Congressional Record, House, February 7, 2020 — Emergency Supplemental Appropriations, H.R. 5687
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, House, dated February 7, 2020, at page H941, as the House goes into the Committee of the Whole for H.R. 5687, an emergency supplemental appropriations bill, with Ms. Castor presiding. Mr. Vargas honors the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper on its 60th anniversary. Opening statements say the bill takes action against the withholding of aid to Puerto Rico by requiring detailed spending plans and timely release of funding, and note its tax-related provisions. Ms. Granger, Ms. Kaptur and Mr. Budd also speak, and the page ends with a roll call list and statements about votes on rollcall Nos. 53 and 54.
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, House, February 7, 2020 — Emergency Supplemental Appropriations, H.R. 5687.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-02-07-crec-2020-02-07-pt1-pgh941-3-4cd357eb29/
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H941
b 0915 have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- funding in conjunction with earlier dis-
CELEBRATING 60TH ANNIVERSARY tend their remarks and include extra- aster relief resources.
neous material on H.R. 5687. Critically, it also takes swift action
OF THE SAN DIEGO VOICE &
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. against the Trump administration’s
VIEWPOINT
VARGAS). Is there objection to the re- outrageous withholding of vital aid to
(Mr. VARGAS asked and was given quest of the gentlewoman from New Puerto Rico. This bill would require de-
permission to address the House for 1 York? tailed spending plans and mandate that
minute and to revise and extend his re- There was no objection. funding be released in a timely man-
marks.) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ner.
Mr. VARGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise ant to House Resolution 833 and rule Finally, the bill carries a number of
today with what little voice I have to XVIII, the Chair declares the House in tax-related provisions in the jurisdic-
honor the San Diego Voice & View- the Committee of the Whole House on tion of the Committee on Ways and
point Newspaper in recognition of their the state of the Union for the consider- Means that will complement the emer-
60th anniversary. ation of the bill, H.R. 5687. gency appropriations and support
San Diego’s Voice & Viewpoint is the working families and encourage eco-
The Chair appoints the gentlewoman
largest African American newspaper in nomic growth.
from Florida (Ms. CASTOR) to preside
San Diego and is a core piece of our over the Committee of the Whole. Madam Chair, our fellow Americans
community. This newspaper’s success in Puerto Rico need our help. Unless
was the result of a dedicated couple’s b 0917 we step up to the plate right now, we
hard work. IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE further jeopardize their safety and se-
Though the newspaper began in the Accordingly, the House resolved curity.
1960s, John Warren and his wife, Gerri itself into the Committee of the Whole With this bill, we can provide fami-
Warren, took over the publication in House on the state of the Union for the lies and communities swift relief and
1987. The couple was deeply involved in consideration of the bill (H.R. 5687) put Puerto Rico on the path to long-
the African American community and making emergency supplemental ap- term recovery.
showed their leadership skills in pub- propriations for the fiscal year ending I urge my colleagues to join me in
lishing. Their efforts have resulted in a September 30, 2020, and for other pur- support of this legislation, and I re-
nationally award-winning publication. poses, with Ms. CASTOR of Florida in serve the balance of my time.
The newspaper has highlighted the the chair. Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I yield
perspectives of the San Diego African The Clerk read the title of the bill. myself such time as I may consume.
American community and provided a The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the I rise today in opposition to H.R.
great service to the city. In fact, the bill is considered read the first time. 5687.
publication is in all the zip codes of General debate shall be confined to While this bill is being sold as an ap-
San Diego and has a readership of over the bill and shall not exceed 1 hour propriations bill for Puerto Rico, it has
60,000. equally divided and controlled by the more than $16 billion in unnecessary
I would like to honor the San Diego chair and ranking minority member of tax breaks which are largely unrelated
Voice & Viewpoint for its dedication the Committee on Appropriations. to the recent earthquakes that hit the
and lifelong commitment to the Afri- The gentlewoman from New York island.
can American community and the San Also included in this bill are more
(Mrs. LOWEY) and the gentlewoman
Diego community. than $4 billion in new emergency ap-
from Texas (Ms. GRANGER) each will
f propriations, much of that for disasters
control 30 minutes.
that haven’t happened yet.
