to receive the testimony of spe- rum by censure and exclusion from the hear-
(i) In the case of a Member, a recommenda- cific witnesses in executive session. If a wit- ings. The Committee, by majority vote, may
tion to the Senate for expulsion, censure, ness desires to express a preference for testi- recommend to the Senate that the offender
payment of restitution, recommendation to fying in public or in executive session, he or be cited for contempt of Congress.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
a Member’s party conference regarding the she shall so notify the Committee at least (j) ADJUDICATORY HEARING PROCE-
Member’s seniority or positions of responsi- five days before he or she is scheduled to tes- DURES:
bility, or a combination of these; tify. (1) NOTICE OF HEARINGS: A copy of the
(ii) In the case of an officer or employee, a (c) ADJUDICATORY HEARINGS: The public announcement of an adjudicatory
recommendation to the Senate of dismissal, Committee may, by the recorded vote of not hearing, required by paragraph (e), shall be
suspension, payment of restitution, or a less than four members of the Committee, furnished together with a copy of these
combination of these; designate any public or executive hearing as Rules to all witnesses at the time that they
VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.044 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1561
are subpoenaed or otherwise summoned to relevant and probative shall be admissible majority vote that he or she be cited for con-
testify. unless privileged under the Federal Rules of tempt of Congress.
(2) PREPARATION FOR ADJUDICATORY Evidence. Rules of evidence shall not be ap- RULE 6: SUBPOENAS AND DEPOSITIONS
HEARINGS: plied strictly, but the Presiding Officer shall (a) SUBPOENAS:
(A) At least five working days prior to the exclude irrelevant or unduly repetitious tes- (1) AUTHORIZATION FOR ISSUANCE:
commencement of an adjudicatory hearing, timony. Objections going only to the weight Subpoenas for the attendance and testimony
the Committee shall provide the following that should be given evidence will not justify of witnesses at depositions or hearings, and
information and documents to the respond- its exclusion. subpoenas for the production of documents
ent, if any: (B) The Presiding Officer shall rule upon and tangible things at depositions, hearings,
(i) a list of proposed witnesses to be called any question of the admissibility of testi- or other times and places designated therein,
at the hearing; mony or other evidence presented to the may be authorized for issuance by either (A)
(ii) copies of all documents expected to be Committee. Such rulings shall be final un- a majority vote of the Committee, or (B) the
introduced as exhibits at the hearing; and less reversed or modified by a recorded vote Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting jointly,
(iii) a brief statement as to the nature of of not less than four members of the Com- at any time during a preliminary inquiry,
the testimony expected to be given by each mittee before the recess of that day’s hear- adjudicatory review, or other proceeding.
witness to be called at the hearing. ings. (2) SIGNATURE AND SERVICE: All sub-
(B) At least two working days prior to the (C) Notwithstanding paragraphs (A) and poenas shall be signed by the Chairman or
commencement of an adjudicatory hearing, (B), in any matter before the Committee in- the Vice Chairman and may be served by any
the respondent, if any, shall provide the in- volving allegations of sexual discrimination, person eighteen years of age or older, who is
formation and documents described in divi- including sexual harassment, or sexual mis- designated by the Chairman or Vice Chair-
sions (i), (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) to conduct, b a Member, officer, or employee man. Each subpoena shall be served with a
the Committee. within the jurisdiction of the Committee, copy of the Rules of the Committee and a
(C) At the discretion of the Committee, the the Committee shall be guided by the stand- brief statement of the purpose of the Com-
information and documents to be exchanged ards and procedures of Rule 412 of the Fed- mittee’s proceeding.
under this paragraph shall be subject to an eral Rules of Evidence, except that the Com- (3) WITHDRAWAL OF SUBPOENA: The
appropriate agreement limiting access and mittee may admit evidence subject to the Committee, by recorded vote of not less than
disclosure. provisions of this paragraph only upon a de- four members of the Committee, may with-
(D) If a respondent refuses to provide the termination of not less than four members of draw any subpoena authorized for issuance
information and documents to the Com- the full Committee that the interests of jus- by it or authorized for issuance by the Chair-
mittee (see (A) and (B) of this subparagraph), tice require that such evidence be admitted. man and Vice Chairman, acting jointly. The
or if a respondent or other individual vio- (7) SUPPLEMENTARY HEARING PROCE- Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting jointly,
lates an agreement limiting access and dis- DURES: The Committee may adopt any ad- may withdraw any subpoena authorized for
closure, the Committee, by majority vote, ditional special hearing procedures that it issuance by them.
may recommend to the Senate that the of- deems necessary or appropriate to a par- (b) DEPOSITIONS:
fender be cited for contempt of Congress. ticular adjudicatory hearing. Copies of such (1) PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO TAKE
(3) SWEARING OF WITNESSES: All wit- supplementary procedures shall be furnished DEPOSITIONS: Depositions may be taken by
nesses who testify at adjudicatory hearings to witnesses and respondents, and shall be any member of the Committee designated by
shall be sworn unless the Presiding Officer, made available upon request to any member the Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting
for good cause, decides that a witness does of the public. jointly, or by any other person designated by
not have to be sworn. (k) TRANSCRIPTS: the Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting
(4) RIGHT TO COUNSEL: Any witness at (1) An accurate stenographic or recorded jointly, including outside counsel, Com-
an adjudicatory hearing may be accom- transcript shall be made of all public and ex- mittee staff, other employees ofthe Senate,
panied by counsel of his or her own choosing, ecutive hearings. Any member of the Com- or government employees detailed to the
who shall be permitted to advise the witness mittee, Committee staff member, outside Committee.
of his or her legal rights during the testi- counsel retained by the Committee, or wit- (2) DEPOSITION NOTICES: Notices for the
mony. ness may examine a copy of the transcript taking of depositions shall be authorized by
(5) RIGHT TO CROSS-EXAMINE AND retained by the Committee of his or her own the Committee, or the Chairman and Vice
CALL WITNESSES: remarks and may suggest to the official re- Chairman, acting jointly, and issued by the
(A) In adjudicatory hearings, any respond- porter any typographical or transcription er- Chairman, Vice Chairman, or a Committee
ent and any other person who obtains the rors. If the reporter declines to make the re- staff member or outside counsel designated
permission of the Committee, may person- quested corrections, the member, staff mem- by the Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting
ally or through counsel cross-examine wit- ber, outside counsel or witness may request jointly. Depositions may be taken at any
nesses called by the Committee and may call a ruling by the Chairman and Vice Chair- time during a preliminary inquiry, adjudica-
witnesses in his or her own behalf. man, acting jointly. Any member or witness tory review or other proceeding. Deposition
(B) A respondent may apply to the Com- shall return the transcript with suggested notices shall specify a time and place for ex-
mittee for the issuance of subpoenas for the corrections to the Committee offices within amination. Unless otherwise specified, the
appearance of witnesses or the production of five working days after receipt of the tran- deposition shall be in private, and the testi-
documents on his or her behalf. An applica- script, or as soon thereafter as is practicable. mony taken and documents produced shall
tion shall be approved upon a concise show- If the testimony was given in executive ses- be deemed for the purpose of these rules to
ing by the respondent that the proposed tes- sion, the member or witness may only in- have been received in a closed or executive
timony or evidence is relevant and appro- spect the transcript at a location determined session of the Committee. The Committee
priate, as determined by the Chairman and by the Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting shall not initiate procedures leading to
Vice Chairman. jointly. Any questions arising with respect criminal or civil enforcement proceedings for
(C) With respect to witnesses called by a to the processing and correction of tran- a witness’s failure to appear, or to testify, or
respondent, or other individual given permis- scripts shall be decided by the Chairman and to produce documents, unless the deposition
sion by the Committee, each such witness Vice Chairman, acting jointly. notice was accompanied by a subpoena au-
shall first be examined by the party who (2) Except for the record of a hearing which thorized for issuance by the Committee, or
called the witness or by that party’s counsel. is closed to the public, each transcript shall the Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting
(D) At least one working day before a be printed as soon as is practicable after re- jointly.
witness’s scheduled appearance, a witness or ceipt of the corrected version. The Chairman (3) COUNSEL AT DEPOSITIONS: Wit-
a witness’s counsel may submit to the Com- and Vice Chairman, acting jointly, may nesses may be accompanied at a deposition
mittee written questions proposed to be order the transcript of a hearing to be print- by counsel to advise them of their rights.
asked of that witness. If the Committee de- ed without the corrections of a member or (4) DEPOSITION PROCEDURE: Witnesses
termines that it is necessary, such questions witness if they determine that such member at depositions shall be examined upon oath
may be asked by any member of the Com- or witness has been afforded a reasonable administered by an individual authorized by
mittee, or by any Committee staff member if time to correct such transcript and such law to administer oaths, or administered by
directed by a Committee member. The wit- transcript has not been returned within such any member of the Committee if one is
ness or witness’s counsel may also submit time. present. Questions maybe propounded by any
additional sworn testimony for the record (3) The Committee shall furnish each wit- person or persons who are authorized to take
within twenty-four hours after the last day ness, at no cost, one transcript copy of that depositions for the Committee. If a witness
that the witness has testified. The insertion witness’s testimony given at a public hear- objects to a question and refuses to testify,
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
of such testimony in that day’s record is sub- ing. If the testimony was given in executive or refuses to produce a document, any mem-
ject to the approval of the Chairman and session, then a transcript copy shall be pro- ber of the Committee who is present may
Vice Chairman acting jointly within five vided upon request, subject to appropriate rule on the objection and, if the objection is
days after the testimony is received. conditions and restrictions prescribed by the overruled, direct the witness to answer the
(6) ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE: Chairman and Vice Chairman. If any indi- question or produce the document. If no
(A) The object of the hearing shall be to as- vidual violates such conditions and restric- member of the Committee is present, the in-
certain the truth. Any evidence that may be tions, the Committee may recommend by dividual who has been designated by the
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:46 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.045 S16MRPT1
S1562 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting jointly, (d) Educational Mandate: The Committee (1) Committee Sensitive documents and
to take the deposition may proceed with the shall develop and implement programs and materials shall be stored in the Committee’s
deposition, or may, at that time or at a sub- materials designed to educate Members, offi- offices, with appropriate safeguards for
sequent time, seek a ruling by telephone or cers, and employees about the laws, rules, maintaining the security of such documents
otherwise on the objection from the Chair- regulations, and standards of conduct appli- or materials. Classified documents and mate-
man or Vice Chairman of the Committee, cable to such individuals in the performance rials shall be further segregated in the Com-
who may refer the matter to the Committee of their duties. mittee’s offices in secure filing safes. Re-
or rule on the objection. If the Chairman or (e) APPLICABLE RULES AND STAND- moval from the Committee offices of such
Vice Chairman, or the Committee upon re- ARDS OF CONDUCT: documents or materials is prohibited except
ferral, overrules the objection, the Chair- (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of as necessary for use in, or preparation for,
man, Vice Chairman, or the Committee as this section, no adjudicatory review shall be interviews or Committee meetings, including
the case may be, may direct the witness to initiated of any alleged violation of any law, the taking of testimony, or as otherwise spe-
answer the question or produce the docu- the Senate Code of Official Conduct, rule, or cifically approved by the staff director or by
ment. The Committee shall not initiate pro- regulation which was not in effect at the outside counsel designated by the Chairman
cedures leading to civil or criminal enforce- time the alleged violation occurred. No pro- and Vice Chairman.
ment unless the witness refuses to testify or visions of the Senate Code of Official Con- (2) Each member of the Committee shall
produce documents after having been di- duct shall apply to or require disclosure of have access to all materials in the Commit-
rected to do so. any act, relationship, or transaction which tee’s possession. The staffs of members shall
(5) FILING OF DEPOSITIONS: Deposition occurred prior to the effective date of the ap- not have access to Committee Sensitive or
testimony shall be transcribed or electroni- plicable provision of the Code. classified documents and materials without
cally recorded. If the deposition is tran- (2) The Committee may initiate an adju- the specific approval in each instance of the
scribed, the individual administering the dicatory review of any alleged violation of a Chairman, and Vice Chairman, acting joint-
oath shall certify on the transcript that the rule or law which was in effect prior to the ly. Members may examine such materials in
witness was duly sworn in his or her presence enactment of the Senate Code of Official the Committee’s offices. If necessary, re-
and the transcriber shall certify that the Conduct if the alleged violation occurred quested materials may be hand delivered by
transcript is a true record of the testimony. while such rule or law was in effect and the a member of the Committee staff to the
The transcript with these certifications shall violation was not a matter resolved on the member of the Committee, or to a staff per-
be filed with the chief clerk of the Com- merits by the predecessor Committee. son(s) specifically designated by the mem-
mittee, and the witness shall be furnished RULE 8: PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING ber, for the Member’s or designated staffer’s
with access to a copy at the Committee’s of- COMMITTEE SENSITIVE AND CLASSI- examination. A member of the Committee
fices for review. Upon inspecting the tran- FIED MATERIALS who has possession of Committee Sensitive
script, within a time limit set by the Chair- documents or materials shall take appro-
(a) PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING COM- priate safeguards for maintaining the secu-
man and Vice Chairman, acting jointly, a MITTEE SENSITIVE MATERIALS:
witness may request in writing changes in rity of such documents or materials in the
(1) Committee Sensitive information or possession of the Member or his or her des-
the transcript to correct errors in tran- material is information or material in the
scription. The witness may also bring to the ignated staffer.
possession of the Select Committee on Eth- (3) Committee Sensitive documents that
attention of the Committee errors of fact in ics which pertains to illegal or improper con-
the witness’s testimony by submitting a are provided to a Member of the Senate in
duct by a present or former Member, officer, connection with a complaint that has been
sworn statement about those facts with a re- or employee of the Senate; to allegations or
quest that it be attached to the transcript. filed against the Member shall be hand deliv-
accusations of such conduct; to any resulting ered to the Member or to the Member’s Chief
The Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting preliminary inquiry, adjudicatory review or
jointly, may rule on the witness’s request, of Staff or Administrative Assistant. Com-
other proceeding by the Select Committee mittee Sensitive documents that are pro-
and the changes or attachments allowed on Ethics into such allegations or conduct;
shall be certified by the Committee’s chief vided to a Member of the Senate who is the
to the investigative techniques and proce- subject of a preliminary inquiry, adjudica-
clerk. If the witness fails to make any re- dures of the Select Committee on Ethics; or
quest under this paragraph within the time tory review, or other proceeding, shall be
to other information or material designated hand delivered to the Member or to his or
limit set, this fact shall be noted by the by the staff director, or outside counsel des-
Committee’s chief clerk. Any person author- her specifically designated representative.
ignated by the Chairman and Vice Chairman. (4) Any Member of the Senate who is not a
ized by the Committee may stipulate with (2) The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the
the witness to changes in this procedure. member of the Committee and who seeks ac-
Committee shall establish such procedures cess to any Committee Sensitive or classi-
RULE 7: VIOLATIONS OF LAW; PERJURY; as may be necessary to prevent the unau- fied documents or materials, other than doc-
LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS; thorized disclosure of Committee Sensitive uments or materials which are matters of
EDUCATIONAL MANDATE; AND APPLI- information in the possession of the Com- public record, shall request access in writing.
CABLE RULES AND STANDARDS OF mittee or its staff. Procedures for protecting The Committee shall decide by majority
CONDUCT Committee Sensitive materials shall be in vote whether to make documents or mate-
(a) VIOLATIONS OF LAW: Whenever the writing and shall be given to each Com- rials available. If access is granted, the
Committee determines by the recorded vote mittee staff member. Member shall not disclose the information
of not less than four members of the full (b) PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CLAS- except as authorized by the Committee.
Committee that there is reason to believe SIFIED MATERIALS: (5) Whenever the Committee makes Com-
that a violation of law, including the provi- (1) Classified information or material is in- mittee Sensitive or classified documents or
sion of false information to the Committee, formation or material which is specifically materials available to any Member of the
may have occurred, it shall report such pos- designated as classified under the authority Senate who is not a member of the Com-
sible violation to the proper Federal and of Executive Order 11652 requiring protection mittee, or to a staff person of a Committee
state authorities. of such information or material from unau- member in response to a specific request to
(b) PERJURY: Any person who knowingly thorized disclosure in order to prevent dam- the Chairman and Vice Chairman, a written
and willfully swears falsely to a sworn com- age to the United States. record shall be made identifying the Member
plaint or any other sworn statement to the (2) The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the of the Senate requesting such documents or
Committee does so under penalty of perjury. Committee shall establish such procedures materials and describing what was made
The Committee may refer any such case to as may be necessary to prevent the unau- available and to whom.
the Attorney General for prosecution. thorized disclosure of classified information (d) NON-DISCLOSURE POLICY AND
(c) LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS: in the possession of the Committee or its AGREEMENT:
The Committee shall recommend to the Sen- staff. Procedures for handling such informa- (1) Except as provided in the last sentence
ate by report or resolution such additional tion shall be in writing and a copy of the of this paragraph, no member of the Select
rules, regulations, or other legislative meas- procedures shall be given to each staff mem- Committee on Ethics, its staff or any person
ures as it determines to be necessary or de- ber cleared for access to classified informa- engaged by contract or otherwise to perform
sirable to ensure proper standards of conduct tion. services for the Select Committee on Ethics
by Members, officers, or employees of the (3) Each member of the Committee shall shall release, divulge, publish, reveal by
Senate. The Committee may conduct such have access to classified material in the writing, word, conduct, or disclose in any
inquiries as it deems necessary to prepare Committee’s possession. Only Committee way, in whole, or in part, or by way of sum-
such a report or resolution, including the staff members with appropriate security mary, during tenure with the Select Com-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
holding of hearings in public or executive clearances and a need-to-know, as approved mittee on Ethics or anytime thereafter, any
session and the use of subpoenas to compel by the Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting testimony given before the Select Com-
the attendance of witnesses or the produc- jointly, shall have access to classified infor- mittee on Ethics in executive session (in-
tion of materials. The Committee may make mation in the Committee’s possession. cluding the name of any witness who ap-
legislative recommendations as a result of (c) PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING COM- peared or was called to appear in executive
its findings in a preliminary inquiry, adju- MITTEE SENSITIVE AND CLASSIFIED session), any classified or Committee Sen-
dicatory review, or other proceeding. DOCUMENTS: sitive information, document or material,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.046 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1563
received or generated by the Select Com- in response to a written request by a Member cordance with the provisions of Senate Reso-
mittee on Ethics or any classified or Com- or officer of the Senate or a candidate for lution 338, 88th Congress, as amended, and of
mittee Sensitive information which may nomination for election, or election to the the rules, and who acts in good faith in ac-
come into the possession of such person dur- Senate, concerning the application of any cordance with the provisions and findings of
ing tenure with the Select Committee on law, the Senate Code of Official Conduct, or such advisory opinion shall not, as a result
Ethics or its staff. Such information, docu- any rule or regulation of the Senate within of any such act, be subject to any sanction
ments, or material may be released to an of- the Committee’s jurisdiction, to a specific by the Senate.
ficial of the executive branch properly factual situation pertinent to the conduct or RULE 11: PROCEDURES FOR
cleared for access with a need-to-know, for proposed conduct of the person seeking the INTERPRETATIVE RULINGS
any purpose or in connection with any pro- advisory opinion.
(a) BASIS FOR INTERPRETATIVE RUL-
ceeding, judicial or otherwise, as authorized (2) The Committee may issue an advisory
INGS: Senate Resolution 338, 88th Congress,
by the Select Committee on Ethics, or in the opinion in writing within a reasonable time
as amended, authorizes the Committee to
event of termination of the Select Com- in response to a written request by any em-
issue interpretative rulings explaining and
mittee on Ethics, in such a manner as may ployee of the Senate concerning the applica-
clarifying the application of any law, the
be determined by its successor or by the Sen- tion of any law, the Senate Code of Official
Code of Official Conduct, or any rule or regu-
ate. Conduct, or any rule or regulation of the
lation of the Senate within its jurisdiction.
(2) No member of the Select Committee on Senate within the Committee’s jurisdiction,
The Committee also may issue such rulings
Ethics staff or any person engaged by con- to a specific factual situation pertinent to
clarifying or explaining any rule or regula-
tract or otherwise to perform services for the the conduct or proposed conduct of the per-
tion of the Select Committee on Ethics.
Select Committee on Ethics, shall be grant- son seeking the advisory opinion.
(b) FORM OF REQUEST: A request for an (b) REQUEST FOR RULING: A request for
ed access to classified or Committee Sen- such a ruling must be directed in writing to
sitive information or material in the posses- advisory opinion shall be directed in writing
to the Chairman of the Committee and shall the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Com-
sion of the Select Committee on Ethics un- mittee.
less and until such person agrees in writing, include a complete and accurate statement
(c)ADOPTIONOF RULING:
as a condition of employment, to the non- of the specific factual situation with respect
(1) The Chairman and Vice Chairman, act-
disclosure policy. The agreement shall be- to which the request is made as well as the
ing jointly, shall issue a written interpreta-
come effective when signed by the Chairman specific question or questions which the re-
tive ruling in response to any such request,
and Vice Chairman on behalf of the Com- questor wishes the Committee to address.
(c) OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT: unless—
mittee. (A) they cannot agree,
(1) The Committee will provide an oppor-
RULE 9: BROADCASTING AND NEWS COV- tunity for any interested party to comment (B) it requires an interpretation of a sig-
ERAGE OF COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS on a request for an advisory opinion— nificant question of first impression, or
(a) Whenever any hearing or meeting of the (A) which requires an interpretation on a (C) either requests that it be taken to the
Committee is open to the public, the Com- significant question of first impression that Committee, in which event the request shall
mittee shall permit that hearing or meeting will affect more than a few individuals; or be directed to the Committee for a ruling.
to be covered in whole or in part, by tele- (B) when the Committee determines that (2) A ruling on any request taken to the
vision broadcast, radio broadcast, still pho- comments from interested parties would be Committee under subparagraph (1) shall be
tography, or by any other methods of cov- of assistance. adopted by a majority of the members voting
erage, unless the Committee decides by re- (2) Notice of any such request for an advi- and the ruling shall then be issued by the
corded vote of not less than four members of sory opinion shall be published in the Con- Chairman and Vice Chairman.
the Committee that such coverage is not ap- gressional Record, with appropriate dele- (d) PUBLICATION OF RULINGS: The
propriate at a particular hearing or meeting. tions to insure confidentiality, and inter- Committee will publish in the Congressional
(b) Any witness served with a subpoena by ested parties will be asked to submit their Record, after making appropriate deletions
the Committee may request not to be photo- comments in writing to the Committee with- to ensure confidentiality, any interpretative
graphed at any hearing or to give evidence or in ten days. rulings issued under this Rule which the
testimony while the broadcasting, reproduc- (3) All relevant comments received on a Committee determines may be of assistance
tion, or coverage of that hearing, by radio, timely basis will be considered. or guidance to other Members, officers or
television, still photography, or other meth- (d) ISSUANCE OF AN ADVISORY OPIN- employees. The Committee may at any time
ods is occurring. At the request of any such ION: revise, withdraw, or elaborate on interpreta-
witness who does not wish to be subjected to (1) The Committee staff shall prepare a tive rulings.
radio, television, still photography, or other proposed advisory opinion in draft form (e) RELIANCE ON RULINGS: Whenever an
methods of coverage, and subject to the ap- which will first be reviewed and approved by individual can demonstrate to the Commit-
proval of the Committee, all lenses shall be the Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting tee’s satisfaction that his or her conduct was
covered and all microphones used for cov- jointly, and will be presented to the Com- in good faith reliance on an interpretative
erage turned off. mittee for final action. If (A) the Chairman ruling issued in accordance with this Rule,
(c) If coverage is permitted, it shall be in and Vice Chairman cannot agree, or (B) ei- the Committee will not recommend sanc-
accordance with the following require- ther the Chairman or Vice Chairman re- tions to the Senate as a result of such con-
ments:21(1) Photographers and reporters quests that it be taken directly to the Com- duct.
using mechanical recording, filming, or mittee, then the proposed advisory opinion (f) RULINGS BY COMMITTEE STAFF:
broadcasting apparatus shall position their shall be referred to the Committee for its de- The Committee staff is not authorized to
equipment so as not to interfere with the cision. make rulings or give advice, orally or in
seating, vision, and hearing of the Com- (2) An advisory opinion shall be issued only writing, which binds the Committee in any
mittee members and staff, or with the or- by the affirmative recorded vote of a major- way.
derly process of the meeting or hearing. ity of the members voting. RULE 12: PROCEDURES FOR COMPLAINTS
(2) If the television or radio coverage of the (3) Each advisory opinion issued by the INVOLVING IMPROPER USE OF THE
hearing or meeting is to be presented to the Committee shall be promptly transmitted MAILINGFRANK
public as live coverage, the coverage shall be for publication in the Congressional Record
after appropriate deletions are made to in- (a) AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE COM-
conducted and presented without commer- PLAINTS: The Committee is directed by sec-
cial sponsorship. sure confidentiality. The Committee may at
any time revise, withdraw, or elaborate on tion 6(b) of Public Law 93—191 to receive and
(3) Personnel providing coverage by the dispose of complaints that a violation of the
television and radio media shall be currently any advisory opinion.
(e) RELIANCE ON ADVISORY OPINIONS: use of the mailing frank has occurred or is
accredited to the Radio and Television Cor- about to occur by a Member or officer of the
(1) Any advisory opinion issued by the
respondents’ Galleries. Senate or by a surviving spouse of a Member.
Committee under Senate Resolution 338, 88th
(4) Personnel providing coverage by still All such complaints will be processed in ac-
Congress, as amended, and the rules may be
photography shall be currently accredited to cordance with the provisions of these Rules,
relied upon by—
the Press Photographers’ Gallery Committee except as provided in paragraph (b).
(A) Any person involved in the specific
of Press Photographers. (b) DISPOSITIONOF COMPLAINTS:
transaction or activity with respect to which
(5) Personnel providing coverage by the (1) The Committee may dispose of any such
such advisory opinion is rendered if the re-
television and radio media and by still pho- complaint by requiring restitution of the
quest for such advisory opinion included a
tography shall conduct themselves and the cost of the mailing, pursuant to the franking
complete and accurate statement of the spe-
coverage activities in an orderly and unob- statute, if it finds that the franking viola-
cific factual situation; and
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
trusive manner. (B) any person involved in any specific tion was the result of a mistake.