PRAYER AND RELIGIOUS The Chair recognizes the gentle- And finally, this bill is premature, as
FREEDOM woman from New York. Puerto Rico has funds from previous
(Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield bills that have not been used.
asked and was given permission to ad- myself such time as I may consume. Over the last 3 years, we have allo-
dress the House for 1 minute and to re- In recent weeks, thousands of fami- cated more than $40 billion for Puerto
vise and extend his remarks.) lies in Puerto Rico were forced from Rico disasters, and less than half of
Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. their homes, schools were flattened, that has been spent. And we have all
Madam Speaker, yesterday’s National roads and infrastructure were severely seen recent press reports about ware-
Prayer Breakfast brought to my mind damaged as earthquakes racked an is- houses in Puerto Rico full of water,
the quote by President Lincoln: ‘‘I land still struggling to recover from diapers, and food that have not been
have been driven many times upon my the devastation of Hurricanes Maria distributed to residents in need.
knees by the overwhelming conviction and Irma. As for the recent earthquakes in
that I had nowhere else to go.’’ While President Trump has finally Puerto Rico, the Federal Government
I, like Lincoln, feel inadequate to my released some of the aid that Congress has not completed the required studies
task at times. I, like Lincoln, seek appropriated for those hurricanes, and reporting on the extent of the dam-
strength and discernment from prayer. more support is clearly needed. We age.
I need prayer. must act now on our shared responsi- While I, too, have been frustrated
It is not just Members of Congress bility to assist Americans in need. with the amount of time it takes the
that should be allowed to call upon This emergency supplemental would Federal Government to distribute
prayer. Students, like my three sons, provide $4.67 billion in targeted assist- funds after a disaster, appropriating
and millions more, deserve this power- ance to help families and communities funds before we know what is truly
ful tool. That is why I thank the ad- recover from these devastating earth- needed is not the answer.
ministration for their recent decision quakes and put Puerto Rico on a better There are billions in the FEMA
to protect the right to pray in schools. path to long-term recovery. Major Disaster Relief Fund that are al-
The freedom to seek strength from It includes: $3.26 billion in Commu- ready available and can be used toward
someplace other than ourselves en- nity Development Block Grant Dis- earthquake response and recovery ef-
riches this Nation, just as it enriched aster Recovery funds; forts now, while we wait on a full and
President Lincoln. $1.25 billion for repairs to damaged accurate report on the damage and es-
f road systems; timated cost.
$100 million to restart school oper- When disasters strike, it is our job to
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL AP- ations; ensure that the Federal Government
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PROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER $40 million for disaster nutrition as- helps those in need. We also have a
RELIEF AND PUERTO RICO DIS- sistance in Puerto Rico; and duty to ensure that taxpayer dollars
ASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020 More than $20 million to help address are used in a fiscally responsible man-
GENERAL LEAVE the island’s energy needs. ner.
Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask In addition, this bill would provide Unfortunately, including tax breaks
unanimous consent that all Members Puerto Rico with flexibility to use this related to disaster recovery and funds
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H942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
for disasters that haven’t even oc- and other U.S. territories. These funds It is true that the island has already
curred yet is not a good use of taxpayer will allow the Department and our Na- allocated over $40 billion, not $90 bil-
funds. tional Labs to provide the expertise lion, in funding to respond to the un-
Again, when funds are needed, we necessary to begin the repair. precedented Hurricane Maria. However,
will be there, just as we have been Equally important is the significant we are dealing here with an entirely
there repeatedly for Puerto Rico for financial support to meet the edu- different disaster. And let me say, of
the last several years. But at this time, cational needs of island children for all that money that has been allocated,
I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ disaster nutrition assistance and repair just $1.5 billion has been disbursed, so
Madam Chair, I reserve the balance all of the infrastructure. we don’t have the cash, and we don’t
of my time. This Nation must help destroyed have the funds that Congress already
Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I am communities of our fellow citizens to allocated 2 years ago.
pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gen- help them recover from these historic The earthquakes are ongoing. The
tlewoman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR), the disasters. We never know when it will ground has not stopped shaking. While
distinguished chairwoman of the Sub- hit our own backyard. FEMA and the administration officials
committee on Energy and Water Devel- I urge my colleagues to support this are onsite, Congress cannot wait until
opment, and Related Agencies. important emergency supplemental. funds are depleted to act.