RULE 10: PROCEDURES FOR ADVISORY transaction or activity which is indistin- (2) Any complaint disposed of by restitu-
OPINIONS guishable in all its material aspects from the tion that is made after the Committee has
(a) WHEN ADVISORY OPINIONS ARE transaction or activity with respect to which formally commenced an adjudicatory review,
RENDERED: such advisory opinion is rendered. must be summarized, together with the dis-
(1) The Committee shall render an advisory (2) Any person who relies upon any provi- position, in a report to the Senate, as appro-
opinion, in writing within a reasonable time, sion or finding of an advisory opinion in ac- priate.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.047 S16MRPT1
S1564 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
(3) If a complaint is disposed of by restitu- whose services are being utilized on a full- side counsel shall immediately notify the
tion, the complainant, if any, shall be noti- time and continuing basis by a Member, offi- Committee in the event that he or she is
fied of the disposition in writing. cer, employee, or committee of the Senate in called upon by a properly constituted au-
(c) ADVISORY OPINIONS AND INTER- accordance with Rule XLI(3) of the Standing thority to testify or provide confidential in-
PRETATIVE RULINGS: Requests for advi- Rules of the Senate; and formation obtained as a result of and during
sory opinions or interpretative rulings in- (9) Any other individual whose full-times his or her employment with the Committee.
volving franking questions shall be processed services are utilized for more than ninety RULE 16: CHANGES IN SUPPLEMENTARY
in accordance with Rules 10 and 11. days in a calendar year by a Member, officer, PROCEDURAL RULES
RULE 13: PROCEDURES FOR WAIVERS employee, or committee of the Senate in the
(a) ADOPTION OF CHANGES IN SUPPLE-
(A) AUTHORITY FOR WAIVERS: The conduct of official duties in accordance with
MENTARY RULES: The Rules of the Com-
Committee is authorized to grant a waiver Rule XLI(4) of the Standing Rules of the
mittee, other than rules established by stat-
under the following provisions of the Stand- Senate.
ute, or by the Standing Rules and Standing
ing Rules of the Senate: RULE 15: COMMITTEE STAFF Orders of the Senate, may be modified,
(1) Section 101(h) of the Ethics in Govern- (a) COMMITTEE POLICY: amended, or suspended at any time, pursuant
ment Act of 1978, as amended (Rule XXXIV), (1) The staff is to be assembled and re- to a recorded vote of not less than four mem-
relating to the filing of financial disclosure tained as a permanent, professional, non- bers of the full Committee taken at a meet-
reports by individuals who are expected to partisan staff. ing called with due notice when prior written
perform or who have performed the duties of (2) Each member of the staff shall be pro- notice of the proposed change has been pro-
their offices or positions for less than one fessional and demonstrably qualified for the vided each member of the Committee.
hundred and thirty days in a calendar year; position for which he or she is hired. (b) PUBLICATION: Any amendments
(2) Section 102(a)(2)(D) of the Ethics in (3) The staff as a whole and each member adopted to the Rules of this Committee shall
Government Act, as amended (Rule of the staff shall perform all official duties be published in the Congressional Record in
XXXIV),relating to the reporting of gifts; in a nonpartisan manner. accordance with Rule XXVI(2) of the Stand-
(3) Paragraph 1 of Rule XXXV relating to (4) No member of the staff shall engage in ing Rules of the Senate.
acceptance of gifts; or any partisan political activity directly af-
(4) Paragraph 5 of Rule XLI relating to ap- SELECT COMMITTEE ON ETHICS
fecting any congressional or presidential
plicability of any of the provisions of the PART III—SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION
election.
Code of Official Conduct to an employee of Following are sources of the subject mat-
(5) No member of the staff or outside coun-
the Senate hired on a per diem basis. ter jurisdiction of the Select Committee:
sel may accept public speaking engagements
(b) REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS: A request
or write for publication on any subject that (a) The Senate Code of Official Conduct ap-
for a waiver under paragraph (a) must be di-
is in any way related to his or her employ- proved by the Senate in Title I of S. Res. 110,
rected to the Chairman or Vice Chairman in
ment or duties with the Committee without 95th Congress, April 1, 1977, as amended, and
writing and must specify the nature of the
specific advance permission from the Chair- stated in Rules 34 through 43 of the Standing
waiver being sought and explain in detail the
man and Vice Chairman. Rules of the Senate;
facts alleged to justify a waiver. In the case
(6) No member of the staff may make pub- (b) Senate Resolution 338, 88th Congress, as
of a request submitted by an employee, the
lic, without Committee approval, any Com- amended, which states, among others, the
views of his or her supervisor (as determined
mittee Sensitive or classified information, duties to receive complaints and investigate
under paragraph 12of Rule XXXVII of the
documents, or other material obtained dur- allegations of improper conduct which may
Standing Rules of the Senate) should be in-
ing the course of his or her employment with reflect on the Senate, violations of law, vio-
cluded with the waiver request.
the Committee. lations of the Senate Code of Official Con-
(c) RULING: The Committee shall rule on
(b) APPOINTMENT OF STAFF: duct and violations of rules and regulations
a waiver request by recorded vote with a ma-
(1) The appointment of all staff members of the Senate; recommend disciplinary ac-
jority of those voting affirming the decision.
shall be approved by the Chairman and Vice tion; and recommend additional Senate
With respect to an individual’s request for a
Chairman, acting jointly. Rules or regulations to insure proper stand-
waiver in connection with the acceptance or
(2) The Committee may determine by ma- ards of conduct;
reporting the value of gifts on the occasion
jority vote that it is necessary to retain staff (c) Residual portions of Standing Rules 41,
of the individual’s marriage, the Chairman
members, including a staff recommended by 42, 43 and 44 of the Senate as they existed on
and the Vice Chairman, acting jointly, may
a special counsel, for the purpose of a par- the day prior to the amendments made by
rule on the waiver.
(d) AVAILABILITYOF WAIVER DETER- ticular preliminary inquiry, adjudicatory re- Title I of S. Res. 110;
MINATIONS: A brief description of any view, or other proceeding. Such staff shall be (d) Public Law 93–191 relating to the use of
waiver granted by the Committee, with ap- retained only for the duration of that par- the mail franking privilege by Senators, offi-
propriate deletions to ensure confidentiality, ticular undertaking. cers of the Senate; and surviving spouses of
shall be made available for review upon re- (3) The Committee is authorized to retain Senators;
quest in the Committee office. Waivers and compensate counsel not employed by the (e) Senate Resolution 400, 94th Congress,
granted by the Committee pursuant to the Senate (or by any department or agency of Section 8, relating to unauthorized disclo-
Ethics in Government Act of 1978, as amend- the Executive Branch of the Government) sure of classified intelligence information in
ed, may only be granted pursuant to a pub- whenever the Committee determines that the possession of the Select Committee on
licly available request as required by the the retention of outside counsel is necessary Intelligence;
Act. or appropriate for any action regarding any (f) Public Law 95–105, Section 515, relating
complaint or allegation, preliminary in- to the receipt and disposition of foreign gifts
RULE 14: DEFINITION OF ‘‘OFFICER OR
quiry, adjudicatory review, or other pro- and decorations received by Senate mem-
EMPLOYEE’’
ceeding, which in the determination of the bers, officers and employees and their
(a) As used in the applicable resolutions Committee, is more appropriately conducted spouses or dependents;
and in these rules and procedures, the term by counsel not employed by the Government (g) Preamble to Senate Resolution 266, 90th
‘‘officer or employee of the Senate’’ means: of the United States as a regular employee. Congress, 2d Session, March 22, 1968; and
(1) An elected officer of the Senate who is The Committee shall retain and compensate (h) The Code of Ethics for Government
not a Member of the Senate; outside counsel to conduct any adjudicatory Service, H. Con. Res. 175, 85th Congress, 2d
(2) An employee of the Senate, any com-
review undertaken after a preliminary in- Session, July 11, 1958 (72 Stat. B12). Except
mittee or subcommittee of the Senate, or
quiry, unless the Committee determines that that S. Res. 338, as amended by Section 202 of
any Member of the Senate;
the use of outside counsel is not appropriate S. Res. 110 (April 2, 1977), and as amended by
(3) The Legislative Counsel of the Senate
in the particular case. Section 3 of S. Res. 222 (1999), provides:
or any employee of his office;
(4) An Official Reporter of Debates of the (c) DISMISSAL OF STAFF: A staff mem- (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of
Senate and any person employed by the Offi- ber may not be removed for partisan, polit- this section, no adjudicatory review shall be
cial Reporters of Debates of the Senate in ical reasons, or merely as a consequence of initiated of any alleged violation of any law,
connection with the performance of their of- the rotation of the Committee membership. the Senate Code of Official Conduct, rule, or
ficial duties; The Chairman and Vice Chairman, acting regulation which was not in effect at the
(5) A member of the Capitol Police force jointly, shall approve the dismissal of any time the alleged violation occurred. No pro-
whose compensation is disbursed by the Sec- staff member. visions of the Senate Code of Official Con-
retary of the Senate; (d) STAFF WORKS FOR COMMITTEE AS duct shall apply to or require disclosure of
(6) An employee of the Vice President, if WHOLE: All staff employed by the Com- any act, relationship, or transaction which
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
such employee’s compensation is disbursed mittee or housed in Committee offices shall occurred prior to the effective date of the ap-
by the Secretary of the Senate; work for the Committee as a whole, under plicable provision of the Code. The Select
(7) An employee of a joint committee of the general direction of the Chairman and Committee may initiate an adjudicatory re-
the Congress whose compensation is dis- Vice Chairman, and the immediate direction view of any alleged violation of a rule or law
bursed by the Secretary of the Senate; of the staff director or outside counsel. which was in effect prior to the enactment of
(8) An officer or employee of any depart- (e) NOTICE OF SUMMONS TO TESTIFY: the Senate Code of Official Conduct if the al-
ment or agency of the Federal Government Each member of the Committee staff or out- leged violation occurred while such rule or
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:46 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.048 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1565
law was in effect and the violation was not a tigation or prosecution of a criminal offense For purposes of this rule—
matter resolved on the merits by the prede- that is required to be kept secret in the in- (a) a Senator or the Vice President is the
cessor Select Committee. terests of effective law enforcement; supervisor of his administrative, clerical, or
APPENDIX A—OPEN AND CLOSED MEETINGS (5) will disclose information relating to the other assistants;
trade secrets or financial or commercial in- (b) a Senator who is the chairman of a
Paragraphs 5(b) to (d) of Rule XXVI of the
formation pertaining specifically to a given committee is the supervisor of the profes-
Standing Rules of the Senate reads as fol-
person if— sional, clerical, or other assistants to the
lows:
(A) an Act of Congress requires the infor- committee except that minority staff mem-
(b) Each meeting of a standing, select, or
mation to be kept confidential by Govern- bers shall be under the supervision of the
special committee of the Senate, or any sub-
ment officers and employees; or ranking minority Senator on the committee;
committee thereof, including meetings to
(B) the information has been obtained by (c) a Senator who is a chairman of a sub-
conduct hearings, shall be open to the public,
the Government on a confidential basis, committee which has its own staff and finan-
except that a meeting or series of meetings
other than through an application by such cial authorization is the supervisor of the
by a committee or a subcommittee thereof
person for a specific Government financial or professional, clerical, or other assistants to
on the same subject for a period of no more
other benefit, and is required to be kept se- the subcommittee except that minority staff
than fourteen calendar days may be closed to
cret in order to prevent undue injury to the members shall be under the supervision of
the public on a motion made and seconded to
competitive position of such person; or the ranking minority Senator on the sub-
go into closed session to discuss only wheth-
(6) may divulge matters required to be committee;
er the matters enumerated in classes (1)
kept confidential under other provisions of (d) the President pro tempore is the super-
through (6) would require the meeting to be
law or Government regulations. visor of the Secretary of the Senate, Ser-
closed followed immediately by a record vote
(c) Whenever any hearing conducted by geant at Arms and Doorkeeper, the Chaplain,
in open session by a majority of the members
any such committee or subcommittee is the Legislative Counsel, and the employees
of the committee or subcommittee when it is
open to the public, that hearing may be of the Office of the Legislative Counsel;
determined that the matters to be discussed
broadcast by radio or television, or both, (e) the Secretary of the Senate is the su-
or the testimony to be taken at such meet-
under such rules as the committee or sub- pervisor of the employees of his office;
ing or meetings—
committee may adopt. (f) the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper is
(1) will disclose matters necessary to be
(d) Whenever disorder arises during a com- the supervisor of the employees of his office;
kept secret in the interests of national de-
mittee meeting that is open to the public, or (g) the Majority and Minority Leaders and
fense or the confidential conduct of the for-
any demonstration of approval or dis- the Majority and Minority Whips are the su-
eign relations of the United States;
approval is indulged in by any person in at- pervisors of the research, clerical, and other
(2) will relate solely to matters of com-
tendance at any such meeting, it shall be the assistants assigned to their respective of-
mittee staff personnel or internal staff man-
duty of the Chair to enforce order on his own fices;
agement or procedure;
initiative and without any point of order (h) the Majority Leader is the supervisor of
(3) will tend to charge an individual with
being made by a Senator. When the Chair the Secretary for the Majority and the Sec-
crime or misconduct, to disgrace or injure
finds it necessary to maintain order, he shall retary for the Majority is the supervisor of
the professional standing of an individual, or
have the power to clear the room, and the the employees of his office; and
otherwise to expose an individual to public
committee may act in closed session for so (i) the Minority Leader is the supervisor of
contempt or obloquy, or will represent a
long as there is doubt of the assurance of the Secretary for the Minority and the Sec-
clearly unwarranted invasion of the privacy
order. retary for the Minority is the supervisor of
of an individual;
(4) will disclose the identity of any in- APPENDIX B—‘‘SUPERVISORS’’ DEFINED the employees of his office.
former or law enforcement agent or will dis- Paragraph 12 of Rule XXXVII of the Stand- REVISIONS—RULES OF PROCEDURE SELECT
close any information relating to the inves- ing Rules of the Senate reads as follows: COMMITTEE ON ETHICS
Date revised Amendment
December 1989 ......................................... Allows for a reduced quorum to take testimony except during an adjudicatory hearing.
February 1993 ........................................... Adopted, under Admissibility of Evidence, paragraph (C), Rule 412 of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
May 1993 .................................................. Corrected the following grammatical errors in the publication: page 2 section (d)(1) change paragraph 11 to paragraph 12; page 14 section (k)(B) change paragraph 11 to paragraph 12; page
15 section (5) change to ‘‘Whenever a member of the Committee is ineligible . . .’’
April 1997 ................................................. Amends Rule 9(c) Procedures for Handling Committee Sensitive and Classified Documents:
(1) Strike ‘‘Committee Sensitive and classified documents and materials shall be segregated in secure filing safes.’’ Insert ‘‘Committee Sensitive documents and materials shall be stored in the
Committee’s offices, with appropriate safeguards for maintaining the security of such documents or materials. Classified documents and materials shall be further segregated in the Commit-
tee’s offices in secure filing safes.’’
(2) Strike ‘‘If necessary, requested materials may be taken by a member of the Committee staff to the office of a member of the Committee for his or her examination, but the Committee staff
member shall remain with the Committee Sensitive or classified documents or materials at all times except as specifically authorized by the Chairman or Vice Chairman.’’ Insert ‘‘If necessary,
requested materials may be hand delivered by a member of the Committee staff to the member of the Committee, or to a staff person(s) specifically designated by the member, for the mem-
ber’s or designated staffer’s examination. A member of the Committee who has possession of Committee Sensitive documents or materials shall take appropriate safeguards for maintaining
the security of such documents or materials in the possession of the member or his or her designated staffer.
(3) Committee Sensitive documents that are provided to a Member of the Senate in connection with a complaint that has been filed against the Member shall be hand delivered to the Member
or to the Member’s Chief of Staff or Administrative Assistant. Committee Sensitive documents that are provided to a Member of the Senate who is the subject of a preliminary inquiry, an ini-
tial review, or an investigation, shall be hand delivered to the Member or to his or her specifically designated representative.
(4) [Renumbered]
(5) [Renumbered]
Amends Committee Rule 14 by adding the following sentence to paragraph (c). ‘‘The Committee shall rule on a waiver request by recorded vote, with a majority of those voting affirming the de-
cision. With respect to an individual’s request for a waiver in connection with the acceptance or reporting the value of gifts on the occasion of the individual’s marriage, the Chairman and
the Vice Chairman, acting jointly, may rule on the waiver.’’
November 1999 ......................................... Extensively amends the Supplementary Procedural Rules to reflect changes to the Committee charter as agreed to by S. Res. 222 [‘‘Senate Ethics Procedure Reform Resolution of 1999’’].
CONFIRMATION OF MERRICK CONFIRMATION OF DEBRA ANNE tenure, Haaland was the first Chair-
BRIAN GARLAND HAALAND woman elected to the Laguna Develop-
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, we ment Corporation Board of Directors
Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I voted and the first Native woman elected to
urgently need a qualified and effective
against the nomination of Merrick leader ready to protect our natural re- lead a State party, as chairwoman of
Garland to be Attorney General be- sources, conserve public lands, and col- the New Mexico Democratic Party. She
cause President Biden’s campaign laborate with our Tribal nations. Presi- brought her progressive values of sus-
promises included permitting the De- dent Biden’s nominee to lead the De- tainability and environmental protec-
partment of Justice to take unilateral partment of the Interior is just the per- tion to each of her positions, and I be-
and unconstitutional actions to in- son for the job, Congresswoman Debra lieve she will do the same for the De-
fringe upon Second Amendment rights. Haaland. She will quickly restore con- partment of the Interior.
Gun control advocacy groups applaud fidence in the Department and reaffirm During her tenure as vice chair of the
these promises and encourage even its mission to manage and conserve our House Committee on Natural Re-
public land and do its part to confront sources, Haaland led legislative efforts,
more executive actions to erode the
climate change. like the ANTIQUITIES Act and the
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
right to keep and bear firearms. Absent
Congresswoman Haaland would be 30x30 Resolution, to protect and con-
an explicit promise from Judge Gar- the first Native American Cabinet Sec- serve our national monuments, public
land to respect the Second Amend- retary, and she is no stranger to break- lands, and oceans. Additionally, the
ment, my oath to defend the Constitu- ing barriers. Haaland was one of the Congresswoman has prioritized envi-
tion prevented me from voting to con- first two Native women elected to Con- ronmental justice and Tribal inclusion
firm him as Attorney General. gress in 2018. Prior to her congressional throughout her career. She introduced
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:46 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.049 S16MRPT1
S1566 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
the Environmental Justice in Rec- REVISION TO ALLOCATION TO THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETARY REVISIONS
reational Permitting Act to increase FINANCE
access to public lands for all commu- [Pursuant to Section 302 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and Sec- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, sec-
nities and fight environmental injus- tion 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, The Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for tion 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, the fiscal
Fiscal Year 2021]
tice. Given the Department’s history of [$ in billions]
year 2021 congressional budget resolu-
failing to engage with indigenous com- tion, allows the chairman of the Senate
munities while enacting harmful public 2021 2021–2025 2021–2030 Budget Committee to revise the alloca-
lands policies, Haaland will bring a new Current Allocation: tions, aggregates, and levels in the
era of equity and inclusion to the De- Finance budget resolution for legislation con-
Budget Authority ............. 3,999.794 15,895.555 35,570.404
partment of the Interior. Outlays ............................ 3,917.581 15,824.663 35,477.120 sidered under the resolution’s rec-
Last Congress, I worked to enact the Adjustments:
Budget Authority ............. ¥6.335 ¥6,640 ¥6,640 onciliation instructions.
Chesapeake WILD Act, which author- Outlays ............................ ¥6.335 ¥6.640 ¥6,640
izes up to $15 million annually for a Revised Allocation: I find that H.R. 1319, the American
Budget Authority ............. 3,993.459 15,888.915 35,563,764
new grant program managed by the Outlays ............................ 3,911.246 15,818.023 35,470.480 Rescue Plan Act of 2021, as passed by
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to do the Senate, meets the conditions found
fish and wildlife habitat restoration in BUDGET AGGREGATES—BUDGET AUTHORITY AND in section 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5. Ac-
the Chesapeake Bay watershed. I look OUTLAYS cordingly, I am revising the allocations
forward to working with Haaland to [Section 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, The Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for the reconciled committees and
see that this program is fully funded for Fiscal Year 2021] other enforceable budgetary levels to
[$ in billions]
and well implemented. account for the budgetary effects of the
The Department of the Interior man- 2021 bill. This adjustment reflects the esti-
ages over 500 million acres of public mate of the bill provided by the Con-
Current Aggregates:
land, and Haaland’s record shows she is Spending: gressional Budget Office on March 10,
prepared to take on this role. For these Budget Authority ............................................................... 5,803.131
2021.
Outlays .............................................................................. 5,882.835
reasons, I support Debra Haaland’s Adjustment:
nomination for Secretary of the Inte- Budget Authority ............................................................... ¥6.335 This adjustment supersedes the ad-
Outlays .............................................................................. ¥6.335 justments I previously made for the
rior. Revised Aggregates:
Budget Authority ............................................................... 5,796.796 processing of S. Amdts. 891 and 1378 to
f Outlays .............................................................................. 5,876.500
H.R. 1319 on March 5, 2021.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF I ask unanimous consent that the ac-
2021—BUDGETARY REVISIONS BUDGET AGGREGATES—REVENUES
[Pursuant to Section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and Sec- companying tables, which provide de-
Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, sec- tion 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for tails about the adjustments, be printed
Fiscal Year 2021]
tion 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, the fiscal in the RECORD.
[$ in billions]
year 2021 congressional budget resolu-
There being no objection, the mate-
tion, allows the chairman of the Senate 2021 2021–2025 2021–2030
Budget Committee to revise the alloca- rial was ordered to be printed in the
Current Aggregates: RECORD, as follows:
tions, aggregates, and levels in the Revenue ........................... 2,503.907 15,284.591 35,074.542
budget resolution for legislation con- Adjustment:
Revenue ........................... ¥25.380 25.487 5.524 BUDGET AGGREGATES—BUDGET AUTHORITY AND
sidered under the resolution’s rec- Revised Aggregates:
Revenue ........................... 2,478.527 15,310.078 35,080.066 OUTLAYS
onciliation instructions.
[Pursuant to Section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and Sec-
I find that Senate Amendment No. tion 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for
1378 fulfills the conditions found in sec- PAY-AS-YOU-GO SCORECARD FOR THE SENATE Fiscal Year 2021]
tion 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5. Accordingly, [Pursuant to Section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71, the Concurrent Resolution on [$ in billions]
the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018]
I am revising the allocations for the [$ in billions] 2021
reconciled committees and other en-
forceable budgetary levels to account Balances Current Aggregates:
Spending:
for the budgetary effects of the amend- Starting Balance: Budget Authority ..................................................... 5,868.572
ment. Fiscal Year 2021 ............................................................... 1,173.825 Outlays .................................................................... 5,998.437
Fiscal Years 2021–2025 ................................................... 1,890.373 Adjustment:
I ask unanimous consent that the ac- Fiscal Years 2021–2030 ................................................... 1,881.752 Budget Authority ..................................................... ¥82.275
companying tables, which provide de- Adjustments: Outlays .................................................................... ¥150.829
Fiscal Year 2021 ............................................................... 19.045
tails about the adjustments, be printed Fiscal Years 2021–2025 ................................................... 18.847 Revised Aggregates:
Fiscal Years 2021–2030 ................................................... ¥12.164 Budget Authority ..................................................... 5,786.297
in the RECORD. Outlays .................................................................... 5,847.608
Revised Balance:
There being no objection, the mate- Fiscal Year 2021 ............................................................... 1,192.870
Fiscal Years 2021–2025 ................................................... 1,909.220 Note: The adjustment for budget authority and outlays represents the dif-
rial was ordered to be printed in the Fiscal Years 2021–2030 ................................................... 1,869.588 ference between 2021 amounts assumed in the budget resolution for fiscal
RECORD, as follows: year 2021 and amounts included in H.R. 1319, as passed by the Senate.
[Pursuant to Section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and Section 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2021]
[$ in billions]
2021 2021–2025 2021–2030
Current Aggregates:
Revenue ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2,523.057 15,314.642 35,075.136
Adjustment:
Revenue ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ¥59.847 ¥87.702 ¥27.320
Revised Aggregates:
Revenue ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2,463.210 15,226.940 35,047.816
Note: The adjustment for revenues represents the difference between revenues assumed in the budget resolution for budget reconciliation and the revenue impact of H.R. 1319, as passed by the Senate. The total reduction in on-budget
revenues resulting from H.R. 1319, as passed by the Senate, is $75.517 billion in 2021, $120.218 billion over five years, and $59.912 billion over ten years.
REVISION TO ALLOCATION TO SENATE COMMITTEES
[Pursuant to Section 302 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and Section 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, The Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2021]
[$ in billions]
2021 2021–2025 2021–2030
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
Current Allocation:
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 240.315 831.870 1,562.654
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 202.027 733.208 1,388.412
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22.602 22.712 22.712
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18.823 22.548 22.712
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 262.917 854.582 1,585.366
VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:46 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.024 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1567
REVISION TO ALLOCATION TO SENATE COMMITTEES—Continued
[Pursuant to Section 302 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and Section 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, The Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2021]
[$ in billions]
2021 2021–2025 2021–2030
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 220.850 755.756 1,411.124
Current Allocation:
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ¥463.909 ¥378.485 ¥269.169
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ¥10.918 3.158 6.455
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 92.231 92.231 92.231
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 32.544 87.170 88.820
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ¥371.678 ¥286.254 ¥176.938
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21.626 90.328 95.275
Current Allocation:
Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 345.609 417.066 507.766
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 314.473 381.777 449.022
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35.882 35.762 36.162
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22.427 35.696 35.155
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 381.491 452.828 542.928
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 336.900 417.473 484.177
Current Allocation:
Environment and Public Works:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68.678 264.412 510.612
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21.964 34.852 55.646
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3.205 3.205 3.205
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 0.812 3.005 3.205
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 71.883 267.617 513.817
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22.776 37.857 58.851
Finance:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2,993.294 14,655.178 34,329.717
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2,980.805 14,587.196 34,246.494
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 986.027 1,221.714 1,224.539
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 898.024 1,217.884 1,213.532
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3,979.321 15,876.892 35,554.256
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3,878.829 15,805.080 35,460.026
Current Allocation:
Foreign Relations:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51.566 229.018 447.704
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 41,156 215.099 433.745
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10.000 10.000 10.000
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1.159 9.248 9.526
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61.566 239.018 457.704
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 42.315 224.347 443.271
Current Allocation:
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17.289 132.371 268.697
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27.594 121.193 244.258
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 304.708 304.695 304.614
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 40.725 287.224 303.942
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 321.997 437.066 573.311
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 68.319 408.417 548.200
Current Allocation:
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 155.755 816.524 1,737.240
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 154.534 809.992 1,720.393
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53.647 53.689 53.713
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12.558 42.248 50.542
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 209.402 870.213 1,790.953
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 167.092 852.240 1,770.935
Current Allocation:
Indian Affairs:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 0.873 2.868 5.004
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 0.968 3.180 4.987
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8.804 8.804 8.804
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1.976 8.186 8.579
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9.677 11.672 13.808
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2.944 11.366 13.566
Current Allocation:
Small Business and Entrepreneurship:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ¥144.559 ¥144.559 ¥144.559
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1.941 2.146 2.146
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53.600 53.600 53.600
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 48.550 49.940 49.940
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ¥90.959 ¥90.959 ¥90.959
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 50.491 52.086 52.086
Current Allocation:
Veterans’ Affairs
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 135.958 726.288 1,581.379
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 136.349 727.702 1,583.336
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17.080 17.080 17.080
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10.510 16.642 16.668
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 153.038 743.368 1,598.459
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 146.859 744.344 1,819.031
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
Current Allocation:
Unassigned:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 662.249 ¥4,019.387 ¥11,161.327
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 189.750 ¥4.045.408 ¥11,073.561
Adjustments:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ¥82.275 ¥2.286 ¥30.469
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ¥150.829 ¥9.932 ¥53.598
Revised Allocation:
Budget Authority ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 579.974 ¥4,021.673 ¥11,191.796
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:26 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.024 S16MRPT1
S1568 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
REVISION TO ALLOCATION TO SENATE COMMITTEES—Continued
[Pursuant to Section 302 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and Section 3001 of S. Con. Res. 5, The Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2021]
[$ in billions]
2021 2021–2025 2021–2030
Outlays ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 38.921 ¥4,055.340 ¥11,127.159
Note: The total adjustment amount for reconciled committees is $1,825.660 billion in budget authority and $1,802.621 billion in outlays over ten years.
PAY-AS-YOU-GO SCORECARD FOR THE SENATE Association. Athalia has prepared tes- EXECUTIVE AND OTHER
[Pursuant to Section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71, the Concurrent Resolution on timony advocating for international COMMUNICATIONS
the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018] cultural diversity classes in North Da-
[$ in billions] The following communications were
kota public schools and is passionate laid before the Senate, together with
Balances about reducing the stigma surrounding accompanying papers, reports, and doc-
mental health, especially for students. uments, and were referred as indicated:
Starting Balance:
Fiscal Year 2021 ..................................................... 0 After graduation, Athalia intends to EC–619. A communication from the Direc-
Fiscal Years 2021–2025 ......................................... 0 attend Howard University to pursue tor of the Regulatory Management Division,
Fiscal Years 2021–2030 ......................................... 0
Adjustments: political science and law degrees. She Environmental Protection Agency, transmit-
Fiscal Year 2021 ..................................................... 1,163.625 would like to become a politician and a ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en-
Fiscal Years 2021–2025 ......................................... 1,900.009
Fiscal Years 2021–2030 ......................................... 1,862.533 policy writer at either a State or na- titled ‘‘Fluindapyr; Pesticide Tolerances’’
Revised Balance: tional level. (FRL No. 10019–19–OCSPP) received in the Of-
Fiscal Year 2021 ..................................................... 1,163.625 Micah, a senior at Legacy High fice of the President of the Senate on March
Fiscal Years 2021–2025 ......................................... 1,900.009
Fiscal Years 2021–2030 ......................................... 1,862.533 School in Bismarck, is president of the 11, 2021; to the Committee on Agriculture,
North Dakota Association of Student Nutrition, and Forestry.
f EC–620. A communication from the Direc-
Councils. She ranks first in her class of tor of the Regulatory Management Division,
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS 320 students, is an AP Scholar, and a Environmental Protection Agency, transmit-
Presidential Citizenship Award recipi- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en-
ent. She is president of the Legacy titled ‘‘Quizalofop ethyl; Pesticide Toler-
RECOGNIZING NORTH DAKOTA’S Concert Choir and a member of the Na- ances’’ (FRL No. 10020–34–OCSPP) received in
DELEGATES TO THE SENATE tional Honor Society and the Bis- the Office of the President of the Senate on
YOUTH PROGRAM marck-Mandan Student Chamber. She March 11, 2021; to the Committee on Agri-
is involved in varsity cheerleading, All- culture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
∑ Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, one of EC–621. A communication from the Direc-
the outstanding programs offered in State Jazz Choir, Central Dakota Chil- tor of the Regulatory Management Division,
the U.S. Senate recognizes the best of dren’s Choir, and Academic Allstate. Environmental Protection Agency, transmit-
America’s high school juniors and sen- She has been an advocate for Parkin- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en-
iors. Since 1963, the U.S. Senate Youth son’s disease and Alzheimer’s aware- titled ‘‘Picarbutrazox; Pesticide Tolerances’’
Program has selected two students ness and support within her commu- (FRL No. 10019–99–OCSPP) received in the Of-
from each State who rank high aca- nity and has partnered with a locally- fice of the President of the Senate on March
owned bakery to pioneer an annual 11, 2021; to the Committee on Agriculture,
demically, excel in leadership and vol- Nutrition, and Forestry.
unteerism, and have a passion for pub- fundraiser to raise money for respite
EC–622. A communication from the Direc-
lic service. They also receive a $10,000 care. She has been recognized as the tor of the Regulatory Management Division,
college scholarship. 2021 Distinguished Young Woman of Environmental Protection Agency, transmit-
These young delegates have come to North Dakota and Miss North Dakota’s ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en-
Washington, DC, every spring for a Outstanding Teen 2018. After gradua- titled ‘‘Texas: Final Authorization of State
week of education and tours high- tion, Micah plans to attend the Univer- Hazardous Waste Management Program Re-
sity of Mary in Bismarck to study phi- vision’’ (FRL No. 10019–76–Region 6) received
lighting all three branches of govern- in the Office of the President of the Senate
ment. This year’s 59th annual Wash- losophy. She would like to study
abroad in Vatican City and eventually on March 9, 2021; to the Committee on Envi-
ington Week gathering last week was ronment and Public Works.
conducted in a virtual online format, pursue a career in academia. EC–623. A communication from the Direc-
and I know it was a memorable experi- I congratulate both Athalia and tor of the Regulatory Management Division,
ence for the 104 student delegates from Micah for this honor and welcome Environmental Protection Agency, transmit-
across the Nation who attended. them to an alumni group of Senate ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en-
As one of the eight Senators serving Youth Program delegates, which is titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; Ohio; Base Year
5,500 individuals strong. Many of them Emission Inventories and Emissions State-
on the Senate Youth Program’s Advi- ment Rule Certification for the 2015 Ozone
sory Committee, I congratulate all who have gone on to distinguish themselves
in every area of public service. I fully Standard’’ (FRL No. 10020–89–Region 5) re-
were selected to be delegates this year. ceived in the Office of the President of the
I had the recent opportunity to have an expect that we will hear much more
Senate on March 9, 2021; to the Committee
online conversation with North Dako- about Athalia and Micah in the future on Environment and Public Works.
ta’s two delegates, Athalia Haughton as they continue to excel in academic EC–624. A communication from the Direc-
and Micah Schlittenhardt. and professional arenas throughout tor of the Regulatory Management Division,
Athalia is a junior at Century High their lives.∑ Environmental Protection Agency, transmit-
f ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en-
School in Bismarck and is the local titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Air
chair and State programs director of MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT Quality State Implementation Plans; Cali-
the High School Democrats of America. Messages from the President of the fornia; Plumas County; Moderate Area Plan
She is an AP Scholar with honor, a stu- United States were communicated to for the 2012 PM2.5 NAAQS’’ (FRL No. 10020–
dent council representative, student 36–Region 9) received in the Office of the
the Senate by Ms. Roberts, one of his President of the Senate on March 9, 2021; to
congress member, and is the cofounder secretaries.
and president of Student Advocates of the Committee on Environment and Public
f Works.
North Dakota. She was a semifinalist EC–625. A communication from the Direc-
in State debate, nationally qualified in EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED tor of the Regulatory Management Division,
the Lincoln Douglas debate, is a two- In executive session the Presiding Of- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit-
time State qualifier in speech, a One ficer laid before the Senate messages ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en-
Act Play State champion, and was a from the President of the United titled ‘‘Significant New Use Rules on Certain
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
member of the first-ever North Dakota States submitting sundry nominations Chemical Substances (20–4.B)’’ (FRL No.
team to become a World Schools De- 10016–51–OCSPP) received in the Office of the
which were referred to the appropriate President of the Senate on March 9, 2021; to
bate national qualifier. She crafts committees. the Committee on Environment and Public
blankets for local immigrants, volun- (The messages received today are Works.
teers at Heaven’s Helpers soup kitchen, printed at the end of the Senate pro- EC–626. A communication from the Direc-
and raises money for the Alzheimer’s ceedings.) tor of the Regulatory Management Division,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:41 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.024 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1569
Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- a rule entitled ‘‘Security Zone; Atlantic In- national financial institutions, and for other
ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tracoastal Waterway, Horry County, South purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Rela-
titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; Georgia; Non-In- Carolina’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) (Docket No. tions.
terference Demonstration and Maintenance USCG–2021–0130)) received in the Office of the By Mr. HOEVEN (for himself and Mr.
Plan Revision for the Removal of Transpor- President of the Senate on March 11, 2021; to CRAMER):
tation Control Measures in the Atlantic the Committee on Commerce, Science, and S. 759. A bill to amend the Internal Rev-
Area’’ (FRL No. 10019–92–Region 4) received Transportation. enue Code of 1986 to extend the credit for
in the Office of the President of the Senate EC–636. A communication from the Yeo- production of refined coal; to the Committee
on March 9, 2021; to the Committee on Envi- man First Class Petty Officer, U.S. Coast on Finance.
ronment and Public Works. Guard, Department of Homeland Security, By Ms. ERNST (for herself, Mr. SCOTT
EC–627. A communication from the Direc- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of of Florida, Mr. PAUL, and Mr.
tor of the Regulatory Management Division, a rule entitled ‘‘Security Zone; Ohio River, BRAUN):
Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- New Richmond, Ohio’’ ((RIN1625–AA00) S. 760. A bill to require recipients of Fed-
ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- (Docket No. USCG–2021–0098)) received in the eral funds to disclose information relating to
titled ‘‘Determination to Defer Sanctions; Office of the President of the Senate on programs, projects, or activities carried out
Arizona; Pinal County Air Quality Control March 11, 2021; to the Committee on Com- using the Federal funds; to the Committee
District’’ (FRL No. 10020–94–Region 9) re- merce, Science, and Transportation. on Homeland Security and Governmental Af-
ceived in the Office of the President of the f fairs.
Senate on March 9, 2021; to the Committee By Ms. ERNST (for herself, Mr. COT-
on Environment and Public Works. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND TON, Mrs. CAPITO, and Mr. SCOTT of
EC–628. A communication from the Direc- JOINT RESOLUTIONS Florida):
tor of the Regulatory Management Division, S. 761. A bill to require the publication of
The following bills and joint resolu- fossil-fuel powered travel by the President,
Environmental Protection Agency, transmit-
ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- tions were introduced, read the first the Vice President, and political appointees,
titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; Kansas; Removal and second times by unanimous con- and for other purposes; to the Committee on
of Kansas City, Kansas Reid Vapor Pressure sent, and referred as indicated: Homeland Security and Governmental Af-
Fuel Requirement’’ (FRL No. 10021–10–Re- By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and fairs.
gion 7) received in the Office of the President Mrs. BLACKBURN): By Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina (for
of the Senate on March 11, 2021; to the Com- S. 752. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- himself and Ms. CORTEZ MASTO):
mittee on Environment and Public Works. enue Code of 1986 to provide for an election S. 762. A bill to provide the National Credit
EC–629. A communication from the Direc- to expense certain qualified sound recording Union Administration Board flexibility to
tor of the Regulatory Management Division, costs otherwise chargeable to capital ac- increase Federal credit union loan matu-
Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- count; to the Committee on Finance. rities, and for other purposes; to the Com-
ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- By Mr. MURPHY (for himself, Mrs. mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af-
titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; Missouri; Mis- GILLIBRAND, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, and fairs.
souri Reid Vapor Pressure Requirement’’ Mr. CASEY): By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself,
(FRL No. 10021–11–Region 7) received in the S. 753. A bill to reauthorize the Highlands Mr. MURPHY, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. FEIN-
Office of the President of the Senate on Conservation Act, to authorize States to use STEIN, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. VAN HOLLEN,
March 11, 2021; to the Committee on Environ- funds from that Act for administrative pur- Mr. MARKEY, Ms. SMITH, Mrs. SHA-
ment and Public Works. poses, and for other purposes; to the Com- HEEN, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Ms. KLO-
EC–630. A communication from the Direc- mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. BUCHAR, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. SAND-
tor of the Regulatory Management Division, By Ms. BALDWIN (for herself, Ms. ERS, Mr. WYDEN, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr.
Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- ERNST, Mr. BROWN, Ms. MURKOWSKI, MENENDEZ, Mr. CASEY, Mr. COONS,
ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. MARSHALL, Mrs. Mrs. MURRAY, Ms. WARREN, Mr.
titled ‘‘Air Plan Approval; Washington: In- SHAHEEN, Mr. WICKER, Mr. WHITE- BOOKER, Ms. HIRONO, and Mrs. GILLI-
spection and Maintenance Program; Correc- HOUSE, Mr. TILLIS, Ms. STABENOW, BRAND):
tion’’ (FRL No. 10020–98–Region 10) received Mr. CRAMER, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. S. 763. A bill to amend title 18, United
in the Office of the President of the Senate BOOZMAN, Mr. PETERS, Ms. COLLINS, States Code, to protect more victims of do-
on March 11, 2021; to the Committee on Envi- Mr. MARKEY, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. BOOK- mestic violence by preventing their abusers
ronment and Public Works. ER, Mr. GRAHAM, Ms. SMITH, Mr. from possessing or receiving firearms, and
EC–631. A communication from the Direc- GRASSLEY, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. MORAN, for other purposes; to the Committee on the
tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Mr. MURPHY, Mr. DAINES, Mr. Judiciary.
Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- BLUMENTHAL, Mr. BRAUN, and Mr. By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Ms. COR-
ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- REED): TEZ MASTO, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. CASEY,
titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of State S. 754. A bill to provide health insurance Ms. SMITH, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr.
Air Quality Plans for Designated Facilities benefits for outpatient and inpatient items WHITEHOUSE, and Mr. SANDERS):
and Pollutants; State of Maryland; Control and services related to the diagnosis and S. 764. A bill to amend title XIX of the So-
of Emissions from Existing Sewage Sludge treatment of a congenital anomaly or birth cial Security Act to encourage State Med-
Incineration Units; Correction’’ (FRL No. defect; to the Committee on Health, Edu- icaid programs to provide community-based
10020–90–Region 3) received in the Office of cation, Labor, and Pensions. mobile crisis intervention services, and for
the President of the Senate on March 11, By Mrs. HYDE-SMITH: other purposes; to the Committee on Fi-
2021; to the Committee on Environment and S. 755. A bill to require the Administrator nance.
Public Works. of the Environmental Protection Agency to By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Ms.
EC–632. A communication from the Chair- provide additional assistance for public MURKOWSKI, Mr. MERKLEY, Ms.
man, Medicare Payment Advisory Commis- water systems damaged by Winter Storms ROSEN, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. MAR-
sion, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report Uri and Viola, and for other purposes; to the KEY, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. COONS, Mrs.
entitled ‘‘March 2021 Report to the Congress: Committee on Environment and Public SHAHEEN, Mr. KAINE, Mr. SCHATZ, Ms.
Medicare Payment Policy’’; to the Com- Works. COLLINS, and Mr. REED):
mittee on Finance. By Mr. KENNEDY: S. 765. A bill to improve United States con-
EC–633. A communication from the Assist- S. 756. A bill to amend the Patient Protec- sideration of, and strategic support for, pro-
ant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, Depart- tion and Affordable Care Act to ensure that grams to prevent and respond to gender-
ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to the preexisting condition exclusions with respect based violence from the onset of humani-
Case-Zablocki Act, 1 U.S.C. 112b, as amended, to enrollment in health insurance coverage tarian emergencies and to build the capacity
the report of the texts and background state- and group health plans continue to be pro- of humanitarian actors to address the imme-
ments of international agreements, other hibited; to the Committee on Health, Edu- diate and long-term challenges resulting
than treaties (List 2021–0040–2021–0043); to the cation, Labor, and Pensions. from such violence, and for other purposes;
Committee on Foreign Relations. By Mr. WARNER: to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
EC–634. A communication from the Chair- S. 757. A bill to amend the Black Lung By Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself,
man of the Council of the District of Colum- Benefits Act to ease the benefits process for Mr. BROWN, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr.
bia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report survivors of miners whose deaths were due to MENENDEZ, Mr. MARKEY, and Mr. VAN
on D.C. Act 23–592, ‘‘Non-Public Student Edu- pneumoconiosis; to the Committee on HOLLEN):
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
cational Continuity Temporary Amendment Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. S. 766. A bill to amend the Internal Rev-
Act of 2021’’ ; to the Committee on Homeland By Mr. BARRASSO (for himself, Ms. enue Code of 1986 to allow an above-the-line
Security and Governmental Affairs. LUMMIS, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mr. CRUZ, deduction for attorney fees and costs in con-
EC–635. A communication from the Yeo- Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. HAGERTY, Mr. COR- nection with consumer claim awards; to the
man First Class Petty Officer, U.S. Coast NYN, and Mr. INHOFE): Committee on Finance.
Guard, Department of Homeland Security, S. 758. A bill to support financing of afford- By Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself,
transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of able and reliable energy projects by inter- Ms. SMITH, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. BROWN,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:41 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.032 S16MRPT1
S1570 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. MENENDEZ, Ms. By Mr. MARSHALL (for himself, Mr. By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Ms.
WARREN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. COTTON, Mrs. BLACKBURN, COLLINS, Mr. MURPHY, Mr. LEAHY,
BLUMENTHAL, and Mrs. FEINSTEIN): Mr. LEE, and Mrs. HYDE-SMITH): Mr. MARKEY, Mr. COONS, Mr. DURBIN,
S. 767. A bill to amend the Home Mortgage S. 777. A bill to prohibit taxpayer-funded Mr. SCHUMER, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr.
Disclosure Act of 1975 to modify the exemp- gender reassignment medical interventions, CASEY, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. KAINE, Mrs.
tions from certain disclosure requirements; and for other purposes; to the Committee on SHAHEEN, Mr. CARDIN, and Mr. REED):
to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Finance. S. Res. 117. A resolution expressing support
Urban Affairs. By Mr. MARSHALL (for himself, Mr. for the full implementation of the Good Fri-
By Ms. CORTEZ MASTO: BRAUN, Mrs. BLACKBURN, and Mrs. day Agreement, or the Belfast Agreement,
S. 768. A bill to amend section 5303 of title HYDE-SMITH): and subsequent agreements and arrange-
49, United States Code, to consider housing S. 778. A bill to amend chapter 110 of title ments for implementation to support peace
in metropolitan transportation planning, 18, United States Code, to prohibit gender re- on the island of Ireland; to the Committee on
and for other purposes; to the Committee on assignment medical interventions on minors, Foreign Relations.
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. and for other purposes; to the Committee on By Mr. MARSHALL (for himself, Mr.
By Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself, the Judiciary. MORAN, Mr. BLUNT, and Mr. HAWLEY):
Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. By Mr. WARNER (for himself, Mrs. S. Res. 118. A resolution honoring Army
DURBIN, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. MERKLEY, SHAHEEN, Mr. CARDIN, Ms. BALDWIN, chaplain Emil J. Kapaun; considered and
Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. CARPER, Mr. MURPHY, Mr. agreed to.
Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. KAINE, and Mrs. PETERS, Mr. REED, Ms. DUCKWORTH, f
FEINSTEIN): Mr. KAINE, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr.
S. 769. A bill to authorize funds to prevent MENENDEZ, Ms. SMITH, Mr. MERKLEY, ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS
housing discrimination through the use of Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, S. 96
nationwide testing, to increase funds for the Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. At the request of Mr. REED, the name
Fair Housing Initiatives Program, and for DURBIN, Mr. LUJÁN, Mr. MARKEY, Ms.
WARREN, Ms. ROSEN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR,
of the Senator from Georgia (Mr.
other purposes; to the Committee on Bank-
ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Ms. STABENOW, Mr. CASEY, Mrs. MUR- WARNOCK) was added as a cosponsor of
By Mr. VAN HOLLEN (for himself, Mr. RAY, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. TESTER, and Mr. S. 96, a bill to provide for the long-term
BLUMENTHAL, and Mr. MURPHY): PADILLA): improvement of public school facili-
S. 770. A bill to authorize for a grant pro- S. 779. A bill to provide that certain rules ties, and for other purposes.
gram for handgun licensing programs, and and guidance related to waivers for State in- S. 107
for other purposes; to the Committee on the novation under the Patient Protection and At the request of Mr. ROUNDS, the
Judiciary. Affordable Care Act shall have no force or ef-
fect; to the Committee on Finance.
name of the Senator from North Da-
By Mr. BROWN (for himself, Mrs. MUR-
RAY, Ms. WARREN, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. By Mr. HEINRICH (for himself, Mr. kota (Mr. HOEVEN) was added as a co-
SANDERS, Mr. CARDIN, Ms. HIRONO, PADILLA, Mr. WYDEN, and Mr. sponsor of S. 107, a bill to amend the
Mr. BLUMENTHAL, and Mr. VAN HOL- SCHATZ): Federal Meat Inspection Act and the
LEN): S. 780. A bill to provide for the admission Poultry Products Inspection Act to
S. 771. A bill to amend title 38, United of the State of Puerto Rico into the Union; allow the interstate sale of State-in-
States Code, to modify authorities relating to the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- spected meat and poultry, and for
to the collective bargaining of employees in sources. other purposes.
the Veterans Health Administration, and for By Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Ms.
S. 138
other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- DUCKWORTH, Ms. ERNST, Mr. CRUZ,
erans’ Affairs. Mr. BRAUN, Mr. KING, Mrs. SHAHEEN, At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the
By Mr. PORTMAN (for himself, Mr. and Ms. STABENOW): name of the Senator from California
BLUMENTHAL, Mr. LANKFORD, and Mr. S. 781. A bill to provide for the continu- (Mr. PADILLA) was added as a cosponsor
CARPER): ation of paid parental leave for members of of S. 138, a bill to waive certain pay
S. 772. A bill to clarify responsibilities re- the Armed Services in the event of the death limitations for Department of Agri-
lated to unaccompanied alien children, to of the child; to the Committee on Armed
culture and Department of the Interior
provide additional protections and tracking Services.
By Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. employees engaged in emergency
mechanisms for such children, and for other
purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- TOOMEY): wildland fire suppression activities,
ary. S. 782. A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX and for other purposes.
By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Ms. STABE- of the Social Security Act to modernize Fed- S. 278
NOW, Mr. PORTMAN, Ms. BALDWIN, eral nursing home protections and to en- At the request of Mr. WARNOCK, the
Mrs. CAPITO, and Mr. CARDIN): hance care quality and transparency for name of the Senator from Connecticut
S. 773. A bill to enable certain hospitals nursing home residents and their families; to
the Committee on Finance.
(Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added as a co-
that were participating in or applied for the
By Ms. WARREN (for herself, Mr. sponsor of S. 278, a bill to require the
drug discount program under section 340B of
the Public Health Service Act prior to the PADILLA, Mr. MARKEY, Ms. SMITH, Secretary of Agriculture to provide as-
COVID–19 public health emergency to tempo- Mr. MERKLEY, and Mr. BLUMENTHAL): sistance for socially disadvantaged
rarily maintain eligibility for such program, S. 783. A bill making emergency supple- farmers and ranchers and socially dis-
and for other purposes; to the Committee on mental appropriations for the fiscal year advantaged groups, and for other pur-
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. ending September 30, 2021, and for other pur- poses.
By Mr. TILLIS (for himself, Mr. poses; to the Committee on Health, Edu-
S. 377
PORTMAN, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. HAWLEY, cation, Labor, and Pensions.
Mr. BURR, Mr. SCOTT of Florida, Mr.
At the request of Mr. COTTON, the
f name of the Senator from Michigan
BOOZMAN, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. MORAN,
Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. DAINES, Mrs. BLACK- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor
BURN, Mr. THUNE, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. SENATE RESOLUTIONS of S. 377, a bill to promote and protect
WICKER, Mr. COTTON, and Ms. COL- from discrimination living organ do-
LINS):
The following concurrent resolutions
nors.
S. 774. A bill to amend title 18, United and Senate resolutions were read, and
S. 408
States Code, to punish criminal offenses tar- referred (or acted upon), as indicated:
geting law enforcement officers, and for By Ms. STABENOW (for herself and
At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the
other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- Ms. SINEMA): names of the Senator from West Vir-
diciary. S. Res. 115. A resolution supporting the ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) and the Senator
By Mr. CASSIDY (for himself and Mr. goals and ideals of Social Work Month and from New Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ) were
CASEY): World Social Work Day on March 16, 2021; to added as cosponsors of S. 408, a bill to
S. 775. A bill to require institutions of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, require the Secretary of Health and
higher education to disclose hazing-related and Pensions. Human Services to publish guidance
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
misconduct, and for other purposes; to the By Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. for States on strategies for maternal
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and MENENDEZ):
Pensions.
care providers participating in the
S. Res. 116. A resolution commemorating
By Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself and the 60th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs oper- Medicaid program to reduce maternal
Mr. SULLIVAN): ation and remembering the members of mortality and severe morbidity with
S. 776. A bill for the relief of Rebecca Brigada de Asalto 2506 (Assault Brigade 2506); respect to individuals receiving med-
Trimble; to the Committee on the Judiciary. to the Committee on Foreign Relations. ical assistance under such program.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:41 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.018 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1571
S. 452 (Mrs. MURRAY), the Senator from Cali- S. RES. 97
At the request of Mr. SCOTT of South fornia (Mr. PADILLA) and the Senator At the request of Mr. RISCH, the
Carolina, the name of the Senator from from Tennessee (Mrs. BLACKBURN) were name of the Senator from Arizona (Ms.
Michigan (Mr. PETERS) was added as a added as cosponsors of S. 623, a bill to SINEMA) was added as a cosponsor of S.
cosponsor of S. 452, a bill to award a make daylight saving time permanent, Res. 97, a resolution calling on the
Congressional Gold Medal to Willie and for other purposes. Government of Ethiopia, the Tigray
O’Ree, in recognition of his extraor- S. 625 People’s Liberation Front, and other
dinary contributions and commitment At the request of Mr. TESTER, the belligerents to cease all hostilities,
to hockey, inclusion, and recreational name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. protect human rights, allow unfettered
opportunity. HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of S. humanitarian access, and cooperate
S. 480 625, a bill to amend title 10, United with independent investigations of
At the request of Mr. DAINES, the States Code, to eliminate the enroll- credible atrocity allegations pertaining
names of the Senator from Missouri ment fee requirement for TRICARE Se- to the conflict in the Tigray Region of
(Mr. BLUNT) and the Senator from Lou- lect for members of the Armed Forces Ethiopia.
isiana (Mr. KENNEDY) were added as co- who retired before January 1, 2018. S. RES. 103
sponsors of S. 480, a bill to amend the S. 665 At the request of Mr. SCOTT of Flor-
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make At the request of Mr. PAUL, the name ida, the name of the Senator from Ala-
permanent the deduction for qualified of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. bama (Mr. TUBERVILLE) was added as a
business income. BRAUN) was added as a cosponsor of S. cosponsor of S. Res. 103, a resolution
S. 506 665, a bill to allow Federal funds appro- condemning military aggression and
At the request of Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, priated for kindergarten through grade use of force by the Chinese Coast Guard
the names of the Senator from Con- 12 education to follow the student. against peaceful foreign vessels that
necticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL), the Sen- S. 723
purportedly violate the unlawful mari-
ator from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN), the time sovereignty of China.
At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the
Senator from Minnesota (Ms. SMITH),
name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. f
the Senator from Oregon (Mr.
MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED
MERKLEY), the Senator from Nevada
of S. 723, a bill to amend the Small BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
(Ms. ROSEN), the Senator from Colo-
Business Act and the CARES Act to ex- By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself
rado (Mr. BENNET), the Senator from
tend the covered period for the pay- and Mrs. BLACKBURN):
New Jersey (Mr. BOOKER), the Senator
check protection program, and for S. 752. A bill to amend the Internal
from Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the
other purposes. Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for an
Senator from New Jersey (Mr. MENEN-
S. 730 election to expense certain qualified
DEZ) and the Senator from Massachu-
setts (Mr. MARKEY) were added as co- At the request of Mr. BRAUN, the sound recording costs otherwise
sponsors of S. 506, a bill to establish names of the Senator from Florida (Mr. chargeable to capital account; to the
the Clean School Bus Grant Program, SCOTT) and the Senator from Florida Committee on Finance.
and for other purposes. (Mr. RUBIO) were added as cosponsors Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I
S. 563
of S. 730, a bill to amend title VI of the rise to speak in support of the ‘‘Help
At the request of Mr. CRAMER, the Social Security Act to remove the pro- Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS)
names of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. hibition on States and territories Act,’’ which Senator BLACKBURN and I
MURKOWSKI) and the Senator from Ar- against lowering their taxes. introduced today. Representatives
kansas (Mr. BOOZMAN) were added as At the request of Mr. CRAPO, his LINDA SANCHEZ (D-CA) and RON ESTES
name was added as a cosponsor of S. (R–KS) have introduced companion leg-
cosponsors of S. 563, a bill to amend the
730, supra. islation in the House of Representa-
Federal Reserve Act to prohibit certain
financial service providers who deny S. 743 tives.