Ms. KAPTUR. I thank our hard- Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I yield Madam Chair, I want to highlight
working chair, NITA LOWEY, for yield- 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from also the tax provisions included in this
ing me this time. Puerto Rico (Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN). bill for Puerto Rico. Although some
Madam Chair, I rise in support of Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto may argue that they have no place in a
H.R. 5687, the Puerto Rico earthquake Rico. Madam Chair, I thank Ranking supplemental, these provisions are
supplemental funding. Member GRANGER for yielding. vital for the long-term recovery of the
This $4.67 billion in funding is a vital Since December 28, Puerto Rico has island and all those efforts.
lifeline for our fellow citizens in Puer- experienced more than 2,100 earth- I thank Chairman NEAL for crafting
to Rico reeling most recently from a quakes that have significantly im- this package, including legislation that
series of devastating earthquakes, but pacted our southwestern region. Actu- I have previously introduced, such as
also still recovering from the con- ally, I was on the island on January 6 H.R. 302, to provide families in Puerto
sequential damage of 2017’s massive when a 5.8 earthquake struck us, and Rico with one or more children the
Hurricanes Irma and Maria. then the next day, a 6.4, and then half same treatment currently given to is-
Since late December, a series of an hour later another 6.2. land families with three or more kids
quakes rattled Puerto Rico, including I thank the President for imme- under the child tax credit; H.R. 1786, to
another magnitude 5 earthquake just diately issuing an emergency declara- make the rum cover-over tax perma-
this last Tuesday. Today, this body tion and, days later, a major disaster nent on the island—we managed to in-
sends a powerful message to the island declaration, which prompted imme- clude a 5-year extension, but now this
community: This House will not let diate Federal assistance to the now 29 will make it permanent; and a provi-
you suffer from inaction by this admin- municipalities that have been hit the sion extended to the earned income tax
istration. most. credit for the island, which is similar
Following the most powerful quake However, the seismic activity has not to legislation I introduced in H.R. 754.
in early January, millions were left stopped. Every day the infrastructure I will always stand with the people I
without power and running water for weakens. More roads and houses are represent. I am the sole representative
days. The electric grid struggled to damaged. The anxiety of the people on of the people of the island, 3.2 million
keep up with demand. Anxiety remains the island grows; and that is why I Americans. Yet, we don’t have a dele-
high as more than 30 category 5 or stand here today in support of this dis- gation in the House and in the Senate
higher earthquakes have hit this aster supplemental package. to support and push for these kinds of
month. 30. Unbelievable. I am thankful to Chairwoman LOWEY bills. That is why I am supporting this
As we learned from Hurricane Maria, for introducing this bill. And yet, in bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to
the aftermath can prove to be even order to get this legislation enacted do the same.
more dangerous and deadly if there is into law, in order to truly get the aid What has happened in Puerto Rico,
not speedy and effective action. And I to Puerto Rico and other States and ju- we don’t know yet how much longer
want to thank the U.S. Army Corps of risdictions affected by natural disas- these earthquakes are going to con-
Engineers, and also the Ohio National ters, it is imperative to have the input tinue to happen. The U.S. Geological
Guard that has made journeys there, of both sides of the aisles, Senate and Survey is saying that it may be a year,
and other defense units that have risen House administration, and get this or it may be months.
to duty to protect and serve the people ready to go. Every time this happens, the infra-
of our country in Puerto Rico. So it is my sincere hope that, as we structure weakens. Again, it began
This emergency supplemental will move forward with this bill, and the with just six towns. Now, we have 29
provide these hard-hit, anxiety-ridden negotiations that may begin as a result towns in the disaster declaration.
fellow Americans and communities of it, that we keep in mind that we are This is an ongoing emergency. I wish
with strength, hope, and support to dealing with real people’s lives and nobody would suffer what we are suf-
begin moving forward again. A failure their suffering here. fering today without having a complete
to act now is not just unacceptable, it Every week, every single week, when recovery from the hurricanes.
is immoral. I go back home, I meet with people who Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield 2
This bill provides the means to ad- have lost everything due to the earth- minutes to the gentleman from New
dress current challenges inflicted on quakes. And again, we are used to hur- York (Mr. SERRANO), the chairman of
the human condition. It also includes ricanes, but we are not used to earth- the Subcommittee on Commerce, Jus-
funds to strengthen infrastructure for quakes, so this is a completely new tice, and Science.