At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the Since the start of the COVID–19 pan-
fair access to financial services from
name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. demic, I have consistently heard from
using taxpayer funded discount window
BRAUN) was added as a cosponsor of S. independent musicians and producers
lending programs, and for other pur-
743, a bill to amend title VI of the So- in California who have lost a large per-
poses.
cial Security Act to remove the prohi- centage of their incomes due to con-
S. 586
bition on States and territories against certs, festivals, and other events being
At the request of Mrs. CAPITO, the
lowering their taxes. cancelled.
names of the Senator from Iowa (Ms. With many live performance stages
ERNST) and the Senator from Wis- S.J. RES. 10
and venues across the Nation closed for
consin (Ms. BALDWIN) were added as co- At the request of Mr. KAINE, the
months as a result of the pandemic,
sponsors of S. 586, a bill to amend title name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms.
independent musicians and music mak-
XVIII of the Social Security Act to MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor
ers such as technicians and creators
combat the opioid crisis by promoting of S.J. Res. 10, a joint resolution to re-
have suffered significant loss of in-
access to non-opioid treatments in the peal the authorizations for use of mili-
come.
hospital outpatient setting. tary force against Iraq, and for other
According to a survey by the Copy-
S. 608 purposes.
right Alliance, 88 percent of creators
At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the S. RES. 34
have lost income due to the
name of the Senator from Montana At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the coronavirus pandemic, which is more
(Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. than double the national average. Ap-
of S. 608, a bill to help small business SCHATZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. proximately half of survey respondents
broadband providers keep customers Res. 34, a resolution recognizing the had lost 90 percent or more of their in-
connected. 200th anniversary of the independence come.
S. 617 of Greece and celebrating democracy in Our bill would provide some relief to
At the request of Mr. THUNE, the Greece and the United States. music creators by allowing inde-
name of the Senator from Tennessee S. RES. 87 pendent musicians, technicians, and
(Mr. HAGERTY) was added as a cospon- At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the music producers to deduct the cost of
sor of S. 617, a bill to amend the Inter- name of the Senator from Maryland producing new musical recordings, put-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
nal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the (Mr. VAN HOLLEN) was added as a co- ting them on a level playing field with
estate and generation-skipping transfer sponsor of S. Res. 87, a resolution rec- other arts productions.
taxes, and for other purposes. ognizing that the United States needs a The U.S. Tax Code allows film, tele-
S. 623 Marshall Plan for Moms in order to re- vision, and theater productions to fully
At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the vitalize and restore mothers in the deduct production expenses in the year
names of the Senator from Washington workforce. they are incurred.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:41 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.030 S16MRPT1
S1572 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
However, recording artists are not subparagraph (L), (M), or (O) of subsection (1) helping people overcome issues such as
given the same treatment, and are (a)(4) of section 340B of the Public Health death and grief; and
forced instead to amortize their pro- Service Act participating in the drug dis- (2) helping people and communities recover
count program under such section; or from natural disasters, including fires, hurri-
duction expenses over a number of
(2) an entity that— canes, and earthquakes;
years. (A) prior to the COVID–19 public health Whereas social workers have helped the
The HITS Act would allow qualified emergency, submitted an application for par- United States live up to its value of equality
sound recording producers to deduct ticipation in such program as a covered enti- by successfully advocating for equal rights
100% of recording production ex- ty described in subparagraph (L), (M), or (O) for all people, no matter their race, sexual
penses—up to $150,000—in the year they of section 340B(a)(4) of the Public Health identity, gender, gender expression, culture,
are incurred, rather than in later Service Act; or religion;
years. (B) prior to or during such emergency, was Whereas the social work profession is one
Because this change would simply ac- approved for such participation; and of the fastest growing professions in the
(C) during such emergency, began partici- United States, with nearly 800,000 people ex-
celerate a tax deduction that already pating in such program. pected to be employed as social workers by
exists, the bill’s expected cost would be (c) APPLICABLE REQUIREMENT FOR DIS- 2028;
minimal. PROPORTIONATE SHARE ADJUSTMENT PERCENT- Whereas social workers work in all parts of
In addition, because the deduction AGE.—The applicable requirement for the society to empower people to live to their
would be capped at $150,000 per produc- disproportionate share adjustment percent- fullest potential;
tion, our legislation would benefit age described in this subsection is— Whereas school social workers have
smaller, independent musicians and (1) in the case of a hospital described in worked with families and schools throughout
music producers rather than large com- subsection (a) that otherwise meets the re- the COVID–19 pandemic to ensure students
quirements under subparagraph (L) or (M) of reach their full academic and personal po-
panies. section 340B(a)(4) of the Public Health Serv- tential;
The coronavirus pandemic has had a ice Act, the requirement under subparagraph Whereas social workers play a crucial role
dramatic impact on music creators (L)(ii) of such section; and in the United States health care system and
around the Nation. Our bill would help (2) in the case of a hospital described in have played a key role in the response of the
create parity between musical creators subsection (a) that otherwise meets the re- United States to the COVID–19 pandemic, in-
and other creative producers, stimulate quirements under subparagraph (O) of such cluding by helping individuals, families, and
the economy, and get music makers section 340B(a)(4), the requirement with re- communities cope with the epidemic;
back to work. spect to the disproportionate share adjust- Whereas, for generations, social workers
I hope my colleagues will join me in ment percentage described in such subpara- have advocated for positive changes that
graph (O). have made the United States a better place
support of this bill. Thank you, Mr. (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: to live, including by—
President, and I yield the floor. (1) APPLICABLE CALENDAR QUARTER.—The (1) urging policymakers to adopt the min-
term ‘‘applicable calendar quarter’’ means a imum wage;
By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Ms. calendar quarter for which eligibility for the (2) improving workplace safety; and
STABENOW, Mr. PORTMAN, Ms. drug discount program under section 340B of (3) enacting social safety net programs
BALDWIN, Mrs. CAPITO, and Mr. the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. that help ameliorate hunger, homelessness,
CARDIN): 256b) is based on a cost reporting period for and poverty;
S. 773. A bill to enable certain hos- which the COVID–19 public health emergency Whereas social workers, one of the largest
pitals that were participating in or ap- is in effect for all or part of such cost report- groups of mental health care providers in the
plied for the drug discount program ing period. United States, work daily to help people,
(2) COVERED ENTITY.—The term ‘‘covered whether in person or remotely, overcome
under section 340B of the Public Health entity’’ has the meaning given such term in substance use disorders and mental illnesses,
Service Act prior to the COVID–19 pub- section 340B(a)(4) of the Public Health Serv- including depression and anxiety; and
lic health emergency to temporarily ice Act (42 U.S.C. 256b(a)(4)). Whereas social workers stand ready to as-
maintain eligibility for such program, (3) COVID–19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.— sist the United States in overcoming present
and for other purposes; to the Com- The term ‘‘COVID–19 public health emer- and future challenges, including by—
mittee on Health, Education, Labor, gency’’ means the public health emergency (1) providing sufficient access to mental
and Pensions. declared by the Secretary of Health and health and social care services;
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask Human Services under section 319 of the (2) ensuring that all individuals in the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) on United States can meet their basic human
unanimous consent that the text of the January 31, 2020, with respect to COVID–19. needs; and
bill be printed in the RECORD. (3) advancing racial equity and the dignity
There being no objection, the text of f
of all individuals: Now, therefore, be it
the bill was ordered to be printed in SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS Resolved, That the Senate—
the RECORD, as follows: (1) supports the goals and ideals of Social
S. 773 Work Month and World Social Work Day on
SENATE RESOLUTION 115—SUP- March 16, 2021;
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
PORTING THE GOALS AND (2) acknowledges the diligent efforts of in-
resentatives of the United States of America in
dividuals and groups who promote the impor-
Congress assembled, IDEALS OF SOCIAL WORK MONTH
tance of social work and observe Social Work
SECTION 1. ELIGIBILITY EXCEPTION FOR THE AND WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY Month and World Social Work Day;
DRUG DISCOUNT PROGRAM DUE TO ON MARCH 16, 2021
THE COVID–19 PUBLIC HEALTH (3) encourages individuals to engage in ap-
EMERGENCY. Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Ms. propriate ceremonies and activities to pro-
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any SINEMA) submitted the following reso- mote further awareness of the life-changing
other provision of law, a hospital described role that social workers play; and
lution; which was referred to the Com-
in subsection (b) that, for an applicable cal- (4) recognizes with gratitude the contribu-
mittee on Health, Education, Labor, tions of the millions of caring individuals
endar quarter, otherwise meets the require-
and Pensions: who have chosen to serve their communities
ments for being a covered entity under sub-
paragraph (L), (M), or (O) of subsection (a)(4) S. RES. 115 through social work.
of section 340B of the Public Health Service Whereas, for decades, social workers have
f
Act (42 U.S.C. 256b) and is in compliance with dedicated their work to improving human
all other requirements of the program under well-being and enhancing the basic needs of SENATE RESOLUTION 116—COM-
such section, but that, for such calendar all people, especially the most vulnerable;
MEMORATING THE 60TH ANNI-
quarter, does not meet the applicable re- Whereas the theme for Social Work Month
quirement for the disproportionate share ad- 2021, ‘‘Social Workers Are Essential’’, em- VERSARY OF THE BAY OF PIGS
justment percentage described in subsection bodies the heroic contributions social work- OPERATION AND REMEMBERING
(c), shall be deemed a covered entity under ers have made to the United States, includ- THE MEMBERS OF BRIGADA DE
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
such respective subparagraph for such appli- ing the work social workers have done to ASALTO 2506 (ASSAULT BRIGADE
cable calendar quarter. heal the United States during the COVID–19 2506)
(b) HOSPITALS.—A hospital described in pandemic, racial unrest, economic uncer-
this subsection is— tainty, and political divisiveness; Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr.
(1) an entity that, on the day before the Whereas social workers have always been MENENDEZ) submitted the following
first day of the COVID–19 public health present to help in times of crisis, including resolution; which was referred to the
emergency, was a covered entity described in by— Committee on Foreign Relations:
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:41 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.020 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1573
S. RES. 116 Whereas the 1,113 members of Assault Bri- Whereas the agreement between the United
Whereas April 17, 2021, marks the 60th an- gade 2506 who finally returned to the United Kingdom and the European Union on the
niversary of the first day of the Bay of Pigs States after the operation have made signifi- withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the
operation, an event held dear in the hearts of cant and valuable contributions to the European Union, and the protocol to that
many who long for the return of freedom, de- United States, while never forgetting their agreement on Northern Ireland preserving an
mocracy, and justice to Cuba; beloved homeland; open border on the island of Ireland (in this
Whereas the Communist dictatorship in Whereas, on December 29, 1962, President preamble referred to as the ‘‘Northern Ire-
Cuba that resulted from the January 1, 1959, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was presented with land Protocol’’), are intended to protect the
revolution in Cuba has systematically denied the banner of Assault Brigade 2506 that had peace forged under the Good Friday Agree-
the Cuban people their most basic human reached the shores of Cuba during the oper- ment;
rights and fundamental freedoms; ation, and the President pledged, ‘‘I can as- Whereas, despite the historic progress of
Whereas, from 1959 until his death in 2016, sure you that this flag will be returned to the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent
dictator Fidel Castro, who promised to im- this brigade in a free Havana.’’; agreements, including the Stormont House
plement a revolution against tyranny, sys- Whereas, on April 24, 1986, a joint resolu- Agreement agreed to in December 2014, im-
tematically violated the human rights of the tion (Public Law 99–279; 100 Stat. 398) was ap- portant issues remain unresolved in North-
Cuban people, curtailed freedom of the press, proved ‘‘Commemorating the twenty-fifth ern Ireland, including the passage of a Bill of
anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion to Rights, securing justice for all victims of vi-
arbitrarily imprisoned and killed an untold
liberate Cuba from Communist tyranny.’’; olence, including state-sponsored violence,
number of members of the political opposi-
Whereas Cuba’s authoritarian regime con- and reducing sectarian divisions and pro-
tion in Cuba, and confiscated the properties
tinues to arbitrarily detain thousands of moting reconciliation;
of citizens of Cuba and the United States;
critics, activists, and opponents; and Whereas section 6 of the Good Friday
Whereas the men and women participating
Whereas the Cuban people continue to Agreement (‘‘Rights, Safeguards and Equal-
in the Bay of Pigs operation assumed the
struggle and demand respect for democratic ity of Opportunity’’) recognizes ‘‘the impor-
title of Brigada de Asalto 2506 (Assault Bri-
values, civil liberties, freedom, and justice: tance of respect, understanding and toler-
gade 2506), which was named after the serial
Now, therefore, be it ance in relation to linguistic diversity’’ as
number (2506) of Carlos Rodriguez Santana, a
Resolved, That the Senate— part of ‘‘the cultural wealth of the island of
founding member of the brigade who died Ireland’’ and declares the Government of the
(1) remembers and pays tribute to the
during training exercises in September 1960; United Kingdom will seek ways to encourage
brave and courageous members of Brigada de
Whereas Assault Brigade 2506 consisted of the use of and education in the Irish lan-
Asalto 2506 (Assault Brigade 2506), both liv-
individuals, primarily Cuban exiles in the guage and provide opportunities for Irish
ing and deceased;
United States, from diverse backgrounds, in- language arts;
(2) calls on the Government of the United
cluding doctors, nurses, engineers, archi- Whereas the reintroduction of barriers,
States to continue to support policies that
tects, priests, cooks, musicians, actors, busi- checkpoints, or personnel on the island of
promote the respect for democratic prin-
ness owners, barbers, bankers, construction Ireland, also known as a ‘‘hard border’’, in-
ciples, civil liberties, freedom, and justice in
workers, office clerks, students, pilots, and cluding through the invocation of Article 16
Cuba, in a manner consistent with the aspi-
many other individuals representing dif- of the Northern Ireland Protocol, would
rations of the Cuban people;
ferent sectors in Cuba; threaten the successes of the Good Friday
(3) recognizes that individual members of
Whereas, on April 17, 1961, approximately Agreement;
Assault Brigade 2506 later joined the United
1,400 individuals selflessly volunteered to Whereas the United States Congress played
States Armed Forces and fought in the Viet-
free the Cuban people from tyranny; a prominent role in support of negotiations
nam war; and
Whereas, in the ensuing days, and in the of the Good Friday Agreement and has taken
(4) recognizes that many veterans of the
course of a battle against the Cuban mili- a leading role in promoting peace on the is-
Bay of Pigs operation settled across the
tary, which was superior in manpower and land of Ireland more broadly; and
United States to become productive mem-
firepower, more than 100 men lost their lives; Whereas Congress greatly values the close
bers of the society of the United States, in-
Whereas the events of April 17 through relationships the United States shares with
cluding public officials and industry leaders.
April 20, 1961, ended with the capture and im- both the United Kingdom and Ireland and
prisonment of 1,204 members or more than 75 f stands steadfastly committed to supporting
percent of Assault Brigade 2506; SENATE RESOLUTION 117—EX- the peaceful resolution of any and all polit-
Whereas a large number of the 1,204 cap- ical challenges in Northern Ireland: Now,
tured members of Assault Brigade 2506 were
PRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE
therefore, be it
imprisoned in deplorable conditions for close FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE Resolved, That the Senate—
to 18 months, subjected to harsh and inhu- GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT, OR (1) urges the United Kingdom and the Eu-
mane treatment, and later sentenced with- THE BELFAST AGREEMENT, AND ropean Union to support peace on the island
out due process to 30 years of imprisonment; SUBSEQUENT AGREEMENTS AND of Ireland and the principles, objectives, and
Whereas, in September 1961, the Cuban re- ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLE- commitments of the Good Friday Agree-
gime executed 5 members of Assault Brigade MENTATION TO SUPPORT PEACE ment, also known as the ‘‘Belfast Agree-
2506 who had been captured during the oper- ON THE ISLAND OF IRELAND ment’’;
ation; (2) expresses support for the full implemen-
Whereas 67 members of Assault Brigade Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Ms. tation of the Good Friday Agreement and
2506 died in combat, including 4 American pi- COLLINS, Mr. MURPHY, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. subsequent agreements, including the
lots and 10 Cuban pilots and navigators, 10 MARKEY, Mr. COONS, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. Stormont House Agreement agreed to in De-
members died while trying to flee Cuba on a SCHUMER, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. CASEY, cember 2014, as well as the protocol on
fishing boat that drifted in the Gulf of Mex- Mr. BOOKER, Mr. KAINE, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Northern Ireland to the agreement on the
ico for almost 15 days, 10 members died while Mr. CARDIN, and Mr. REED) submitted withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the
being transported to prison by their Cuban the following resolution; which was re- European Union (in this resolution referred
captors inside a sealed truck with limited to as the ‘‘Northern Ireland Protocol’’);
ferred to the Committee on Foreign
oxygen, 9 members were executed by firing (3) congratulates all parties in Northern
squads, and 3 members died while in prison Relations: Ireland for the return in January 2020 to a
due to lack of medical attention; S. RES. 117 power-sharing agreement;
Whereas one of the most heinous acts re- Whereas, on April 10, 1998, the Government (4) urges all parties in Northern Ireland to
lating to the operation was ordered by then of Ireland and the Government of the United work collectively to ensure the implementa-
Captain Osmany Cienfuegos, who forced Kingdom signed the Good Friday Agreement, tion of all commitments of the Good Friday
nearly 100 male prisoners into a closed trail- also known as the ‘‘Belfast Agreement’’; Agreement and subsequent agreements so
er in which they were transported for 8 hours Whereas the goals of the Good Friday that all of the institutions of the Good Fri-
with limited oxygen; Agreement were to bring a new era of de- day Agreement can operate successfully and
Whereas the Cuban regime is a party to the volved government and democracy to North- sustainably and that ongoing political chal-
Geneva Conventions of 1949, which require ern Ireland, end violence, and ensure peace lenges can be overcome;
the humane treatment of prisoners of war; for the people of the island of Ireland; (5) calls for continuing attention and ac-
Whereas, in March 1962, as the trial of the Whereas the successful negotiation of the tion to resolve the injustices of past vio-
captured fighters approached, the President Good Friday Agreement stands as a historic lence, including state-sponsored violence;
of the International Committee of the Red and groundbreaking success that has proven (6) supports the passage of a Bill of Rights
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
Cross (ICRC) appealed to Cuban dictator critical to the decades of relative peace that for Northern Ireland and the right of all the
Fidel Castro, asking that the provisions of have followed; people on the island of Ireland to self-deter-
Article 3 of the Geneva Convention relative Whereas the return to power sharing in mine their future as provided for in the Good
to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, done 2020 after the collapse of power-sharing insti- Friday Agreement;
at Geneva August 12, 1949, be fully applied, tutions in 2017 creates new opportunities for (7) encourages renewed attention to edu-
and for permission to visit the prisoners, but strengthening peace and reconciliation in cational and cultural efforts that will ensure
all the requests went unanswered; Northern Ireland; the rich language, literature, and arts of
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:41 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.035 S16MRPT1
S1574 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 16, 2021
Northern Ireland endure and are not dimin- Carmel Catholic High School) was opened Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph
ished; and named after Chaplain Kapaun; 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen-
(8) expresses support for the Northern Ire- Whereas, in 1993, Pope John Paul II de- ate, the following committees are au-
land Protocol and its full implementation, clared Chaplain Kapaun a Servant of God,
which ensures through international agree-
thorized to meet during today’s session
the first stage on the path to canonization
ment that no ‘‘hard border’’ will be reintro- and the Holy See continues investigations of the Senate:
duced on the island of Ireland; and into possible canonization; COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
(9) will insist that any new or amended Whereas, in 2013, President Barack Obama The Committee on Armed Services is
trade agreements and other bilateral agree- posthumously awarded Chaplain Kapaun the
ments between the Government of the
authorized to meet during the session
Medal of Honor;
United States and the Government of the Whereas, upon bestowing the highest
of the Senate, on Tuesday, March 16,
United Kingdom take into account, as rel- award for valor in the United States mili- 2021, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing.
evant, conditions requiring that obligations tary, President Obama stated that Chaplain COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN
under the Good Friday Agreement be met. Kapaun was ‘‘an American soldier who didn’t AFFAIRS
f fire a gun, but who wielded the mightiest The Committee on Banking, Housing,
weapon of all: the love for his brothers so
SENATE RESOLUTION 118—HON- and Urban Affairs is authorized to
powerful that he was willing to die so that
ORING ARMY CHAPLAIN EMIL J. they might live’’; meet during the session of the Senate
KAPAUN Whereas, in addition to the Medal of on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 2 p.m.,
Mr. MARSHALL (for himself, Mr. Honor, Chaplain Kapaun has been awarded to conduct a hearing.
MORAN, Mr. BLUNT, and Mr. HAWLEY) the— COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL
(1) Distinguished Service Cross; RESOURCES
submitted the following resolution; (2) Bronze Star Medal with ‘‘V’’ Device;
which was considered and agreed to: (3) Legion of Merit; The Committee on Energy and Nat-
S. RES. 118 (4) Prisoner of War Medal; ural Resources is authorized to meet
Whereas Chaplain (Captain) Emil J. (5) Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 during the session of the Senate on
Kapaun was born to parents of German-Bo- Bronze Service Star for Central Burma Cam- Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., to
hemian ancestry in the rural farming com- paign; conduct a hearing.
munity of Pilsen, Kansas on April 20, 1916; (6) World War II Victory Medal;
(7) Army of Occupation Medal with Japan COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
Whereas Chaplain Kapaun studied classics
and philosophy and graduated from Concep- Clasp; The Committee on Finance is author-
tion College in Conception, Missouri in June (8) Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze ized to meet during the session of the
Service Stars;
1936 and Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Mis-
(9) National Defense Service Medal; and
Senate on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at
souri in 1940; 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing.
(10) United Nations Service Medal;
Whereas Chaplain Kapaun was ordained a
Whereas there are more than 7,800 service COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR,
Catholic priest of the Diocese of Wichita in
members who served in the Korean War who AND PENSIONS
1940;
remain unaccounted for; The Committee on Health, Edu-
Whereas Chaplain Kapaun was appointed
Whereas, in 1956, 867 sets of unidentified re-
auxiliary chaplain in 1943 at the Herington cation, Labor, and Pensions is author-
mains were interred as Unknowns at the Na-
Army Airfield near Herington, Kansas; ized to meet during the session of the
Whereas, in 1944, Chaplain Kapaun entered tional Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in
Honolulu, Hawaii; Senate on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at
the Army Chaplain Corps and, following
Whereas, in 2019, the Defense POW/MIA Ac- 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing on a nom-
Army Chaplaincy School at Fort Devens,
Massachusetts, and a post at Camp Wheeler counting Agency began disinterring 652 sets ination.
Georgia, Chaplain Kapaun served the troops of unknown Korean War remains at the Na- SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE
in World War II in the Burma and India The- tional Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific;
and The Select Committee on Intel-
ater until 1946; ligence is authorized to meet during
Whereas, in 1948, Chaplain Kapaun re- Whereas, in 2021, the remains of Chaplain
turned to active duty in the Army Chaplain Kapaun were exhumed from the National Me- the session of the Senate on Tuesday,
Corps; morial Cemetery of the Pacific and identi- March 16, 2021, at 2:30 p.m., to conduct
Whereas Chaplain Kapaun mobilized in fied using dental records and DNA: Now, a closed briefing.
support of the Korean conflict in 1950, and therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
served as a chaplain with the 1st Cavalry Di- f
vision in Japan and Korea; (1) honors and recognizes Chaplain (Cap-
Whereas Chaplain Kapaun was taken as a tain) Emil J. Kapaun for—
prisoner of war by Chinese forces on Novem- (A) his heroic service to the United States HONORING ARMY CHAPLAIN EMIL
ber 2, 1950, during the Battle of Unsan; of America and the United States Army; J. KAPAUN
Whereas during the fight, which started on (B) his heroism, patriotism, and selfless
service; and Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask
November 1, 1950, Chaplain Kapaun moved
repeatedly under enemy direct fire to rescue (C) the extraordinary courage, conviction, unanimous consent that the Senate
wounded soldiers outside the perimeter of his and faith with which he provided comfort proceed to the consideration of S. Res.
battalion and successfully— and reassurance to his fellow soldiers; 118, submitted earlier today.
(1) negotiated with the enemy for the safe- (2) expresses condolences to the family of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
ty of wounded soldiers of the United States; Chaplain Emil Kapaun;
clerk will report the resolution by
(2) knocked aside the rifle of a Chinese sol- (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary
dier who was about to execute Staff Sergeant of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of title.
Herbert Miller; and this resolution to the family of Chaplain The bill clerk read as follows:
(3) rejected multiple opportunities for es- Emil Kapaun; and A resolution (S. Res. 118) honoring Army
cape and instead volunteered to stay and (4) will never cease in the task of recov- chaplain Emil J. Kapaun.
care for the wounded; ering and remembering all prisoners of war
Whereas, during the time Chaplain Kapaun and soldiers missing in action from World There being no objection, the Senate
spent in captivity, Chaplain Kapaun fre- War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, proceeded to consider the resolution.
quently risked his life by sneaking around hostilities during the Cold War, the Persian Mr. PETERS. I ask unanimous con-
the camp after dark, foraging for food, build- Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Op- sent that the resolution be agreed to,
ing fires, caring for the sick, and encour- eration Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, the preamble be agreed to, and that the
aging his fellow soldiers to sustain their Operation Inherent Resolve, and other con- motions to reconsider be considered
faith and their humanity, and Chaplain tingency operations taking place in the Mid-
Kapaun risked punishment by leading pray-
made and laid upon the table with no
dle East since September 11, 2001.
ers and spiritual services for the other pris- intervening action or debate.
f
oners of war; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
Whereas Chaplain Kapaun died of illness AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO objection, it is so ordered.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
and maltreatment on May 23, 1951; MEET The resolution (S. Res. 118) was
Whereas, in 1953, Chaplain Kapaun’s sur- agreed to.
Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I have 6
viving fellow prisoners of war were released
and began to share stories of the role of requests for committees to meet during The preamble was agreed to.
Chaplain Kapaun in their survival; today’s session of the Senate. They (The resolution, with its preamble, is
Whereas, in 1956, Chaplain Kapaun Memo- have the approval of the Majority and printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub-
rial High School (now known as Kapaun Mt. Minority leaders. mitted Resolutions.’’)
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:41 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR6.027 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1575
ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH during Wednesday’s session of the Sen- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
17, 2021 ate in relation to the Tai and Becerra LESLIE B. KIERNAN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE GENERAL
COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, VICE
Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask nominations. PETER B. DAVIDSON.
unanimous consent that when the Sen- f OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL
ate completes its business today, it re- INTELLIGENCE
cess until 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March RECESS UNTIL 10:30 A.M.
17; further, that following the prayer TOMORROW CHRISTOPHER CHARLES FONZONE, OF PENNSYLVANIA,
TO BE GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE OFFICE OF THE DIREC-
and pledge, the Journal of proceedings Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, if there TOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, VICE JASON
KLITENIC, RESIGNED.
be approved to date, the time for the is no further business to come before
two leaders be reserved for their use the Senate, I ask unanimous consent DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
later in the day, and morning business that it recess under the previous order. TODD SUNHWAE KIM, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA,
TO BE AN ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, VICE JEF-
be closed; that upon the conclusion of There being no objection, the Senate, FREY BOSSERT CLARK.
morning business, the Senate proceed at 5:53 p.m., recessed until Wednesday,
to executive session and resume consid- March 17, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. f
eration of the nomination of Katherine f
Tai to be Trade Representative; and fi-
nally, that the postcloture debate time NOMINATIONS CONFIRMATION
with respect to the Tai nomination ex- Executive nominations received by Executive nomination confirmed by
pire at 11:30 a.m. the Senate: the Senate March 16, 2021:
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
objection, it is so ordered.
JANIE SIMMS HIPP, OF ARKANSAS, TO BE GENERAL ISABELLA CASILLAS GUZMAN, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE
Mr. PETERS. For the information of COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, VICE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRA-
Senators, we expect two rollcall votes STEPHEN ALEXANDER VADEN. TION.
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:41 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.043 S16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E249
EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS
INTRODUCTION OF THE NATIONAL women who have received the Purple Heart pandemic, Dr. Naddy exemplifies the spirit of
GUARD HOUSING EQUITY ACT award while serving in the Armed Forces. the Volunteer State.
Their Americanism Program works with Without question, Dr. Naddy is a true schol-
HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON schools, churches, and other organizations to ar who has dedicated his life to the betterment
OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
promote U.S. history and love for our country. of others. His life is a testament to the power
In his role as a National Americanism Officer, of the American Dream, and I ask my col-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Joe will help carry out this mission—ensuring leagues to join me in acknowledging this great
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 future generations always remember the sac- American’s tireless commitment to educational
Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I in- rifices made by our men and women in uni- excellence and helping his community.
troduce the National Guard Housing Equity form. f
Act, which would codify into law a new Na- Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constitu-
tional Guard Bureau (Bureau) policy on hous- ents, I ask you to join me in recognizing Joe AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF
ing allowances. Tormala for his appointment as National 2021
Under federal law, National Guard members Americanism Officer for the Military Order of
SPEECH OF
who are deployed on active duty for 30 days the Purple Heart. Michiganders can take great
or less receive the Basic Allowance for Hous- pride in knowing the First District is home to HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ
ing Reserve Component (BAH-RC). National such a selfless leader. On behalf of my con- OF NEW MEXICO
Guard members who are deployed on active stituents, I wish Joe all the best in his future IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
duty for 31 days or longer receive the Basic endeavors.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Allowance for Housing (BAH). BAH-RC is less f
than BAH. This can lead to unfair results. Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I
For example, when District of Columbia Na- HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. rise today on behalf of Tribes, Pueblos, and
tional Guard members were deployed to re- BADIE IBRAHIM NADDY Nations in New Mexico, the 574 federally rec-
spond to protests in the District last summer, ognized Tribes across the country, and the
they were originally deployed on orders for HON. MARK E. GREEN Native Hawaiian community to highlight the
less than 30 days, but ended up serving for OF TENNESSEE American Rescue Plan’s life-saving support for
over 30 consecutive days. However, they only IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tribal Nations, including through the Tribal
received BAH-RC. Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund. This mon-
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 umental bill will, among other support, provide
After I raised this issue with the Bureau, the
Bureau informed me that it would change the Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speak- $20 billion of desperately needed assistance
policy to allow a National Guard member who er, I rise today to recognize the life and ac- to Tribal governments throughout the United
served over 30 consecutive days, no matter complishments of Dr. Badie Ibrahim Naddy of States, and uphold the federal government’s
the length of their initial deployment orders, to Columbia, Tennessee. longstanding trust responsibility.
receive BAH. This bill would codify this new Badie Ibrahim Naddy grew up in Amman, Many of these communities suffered dis-
policy into law. Jordan and attended the American University proportionately during the pandemic. American
This bill would ensure National Guard mem- of Beirut in Lebanon before coming to the Indian and Alaskan Native people were twice
bers receive the full benefits to which they are United States as a young man to study as a as likely to die from COVID–19 compared to
entitled and ensure that they are not short- Fulbright Scholar. He became a Fulbright white Americans. Long-standing failures in
changed because of guesswork on how long Scholar (a program that had only recently public funding, infrastructure, housing, and ac-
a deployment might last. been established) to pursue his master’s de- cess to health care in Indian Country contrib-
I urge my colleagues to support this bill. gree at Kansas State University in Manhattan, uted to this crisis of equity.
f Kansas. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the
Continuing his graduate education at Kan- aisle for securing dedicated Coronavirus Relief
RECOGNIZING JOSEPH A. sas State, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in Funds for Tribes under the CARES Act last
TORMALA Chemistry. A few years after receiving his doc- Congress. However, the lack of Tribal con-
torate, Dr. Naddy briefly left the United States sultation and narrow rulemaking during the
HON. JACK BERGMAN to serve as the Director of the Analysis Lab- previous administration severely delayed and
OF MICHIGAN oratory for the Jordanian government in the prevented many Tribal nations from receiving
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mid-1960s. the help that they needed, when they needed
Dr. Naddy was able to realize his passion it. This was most apparent by the roadblocks
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 for teaching when he returned in 1967 to work that prevented Tribes from effectively utilizing
Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my as the first chemistry instructor at Tennessee’s their economic recovery funds under the
honor to recognize Joseph A. Tormala, who first community college, Columbia State Com- CARES Act to make up for the devastating
was recently appointed as a National Ameri- munity College (CSCC). Over the next 42 loss of critical governmental revenues given
canism Officer for the Military Order of the years, Dr. Naddy became an American citizen, that they lack traditional tax bases enjoyed by
Purple Heart. Through his tireless work ethic taught over 5,000 students during his tenure, state and local governments.
and devotion to the common good, Joe has and built a reputation for being an outstanding As the Chair of the Subcommittee on Indig-
become an indispensable part of the state of instructor who brought out the best in his stu- enous Peoples of the United States, I’m proud
Michigan. dents and challenged them to learn. He is the that we secured the largest one-time invest-
A native Yooper, Joe served honorably in proud father of three sons, all of whom have ment in Native communities in our nation’s
the U.S. Marine Corps through seven over- earned doctoral degrees and achieved suc- history in the American Rescue Plan. Impor-
seas deployments between 1983 and 2004 cess in the medical field. tantly, Congress intended to distribute this aid
during the Cold War, Gulf War, and Liberation In retirement, Dr. Naddy has been an active flexibly, allowing Tribes to help their struggling
of Iraq, where he was wounded. His devotion philanthropist constantly seeking to aid those small businesses, address health and eco-
to service continued upon his return home to in need and create opportunity. Whether using nomic issues, and preserve their language
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
Michigan, where he has been active as a his personal funds to create the STEM En- and culture.
member and leader of Veterans Service Orga- dowment Scholarship and Veterans Endow- That is why it is so important that the Biden
nizations, including the Military Order of the ment Scholarship at CSCC or purchasing UV Administration is committed to engage in ro-
Purple Heart (MOPH). Formed in 1932, the lights for Maury Regional Emergency Medical bust Tribal consultation so that they can dis-
MOPH is composed entirely of men and Service to disinfect ambulances during the tribute these funds in a timely, flexible, and
∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.001 E16MRPT1
E250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 16, 2021
equitable manner. I applaud this commitment. Galen Neil Vonk, MD, Loren N. Vorlicky, MD, Megan Lynn Wetzel, MD, Lesta Dell Seger
It is our responsibility to not only pass legisla- Christopher John Voscopoulos, MD, Steven Whalen, MD, Katherine Jean Whaley, MD,
tion that provides life-saving funds for these Thomas Vosler, MD, Robert M. Vosler, MD, David John Whaley, MD, Kirke H. Wheeler,
communities, but also follow through so aid Mark A. Vossler, MD, Keith William Vrbicky, MD, Tamara Sue Wheeler, MD, Mark E.
gets to those who need it as quickly as pos- MD, Jake Vrdoljak, MD, Thomas H. Vreeland, Wheeler, MD, Matthew Gail Whitbeck, MD,
sible. I look forward to working closely with MD, Kalyan Chakravarthy Vunnamadala, MD, Scott Stuart White, MD, Jessica Renee White,
Secretary-designate Deb Haaland and other Shawn Michael Vuong, MD, Aditya Vuppala, MD, James R White, MD, Thomas C. White,
administration officials to make this happen. MD, Godfrey Oduor Wabwire, MD, David Mi- MD, Ty A. White, MD, Jay Warren White, DO,
f chael Wachs, MD, Heith L. Waddell, MD, Lisa Ann White, MD, David Karl White, MD,
Beau Elliot Waddell, MD, Ranju Bala Wadhwa, Anthony Paul Whitlow, DO, Courtney Wade
RECOGNIZING THE FRONTLINE MD, Shawn Jeffery Eric Wadsworth, DO, Mi- Whitney, DO, David B. Whitney, MD, Laura
HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF chael G. Wadzinski, MD, John Francis Ann Whittington, DO, Kevin D. Whittle, MD,
SOUTH DAKOTA Wagener, MD, David Van Wagner, MD, Rick Jason W. Wickersham, MD, Jenna Lynn
J. Wagner, MD, KayeLyn J. Wagner, MD, An- Wickersham, DO, Matthew Julian Wideroff,
HON. DUSTY JOHNSON drew James Wagner, MD, James Allen Wag- MD, Gregory L Wiedel, MD, Stephanie Marie
OF SOUTH DAKOTA ner, DO, Amy Lynne Wagoner, MD, Naomi Wieman, MD, Daryl Ray Wierda, MD, Sandra
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wahl, MD, David Charles Wahoff, MD, Aaron Kay Wiita, MD, Ranjith Wijeratne, MD, Dennis
Noble Waite, MD, Richard A. Wake, MD, Michael Wilcox, MD, Kirk Lewis Wilcox, MD,
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
James S. Walder, MD, Douglas Alan Stephen Nelson Wilcox, MD, Kim Levi Wilde,
Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam Waldman, MD, Randall James Waldner, MD, MD, James Wilde, MD, Michael C. Wilde, MD,
Speaker, I rise today to recognize, celebrate, Dale Lee Waldner, MD, Carolyn Mary Waldo, Russell Alan Wilke, MD, Mark Steven Wilke,
and honor the frontline healthcare workers of MD, Jim F. Walery, MD, Priyanka Kim Wali, MD, John Robert Willcockson, MD, Randall
the great state of South Dakota. MD, Paul Lance D’artagnon Walker, DO, Bairn Leroy Williams, MD, Wilbert Williams Jr., MD,
Some of these South Dakota heroes are Michael Walker, MD, Victoria Walker, MD, Donovan Dewayne Williams, MD, William Mar-
James Philip Utz, MD, Munachim Ifeoma Patrick D. Walker, MD, Timothy L. Walker, ion Williams III, MD, Jamie Catherine Williams,
Uyanwune, MD, Anthony M. Vaca, MD, Lalit MD, Caryn M. Wallace, MD, James W. Wal- MD, Jennifer Michelle Williams, DO, Sally
Kumar Vadlamani, MD, Verle Valentine, MD, lace, MD, Adam Nathan Wallace, MD, Elron Anne Williams, DO, Candyce Dietra Williams,
Clayton Gerald Van Balen, MD, Michelle L. James Wallace, MD, William C. Waller Jr., MD, Holly Lynn Williams, MD, Brian Keith Wil-
Van Beek, MD, Scott Donovan Van Dam, MD, MD, Melvin L. Wallinga, MD, Patrick M Walsh, liams, MD, Jennifer Elaine Williamson, MD,
Katherine Marie Van Demark, MD, Robert Eu- MD, Cora Maj Walsh, MD, William Frederick April K. Willman, MD, Brian G. Willoughby,
gene Van Demark III, MD, Peter Van Eerden, Waltz, MD, Matthew David Walvick, DO, MD, Michael L. Willson, MD, Andrew Nathan
MD, Jacqueline C. Van Egeraat, MD, John M. Clifford Tau Wang, MD, Katherine Wang, MD, Wilner, MD, Joy Denise Wilson, MD, Jeffrey
Van Erdewyk, MD, Nicolas Jon Van Es, MD, Heeyoung Paul Wang, MD, Christopher E. Power Wilson, MD, Brian Alan Wilson, DO,
Shawn D. Van Gerpen, MD, Anthony J. Van Wangsness, MD, Michelle Rae Wanna, MD, David Joseph Wilson, MD, Kathy E. Wimmer,
Goor, MD, Carilyn L. Van Kalsbeek, MD, Scott Brad Allen Ward, MD, David Isum Ward, MD, MD, Thein Htike Win, MD, Matthew Keith
G. Van Keulen, MD, Russell Aaron Van Kevin Christopher Ward, DO, Tibor Thomas Wingate, MD, Amy Lee Wingert, MD, Donald
Maele, DO, Douglas Dale Van Marel, MD, Warganich, MD, Peter Joseph Warhol, MD. Joseph Wingert, MD, Jon M. Wingert, MD,
Lucas S. Van Oeveren, MD, Andrew Dean Katherine Irene Warner, DO, Beth Boulden
Steven Sebastian Winiarski, DO, Philip F.
Van Osdol, MD, Nanci J. Van Peursem, MD, Warren, MD, Merritt Gregg Warren, MD,
Winskunas, MD, Jennifer Anne Winter, MD,
Andrew Gerard Van Vugt, MD, Kanya Chetan Jiwan Wasekar, MD, Paul Scot
Emily June Winterton, MD, Curt A.
Vanadurongvan, MD, Chardonnay Julia Wasemiller, MD, Stephen Edward Wasemiller,
Wischmeier, MD, Jamie Rose Wiseman, MD,
Vance, MD, Rebecca S. Vande Kop, MD, MD, James Allen Washburn, MD, Thomas Mi-
David W. Withrow, MD, Matthew N. Witte, MD,
Sharon Vande Vegte, DO, Robert E. chael Waterbury, MD, Timothy R. Waterman,
Gregory P. Wittenberg, MD, William James
VanDemark, Jr., MD, Michael Vanden Bosch, MD, Casey Nicole Watkins, MD, Mary E. Wat-
Wittman, MD, Lara Marie Wiziecki, DO, Jes-
MD, Antoinette Vander Pol, MD, Eric Alan son, MD, Eric S. Watson, MD, Kendra
sica Rae Woelfel, MD, Randal Francis
Vander Woude, MD, Ashley Jo VanDyke, DO, Danielle Watson, MD, Bruce A. Watt, MD, Tim
Wojciehoski, DO, Michael Lawrence Wolak,
Sandra L. VanGerpen, MD, William C. J. Watt, MD, Jonathan David Watts, MD,
MD, Michael J. Wolf, MD, Robert Anthony
VanNess, III, MD, Christopher Sean Vara, MD, Derek Clifford Wayman, MD, Jacob Matthew
Wolfe, MD, David G. Wolff, MD, Danny A.
Zoltan Varga, MD, Luciano Meza Vargas, MD, Weasel, MD, Jay Edward Weatherill, MD,
Wolfgram, MD, Joel Scott Wolinsky, MD, Mi-
Tejaswini Vasamsetty, MD, Peter Cynthia A. Weaver, MD, Terry Dean Weaver,
chael L. Wolpert, MD, Karl Lee Womer, MD,
Vasconcellos, DO, Kevin J. Vaska, MD, Peter MD, Jennifer Lynn Webb, DO, James A.
Allison Liberty Wood, MD, Angela Joy Wood,
John Vasquez, MD, Collin Wayne Vaughn, Webb, MD, Crispin J. Webb, MD, Scott A.
MD.
MD, Kelly Vaughn-Whitley, MD, Jill Quirin Weber, DO, Jan Christine Weber, MD, William Nicole Joanne Woodley, MD, Robert James
Vecchio, MD, Arthur B. Vegh, MD, Sara Beth Michael Webster, MD, James Mathew Weekly, Woodruff, MD, Christy Anne Woodruff, MD,
Veldman, MD, Jared Lee Velgersdyk, MD, MD, Mary M Wegner, MD, Antonios Wehbeh, Suzanne Linnea Woodward, MD, William Boyd
Wilfredo G. Veloira, Jr., MD, Michael Vener, MD, Julie Lynn Weigandt, MD, John August Woodward Jr., MD, Kimberly D. Woolhiser,
MD, Ramesh Venkataraman, MD, Juan Pablo Weigelt, MD, Kevin Weiland, MD, Edwin MD, Peysaf W Worthalter, MD, Edward John
Vera Gomez, MD, Mark Thomas Vercel, DO, Fredrick Weiler Jr, MD, Florian Wolfgang Wos, DO, Kristine Kay Wren, MD, Darin L.
William N. Vereen, DO, Vishal Verma, MD, Mi- Anton Weilke, MD, Donna Weinacht, MD, Wright, MD, Kenneth J. Wright, MD, Paul L.
chael Richard Verneris, MD, Walter Benson Robin S. Weiner, MD, Candice Natalie Wei- Wright, MD, Matthew William Wright, MD, Mi-
Vernon, MD, Eric Gale Verwiebe, MD, Joshua ner-Johnson, MD, Melissa N Weis, MD, An- chael Hill Wright, MD, Kent Douglas Wright,
Joseph Vetter, DO, Wendy Ann Vetter, DO, nette Weis-McNulty, MD, Laurie Weisensee, MD, Amanda Elizabeth Wright, MD, James
Lisa Elizabeth Vianna, DO, Robert David MD, Steven Joe Weiser, MD, Dustin James Herman Wudel, MD, Corey A. Wulf, MD,
Vichich, MD, Martin G. Vick, MD, Ernst Eman- Weiss, MD, Christin Louise Weller, MD, Bryan James F. Wunder, MD, Daniel Jay Wunder,
uel Vieux, MD, Tamara Vik, MD, Joseph S. J. Wellman, MD, Lawrence Raymond MD, Jason Theodore Wurth, MD, Joseph
Villa, MD, Anna Marie Villalobos, MD, Mary Wellman, MD, Alvin Francis Wells, MD, Stan- Wyatt, MD, Qingmei Xie, MD, Chencheng Xie,
Lee Villanueva, MD, Daniel Brennan Vine, ley Dale Wells, MD, Gary L. Welsh, MD, MD, Yusuke Yahagi, MD, Rajkumar
MD, Lisa C. Viola, DO, Jessica Lynn Visser, Randal L. Welter, MD, Fang Wen, MD, Yarlagadda, MD, Scott Merrill Yarosh, MD,
MD, Jonathan Joseph Vitale, DO, Daniel Liangping Weng, MD, Christopher James Youssef Yassa Yassa, MD, Terry Yeager, MD,
Silcheuk Vitantonio, MD, Oscar Andres Viteri Wenger, MD, Robert S. Wenger, MD, Thomas Charles C. Yelverton, MD, Xiyan Yi, MD,
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
Molina, MD, Dale Elizabeth Vizcarra, MD, J. Wente, DO, Clinton J. Wentz, MD, Jennifer Douglas Bin Yim, MD, Suzanne Michelle
Rodney T. Vizcarra, MD, David Leo Vlach, Lynn Wenzell, DO, Betsy Jane Wernli, MD, Yoder, MD, Estelle Sukyung Yoo, MD, Min
MD, Thuy-Lieu Thi Vo, MD, Joseph Charles Matthew Christian Werpy, DO, Roger W. Chong Yoo, MD, Myung Jae Yoo, MD, Hee
Vogel, MD, H. Bruce Vogt, MD, Martin Vincent Werth, MD, Alvin E. Wessel, Jr., MD, David R. Jae Yoon, MD, Ji Yoon Yoon, MD, Robert
Vogt, MD, Fred Harold Vohr Jr., MD, Charles West, MD, Paul West, MD, Heloise Demoin Aaron Yost, MD, Ayesha Younas, MD, David
Virgil Voigt, MD, Keith A. Vollstedt, MD, Law- Westbrook, MD, Brian Thomas Westerhuis, Matthew Young, MD, James W. Young, DO,
rence T. Volz, MD, Tiffany Ann Von Wald, MD, Thomas Westover, MD, Gilbert Vassilia D. Young, MD, Roger Young, MD,
MD, Peter E. Vanderau, MD, Jack Vonk, MD, Westreich, MD, Wayne A. Wetzbarger, MD, Bradley Nels Younggren, MD, Adel Younoszai,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.004 E16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E251
MD, Khalil Amin Yousef, MD, John C. Yu, MD, Ann Bradley, Kelsey Jean Bradley, Alycia Patrina Dailey, Robin Dailey, Renae Dale,
Grace E. Yuh, MD, Rex Chin-Wei Yung, MD, Marie Brantz-Miller, Troy Breitag, Ripley Karen Destiny Dale, Angela Dalton, Gary Dalton,
Michael Orin Yung, MD, Lisa L. Zacher, MD, Bresson, Taylor Matthew Broek, Carrie Lynn Kimberly Daly, Lacie Daly.