future mitigation. game in Puerto Rico. Mr. SERRANO. Madam Chair, I
The CHAIR. The time of the gentle- I meet parents who are too fright- thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
woman has expired. ened to send their kids to schools, and I rise in strong support of this emer-
Mrs. LOWEY. I yield the gentle- families refusing to return home out of gency supplemental, which will help
woman from Ohio an additional 30 sec- the fear that their houses will collapse. Puerto Rico recover from damage
onds. caused by the ongoing earthquakes
b 0930
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Ms. KAPTUR. Within my subcommit- that have struck the island. It will help
tee’s Energy and Water accounts, the At one point, over 7,000 people were an island that is still struggling to re-
bill provides over $21 million for the living in shelters, many establishing cover in the wake of Hurricanes Maria
Department of Energy to provide tech- campsites on the side of the road, in and Irma.
nical assistance help restore and re- parks, and in open areas. The devasta- Since December 28, Puerto Rico has
build the electric grid in Puerto Rico tion, my friends, is real. experienced thousands of earthquakes,
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H943
including numerous powerful ones. repairs, and disaster relief activities, The bill also provides targeted re-
These earthquakes have caused signifi- including $100 million for education. sources for Puerto Rico’s school sys-
cant damage to the island’s roads and For K–12 programs, it helps schools tem, as well as nutrition assistance
schools and left many individuals’ restart operations, support reenroll- and tax relief for low-income families
homes structurally unsound. Many ment, and pay for the costs of pro- and small businesses.
residents are fearful and uncertain of viding education to students who have When it comes to disaster relief, we
what comes next. been displaced by natural disasters, should be putting politics aside. There
Thousands of Puerto Ricans are in and yes, it addresses the mental health should be widespread consensus that
need of assistance to repair the damage needs of children as they have experi- the Federal Government should be
to their homes and lives. Many have enced a traumatic event. Higher edu- there as an active partner in the recov-
once again left the island for New cation, the funding helps defray the un- ery effort.
York, Florida, and elsewhere, and need expected costs associated with enroll- Unfortunately, for far too long, the
help there, also. ing displaced students and with re- Trump administration has erected ar-
This bill provides the island with the building damaged facilities. bitrary barriers that have hindered
support necessary to help repair dam- This supplemental also extends the Puerto Rico’s recovery. They have con-
aged infrastructure, allow students to child tax credit to all children in Puer- tributed to desperate conditions to
continue learning, and assist in its eco- to Rico and the U.S. territories. Under many places on the island.
nomic recovery. It provides nutrition the current system, Puerto Rican fami- For example, HUD refused to provide
assistance to the most vulnerable lies are only eligible for the child tax more than $16 billion in already appro-
members of Puerto Rican society. credit for the third or subsequent child. priated recovery funds for nearly 700
This bill also puts in safeguards to What we need to do is to expand and days. HUD officials admitted during a
ensure that the administration spends improve the child tax credit, make it hearing before our subcommittee that
the money as instructed by Congress so fully refundable, but this is a necessary they willingly ignored a statutory
the island’s recovery is not hindered by step in the meantime so that U.S. citi- deadline requiring them to move for-
a further man-made disaster. zens in the territories are treated ex- ward.
We all know what happened to our actly like those in the States. Now, HUD is imposing special grant
fellow citizens of Puerto Rico in the Let me just also assure my col- conditions and other requirements on
aftermath of Hurricane Maria and how leagues on a final note, that we are Puerto Rico, which will slow down the
our government’s inadequate response working with the administration to de- recovery effort even further.
hurt the response and recovery efforts. termine the costs of our ongoing re- While the island has clearly been sin-
I am thankful that my colleagues here sponse to the 2019 novel coronavirus. gled out for disparate treatment, nu-
in the House are determined not to let We have urged the administration to merous States from Florida to Texas to
that happen again. work with the Congress on a bipartisan my home State of North Carolina have
I hope our Republican colleagues in basis to enact an emergency supple- also waited longer than they should for
the Senate will act quickly to help mental for that public health emer- HUD to publish Federal Register no-
Puerto Rico, and I urge strong support gency. We stand ready to move forward tices governing the use of disaster re-
for this bill in the House. quickly to protect public health and covery funds.