Martin Zadnik, MD, Mohammed Zahra, MD, Brood, Brenda Lorraine Brown, Ashley R. Cindy Dammer, Jasmine Dargatz, Ashley
Edward J. Zajac, Jr., MD, Steven Mark Zak, Brown, Janel Marie Brown, Christopher Mi- David, Michele Davies, Dezarae Davis, Aman-
MD, Sajad Zalzala, MD, Alla O. Zamulko, MD, chael Brubaker, Mason Christain Bruns, Nich- da Davis, Melinda Davis, Carsa Davis, Brittany
Monte F. Zarlingo, MD, James Zauche, MD, olas Marque Buckley, Mark Bukovich, Ray- Davis, Brenda Davis, Dawn Davis, Katy Davis,
William Read Zavitz, MD, Joshua Charles mond Wayne Burbine, Guy Burdick, Michael Lisa Dawdy, Lisa Dawley, Alisa Day, LuKasey
Zawacki, DO, David W. Zeigler, MD, Candace Gerard Bureau Jr, Joshua Joel Burke, Jaclyn Dean, Donna Dean-Putnam, Semhar
N. Zeigler, MD, Cynthia Barrett Romp Zelis, Nicole Burke, James Eugene Bussell, Joshua Debesay, Maura Deboer, Becky DeBoer, Au-
MD, Boris Alexander Zelle, MD, Joseph A. Alan Butler, Jenica Diane Butts, Glenn Arthur tumn Deering, Nicole DeFries, Lacey
Zenel, Jr., MD, Navid Aliyari Zenooz, MD, Zhi Cacaro, Matthew Ryan Callahan, Deborah Jo DeGeest, Julie Deis, Angela Deitschman,
G. Zhang, MD, Carol M. Zielike, MD, Chris- Cameron, Christopher Jess Cardenas, Bar- Mackenzie DeJong, Jessica DeJong, Shelly
topher Daniel Zill, MD, Edward Doyle Zimmer- bara Jeanne Carl, Brandon Arwood Carlson, Deknikker, Rhonda Dell, Crystal Delph, Jayne
man, MD, Rodney Leon Zimmerman, MD, Jans Paul Carlson, Ronald Carlson, Nicholas Dembek, Angie DeNeire, Katie DeNeui, Mahlia
Todd A. Zimprich, MD, Amad Zineldine, MD, Carlson, Cy Karl Cass, Stuart Lee Cauthon, Derby, Karen Devine, Stephanie Devine,
Sara Lynn Zoelle, MD, Timothy M. Zoellner, Michele Renee Cavalieri, Taylor Cole Vince Devlin, Jaime DeVries, Mary DeVries,
MD, Samuel Max Zollicker, MD, Sarah Cavender, Ronna Lisa Chappell, Kathleen Dixie DeWaard, Victoria Dhooge, Catherine
Zubkov, MD, Vernon Edmond Zurick, MD, Chesney, Scott Christensen, Renae Carol Dice, Ali Dickson, Renae Dienert, Jennifer
Aaron M. Zylstra, MD, Simon William Appel, Christensen, Jon Elton Christie, Cassandra Dietterle, Chelsea Dighton, Katherin Dillon,
Brian John Baldwin, Pamela Bard, Mark D. Renee Christy, Rachel Marie Clark, Shawn Mi- Sarah Dimmick, Janelle Dinges, Marie
Benton, Velda Boke, Lou Ann Bubbers, Bob chael Clark, Mike Clauson, Chad James Cody, Dingong, Jodi Dittbenner, Alyssa Dixon, Diann
Coolidge, Genevieve Jo Crow, Matthew Cul- Kathie Kae Cole, Cedric Lewis Coleman, Dobbs, Dena Dobesh, Celia Dobrenski, Abby
berson, Jacques Gilbert Dupret, Mark Steven Derek Adam Collins, Craig Comes, Mark M Doering, Lisa Dohn, Tammy Dolejsi, Brianna
Dykstra, Robert Eddy, Gene Patrick Eiring, Conboy, Colin Patrick Conklin, Jacki Conlon, Dolney, Shelby Dolphin, Julie Dominguez,
Audra Rae Evans, Kye Daniel Gabbert, Lynn Thomas Patrick Conmay III, Neal Macy Con- Tara Donahue, Kathy Donaldson, Christine
Gauer, Clarence Duane Gilstad, Samantha yers, Jeffrey William Cook, Ashley Beth Coo- Donovan, McKenzie Doto, Kelly Douglas, Kelly
Jean Grisak, Jeff Haberstroh, Marty Hansen, per, Troy Cowman, Brian Scott Crooks, Jason Douglas, Penny Dover, Denise Dowling,
Debbie K. Hansen, Theresa M. Hanzlik, Dale Crumb, Jason Culberson, Jolene T. Natasha Drebert, Heidi Dreeszen, Diane
Nichelle Hawk-Hagen, Chris Hermes, Harlan Cunningham, Matthew Larry James Curley, Drefs, Kathleen Dreis, Michele Drewes, Karlie
Hilleson, Nick Dale Jackson, Jill James, Brian Patrick Vernon Currie, Elizabeth Ann Daggett, Drewes, Syndee Droppers, Haile DuBry, Pete
Jurgens, Holly Keller, Percy Killsplenty, Terry Jordon Ray Dahme, Zachary Alan Dalrymple, Ducheneaux, Rebecca Dudley, Trisha Dueker,
Kissner, Nancy Klunder, Joshua Robert Timothy M. Daly, Stephanie Renee Dame, Rachael Duenwald, Tina Dummer, Sabrina
Kusser, Scott R. Larson, Rebecca Ann Leslie, Alan Lyn David, Jerry Davidson, Joshua Ryan Duncan, Sidney Dunker, Jamie Dunn, Shanna
Benjamin Ross Meyer, Thomas E. Miles, Davis, Tara Ann Davis, William Harris Day, Dunnam, April Duran, Julieann Dutcher, Kailey
Christopher Misselt, Michael Montanio, John Alexander Mark Defea, Joe Degen, Michael Dye, Mona Dykhouse, Carmen Dykstra, Carol
Robert Murphy, Kimberly Nagel, Katherine Deitschman, Gordon S. Dekkenga, Nancy K. Dykstra, Beverly Dyslin, Brittany Eachen,
Ellen O’Brien, Dawn R. Oakley, Bonnie D. Delker, Joseph John Denison, Joshua Alan Kariena Eaglefeather, Genevieve Eagleman,
Peterson, Debra J. Powell, Mark Raderschadt, Devaney, Carter Trent Deyo, Harlan Dirksen, Kate EagleStaff, Heidi Earley Stonearrow,
Cathy K Reinert, Brian Ring, Mike Sanger, Travis Dockter, Lawrence Patrick Dodson, Aiyana Earnest, Karen Easterwood, Joann
Dustin Allen Schumacher, Linda Smith, Janie Carla Carrillo, Paula Carroll, Candace Carroll, Ebbesen, Julie Ebeling, Kylie Eberhart, Casey
Stevens, Amy Stilwell, Jacqueline Marjean Gabrielle Casanova, Jessica Casjens, Lee Eberle, Maureen Ebmeier, Kiley Eckenrod,
Stilwell, Randy Stombaugh, Gwen Stombaugh, Castillo, Roberta Caswell, Carny Catlin, Adele Kelsey Eckhart, Rachel Eckhoff, Kimberly
Harold Tiger, Paula Lynn Tronvold, Ronald Ceroll, Katy Charging Cloud, Kathleen Chase, Edblom, Audra Edelen, Thyme Edoff, Ashley
Eugene Underhill, Patrick James Urbaniak, Sharlene Chastain, Heather Chastain, Sally Edwards, Darcy Edwards, Morgan Eggert, Jill
Brandi N. Vansickle, Scott Waliser, Marlajean Chau, Jennifer Chau Johansen, Devon Eggert, Sharon Egleston, Shirley Ehnes, Pam-
Waters, Adam Paul Weisz, Debra Rana Chaulk, Ashley Chaussee, Raven Chilarski, ela Eichstadt, Samantha Eitreim, Elizabeth
Wheaton, Anna Wieringa, Michael J. Wiley, Nikki Chladek, Dustina Chord, Evelyn Ekeren, Wendy Ekroth, Kaitlin Ellefson, Susan
Kelly Young, Linda Zafft, Sheri Zens, Tony L. Christensen, Gina Christenson, Rebecca Elliott, Julie Ellis, Robyn Emery, Harley Emke,
Aas, Justin Daniel Adams, Nicole Lynn Christenson, Katie Christman, Christine Marie Engbrecht, Lori Engel, Teagan Engel,
Ahlquist, Ruth Airheart, Jeremy Hamad Aleck, Christofferson, Shayla Claeys, Elizabeth Renee Engelland, Catrina Engesser, Julie
Eric Scott Allen, Alta Shaleen Allen, Sarah Claffey, Joya Clairmont, Jacqueline Clark, Englehart, Connie Engwicht, Kandence
Elizabeth Allender, Mitchell Allen Aman, Laura Alicia Clark, Kyla Clark, Macey Claussen, Entringer, Crystal Enwiller, Erica Erickson,
Renee Anderson, Anthony William Anderson, Lydia Claymore, Gail Clayton, Miranda Brittany Erickson, Sophia Erickson, Kayla
Kristopher Michael Anderson, Ryan Lee An- Clements, April Cline, Linda Coats, Shannon Emesti, Barbara Erpenbach, Yolanda
derson, Major James Anderson, Matthew Ken- Cobb, Jessica Cokayne-Naylor, Kacy Escalante, Amy Esh, Hannah Espland, Court-
neth Anderson, Nolan Anderson, Jacob Paul Coldsmith, Kayla Cole, Kathie Cole, Abby ney Estes, Toni Evans, Maria Evans, Jessica
Archer, James Atchison, Lazer Axelman, Cole, Laura Cole, Molly Coleman, Heidi Coller, Evans, Evin Evans, Cherise Evans, Kendra
Derek Daniel Axelsen, Dalton David Axelsen, Rosemary Collins, Carrie Collins, Melissa Col- Evans, Brooke Even, Chelsey Ewalt, Deborah
Jaselle Lynn Babich, Andrew E. Baier, Casey lins, Marissa Collins, Victoria Collins, Rayanne Eye, James Farr, Stephanie Farrokhi, Melinda
Lynn Baker, James Douglas Baker, Todd Collins, Payton Comes, Debra Compson, Farsdale, Cynthia Faulds, Janet Fauth-Bitz,
Balzer, Michael T. Bartling, Robert Earl Bass Janet Compton, Megan Compton, Kelsey Rolene Feather Earring, Faith Featherstone,
Jr, Vanessa Anne Batie, Garry Bauer, Gretch- Conatser, Bertha Conde, Hope Conn, Kelly Alexa Feldhaus, Pamela Fercho, Tiffany
en Judith Baumgarn, Jesse James Bean, Lisa Conrad, Lindsey Contreras Castillo, Wendy Fernandez, Ariana Ferreira, Amber Fetter,
Bean, Gregory Michael Beaner, Joseph Ed- Cook, Linda Cook-Boernke, Donna Cooper, Barbara Feuerhelm, Haley Fevold, Holly Fick,
ward Bearfield, Anthony Alan Beaty. Jenny Cooper, Bridgett Cooper, Stephanie Katherine Fideler, Veroschka Fiegler, Ana
Baptiste B. Beauvais, Harley Marie Beck, Corbin, Christy Corneliuson, Sue Corth, Cheryl Filipovic, Deanna Finch, Lyla Finck, Paula
Nathan Ryan Becker, Paula Beckler, Andrea Costello, Charles Coughenour, Fletcher Cox, Fischer, Sharon Fischer, Don Fischer, Tracy
Marie Beckman, Cassandra Rose Beckwith, Kathy Coxwell, Heidi Coyle, Amy Craft, Stacy Fischer, Rahwa Fissiha, Nyla Fixsen, Kaci
Chuck Bell, Colton Edward Belmore, Guy Craig, Helen Crawford, Barbara Crawford, Flaa, Walter Flagg, Christal Flannery, Cath-
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
Lowell Bennett, Katheryn Benton, Chad Mi- Kelsey Crawford, Mary Creek, Gayann Cres- erine Fleischhacker, Rosella Fleming, Brooke
chael Berg, Jennifer Danette Berg, Colby John sy, Samantha Crews, Renaemariel Cripps, Fleming, Violet Fleury, Sara Fleury, Kassee
Bettles, Benjamin Hunter Beyer, Michael Kent Valeria Cross, Constance Crossan, Tamera Florea, Jesika Floyd, Barbara Flynn, Bailey
Bielmaier, Andrew Binder, Landon Alan Binfet, Crow, Linda Cruse, Jennefer Cruse, Amy Fodness, Lyndee Fogelman, Alexis Folk,
Bruce A Blatchford, Adam Glenn Bloom, Ste- Cruz, Melissa Cuggino, Sylvia Cuka, John Brooke Fontana, Teresa Forbes, Debra Forde,
ven Ray Blume, Tiffany Marie Boehmer, Jona- Cumella, Amber Cummings, Carol Currence, Dianne Forseth, Donna Foss, Faith Fossen,
than D. Bohlen, Brennen James Bollinger, Leeann Currey, Jethel Curry, Becky Dachtler, Taylor Fossum, Jessica Foster, LeeAnn Fos-
Terry Bottjen, Kasey Joel Boucher, Danielle Vicki Daggett, Amy Dahlgren, Nicole Dahms, ter, Lauren Fowler, Patricia Fox, Shelbi Fox,
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.006 E16MRPT1
E252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 16, 2021
Kathleen Fraasch, Haleigh Francis, Justin Harvey, Marlee Hattervig, Tamora Hatton, general welfare of local Vietnam Veterans and
Frank, Andrea Franks, Alyssa Frantz, Dylan Amber Hatwan, Kristine Hauck, Trudy Hauge, provides support to those attempting to access
Fredericksen, Tonya Fredrickson, Georgina Deidra Hauge, Samantha Haugen, Stephanie benefits or services they are due. As a mem-
Freeman, Jill Freerks, Nicole Frensko, Brenda Haukos, Amanda Haumschild, Dawn Hawes, ber of the organization, and later as its presi-
Frick, Pamela Friede, Julie Friman, Alyssa Kimberly Hawk Eagle, Tammy Hawkins, dent, Gordie worked tirelessly with local offi-
Friman, Robert Friske, Terese Frost, Keysha Carisa Hayes, Dee Hayward, Justine Heath, cials, law enforcement, and veterans’ hospitals
Fryer, Laura Fuchs, Chelsea Fuhrer, Justin Ashley Heaton, Courtney Heezen, Caitlin to bolster access to critical resources and care
Fuller, Constance Gaddy, Julie Gaede, Ronald Heffern, Mary Jo Hehn, Lindsey Heidt, Crystal for local veterans. Over the years, I had the
Galvan, Ashley Gambers, Denise Gamble, Heier, Gladys Heikes, Tiaunna Heiman, distinct honor of working personally with
Chelsey Ganser, Shawna Gardner, Josephine Monica Hein, Michael Hein, Teryl Hein, Tiffany Gordie and have partnered with him on a
Garneaux, Michelle Garner, Sara Garreau, Heinemann, Angela Heinen, Sandra Heinrich, number of efforts to support our veterans com-
Kaitlyn Garrison, Katie Garry, Tawni Garry, Karley Heirigs, Cassandra Heise, Aimee munity.
Judy Gaspar, Elizabeth Gasper, Harold Gas- Heiser, Trisha Heiskell, Rosanne Heitkamp, In addition to his tireless work to address
ton Jr., Katherine Gaub, Deborah Gboeah, Su- Lacey Helkenn, Marisa Helkenn, Katherine the needs of local veterans, Gordie also pas-
sanne Geary, Theresa Geary, Autumn Heller, Cindy Helling, Judith Hellman, John sionately worked to recognize their service.
Gebeke, Shannon Geddes. Hellmann, Olivia Hellwinckel-Rice, Abbey Notably, in 1984 Gordie acted as a driving
Kelly Gederos, Samantha Geditz, Cheryl Helmer, Frances Hemenway, Marla Hender- force behind the creation of a local Korea-Viet-
Geditz, Jessica Geditz, Breyanna Geerdes, son, Mindy Henderson, Lori Hendrickson, nam Memorial to commemorate those who
Loni Geffre, Kimberly Gehm, Debra Gehrke, served. Today, this memorial serves as a last-
Travis Hendrickson, Brittany Henley, Kailee
Peggy Geiger, Darcie Gentry, Cynthia George, ing reminder of the great contributions and
Henseler, Theresia Herding, Kathleen Herding,
Shannon George, Elaine George, Nancy sacrifices made by local Vietnam and Korean
Julie Hericks, MeLynn Herke, Sharon Herman,
Geraets, Shelley Gerard, Paige Gerber, Karen veterans in Central New York.
Darci Herman, Cheryl Hermanson, Amanda Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the
Gerdes, Rhonda Gerhard, Karen Hernandez, Loreta Hernandez, Crystal
Gerstenecker, Brenda Gertsema, Lisa Gette, House to join me in honoring the life of Mr.
Herreid, Samantha Herrold, Dawn Herron, Gordon ‘‘Gordie’’ Lane. Through his many
Rachael Getz, Devon Geuke, Susan Gibson, Jayme Hershman, Gail Herting, Peggy Hervi,
Daren Gibson, Lori Gibson, Lilli Giessler, Lois years of advocacy, Gordie has undoubtedly
Tammy Heser, Mary Hesla, Veronica Hess, made a positive impact in the lives of hun-
Gilbert, Danielle Gilbertson, Jane Gilbery, Teresa Hessman, Logan Hetland, Tara
Natalya Gile, Tina Gimpel, JoAna Ginalias, dreds of local veterans. I ask my colleagues to
Hettinger, Debra Hicks, Taylor Hickson, keep him and his family in mind as we cele-
Lilian Giron, Kathryn Gittings, Alexis Glanzer, Gemmelynn Hidalgo, Hanna Hieronimus,
Jody Glayzer, Paige Gloe, Barbara Goeden, brate his life.
Candy Higaki, Sheri Higgins, Betheny High- f
Vicki Goedtke, Terra Goehring, Serenity land, Janet Hight, Lori Hill, Shaylee Hill,
Goembel, Jordan Goens, Vickie Goertzen, Brianna Hill, Anitra Hill, Debbie Hillberg, Kath- IN RECOGNITION OF LIBERTY DAY
Abby Gogolin, Gregory Goheen, Connie leen Weston, Nicholas Schaefers, Simone 2021
Goldade, Rachael Goldade, Julia Gonzalez,
Rernleitner, Audrey Smeins, and Debra
Michelle Gonzalez-Peralta, Bernadette Good HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN
Matthiesen.
Shield, Rachelle Goodman, Jocelyn Goodman, Over the past year they have faced chal- OF VIRGINIA
Deena Goodrich, Kristina Goodwin, Sabrina lenges most of us cannot even imagine. They IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Goodwin, Karen Gortmaker, Lynn Gottlob, have shown incredible resolve in the face of
Julie Gottsleben, Kathryn Gottsleben, Rhonda Tuesday, March 16, 2021
adversity. They have shown us all how to
Gourley, Julaine Graham, Carol Graham, Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise
seek positivity and hope in each day as we
Carol Graham, Jennifer Grandpre, Dawn today to recognize Liberty Day, a celebration
weather the storms that come our way.
Grant, Chelsey Granum, Megan Grass, of our rights and liberties as Americans which
I couldn’t be more thankful to represent the
Connie Grassel, D’Kera Grassrope, Sandra are rooted in the cherished documents that
incredible people across South Dakota and all gave birth to our nation, the Declaration of
Gray, Michele Gray, Serena Gray, Desirae over the nation who work hard each day, not
Gray, Brenda Graybill, Bridget Green, Miriam Independence and the Bill of Rights of the
for fame, not for recognition or for money, but United States Constitution. Today, March 16th,
Green, Deanna Gregg, Pamela Greiner, Doro- for the betterment of their communities. This is
thy Griep, Megan Grieser, Tehya Griffith, marks the 270th birthday of the Father of our
what makes America strong. I am grateful for Constitution, James Madison, making this
Kelsey Grijalva-Mendez, Amanda Grimes, the opportunity to recognize these hard-
Leone Grismer, Rachel Groethe, Jilene year’s Liberty Day particularly noteworthy.
working individuals. In 2000, Congress passed a resolution that
Gruenewald, Desiree Grueschow, Moni
f Liberty Day should be celebrated each year as
Gubka, Mackenzie Guerdet, Brandy Guerue,
Margaret Guinard, Kelly Gullikson, Karen a remembrance of both the freedom that
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR.
Americans were given in the Declaration of
Gunderson, Jennifer Gunn, Cheri Guse, GORDON ‘‘GORDIE’’ LANE
Independence and the extraordinary rights and
Stephanie Gutierrez, M’Kenzi Guy, Karla
liberties that Americans were given in their
Guyer, Jenny Haan, Kristine Haas, Marlys HON. JOHN KATKO Constitution. The American experiment is
Haase, Charity Haddican, Juli Hagen, Brook- OF NEW YORK unique in history, creating a republic of people
lyn Hagen, Tessa Hagen, Jenine Haggerty, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES united by a set of values, not by blood or land.
Carol Hagseth, Kelly Hague, Julie Hahler, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Diane Hahn, Marilyn Haiar, Rebecca Haisch, Tuesday, March 16, 2021
bind Americans together, not our race or eth-
Jean Hajek, Tiffany Hales, Arlette Hall, Karen Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to nicity.
Hall, Jody Hall, Karla Hall, Kimberly Hall, honor the life of Mr. Gordon ‘‘Gordie’’ Lane, In addition to serving as the Fourth Presi-
Brandie Halling, Larissa Halls, Alissa Halse, who passed away on February 23, 2021. In dent of the United States, James Madison was
Carrie Halstead, Emily Halstead, Mahayla my district in Central New York, Gordie was a crucial to the formation of our country. Presi-
Halstead, Theona Halverson, Brittany Halvor- proud and tireless veterans advocate who dent Madison authored the Virginia Plan, the
son, Sarah Hamann, Nayeli Hamann, Ashley spent decades working to ensure local vet- model and basis for the United States Con-
Hancock, Kristen Handley, Karla Hanisch, erans and their families received the stitution. Later, during the 1st Congress of the
Laurie Hanisch, Jordan Hanley, Amanda healthcare and recognition they deserve. United States, President Madison introduced
Hannasch, Angela Hannasch, Angela Hansen, Gordie was a lifelong Syracuse resident, re- the Bill of Rights, whereupon the first ten
Debbie Hansen, Tracy Hansen, Darian Han- tiree of the Syracuse Police Department, and amendments of the Constitution were adopted.
sen, Lindsay Hansen, Sandra Hanson, Eliza- proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served His other contributions, such as authoring
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
beth Hanson, Amber Hanson, Jena Hanson, in Vietnam. After returning home from Viet- many of the Federalist Papers, also deserve
Jennifer Haper, Cindy Haraldson, Rachelle nam, Gordie became acutely aware of the our recognition. Due to his essential role in the
Hardesty, Jessica Hardwick, Stephanie Hard- unique hardships facing many of his fellow creation of our nation, Congress designated
wick, Doris Harms, Wendy Harper, Megan veterans and the lack of support services March 16th, Madison’s birthday, as Liberty
Harris, Debra Harris, Merla Harrison, Alison available. To provide assistance and guid- Day.
Harry, Michelle Harstad, Jessica Hart, Alissa ance, Gordie became a founding member of In celebration of Liberty Day, I would en-
Harte, Shawntel Harte, Debra Hartman, Lexi the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter No. courage all Americans to read, learn, and dis-
Hartness, Kristin Hartog, Linda Harty, Julia 103, an organization that works to promote the cuss the Constitution with their friends and
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.008 E16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E253
family. After doing so consider contacting your HONORING THE SERVICE OF seen the ghost of John Quincy Adams in Stat-
Representative, Senators, and President to SHERIFF SCOTT STRAIT uary Hall.
share your views. All elected officials, whether Since 1996, Steve has served as a full-time
they serve at the federal, state, or local level, HON. JACK BERGMAN Capitol tour guide, volunteer coordinator, and
should look to the Constitution as they go OF MICHIGAN
director of other public programs for USCHS.
about their duty of governing this great nation. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
He led tours for notable entertainers such as
The revered documents that gave birth to Harrison Ford, Robert Duvall, and Martha
our nation always deserve our celebration, but Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Stewart; foreign dignitaries like the Attorney
the 270th birthday of James Madison makes Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my General of Italy, the President of Hungary, and
today especially significant. To mark this his- honor to recognize the service of Sheriff Scott at least one current crowned head of a promi-
toric occasion, I encourage Americans to take Strait, who recently retired after serving the nent European country. Steve also guided
today to learn about our nation’s history and people of Mackinac County for nearly 35 tours for titans of industry such as the Presi-
its founding documents. Therefore, Madam years. Through his selflessness and devotion dent of The Ford Motor Company, Indra
Speaker, I ask that you rise with me to cele- to the common good, Scott has become an in- Nooyi, President of PepsiCo, and several
brate Liberty Day. dispensable part of the state of Michigan. hedge-fund managers through the halls of the
After graduating from Lake Superior State Capitol. When the Capitol was closed to public
f University, Scott began his work at the Mack- tours after the 9/11 attack, Steve organized
inac County Sheriff’s Office on April 28, 1986. the first regular public tours around the Capitol
IN HONOR OF FRANCINE GREGORY In his service he worked tirelessly to improve grounds to allow visitors an opportunity for a
the lives of those in Mackinac County and guided interpretive tour despite the building’s
HON. CHRIS PAPPAS across Michigan. He also continued his pro- closure.
fessional growth while working full time, earn- Steve’s contributions to USCHS extend far
OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
ing his Master of Public Administration from beyond leading tours. He served as the co-or-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ganizer of the We the People Constitution
Northern Michigan University in 2001. Scott
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 has been an active leader throughout the Tour program for DC Public School students,
Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today state, serving on multiple statewide boards which helps Washington middle schoolers ex-
to recognize Francine Gregory, who is being and councils including the Board of Directors perience the Constitution as embodied in the
honored for her efforts as the Veterans of For- for the Michigan Sheriffs Association. He also buildings and work of their city. Furthermore,
eign War (VFW) New Hampshire State Presi- served as President of the Association in 2013 Steve wrote the We the People Constitution
dent over the past year. VFW works to ensure and previously sat on the outreach committee Tour Program’s Capitol script and personally
that all veterans are congratulated and recog- of the National Sheriffs Association. He has led tours for upwards of ten thousand students
nized for their service and sacrifice on behalf been honored for his selflessness on multiple over roughly fifteen years. When COVID–19
of our nation. Despite serving under occasions, including earning the rank of Mas- closed the Capitol to visitors, Steve helped to
precedented circumstances, President Greg- ter Sheriff in 2019 and being named Sheriff of develop the Society’s virtual learning series
ory ensured VFW could continue fulfilling its the Year in October of 2020. Scott’s tireless exploring the history of the Capitol and the
mission of supporting New Hampshire’s vet- dedication to the public good touched the lives Capitol Hill neighborhood—a series now at-
erans during the COVID–19 pandemic. of countless Michiganders, and the impact of tended by Congressional staff and alumni, as
his work cannot be overstated. well as history buffs from around the country.
Born and raised in Jaffrey, President Greg- Steve became a member of USCHS in 1973
ory currently lives in Rindge, where she is a Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constitu-
ents, I ask you to join me in honoring the serv- and participated in many of their programs
devoted mother, grandmother, and great- over the following two decades. His involve-
grandmother who is deeply committed to sup- ice of Scott Strait. Michiganders can take
great pride in knowing the First District is ment increased dramatically in 1993 when he
porting veterans in her community. Her father, began serving as a USCHS volunteer tour
Sylvio Edward, served in the United States home to such a selfless leader. On behalf of
my constituents, I wish Scott all the best in his guide. Fondly remembering the tours he’d
Army during World War II. Her father’s service given as a college student, Steve quickly be-
informed President Gregory’s own passion for future endeavors.
f came one of the most active tour volunteers
giving back to veterans and their families. for the Society. As the Society grew, Steve
Since 1999, President Gregory has been in- TRIBUTE TO STEVE LIVENGOOD jumped at the opportunity to take a tour pro-
volved with VFW Auxiliary Post 5613 in FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO gram position. Steve became the Society’s
Jaffrey. Over the years, she has served in THE U.S. CAPITOL HISTORICAL first employee dedicated solely to organizing
leadership roles at Post 5613 and District 5 SOCIETY the tour program, later taking on such addi-
before taking on a statewide leadership as De- tional responsibilities as sales of USCHS cal-
partment Guard in 2015. Since then, she has HON. HALEY M. STEVENS endars to Members’ offices in the House and
risen through the ranks of VFW–NH, culmi- Senate.
OF MICHIGAN
nating with her service as State President this Steve Livengood’s passion for the Capitol
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
past year. began when he was just twelve and his par-
In addition to her service as State President, Tuesday, March 16, 2021 ents tasked him with planning an educational
President Gregory remains the Secretary for Ms. STEVENS. Madam Speaker, I rise to vacation. Over the next two years, he ar-
Auxiliary Post 5613. Beyond her involvement recognize the contributions of Steve ranged for his family to visit Washington, D.C.
with VFW, she has had a long career across Livengood to the U.S. Capitol Historical Soci- During the trip Steve became so enamored
several sectors—in 1992, she also became an ety and his decades of service educating the with the city that he chose D.C. as his college
LNA and began serving her community as a public about the history of this institution. home, attending American University to study
provider of home health care and community Congress chartered the United States Cap- Political Science and Government.
services. itol Historical Society (USCHS) to ‘‘foster and While enrolled at American University, Steve
Devoted to her community and her family, increase an informed patriotism’’ in our na- leveraged a Kansas connection into volun-
President Gregory also served as a Girl Scout tion’s citizenry. Steve Livengood is a leader in teering with his Congressman Joe Skubitz. He
leader for 12 years and today, as she em- executing that important mission. Those spent Saturday mornings working on the sec-
barks on semi-retired life, she finds no greater across the Congressional community and ond floor of the Cannon House Office Building
joy than spending with, and celebrating the ac- around the country have benefited from doing such things as rubberstamping ‘‘From
complishments of, her beautiful family. Steve’s expertise. For a quarter-century, Steve the Office of Congressman Joe Skubitz, Kan-
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
On behalf of my constituents in New Hamp- provided continuing education and talks about sas 5th District’’ on copies of the official Cap-
shire’s First Congressional District, I want to the Capitol and Congress, giving briefings be- itol guidebooks to be distributed to constitu-
thank Francine Gregory for her longstanding fore every Presidential Inauguration, as well ents and other visitors.
devotion to our state and our Veterans. I con- as offering background information and per- During spring break, the staff offered Steve
gratulate her on a successful term as State spective to tourism professionals and the a paid opportunity. From 1965 until his grad-
President and thank her for all that she has press. Additionally, Steve is considered the uation in 1968, Steve worked part-time in Mr.
done, and will continue to do, to support Gran- go-to expert on Capitol Ghosts and is one of Skubitz’s office and full time during the sum-
ite State veterans. the few people to publicly admit that he has mer of 1967. His favorite task was giving tours
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.010 E16MRPT1
E254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 16, 2021
of the Capitol building for constituents and U.S. ELECTION PRACTICES: AN ties should review existing measures to further
visitors. INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE reduce the number of unregistered voters, in-
After a short, involuntary tour in Southeast cluding addressing burdensome procedures
Asia, Steve ventured to Emory University HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS and obstacles faced by disadvantaged
where he received a Master’s in recent social OF FLORIDA groups.’’ It also says that ‘‘states should make
history. Along with his studies, he served as IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES every effort to ensure that voter identification
Speaker in the Emory University Student Leg- requirements are equally accessible to all vot-
islature and student body Vice President. Tuesday, March 16, 2021 ers.’’ It also makes specific recommendations
Steve returned to Washington in 1973 for Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, this regarding specific groups of American citizens.
his dissertation research, titled ‘‘Scandals in chamber recently passed H.R. I, the ‘‘For the We do not need to agree about every con-
the 1938 Senate Elections and the Passage of People Act,’’ significant legislation making it clusion and recommendation in this report to
the Hatch Act.’’ Steve worked for various easier for American citizens to vote in U.S. take it seriously. It is a contribution to our de-
groups organizing many programs and meet- elections and improve transparency and ac- bates from a unique perspective. Moreover,
ings on Capitol Hill for political and policy or- countability in our election process. The White our acceptance of international observation
ganizations before he came to work for the House also recently announced a new execu- serves a useful function in our foreign policy.
Society. Steve Livengood dedicated his career tive order to assist this effort. These are posi- OSCE election observation has encouraged
to the belief that the United States Capitol is tive developments that I welcome and support, practices giving voters a real choice in numer-
the Temple of Democracy for the world, and but, as we all know, not everything regarding ous other countries, many of which were once
that Congress is the most important example the conduct of elections can be done at the repressive, one-party communist states but
of how to implement a representative democ- federal level. Unfortunately, many state legis- are now our friends and even, in some cases,
racy. Steve Livengood proudly claims that the latures are now undertaking efforts that would allies. The United States initiated this effort
United States government serves as the best make it more difficult for eligible Americans to with the OSCE and contributes significantly to
example of government for all of humankind. participate in the electoral process and vote. election observation missions elsewhere, pro-
We salute his 25 years of service to the U.S. As Chair and in the leadership of the Hel- viding the expertise that comes with our expe-
Capitol Historical Society, and look forward to sinki Commission, I have supported the posi- rience. If we are to encourage other govern-
many more years of tours and public history tive steps we are trying to take on this issue, ments to take this effort seriously and imple-
lessons. yet I remain deeply concerned about those ment recommendations, we need to set the
who want to move our country backward. example ourselves. Unfortunately, several
f
Perhaps it would help our debate to look at U.S. states greatly restrict or even prohibit
RECOGNIZING DANA BRISTOL- the conduct of the 2020 U.S. elections from an international observation. This is something
SMITH AS CONSTITUENT OF THE international perspective, including the conduct which must change as we prepare for mid-
MONTH of elections in conformity with international term elections in 2022 and general elections in
commitments first proposed and advocated by 2024.