I usually do not comment on any safety. This bill responds to the unaccept-
comment made by another Member. On this supplemental for Puerto able administrative delays by includ-
The person who made these comments Rico, let me urge my colleagues to vote ing new accountability measures, new
is a person I have the utmost respect ‘‘yes,’’ vote ‘‘yes’’ for Americans who deadlines—actually, not so new dead-
and admiration for, but our ranking are in dire straits on that island, and it lines; they were included in legislation
member to the committee said that the is unconscionable that we would have already passed by this body—deadlines
bill is premature. How can it be pre- second thoughts about the kind of sup- requiring HUD to publish notices, re-
mature to try to help American citi- port that they need during this crisis. view and approve action plans, and sign
zens still recovering from two hurri- Urge the Senate, urge the President to grant agreements within a fixed time-
canes? How can it be premature to help add their support swiftly. Our fellow frame. Those provisions were included
American citizens? It is never pre- Americans and Puerto Rico cannot af- in the bipartisan Reforming Disaster
mature. The time is right. ford for us to delay any longer. Recovery Act, which passed the House
Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I re- Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I re- back in November, but unfortunately,
serve the balance of my time. serve the balance of my time. like so much else, it is still languishing
Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield 3 in the Senate.
21⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman from minutes to the gentleman from North Madam Chairman, enough is enough.
Connecticut (Ms. DELAURO), the chair- Carolina (Mr. PRICE), the chairman of We must provide the vital assistance to
woman of the Subcommittee on Labor, the Subcommittee on Transportation, Puerto Rico and other communities
Health and Human Services, Edu- Housing and Urban Development, and that are struggling to recover, and we
cation, and Related Agencies. Related Agencies. need to send a signal to the adminis-
Ms. DELAURO. Madam Chair, I rise Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Madam tration that Congress, not the White
to speak in support of the supple- Chair, I thank my colleague for yield- House, holds the power of the purse.
mental bill for Puerto Rico. ing, and I am pleased to rise in strong I urge all my colleagues to support
The island has been rocked by earth- support of this supplemental appropria- this emergency disaster supplemental.
quakes and tremors. Thousands of tion. Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I re-
Americans are left without water or This bill provides $4.7 billion for dis- serve the balance of my time.
power, facing catastrophic property aster assistance, including $3.3 billion Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield 3
damage. for HUD’s Community Development minutes to the gentleman from Massa-
In my district, I met with affected Block Grant program and $1.25 billion chusetts (Mr. NEAL), the distinguished
families and community members. We for emergency highway repairs. This chairman who came to Congress at the
discussed the ongoing disaster and the funding will provide substantial help to same time I did and is now chair of the
response and recovery needs. the people of Puerto Rico, where dev- Committee on Ways and Means.
I have staff, people who have family astating earthquakes have compounded (Mr. NEAL asked and was given per-
in Puerto Rico who are sleeping out- earlier damage from Hurricanes Maria mission to revise and extend his re-
doors for fear of going back into a and Irma, as well as other States and marks.)
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home that is badly damaged. territories still recovering from major Mr. NEAL. Madam Chair, I thank
There should be no question about disasters. Chairwoman LOWEY for yielding me the
providing the resources necessary to I would remind colleagues that CDBG time.
recover. This supplemental package money from earlier disasters cannot be I am happy to stand in support of
provides $4.67 billion for educational used for earthquake relief. We need this legislation today. This is a dis-
needs, transportation infrastructure this bill. aster relief package that I worked on
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H944 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
with Chairwoman LOWEY, Congress- member of the Committee on Ways and is one out of more than 3,000 that have
woman VELÁZQUEZ, and Resident Com- Means. stricken the island since December
missioner GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN. Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Chair, I 2019. In fact, the USGS has estimated
In addition to providing supple- thank Chairwoman LOWEY and Rank- that aftershocks from the 6.4 January
mental appropriations to respond to ing Member GRANGER. earthquake will persist in Puerto Rico
the recent natural disasters that af- I support this supplemental. It is for years, if not decades.
fected Puerto Rico and other U.S. ter- very necessary. The destruction in Imagine, decades of feeling the
ritories, H.R. 5687 includes the Puerto Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria and ground under you shaking, never know-
Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act. These the terrible earthquake last month, ing when or just how bad it will be on
provisions will help Puerto Rico re- with its ongoing aftershocks, make any given day.
build its homes and communities and this relief more necessary than ever. More than 1,150 houses are destroyed,
provide much-needed relief to workers I am thankful that legislation I pro- while another 3,000 homes have suffered
and families after these devastating posed, H.R. 3307, to provide a Federal some structural damage. Such devasta-
earthquakes. supplement to the earned income tax tion has left over 4,000 people living in
Specifically, H.R. 5687 provides addi- credit in Puerto Rico and the other tent shelters, with many more families
tional allocations of the low-income U.S. territories, was included in the at risk of losing their homes.
housing tax credit, which will allow bill. The CHAIR. The time of the gentle-
critical investments in new affordable Unlike Americans in every other woman has expired.
housing throughout the island. It also State, working Puerto Rican taxpayers Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield
makes additional allocations to the are excluded from the Federal EITC to an addition 1 minute to the gentle-
new markets tax credit in Puerto Rico, supplement their incomes. This is a woman.
deeply unfair restriction. It has tied Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Chair, I
allowing the island to make important
the commonwealth’s hands at the thank the chairwoman for yielding.
investments, like rebuilding commu- Not only are 194,000 children still out
nity centers and hospitals in low-in- worst possible time as islanders are re-
of school, countless more live in fear
come neighborhoods. covering from disaster and facing high
after they have seen their homes de-
This legislation helps Puerto Rico unemployment and dreadful levels of
stroyed and loved ones battle the anx-
and other territories implement the poverty.
iety and mental health battles common
earned income tax credit and the child The EITC has repeatedly proven a
after natural disasters.
tax credit, two of the most powerful critical tool to alleviating poverty, im- Finally, let me address this adminis-
tools we have to combat poverty. proving health outcomes, and encour- tration’s recent comments on this bill.
Last year, the Committee on Ways aging labor participation. Why Once again, they are misleading the
and Means reported out similar provi- shouldn’t our fellow Americans in American people about how much
sions in our consideration of H.R. 3300, Puerto Rico—and they are our fellow money has been spent to aid Puerto
the Economic Mobility Act. Americans—be able to earn the same Rico. They are using these false num-
benefit?
b 0945 bers as a pretext to oppose assistance
With this Federal support, we can
Today, many Puerto Rican residents following the earthquake.
provide a very powerful tool for Puerto Let me just say, and let me be clear,
can be taxed into poverty from the U.S. Ricans to get back on their feet and we will not be deterred. The 1.3 million
payroll taxes that they pay. With our get a leg up. They deserve that help. Puerto Ricans who live in Florida will
changes to the tax credit, we are cre- Madam Chair, I ask that we support not be deterred. The thousands and
ating long-awaited parity between the this legislation. hundreds of thousands who live in
residents of Puerto Rico and the resi- Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I re- Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New
dents of the 50 other States. serve the balance of my time. York, and in every part of this country
Additionally, the earned income tax Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield 2
will not be deterred.
credit is one of the most important minutes to the gentlewoman from New We will pass this bill.
work incentives we have in our code. York (Ms. VELÁZQUEZ), the distin- Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I re-
This bill certainly rewards work. guished chairwoman of the Committee serve the balance of my time.
And, Madam Chair, I want to ac- on Small Business, who has been an el- Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield 2
knowledge BILL PASCRELL from New oquent, persistent speaker in favor of minutes to the gentleman from Ari-
Jersey, who did much of the good work this aid because she understands that zona (Mr. GRIJALVA), the chairman of
in helping get to those success stories. her homeland, where family still re- the Committee on Natural Resources.