HON. MIKE LEVIN the United States more than 30 years ago. f
OF CALIFORNIA The United States has been one of five
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 95TH
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES countries thus far where the OSCE Parliamen-
BIRTHDAY OF JEAN ZARANKO
tary Assembly has observed elections during
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 the unprecedented challenges of the pan-
Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it demic, and a German parliamentarian re-
HON. DEBBIE DINGELL
is my honor to recognize Oceanside resident OF MICHIGAN
ported on its findings on February 26. He did
and Executive Director of Leap to Success IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
not point fingers at us and accuse. He men-
Dana Bristol-Smith, as my March Constituent tioned the positive as well as the negative. He Tuesday, March 16, 2021
of the Month. March is Women’s History is clearly a friend who cares, as most of the Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise
Month, a chance to celebrate and pay tribute OSCE observers undoubtedly were. today to recognize Jean Zaranko on the occa-
to women and all the ways they have made As a previous election observer in the sion of her 95th birthday. Mrs. Zaranko was
profound impacts on our nation. While we use OSCE region, I can also attest, that the code born on June 10, 1926. She was raised in
this opportunity to commemorate phenomenal of conduct makes it is extremely unlikely that Taylor Township, Michigan. She completed
women of the past and present, I am honored the OSCE election observation could be school up to 8th grade and then worked as an
to include Dana in the celebrations, a woman steered in support of any particular agenda elevator operator at the Griswold Building in
who has dedicated her life to uplifting women other than better democracy. Downtown Detroit but felt like she needed to
every single day right here in my district. I therefore want to commend to my col- do something more for her country during
Dana started her Leap to Success Women’s leagues the full OSCE Final report ‘‘United World War II.
Leadership program in 2008 after learning of States of America General Elections, 3 No- At the age of 17 she altered her birth certifi-
the correlation between domestic violence vic- vember 2020, ODIHR Limited Election Obser- cate in order to join the war effort at the Wil-
tims’ lack of self-confidence and their ability to vation Mission’’, which can be found at https:// low Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti Township.
avoid returning to abusive partners. In re- www.osce.org/files/f/documents/7/7/ Jean was originally hired as a welder but be-
sponse to this discovery, she developed a pro- 477823_2.pdf. It offers an important perspec- came a riveter, working on the center wing of
gram to help these women own their power tive on our elections from persons who rightly the B–24 and sometimes slipping notes into
and start living for themselves again. Her pro- care about the process, not the result. They the wings for servicemembers to find. As a
gram brought immense success and joy from have observed not only our elections since Rosie the Riveter, Jean’s hard work, grit, and
the participating women, and from then on, 2002 but elections in dozens of other coun- patriotism not only sustained the American
she made it her mission to expand Leap to tries on a regular basis. war effort, but paved a path for the next gen-
Success to as many women as she can. The issues raised in the report are the same eration of working women.
With helpful guidance and an environment issues we Americans debate here in Wash- She came to meet her first husband Mos-
full of encouragement and love, Dana’s goal is ington, in our state capitals and through the cow Lambert after a man at a bus stop at Wil-
for women who may be in abusive situations media. I take the conclusions and rec- low Run had broken his glasses and asked for
to discover the courage to find their voice, ommendations, including criticisms, in this assistance in writing to his son who was serv-
own their worth, and feel empowered to move election observation report seriously. It serves ing overseas. This began a two-year affair,
forward in life. Dana’s community of sup- as a helpful guide on what next steps we constantly exchanging calls and letters until
porters help women realize that their past is should take to improve our electoral system. I they finally met one day at the Train Depot in
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
nothing to be ashamed of, but rather, an op- believe our election officials and state legisla- Detroit where he proposed to her that day. To-
portunity to create a brighter and healthier fu- tors should read this report; indeed, I rec- gether, they had four sons and were married
ture. While there is so much more we must do ommend it to any American who cares about for nine years before Moscow passed away
to prevent domestic violence, I am grateful for his or her country. It is a broad snapshot of due to an accident at the steel plant where he
leaders like Dana whose passion and heart our entire, complex electoral system. worked. She later married Mr. Zaranko and
creates hope and inspiration for women. I am Several of the priority recommendations in they were together for 52 years.
honored to recognize her as my Constituent of the report deal with voting rights and voter A proud Rosie, even now she has remained
the Month. identification. Specifically, it says that ‘‘authori- an active member of our community. She feels
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:50 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.013 E16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E255
that she is here to give her time and efforts to ternship with the A. Philip Randolph Institute. WELCOMING THE MS. ARKANSAS
others when they need it and is God’s tool to She next embarked on a career with the sen- SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT
help others. Her lifelong commitment to serv- ior constituency group of the American Fed-
ice reminds us all of the impact that the eration of Labor and Congress of Industrial HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN
Rosies have had on our state and nation. Organizations (AFL–CIO). Ms. Cordelia contin- OF ARKANSAS
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join ued her work with unions for many years. In
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
me today in celebrating Jean Zaranko on her 1989, she served as chief lobbyist for the Indi-
95th birthday. I join with her family, including ana branch of the American Federation of Tuesday, March 16, 2021
twenty grandchildren and twenty-one great State, County and Municipal Employees Union Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise
grandchildren, and friends in extending my (AFSCME), and then as the Director of Politics today to celebrate the work of the Ms. Arkan-
best and warmest wishes to her on this spe- and Legislation until 2005. sas Senior America Pageant in the State of
cial day. I am proud to honor her life, her ac- Ms. Cordelia served as a precinct com- Arkansas and welcome the competitors to my
complishments, and her invaluable contribu- mitteewoman in the 7th Congressional District hometown of Hot Springs.
tions to our nation. of Indiana for forty years, promoting the impor- The Ms. Senior America Pageant seeks to
f tance of voting. She has worked on local and improve the lives of seniors and those around
national campaigns, including Bill Clinton’s them by advocating for personal growth
HONORING THE LIFE OF RENA 1996 presidential campaign and Barack through continuing higher education and com-
ANN GEORGE Obama’s 2004 Illinois senate campaign. On munity service. Celebrating ‘‘the Age of Ele-
March 20, 2021 she will end her 15 year ten- gance,’’ this pageant seeks to promote the
HON. TOM O’HALLERAN ure as the Vice-Chair for the Indiana Demo-
value of our senior citizens’ experience and
cratic Party.
OF ARIZONA wisdom, while choosing someone who rep-
Ms. Cordelia has been honored as one of
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
the City of Indianapolis’s 100 most influential resents the dignity, beauty, and contributions
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Black citizens and has received Indiana’s of the elderly to our communities.
highest honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash I thank the reigning Ms. Arkansas Senior
Mr. O’HALLERAN. Madam Speaker, I rise America and Fourth District native, Ms. Shar-
today to honor the life of Rena Ann George, Award. She is also a recipient of the Rosa
Parks award, Rosa Parks Trail Blazer Award, on Morgan Tahaney, for her service in the last
a beloved resident of Winslow, Arizona, who year. After years of writing and speaking on
passed away last month. as well as the Sojourner Truth Award.
Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in leadership, Ms. Tahaney now represents the
In 2019, my staff and I had the privilege of State of Arkansas with grace. I believe she
visiting Rena and her husband, Herbert, at recognizing the outstanding achievements and
remarkable life of an Indiana treasure, Mrs. was right when she said that ‘‘there are no
their home in Winslow. During this visit, I limits in life based on age, just on attitude.’’
spoke with Rena and Herbert about the im- Cordelia Lewis-Burks and extend our best
wishes for her future endeavors. She, along with an organization led by Ms.
pacts they experienced over the past four dec- Pattie Genovese, is working hard to expand
ades as a result of their forced relocation fol- f
this year’s State competition in hopes of pro-
lowing the 1974 Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT viding a larger platform for senior ladies to
Act. OF GERRY PELISSERO share their wisdom, experiences, and knowl-
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to edge.
meet with the George family, learn about their HON. JACK BERGMAN I take this time today to celebrate the work
life, and see some of Rena’s beautiful arts and of this organization and its leaders and wel-
OF MICHIGAN
crafts. come them all to Hot Springs. It is my hope
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Throughout her life, Rena dedicated herself that our nation will derive from them a beau-
wholeheartedly to her family, her many com- Tuesday, March 16, 2021
tiful example of perseverance, hard work, and
munities, and her arts and crafts business. Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my service.
Her kindness, warmth, and hard work have honor to recognize the service of Gerry
made a profound impact on her community Pelissero, who recently retired after serving f
and her loved ones. the people of Gogebic County as the clerk of
Pat and I are keeping Rena’s family, friends, court and register of deeds for more than two IN HONOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
and the entire Winslow community in our pray- decades. Through his tireless work ethic and KENTUCKY RIFLE TEAM
ers as we mourn her passing. devotion to the common good, Gerry has be-
f come an indispensable part of the state of HON. ANDY BARR
Michigan. OF KENTUCKY
IN HONOR OF MRS. CORDELIA A U.P. native, Gerry graduated from Bes- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
LEWIS-BURKS semer’s A.D. Johnston High School in 1977.
After studying broadcasting at the Brown Insti- Tuesday, March 16, 2021
HON. ANDRÉ CARSON tute in Minneapolis, Gerry returned to Gogebic Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
OF INDIANA County to become a radio personality and honor Coach Harry Mullins and the members
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sports director at WUPM in Ironwood. Fol- of the University of Kentucky Rifle Team on
lowing his career in radio, Gerry worked as an winning the 2021 NCAA Rifle National Cham-
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 agent with Prudential Financial for 11 years pionship. This is the third national title for the
Mr. CARSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise before deciding to run for county clerk in Janu- outstanding program, located in Lexington,
to honor my mentor and friend, Mrs. Cordelia ary of 2000. He would go on to win the elec- Kentucky.
Lewis-Burks, a remarkable Hoosier who has tion and serve five terms in office as clerk of The Wildcats were undefeated and ranked
dedicated her life to the service of others. court and register of deeds for Gogebic Coun- number one in the country last season when
Throughout her career, Ms. Cordelia has ty. In this role, Gerry oversaw the moderniza- the COVID–19 pandemic caused the NCAA
fought tirelessly for inclusion, equality, and jus- tion of the clerk’s office—moving from phone Championships to be canceled. These impres-
tice through the election of qualified diverse in- calls and faxes to email and other digital tech- sive student-athletes stayed focused through-
dividuals. nology. His dedication and leadership allowed out the 2021 season and earned the cham-
Ms. Cordelia discovered a love of politics the county’s functions—including the courts pionship on March 13 in Columbus, Ohio.
from an early age, inspired by her father who and administrating elections—to run smoothly, Mary Tucker, named Most Outstanding Per-
was a pastor in West Virginia. Recognizing the and the impact of his work cannot be over- former at the event, earned gold in both the
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
importance of policy as a means to help her stated. smallbore and air rifle. Teammate Will Shaner
community, she engaged in political efforts as Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constitu- earned silver in air rifle.
a young woman after moving to Chicago by ents, I ask you to join me in honoring the ca- Coach Harry Mullins has led the Rifle Team
volunteering for a local Congressional cam- reer and service of Gerry Pelissero. at the University of Kentucky since 1987. I
paign. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing thank him for his leadership and his dedication
In 1959, Ms. Cordelia moved to Indiana the First District is home to such a selfless to these student-athletes. He has built an ex-
where she worked as a licensed practical leader. On behalf of my constituents, I wish cellent program of which all Kentuckians can
nurse for two decades before accepting an in- Gerry all the best in his future endeavors. be proud.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.016 E16MRPT1
E256 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 16, 2021
Congratulations to Coach Mullins, the staff, HONORING GEORGE HARVEY SR. grandchildren. I would like to offer my condo-
and the members of the Rifle Team on win- lences to them on the loss of this great busi-
ning the 2021 NCAA Rifle National Champion- HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH nessman and community leader.
ship. OF VIRGINIA
f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f
CELEBRATING THE 91ST BIRTHDAY Tuesday, March 16, 2021 IN HONOR OF DARWIN BEEMAN
OF GERALD L. POTTER SR. Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise to
honor George Harvey Sr. of Radford, Virginia,
HON. CHRIS PAPPAS
HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER who passed away on February 24, 2021 at the
OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
OF PENNSYLVANIA
age of 92. Mr. Harvey’s life was a true Amer-
ican success story, in which he rose from hard IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
beginnings to great accomplishments in busi-
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 ness and then drew upon them to give back
Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I to his community. Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today
rise with immense pride to celebrate the 91st Mr. Harvey was born on May 31, 1928 in to recognize Darwin Beeman, who is being
birthday of my grandfather, Gerald L. Potter Mann, West Virginia. His family moved to a honored for his work as the Veterans of For-
Sr. farm in Montgomery County, Virginia in 1932. eign War (VFW) New Hampshire State Com-
Gerald is a resident of Allegheny Township As a child, he walked two miles to attend mander over the past year. VFW works to en-
in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. As a school. When attending Auburn High School, sure that all veterans are recognized for their
veteran, Gerald served in the United States he had to walk two miles to catch the bus, and service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation.
Air Force and as a reservist at the 911th Airlift if his responsibilities of milking the farm’s cows Despite facing unprecedented circumstances
Wing in southwestern Pennsylvania. During delayed him from catching the bus, he had to due to the COVID–19 pandemic, Commander
his military service, he met his wife of fifty walk five miles more to school. Beeman worked tirelessly to ensure that our
years, my grandmother Eleen M. Potter, a After graduating from Auburn in 1945, Mr. state’s veterans remained supported and con-
lieutenant in the Air Force Nursing Corps. Harvey joined the United States Air Corps and nected to the community during these chal-
Continuing his dedication to service, Gerald was deployed to Fairbanks, Alaska. He lenging times.
attended the West Penn Hospital School of passed on the chance to attend West Point Raised in Barrington, Commander Beeman
Nursing and graduated in their first male class. and opted instead to return home to South- graduated from Spaulding High School in
My grandfather’s service and mentorship west Virginia. He enrolled in National Business 1976, before attending New Hampshire Voca-
played a critical role throughout my childhood, College in Roanoke, majoring in Business and tional Technical College, where he gained an
during my service in the United States Navy, Accounting. associate degree in Industrial Electricity in
Mr. Harvey began his career by operating a 1978.
and his example continues to guide my work
gas station, followed by a Texaco Oil Distrib- In 1991, Commander Beeman joined the
on behalf of Pennsylvania’s 14th Congres-
uting Business and a used car dealership. In U.S. Navy Reserve Seabee’s, serving honor-
sional District.
1957, he became a General Motors Chevrolet ably for nearly 22 years. During his service, he
Madam Speaker, Gerald L. Potter Sr. has
dealer in Christiansburg. The next year, he deployed to Iraq in 2005 in support of Oper-
lived a life of distinction and remains an in-
bought an Oldsmobile dealership, and in 1959, ation Iraqi Freedom and again from 2008 to
credible presence in my life, our family and
he purchased a Chevrolet-Oldsmobile-Cadillac 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Free-
friends, and his community. It is with great joy
franchise in Radford. His business grew dom.
that I wish him a happy 91st birthday.
through the decades, earning him millions and
f Commander Beeman earned many acco-
providing jobs to many in the region. In 1989,
lades during his decades of service, including
IN RECOGNITION OF ERIKA DYER’S it added a Pontiac-Buick dealership as well.
the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy
SERVICE TO VIRGINIA’S FIRST He took the obligations that came with wealth
& Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x3), Joint
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT and job creation seriously. According to the
Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Good Conduct
Roanoke Times, he said in 2009 that the num-
Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service
ber he was proudest of was zero, which was
HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN the number of employees he had laid off over
Medal (x5), National Defense Service Medal
(x2), Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star &
OF VIRGINIA the then-50-year history of Harvey’s Chevrolet
Eagle, Globe & Anchor, Global War on Ter-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Cadillac Buick.
rorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding
Many local organizations and causes bene-
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Re-
fited from Mr. Harvey’s support. At Radford
Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise serve Medal with Bronze Hour Glass and ‘‘M’’
University, he was the second president of the
today to recognize Erika Dyer, and her dedi- Device, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (x2),
foundation and the chairman of the Business
cated service to Virginia’s First Congressional Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy
and Economics Department, driving the cre-
District. After eight months with my D.C. office, & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon
ation of a certified School of Business. He was
Erika will be leaving this week to pursue a (x2), Expert Rifleman Medal, and Expert Pistol
chairman of the board at Radford Community
new position. Shoot Medal.
Hospital, now Carilion New River Valley Med-
Erika has been an invaluable asset to my ical Center. While deployed to Iraq in 2005, Commander
D.C. Staff, serving as my Communications Di- Other roles he held in the community in- Beeman joined the VFW and, upon his return,
rector. Erika joined the team during the cluded president of the Chamber of Com- joined Post 8497 in Charlestown, NH in 2006.
COVID–19 pandemic, and she was imme- merce; Vice President of First & Merchants He later served as District 2 Commander for
diately committed to delivering timely and un- National Bank in Radford; past president of a decade before serving in leadership roles at
derstandable information and resources to the New River Dealers Association, Kiwanis the state level, culminating in his current role
constituents in Virginia’s First Congressional Club and Retail Merchants Association; past over the past year.
District. Erika is extremely talented and hard- chairman of United Fund and the Michelle Commander Beeman and his wife, Terry,
working and is consistently finding new and in- ‘‘Petie’’ Lineberry Heart Recipient Fund Drive; currently live in Claremont, and are the proud
novative ways to effectively communicate with past vice president of the Southwest Virginia parents of three and grandparents of six.
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
constituents. Erika is also a friend to all and is Health Services; board member of the Virginia On behalf of my constituents in New Hamp-
always willing to be a resource for other staff. automobile Dealers Association, the Common- shire’s First Congressional District, I want to
Therefore, Madam Speaker, I rise today to wealth Dealers Life Insurance Association, thank Commander Beeman for his service to
thank Erika for her hard work and dedication and Saint Albans Psychiatric Hospital; and our country and his dedication to his fellow
not only to the office, but to all constituents in Elder and member of The Presbyterian veterans. I congratulate him on his successful
Virginia’s First District. Erika has a bright fu- Church of Radford. term as State Commander, and I thank him for
ture ahead and I wish her the best in her ca- Mr. Harvey’s survivors include his wife of 61 all he does to make sure that veterans in our
reer. years, Juanita Kirk Harvey, five children, and state are remembered and valued.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.021 E16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E257
STUDENT LOAN REFINANCING AND lenges in our country and abroad. For over great pride in knowing the First District is
RECALCULATION ACT OF 2021 four decades, the Helsinki Commission has home to such a dedicated leader. On behalf of
championed human rights, democracy, and my constituents, I wish Bill all the best in his
HON. JOHN GARAMENDI comprehensive security across the 57 North future endeavors.
OF CALIFORNIA American, European, and Central Asian coun- f
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tries that make up the region of the Organiza-
tion for Security and Cooperation in Europe IN RECOGNITION OF LIBERTY DAY
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 (OSCE). As Chair of the Helsinki Commission 2021
Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I during the 116th Congress, I worked with my
reintroduce the bipartisan ‘‘Student Loan Refi- House and Senate colleagues to continue the HON. LAUREN BOEBERT
nancing and Recalculation Act’’ to address the Commission’s longstanding efforts to monitor OF COLORADO
ballooning student loan debt crisis crippling participating States compliance with the Hel- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
millions of Americans and their families. I sinki Accords.
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
thank my bipartisan co-lead Congressman The importance of election observation in
FITZPATRICK (R–PA) and the other original co- our country and abroad, restorative justice, the Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I rise in
sponsors for their support. safety of journalists, and the global impact of honor of Liberty Day, which falls on the 270th
This legislation would allow students to refi- George Floyd’s tragic death on racial justice Birthday of the Father of the Constitution,
nance their federal student loan interest rates, efforts were just some of the issues the Com- James Madison. Our Founders understood the
lower future student loan interest rates, elimi- mission addressed last Congress, in addition importance of citizen-led government and the
nate origination fees on student loans, delay to our continued focus on Russia, Ukraine, the power of ‘‘We the People.’’ The spirit of liberty
student loan interest rate accrual for low-in- Balkans and continued democratic develop- is forever enshrined in the documents that
come and middle-class borrowers while they ment in the region. gave birth to our Nation. I am honored to rec-
are pursuing their education, and allow for As we continue our work of the 117th Con- ognize the rights and liberties of the American
borrowers in medical, veterinary or dental gress, I invite you to review the report: ‘‘Retro- people protected by the Constitution and the
residencies to defer payments until the com- spective On The 116th Congress’’ at https:// Bill of Rights this Liberty Day.
pletion of their professional accreditation pro- www.csce.gov/international-impact/retrospec- For the past 21 years, our Nation has cele-
gram. tive-116th-congress and http://www.csce.gov/ brated Liberty Day to honor the American lib-
With over 45 million Americans burdened by sites/helsinkicommission.house.gov/files/ erty recognized by our founding documents. In
student loan debt, the education debt crisis 116th%20Congress%20Report%20Final. pdf. 2000, Congress passed a resolution desig-
has reached an epidemic level. The total stu- This report summarizes the Commission’s nating March 16th, Madison’s birthday, as Lib-
dent loan debt in America has reached nearly activities, as well as recommendations critical erty Day. James Madison’s ideas in the Fed-
$1.7 trillion according to the Federal Reserve. for the continued promotion of democracy and eralist Papers, the Constitution, and the Bill of
The need to service these debt loads often U.S. national security. Rights were vital in the founding of our Nation.
prevents graduates from making important Madam Speaker, I look forward to con- He served as the Fourth President of the
purchases like houses or cars, and it also can tinuing this critically important work during the United States and committed his life to affirm
make people more hesitant to take risks like 117th Congress. Americans’ rights to Life, Liberty, and the pur-
starting a new business. Cumulatively, this f suit of Happiness.
mountain of debt slows down our economy President Madison’s legacy and his vision
and makes it less entrepreneurial, productive, RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT for our Nation persists through the lives of
and vibrant. OF BILL SPEER Americans throughout this great country. I
Most student loan debt is owed to the fed- took an oath to my constituents to uphold
eral government, at interest rates of up to 5.30 HON. JACK BERGMAN these values by supporting and defending the
percent or more for earlier loans. That per- OF MICHIGAN Constitution. Today is a great reminder to re-
centage far exceeds the market rate for most IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES member the Constitution as elected officials
government loans or U.S. Treasury bonds. throughout this great Nation fulfill our duty.
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Americans with student loans should be able In honor of Liberty Day, I encourage all
to reasonably refinance their debt just as they Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my Americans to learn and celebrate our Nation’s
would for a mortgage or any other consumer honor to recognize Bill Speer, who retired as history. Our Founders’ vision lives on through
loan. the publisher and editor of The Alpena News the Declaration of Independence, the Constitu-
The ‘‘Student Loan Refinancing and Recal- after 42 years in journalism. Through his tire- tion of the United States, and Bill of Rights.
culation Act,’’ which I have sponsored since less work ethic and devotion to his community, These documents continue to empower Ameri-
the 114th Congress, would relieve some of the Bill has become an indispensable part of cans to reap the benefits of our flourishing so-
debt burden faced by American students and Northern Michigan. ciety rooted in freedom and liberty. I urge all
their families, while also ensuring that the fed- After graduating from West Virginia Univer- Americans to take the time today to read and
eral government is not making a profit on the sity in 1978, Bill began his career in journalism study these documents that empower the con-
backs of students. working at The Wheeling Intelligencer, where tinuation of American ideas and values.
Madam Speaker, I urge all members of the he was initially responsible for covering local Madam Speaker, I ask that you rise with me
House to join us in cosponsoring the ‘‘Student governments and the area’s steel and coal in- to celebrate Liberty Day.
Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act’’ and dustries. His skills as a writer and reporter f
to work to address this crisis facing so many were recognized quickly, as he was named
Americans. Ohio Bureau Editor of The Intelligencer just IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH
three years later. In 1988, he and his wife BIRTHDAY OF STELLA PRUSAK
f
Diane moved to Alpena, Michigan, where he
THE ONGOING IMPORTANCE OF would serve as the editor of The Alpena HON. DEBBIE DINGELL
THE WORK OF THE U.S. HEL- News. As the paper’s head, Bill oversaw its OF MICHIGAN
SINKI COMMISSION IN THE transition to new ownership, the move from an IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES evening to a morning publication, an ex-
panded Weekend Edition, and the rise of the Tuesday, March 16, 2021
HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS internet in modern journalism. Bill’s dedication Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise
OF FLORIDA and effective leadership has allowed The today to recognize Stella Prusak on the occa-
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Alpena News to thrive today. His commitment sion of her 100th birthday. Her significant con-
to the Alpena community and the state of tributions to our community is worthy of com-
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Michigan touched the lives of countless mendation.
Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise Michiganders, and the impact of his work can- Mrs. Prusak was born in Coldwater, Poland
today to discuss the work of the Commission not be overstated. on May 5, 1921 and came to the United
on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constitu- States at only six months old. She was raised
known as the Helsinki Commission and its ents, I ask you to join me in recognizing the in Detroit, Michigan and attended St. Hedwig
continued importance in addressing chal- career of Bill Speer. Michiganders can take and Condon Schools until 10th grade. At the
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.026 E16MRPT1
E258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 16, 2021
age of 15 she went to work in the kitchen at Senator Evan Bayh, twin sons Beau and Nick half of California Latinas and the work of
Marygrove College to help out her family. as well as her parents and two siblings. Hispanas Organized for Political Equality
While working, she continued to attend night At 29 years of age, Susan became the 46th (HOPE) during ‘‘Women’s History Month.’’
school taking business classes. First Lady for the State of Indiana and the Latina entrepreneurs are a key economic
In 1942, Mrs. Prusak went to work with her youngest First Lady of Indiana. She worked engine for the state, generating $19 billion in
father on the assembly line at Ford Motor tirelessly to support her husband, Evan Bayh, revenues and employing over 86,000 individ-
Company in Detroit working on transmissions in his work. She also worked hard to advance uals in California. Latina-owned businesses fill
for aircrafts. The next year, she transferred to her own priorities as First Lady, focusing on gaps and serve community needs that other
a General Motors Plant where she worked as important causes like combating adult illit- business owners have been unwilling or un-
a riveter on the wings of the B–29. As a Rosie eracy. able to meet. Their ability to provide culturally
the Riveter, Stella’s hard work, grit, and patri- Professionally, Susan served on the boards relevant services gives them a competitive
otism not only sustained the American war ef- for several biotech, telecommucations, and edge in meeting the demands of a Latinx mar-
fort, but paved a path for the next generation healthcare companies. She was on the board ket with a purchasing power of $1.7 trillion.
of working women. of Trustees for Butler University, on the Latinas are being elected to public office
After the war, she moved to California for Dean’s Council at Indiana University’s Paul H. and appointed to powerful positions. HOPE
work but before long she returned to Michigan O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Af- alumnae serve on the City Councils of Califor-
to marry Mr. Walter Prusak and they settled in fairs, and she taught at both Butler University nia’s largest cities: Los Angeles, Fresno, and
Allen Park. Together they had three children, and her alma mater, the University of South- Riverside. To date 220 have been appointed
two sons and one daughter. A proud Rosie, ern California. In 1994, Susan was appointed to serve on over 400 state and local govern-
Mrs. Prusak continued to be a working woman by President Bill Clinton to the International ment positions and 400 have served on over
and was employed by Burroughs and many Joint Commission and served for six years. 1,200 non-profit boards.
other places as a file clerk. Known by friends Susan was a loving wife, married to Evan We celebrate contemporary Latinas who
for her kindness, generosity, and lucky streak for more than 36 years, a proud mother of continue to build upon the foundation of our
at the casino, she has remained an active twin sons, Beau and Nick, and a beloved ancestors for the betterment of future genera-
member of our community. Her lifelong com- child, sibling, and friend. She will be remem- tions. We challenge each other through HOPE
mitment to service reminds us all of the impact bered by Hoosiers for her commitment to our to ensure that Latinas achieve political and
that the Rosies have had on our state and na- state, and for the barriers she helped break for economic parity to benefit all communities and
tion. women throughout her distinguished career. the status of all women.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join We also commend her courageous fight Please join me in celebrating March 12,
me today in celebrating Stella Prusak on her against the cancer that took her life. I will con- 2021 as the 30th Annual Latina History Day
100th birthday. I join with her family and tinue supporting cancer research and advo- and, in congratulating Hispanas Organized for
friends in extending my best and warmest cacy to honor people like Susan Bayh and Political Equality, HOPE, for their service to
wishes to her on this special day. I am proud help save lives in the future. the Latinas of this great nation.
to honor her life, her accomplishments, and Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in re-
her invaluable contributions to our nation. membering Susan Bayh. She leaves behind a f
f legacy of outstanding accomplishments, as
well as a deep connection with her community PERSONAL EXPLANATION
THE PASSING OF 46TH FIRST and those whose lives she touched.