We encourage work, we reduce poverty. sides, needs this money now, and we Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Chair, let
This is a win-win for the island. have an obligation to provide it now. me thank Chair LOWEY and the Speak-
As Puerto Rico and other territories Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Chair, I er for responding with urgency in
try to recover from natural disasters, thank Chairwoman LOWEY and all the bringing this legislation that I support,
it is appropriate that we are taking ac- members of the Appropriations Com- H.R. 5687, to the floor to help the fami-
tion to ensure that these territories mittee for working diligently to bring lies of Puerto Rico who are enduring,
have access to these critical tools for this bill to the floor and for recog- once again, another natural disaster.
community development and poverty nizing our moral and legal obligation Beginning on December 28, seismic
reduction. of this Congress. activity began in Puerto Rico and con-
It is impossible to deny the suffering Puerto Rico, an island invaded by the tinued to escalate, including a 6.4
on the ground today on the island of United States Armed Forces, a col- earthquake. These quakes and ongoing
Puerto Rico. It is my hope that Con- ony—it is our responsibility to take quakes have destroyed homes, infra-
gress will come together, as it has in care of our fellow American citizens. structure, affected power generation,
the past, to help all members of the Don’t come here and say that we and triggered blackouts across the is-
American family. have been there for Puerto Rico. land.
We also urge full support on the Yes, we passed a disaster relief pack- Close to 7,500 people have left their
other side. We took into consideration age. And this administration has done homes out of fear that they may col-
what they had to say at the com- everything within their power to with- lapse, seeking shelter wherever they
mittee. hold the money flowing to Puerto Rico. can find it.
Madam Chair, I want to thank Chair- Don’t come here and say that you Staff from the Natural Resources
woman LOWEY for moving this legisla- have been there for Puerto Rico. Don’t Committee investigated the damage
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tion swiftly to the floor today. tell that to the parents of a 13-year-old caused by the earthquakes on the
Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I re- girl who died in Vieques because they southern coast of Puerto Rico. In a
serve the balance of my time. lack a functional hospital while FEMA committee report, we recommended
Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield 2 has been withholding their money. high-priority actions, including emer-
minutes to the gentleman from New Just this past Tuesday, Puerto Rico gency funding, which H.R. 5687 rep-
Jersey (Mr. PASCRELL), a distinguished got hit by another 5.0 aftershock. This resents.
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H945
The administration’s recent state- ready been allocated that hasn’t been Rico, the child tax credit as it exists
ment opposing H.R. 5687 shows total paid out yet. And there was disaster under the United States Tax Code and
disdain for the people of Puerto Rico. money that was made available in the the earned income tax credit. Now,
President Trump continues to lie to appropriations bill in December for people don’t know what that means.
the American people about the amount storms that occurred last year plus any But, basically, that amounts to about
of Federal funding spent to address storms that occurred within 60 days $4,400 per family. And that is not a one-
natural disasters on the island. thereafter, and so these earthquakes time thing like this disaster allocation
The President and his administration are also allowed to access that money. is. That is forever. It goes on forever.
have a responsibility to ensure the peo- So I don’t know that we really need The really interesting thing about
ple of Puerto Rico are treated as full to be rushing in to allocate another $5 extending this credit to residents of
Americans and not colonized subjects. I billion in aid when there is so much Puerto Rico, is that residents of Puerto
hope that, at the National Prayer money that is already available to be Rico don’t pay U.S. income tax. They
Breakfast, there was some echo of un- used for this disaster. I hesitate to do don’t file U.S. income tax returns un-
derstanding regarding the teachings of this, but I want to point this out just less they work for the U.S. Govern-
the Good Samaritan, the compassion to show you the order of magnitude. ment, or unless their income comes
that we must have for other people, After Hurricane Florence, the Gov- from outside Puerto Rico, which is a
and that those will motivate the House ernor of South Carolina requested $1 small number of people. They don’t pay
today to pass this bill and move it for- billion. Puerto Rico has requested $94 U.S. income tax.
ward. The disaster recovery funds that billion. So what we are talking about doing
have been appropriated for Puerto Rico The most affected counties in my dis- here is the U.S. Treasury will pay the
need to be disbursed. trict were Marion, Dillon, Marlboro, child tax credit and the earned income
The people of Puerto Rico deserve and Chesterfield. Marion, Dillon, and tax credit to residents of Puerto Rico,
much more. Our fellow Americans on Marlboro are three of the poorest coun- credits against tax they don’t owe and
the island deserve to be treated as we ties in the State. Marion County is 57 will never owe because they simply
have treated all Americans, from percent African American; Dillon don’t pay income tax.