LADY OF INDIANA, SUSAN BAYH
f HON. THOMAS P. TIFFANY
OF WISCONSIN
HON. ANDRÉ CARSON IN HONOR OF THE 30TH ANNUAL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF INDIANA
LATINA HISTORY DAY
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
HON. J. LUIS CORREA Mr. TIFFANY. MADAM Speaker, I was un-
OF CALIFORNIA dergoing a medical procedure and was unable
Mr. CARSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to be present for several votes last week. Had
in remembrance of Susan Bayh, 46th First I been present, I would have voted NAY on
Lady of Indiana, who passed on February 6, Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Roll Call No. 64; NAY on Roll Call No. 66;
2021. Susan is survived by her husband, Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, today, I rise NAY on Roll Call No. 70; and NAY on Roll
former Indiana Governor and United States with Congresswoman ROYBAL-ALLARD on be- Call No. 72.
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:44 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MR8.030 E16MRPT1
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Daily Digest
HIGHLIGHTS
Senate confirmed the nomination of Isabella Casillas Guzman, of Cali-
fornia, to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
Senate
Janie Simms Hipp, of Arkansas, to be General
Chamber Action Counsel of the Department of Agriculture.
Routine Proceedings, pages S1531–S1575 Leslie B. Kiernan, of Maryland, to be General
Measures Introduced: Thirty-two bills and four Counsel of the Department of Commerce.
resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 752–783, Christopher Charles Fonzone, of Pennsylvania, to
and S. Res. 115–118. Pages S1569–70
be General Counsel of the Office of the Director of
National Intelligence.
Measures Passed: Todd Sunhwae Kim, of the District of Columbia,
Honoring Army Chaplain Emil J. Kapaun: Sen- to be an Assistant Attorney General. Page S1575
ate agreed to S. Res. 118, honoring Army chaplain Executive Communications: Pages S1568–69
Emil J. Kapaun. Page S1571
Additional Cosponsors: Pages S1570–71
Tai Nomination—Agreement: Senate resumed
consideration of the nomination of Katherine C. Tai, Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions:
of the District of Columbia, to be United States Pages S1571–74
Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador. Additional Statements: Page S1568
Pages S1541–51
Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S1571
During consideration of this nomination today,
Senate also took the following action: Record Votes: Three record votes were taken today.
By a unanimous vote of 98 yeas (Vote No. EX. (Total—122) Pages S1539, S1541
122), Senate agreed to the motion to close further Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and re-
debate on the nomination. Page S1541 cessed at 5:53 p.m., until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday,
A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- March 17, 2021. (For Senate’s program, see the re-
viding for further consideration of the nomination at marks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s
approximately 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 17, Record on page S1575.)
2021; that the post-cloture time expire at 11:30
a.m. Page S1575 Committee Meetings
Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol-
lowing nomination: (Committees not listed did not meet)
By 81 yeas 17 nays (Vote No. EX. 121), Isabella DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST AND
Casillas Guzman, of California, to be Administrator FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM
of the Small Business Administration.
Pages S1531–41, S1575
Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a
hearing to examine United States Southern Com-
During consideration of this nomination today, mand and United States Northern Command in re-
Senate also took the following action: view of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal
By 80 yeas to 18 nays (Vote No. EX. 120), Senate year 2022 and Future Years Defense program, after
agreed to the motion to close further debate on the receiving testimony from Admiral Craig S. Faller,
nomination. Page S1539
USN, Commander, United States Southern Com-
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with DIGEST
Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- mand, and General Glen VanHerck, USAF, Com-
lowing nominations: mander, United States Northern Command and
D248
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:45 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MR1.REC D16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D249
North American Aerospace Defense Command, both DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING
of the Department of Defense. Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing
HOUSING IN AMERICA to examine the effect of the U.S. tax code on domes-
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: tic manufacturing, after receiving testimony from
Committee concluded a hearing to examine the state George Davis, Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, Cali-
of housing in America, after receiving testimony fornia; Jonathan Jennings, Ford Motor Company,
from Christopher Herbert, Harvard Joint Center for Dearborn, Michigan; Jay Timmons, National Asso-
Housing Studies, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Diane ciation of Manufacturers, Washington, D.C.;
Yentel, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Michelle Hanlon, Massachusetts Institute of Tech-
and Edward J. Pinto, AEI Housing Center, both of nology Sloan School of Management, Cambridge;
Washington, D.C.; Nikitra Bailey, Center for Re- and Donnie Blatt, United Steelworkers, Columbus,
sponsible Lending, Durham, North Carolina; and Ohio.
Edward J. DeMarco, Housing Policy Council, Notre NOMINATION
Dame, Indiana.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:
TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES Committee concluded a hearing to examine the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee nomination of Julie A. Su, of California, to be Dep-
concluded a hearing to examine ways to strengthen uty Secretary of Labor, after the nominee, who was
research and development in innovative transpor- introduced by Senator Padilla, testified and answered
tation technologies with a focus on solutions that de- questions in her own behalf.
crease emissions, reduce our reliance on foreign sup-
ply chains, and increase manufacturing in the United BUSINESS MEETING
States, after receiving testimony from Kelly Speakes- Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in
Backman, Acting Assistant Secretary, Energy Effi- closed session to consider pending intelligence mat-
ciency and Renewable Energy, Department of En- ters.
ergy; E. Adam Muellerweiss, Clarios, Milwaukee, Committee recessed subject to the call.
Wisconsin; Janvier Desire Nkurunziza, United Na-
tions Conference on Trade and Development Divi- INTELLIGENCE
sion on International Trade and Commodities, Gene- Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in
va, Switzerland; Tony Satterthwaite, Cummins Inc., closed session to receive a briefing on certain intel-
Columbus, Indiana; and Robert Wimmer, Toyota ligence matters from officials of the intelligence
Motor North America, Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland. community.
h
House of Representatives
vide for terms and conditions for nonimmigrant
Chamber Action workers performing agricultural labor or services,
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 58 pub- and for other purposes; providing for consideration of
lic bills, H.R. 1895–1952; and 11 resolutions, H.J. the bill (H.R. 1868) to prevent across-the-board di-
Res. 31; and H. Res. 232, 345–353, were intro- rect spending cuts, and for other purposes; providing
duced. Pages H1410–13 for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res.
Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1414–16 17) removing the deadline for the ratification of the
equal rights amendment; and for other purposes (H.
Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: Rept. 117–12) Pages H1409–10
H. Res. 233, providing for consideration of the
bill (H.R. 1620) to reauthorize the Violence Against Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she
Women Act of 1994, and for other purposes; pro- appointed Representative Tlaib to act as Speaker pro
viding for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6) to au- tempore for today. Page H1367
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with DIGEST
thorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of Recess: The House recessed at 12:19 p.m. and re-
status of certain aliens, and for other purposes; pro- convened at 2 p.m. Page H1369
viding for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1603) to
amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to pro-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:45 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MR1.REC D16MRPT1
D250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 16, 2021
Member Resignation: Read a letter from Rep- Prevention and Treatment Act, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay
resentative Haaland, wherein she resigned as Rep- vote of 345 yeas to 73 nays, Roll No. 81.
resentative for the First Congressional District of Pages H1376–89, H1406–07
New Mexico, effective today, March 16, 2021. Suspensions—Proceedings Postponed: The House
Pages H1370–71 debated the following measures under suspension of
Whole Number of the House: The Chair an- the rules. Further proceedings were postponed.
nounced to the House that, in light of the resigna- Awarding three congressional gold medals to the
tion of the gentlewoman from New Mexico, Ms. United States Capitol Police and those who pro-
Haaland, the whole number of the House is 430. tected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021: H.R.
Page H1371 1085, amended, to award three congressional gold
Recess: The House recessed at 2:13 p.m. and recon- medals to the United States Capitol Police and those
vened at 3:02 p.m. Page H1371 who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021;
Recess: The House recessed at 5:37 p.m. and recon- Pages H1371–73
vened at 6:30 p.m. Page H1404 COVID–19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021: H.R. 1651, amended, to amend the CARES
2021, American Dream and Promise Act of Act to extend the sunset for the definition of a small
2021, Amending the Immigration and Nation- business debtor; and Pages H1389–90
ality Act to provide for terms and conditions for VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund
nonimmigrant workers performing agricultural Act of 2021: H.R. 1652, amended, to deposit certain
labor or services, Preventing across-the-board funds into the Crime Victims Fund, to waive match-
direct spending cuts, and Removing the deadline ing requirements. Pages H1390–93
for the ratification of the equal rights amend- Senate Message: Message received from the Senate
ment—Rule for Consideration: The House agreed by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the
to H. Res. 233, providing for consideration of the House today appears on page H1370.
bill (H.R. 1620) to reauthorize the Violence Against
Women Act of 1994; providing for consideration of Quorum Calls—Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes de-
the bill (H.R. 6) to authorize the cancellation of re- veloped during the proceedings of today and appear
moval and adjustment of status of certain aliens; pro- on pages H1404–05, H1405, H1406, and H1407.
viding for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1603) to Adjournment: The House met at 12 p.m. and ad-
amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to pro- journed at 9:51 p.m.
vide for terms and conditions for nonimmigrant
workers performing agricultural labor or services;
providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1868) Committee Meetings
to prevent across-the-board direct spending cuts; and
providing for consideration of the joint resolution THE ROLE OF FEMA AND EMERGENCY
(H.J. Res. 17) removing the deadline for the ratifica- MANAGEMENT IN COVID–19 RESPONSE
tion of the equal rights amendment, by a yea-and- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Home-
nay vote of 212 yeas to 200 nays, Roll No. 78, after land Security held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Role of
the previous question was ordered by a yea-and-nay FEMA and Emergency Management in COVID–19
vote of 216 yeas to 204 nays, Roll No. 79. Pursuant Response’’. Testimony was heard from Curtis Brown,
to section 9 of House Resolution 233, House Reso- State Coordinator, Virginia Department of Emer-
lution 232 is hereby adopted. Pages H1393–H1407 gency Management; Bob Fenton, Senior Official Per-
Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules forming the Duties of Federal Emergency Manage-
and pass the following measures: ment Agency Administrator, Federal Emergency
Management Agency; Mark Ghilarducci, Director,
PPP Extension Act of 2021: H.R. 1799, as Office of Emergency Services, California; Kevin
amended, to amend the Small Business Act and the McGowan, Director, Los Angeles County Office of
CARES Act to extend the covered period for the Emergency Management, California; and Patrick
paycheck protection program, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay Sheehan, Director, Tennessee Emergency Manage-
vote of 415 yeas to 3 nays, Roll No. 80; and
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with DIGEST
ment Agency.
Pages H1373–76, H1406
Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treat-
ment Act: H.R. 485, to reauthorize the Child Abuse
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:45 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MR1.REC D16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D251
DISINFORMATION IN THE GRAY ZONE: ‘‘Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of
OPPORTUNITIES, LIMITATIONS, AND 2021’’; H.J. Res. 17, removing the deadline for the
CHALLENGES ratification of the equal rights amendment; H.R. 6,
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Intel- the ‘‘American Dream and Promise Act of 2021’’;
ligence and Special Operations held a hearing enti- and H.R. 1603, the ‘‘Farm Workforce Modernization
tled ‘‘Disinformation in the Gray Zone: Opportuni- Act of 2021’’. The Committee granted, by record
ties, Limitations, and Challenges’’. Testimony was vote of 8–3, a rule providing for consideration of
heard from Christopher Maier, Acting Assistant Sec- H.R. 1620, the ‘‘Violence Against Women Reau-
retary of Defense, Special Operations/Low-intensity thorization Act’’ of 2021, H.R. 6, the ‘‘American
Conflict, Department of Defense; Neill Tipton, Di- Dream and Promise Act of 2021’’, H.R. 1603, the
rector of Defense Intelligence (Collections and Spe- ‘‘Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021’’, H.R.
cial Programs), Department of Defense; and James 1868, To prevent across-the-board direct spending
Sullivan, Defense Intelligence Officer for Cyber, De- cuts, and for other purposes, and H.J. Res. 17, Re-
fense Intelligence Agency. moving the deadline for the ratification of the equal
rights amendment. The rule provides for consider-
MILITARY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE ation of H.R. 1620, the ‘‘Violence Against Women
ORGANIZATION REFORM Reauthorization Act of 2021’’, under a structured
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE FORT rule. The rule provides one hour of general debate
HOOD INDEPENDENT REVIEW COMMITTEE equally divided and controlled by the chair and
Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Mili- ranking minority member of the Committee on the
tary Personnel held a hearing entitled ‘‘Military Judiciary or their designees. The rule waives all
Criminal Investigative Organization Reform Rec- points of order against consideration of the bill. The
ommendations from the Fort Hood Independent Re- rule provides that an amendment in the nature of a
view Committee’’. Testimony was heard from Chris- substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee
topher Swecker, Chairman, Fort Hood Independent Print 117–3, modified by the amendment printed in
Review Committee; Carrie Ricci, Member, Fort part A of the Rules Committee report, shall be con-
Hood Independent Review Committee; Major Gen- sidered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be
eral Donna W. Martin, Provost Marshal General and considered as read. The rule waives all points of
Commanding General, Criminal Investigation Com- order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The
mand, U.S. Army; Brigadier General Terry Bullard, rule provides that following debate, each further
Commander (AFOSI/CC), Air Force Office of Special amendment printed in part B of the Rules Com-
Investigations; Omar Lopez, Director, Naval Crimi- mittee report not earlier considered as part of
nal Investigative Service; and public witnesses. amendments en bloc pursuant to section 3 shall be
THE SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR considered only in the order printed in the report,
AFGHANISTAN RECONSTRUCTION’S 2021 may be offered only by a Member designated in the
HIGH-RISK LIST report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable
Committee on Oversight and Reform: Subcommittee on for the time specified in the report equally divided
National Security held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Spe- and controlled by the proponent and an opponent,
cial Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruc- may be withdrawn by the proponent at any time be-
tion’s 2021 High-Risk List’’. Testimony was heard fore the question is put thereon, shall not be subject
from John F. Sopko, Special Inspector General for to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand
Afghanistan Reconstruction. for division of the question. Section 3 of the rule
provides that at any time after debate the chair of
TO PREVENT ACROSS-THE-BOARD DIRECT the Committee on the Judiciary or his designee may
SPENDING CUTS, AND FOR OTHER offer amendments en bloc consisting of further
PURPOSES; THE VIOLENCE AGAINST amendments printed in part B of the Rules Com-
WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021; mittee report not earlier disposed of. Amendments
REMOVING THE DEADLINE FOR THE en bloc shall be considered as read, shall be debat-
RATIFICATION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS able for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled
AMENDMENT; THE AMERICAN DREAM by the chair and ranking minority member of the
AND PROMISE ACT OF 2021; THE FARM Committee on the Judiciary or their designees, shall
WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT OF not be subject to amendment, and shall not be sub-
2021
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with DIGEST
ject to a demand for division of the question. The
Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on rule waives all points of order against the amend-
H.R. 1868, to prevent across-the-board direct spend- ments printed in part B of the Rules Committee re-
ing cuts, and for other purposes; H.R. 1620, the port or amendments en bloc described in section 3
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:45 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MR1.REC D16MRPT1
D252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 16, 2021
of the resolution. The rule provides one motion to Representatives Smith of Missouri, Jackson Lee, and
recommit. The rule provides for consideration of McClintock.
H.R. 6, the ‘‘American Dream and Promise Act of
2021’’, under a closed rule. The rule provides one
hour of general debate equally divided and con- Joint Meetings
trolled by the chair and ranking minority member No joint committee meetings were held.
of the Committee on the Judiciary or their des- f
ignees. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill. The rule provides that an COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY,
amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting MARCH 17, 2021
of the text of Rules Committee Print 117–4 shall be (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated)
considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, shall Senate
be considered as read. The rule waives all points of
order against provisions in the bill, as amended. The Committee on the Budget: to hold hearings to examine the
rule provides one motion to recommit. The rule pro- income and wealth inequality crisis in America, 11 a.m.,
vides for consideration of H.R. 1603, the ‘‘Farm SH–216.
Workforce Modernization Act of 2021’’, under a Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to
hold hearings to examine recent Federal actions to expand
closed rule. The rule provides one hour of general broadband, 10 a.m., SR–253.
debate equally divided and controlled by the chair Committee on Environment and Public Works: with the
and ranking minority member of the Committee on Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water, to hold
the Judiciary or their designees. The rule waives all joint hearings to examine the challenges facing drinking
points of order against consideration of the bill. The water and waste water infrastructure projects, 10 a.m.,
rule provides that the amendment printed in part C SD–G50.
of the Rules Committee report shall be considered as Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine
adopted and the bill, as amended, shall be consid- COVID–19 in the Nation’s nursing homes, 10 a.m.,
ered as read. The rule waives all points of order WEBEX.
against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam-
provides one motion to recommit. The rule provides ine advancing effective U.S. policy for strategic competi-
tion with China in the twenty-first century, 10 a.m.,
for consideration of H.R. 1868, to prevent across- VTC.
the-board direct spending cuts, and for other pur- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: busi-
poses, under a closed rule. The rule provides one ness meeting to consider the nominations of Vivek
hour of general debate equally divided and con- Hallegere Murthy, of Florida, to be Medical Director in
trolled by the chair and ranking minority member the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service, and to
of the Committee on the Budget or their designees. be Surgeon General of the Public Health Service, and Ra-
The rule waives all points of order against consider- chel Leland Levine, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant
ation of the bill. The rule provides that the bill shall Secretary, both of the Department of Health and Human
be considered as read. The rule waives all points of Services, and other pending calendar business, 9:30 a.m.,
order against provisions in the bill. The rule pro- SD–430.
vides one motion to recommit. The rule provides for Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs:
business meeting to consider S. 231, to direct the Ad-
consideration of H.J. Res. 17, removing the deadline ministrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agen-
for the ratification of the equal rights amendment, cy to develop guidance for firefighters and other emer-
under a closed rule. The rule provides one hour of gency response personnel on best practices to protect
general debate equally divided and controlled by the them from exposure to PFAS and to limit and prevent
chair and ranking minority member of the Com- the release of PFAS into the environment, S. 272, to
mittee on the Judiciary or their designees. The rule amend the Federal Funding Accountability and Trans-
waives all points of order against consideration of the parency Act of 2006, to require the budget justifications
joint resolution. The rule provides that the joint res- and appropriation requests of agencies be made publicly
olution shall be considered as read. The rule waives available, S. 583, to promote innovative acquisition tech-
all points of order against provisions in the joint res- niques and procurement strategies, S. 517, to provide for
olution. The rule provides one motion to recommit. joint reports by relevant Federal agencies to Congress re-
garding incidents of terrorism, S. 671, to require the col-
The rule provides that House Resolution 232 is lection of voluntary feedback on services provided by
hereby adopted. The rule provides that notwith- agencies, S. 693, to amend title 5, United States Code,
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with DIGEST
standing clause 7(a) of rule X, during the 117th to provide for the halt in pension payments for Members
Congress, the period described in such clause shall of Congress sentenced for certain offenses, S. 658, to au-
end at midnight on April 22. Testimony was heard thorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with
from Chairman Yarmuth, Chairman Lofgren, and cybersecurity consortia for training, S. 636, to require the
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:45 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MR1.REC D16MRPT1
March 16, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D253
Director of the Office of Management and Budget to sub- Committee on Education and Labor, Subcommittee on
mit to Congress an annual report on projects that are over Higher Education and Workforce Investment, hearing en-
budget and behind schedule, S. 688, to prohibit con- titled ‘‘Rising to the Challenge: The Future of Higher
tracting with persons that have business operations with Education Post COVID–19’’, 1 p.m., Zoom.
the Maduro regime, S. 522, to require each agency, in Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on
providing notice of a rule making, to include a link to Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ‘‘Leading
a 100 word plain language summary of the proposed rule, the Way Forward: Biden Administration Actions to In-
S. 111, to establish the Federal Clearinghouse on School crease COVID–19 Vaccinations’’, 10 a.m., Webex.
Safety Best Practices, S. 664, to require the Comptroller Subcommittee on Health, hearing entitled ‘‘Averting a
General of the United States to review certain legislation Crisis: Protecting Access to Health Care in the U.S. Ter-
in order to identify potential risks of duplication of and ritories’’, 1 p.m., Webex.
overlap with existing Federal programs, offices, and ini- Committee on Financial Services, Full Committee, hearing
tiatives, S. 566, to designate the facility of the United entitled ‘‘Game Stopped? Who Wins and Loses When
States Postal Service located at 42 Main Street in Short Sellers, Social Media, and Retail Investors Collide,
Slatersville, Rhode Island, as the ‘‘Specialist Matthew R. Part II’’, 10 a.m., Webex.
Turcotte Post Office’’, H.R. 208, to designate the facility Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Europe,
of the United States Postal Service located at 500 West Energy, the Environment, and Cyber, hearing entitled
Main Street, Suite 102 in Tupelo, Mississippi, as the
‘‘Colonel Carlyle ‘Smitty’ Harris Post Office’’, and H.R. ‘‘Women Leading the Way: The Democratic Movement
264, to designate the facility of the United States Postal in Belarus’’, 9:30 a.m., Webex.
Service located at 1101 Charlotte Street in Georgetown, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global
South Carolina, as the ‘‘Joseph Hayne Rainey Memorial Human Rights, hearing entitled ‘‘Update on COVID–19
Post Office Building’’, 9:30 a.m., SD–342. in Africa’’, 1 p.m., 2172 Rayburn and Webex.
Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine Committee on Homeland Security, Full Committee, hearing
the Equality Act, focusing on LGBTQ rights, 10 a.m., entitled ‘‘The Way Forward on Homeland Security’’, 9:30
SD–226. a.m., Webex.
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: to hold Committee on Oversight and Reform, Select Subcommittee
hearings to examine the Paycheck Protection Program, fo- on the Coronavirus Crisis, hearing entitled ‘‘From Rescue
cusing on performance, impact, and next steps, 2:30 to Recovery: Building a Thriving and Inclusive Post-Pan-
p.m., SR–301. demic Economy’’, 11 a.m., Webex.
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee
House on Investigations and Oversight, hearing entitled ‘‘Brain
Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense, Drain: Rebuilding the Federal Scientific Workforce’’, 10
hearing entitled ‘‘Climate Change, National Security, and a.m., Webex.
the Arctic’’, 9 a.m., Webex. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Full Com-
Subcommittee on Homeland Security, hearing entitled mittee, hearing entitled ‘‘The Business Case for Climate
‘‘DHS Management Challenges’’, 10 a.m., Webex. Solutions’’, 11 a.m., 2167 Rayburn and Webex.
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Full Com-
Related Agencies, hearing entitled ‘‘Domestic Manufac- mittee, organizational meeting, 1 p.m., HVC–304 Hear-
turing for a Clean Energy Future’’, 1 p.m., Webex. ing Room. This meeting is closed.
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with DIGEST
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:45 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MR1.REC D16MRPT1
D254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST March 16, 2021
Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 17 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 17
Senate Chamber House Chamber
Program for Wednesday: Senate will continue consider- Consideration of H.J. Res. 17—Removing the deadline
ation of the nomination of Katherine C. Tai, of the Dis- for the ratification of the equal rights amendment. Con-
trict of Columbia, to be United States Trade Representa- sideration of H.R. 1620—Violence Against Women Re-
tive, with the rank of Ambassador, post-cloture, and vote authorization Act of 2021.
on confirmation thereon at 11:30 a.m.
Following disposition of the nomination of Katherine
C. Tai, Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture
on the nomination of Xavier Becerra, of California, to be
Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue
HOUSE Green, Mark E., Tenn., E249 O’Halleran, Tom, Ariz., E255
Griffith, H. Morgan, Va., E256 Pappas, Chris, N.H., E253, E256
Barr, Andy, Ky., E255 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E254, E257 Reschenthaler, Guy, Pa., E256
Bergman, Jack, Mich., E249, E253, E255, E257 Johnson, Dusty, S. Dak., E250 Stevens, Haley M., Mich., E253
Boebert, Lauren, Colo., E257 Katko, John, N.Y., E252
Tiffany, Thomas P., Wisc., E258
Carson, André, Ind., E255, E258 Leger Fernandez, Teresa, N.M., E249
Correa, J. Luis, Calif., E258 Levin, Mike, Calif., E254 Westerman, Bruce, Ark., E255
Dingell, Debbie, Mich., E254, E257 Norton, Eleanor Holmes, The District of Columbia, Wittman, Robert J., Va., E252, E256
Garamendi, John, Calif., E257 E249
Congressional Record
E PL
The Congressional Record (USPS 087–390). The Periodicals postage
UR M
IB NU
U U
S
is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House
of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are
printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United
States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when
two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. ¶ Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through
the U.S. Government Publishing Office, at www.govinfo.gov, free of charge to the user. The information is updated online each day the
Congressional Record is published. For more information, contact the GPO Customer Contact Center, U.S. Government Publishing Office.
Phone 202–512–1800, or 866–512–1800 (toll-free). E-Mail, contactcenter@gpo.gov. ¶ To place an order for any of these products, visit the U.S.
Government Online Bookstore at: bookstore.gpo.gov. Mail orders to: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO
63197–9000, or phone orders to 866–512–1800 (toll-free), 202–512–1800 (D.C. area), or fax to 202–512–2104. Remit check or money order, made
payable to the Superintendent of Documents, or use VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or GPO Deposit Account. ¶ Following
each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents
in individual parts or by sets. ¶ With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from
the Congressional Record.
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with DIGEST
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Publishing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:45 Mar 17, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0664 Sfmt 0664 E:\CR\FM\D16MR1.REC D16MRPT1
File and source
- File
- CREC-2021-03-16.pdf
- Size
- 1,563,255 bytes
- SHA-256
- 7d1b43e865809dccb93732baafb7b3aeaba0bbc06da679b663e65a789ccead09
- Our copy
- CREC-2021-03-16.pdf
- Original
- www.govinfo.gov