Katrina to Sandy, with the same con- County is 51 percent African American; What this is, is a basically $400 a
cern, the same support. and Marlboro County is 51 percent Afri- month entitlement forever to the resi-
Madam Chair, I urge passage of the can American. The average number of dents of Puerto Rico and it makes no
legislation. people in poverty is 30 percent. The av- sense. It is not related to the disaster
The CHAIR. Members are reminded erage household income is around in any way. It is simply a pork barrel
to refrain from engaging in personal- $30,000—just so you know the quality of earmark is what it is that lasts forever
ities toward the President. life of these folks.
Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I yield going to Puerto Rico. Those are the big
There were 14,000 houses flooded,
as much time as he may consume to things: the earned income tax credit
water inside the house. Five thousand
the gentleman from South Carolina and the child tax credit. But let me go
of those, for some reason, were ap-
(Mr. RICE), a member of the Ways and further.
proved by FEMA. Even though they ex-
Means Committee. In addition, this bill would provide
cluded two-thirds of the people who
Mr. RICE of South Carolina. Madam New Markets Tax Credits of $500 mil-
were damaged in this storm, we were
Chair, I am not here to cast aspersions lion to Puerto Rico. Now, the New Mar-
still only awarded $14,000 per FEMA ap-
on disaster relief. I live in a coastal kets Tax Credit is a wonderful thing.
plicant.
area in South Carolina that has been Puerto Rico, right now, stands at Again, it is something under the
hit by three storms in the last 5 years: $41,816 per FEMA applicant before this United States Tax Code. Puerto Ricans
Joaquin, then Matthew, then Florence. $5 billion that they are talking about don’t pay taxes under the United
I was a tax lawyer before I got here. adding in here—and keeping in mind States Tax Code, but this would extend
I didn’t know that much about disaster that we already did an appropriations that credit. I guess, if people invest in
relief, and, unfortunately, I have had bill in December for disaster allocation Puerto Rico, they would get a credit on
to learn way more than I ever wanted for last year that this earthquake is al- their U.S. tax return, $500 million.
to. But one thing that concerns me, Just to put that in perspective, it is
ready allowed to access.
and concerns me greatly, is the hap- designed to get people to invest in run-
hazard way in which disaster relief is b 1000 down areas, in needy areas, and it is a
granted. So that is what I wanted to say about good thing. But last year, the total
And just to understand the order of the disaster, the total amounts that amount for the whole country that we
magnitude that we are talking about are asked to be allocated here. But I allocated, that we made available for
here in relief for Puerto Rico, the re- want to talk also a little bit about the whole country, was $3.5 billion.
quest of the Governor in Puerto Rico these tax benefits. This would give $500 million of that to
amounts to, just for the two hurri- In addition to the $4.7 billion in addi- Puerto Rico which would amount to
canes—I don’t even know what it is for tional money that is being asked to be one-seventh of what was granted to the
the earthquake; I don’t know if they allocated here, over the $40 billion that entire country last year. $500 million.
have made an official request yet—but has already been allocated, there are I just want to step back and just look
for the two hurricanes, Maria and the several tax provisions in this bill that at and consider carefully these tax pro-
other one, amounts to $94 billion. They have never been considered by the visions, in particular, before we move
have been awarded $39 billion, allo- Ways and Means Committee. Tax bills forward with them. In my opinion,
cated or announced, and they have re- should arise in the Ways and Means again, they are not related to the dis-
ceived, obligated, $20 billion. Committee. Tax bills should be debated aster in any way. They are simply a
Now, there were 476,000 applicants ap- thoroughly. method of creating a new entitlement
proved by FEMA in Puerto Rico. So, if I have heard over and over again, you in Puerto Rico, credits against U.S. tax
you look at the amount that the Gov- shouldn’t legislate an appropriations for people who pay no U.S. tax.
ernor requested, $94 billion, that bill. This appropriations bill, this dis- But if we are going to do this, cer-
amounts to $200,000 per FEMA appli- aster bill, contains a number of very tainly, it should be debated fully on
cant, $200,000, roughly. The amount significant changes to the Tax Code. this floor, and, certainly, before it ever
that has been allocated or announced, Now, some of these were a part of a gets to this floor, it should be debated
$40 billion, divided out, it is just under bigger bill that was marked up with no fully in every committee—particularly,
$100,000 per FEMA applicant. And then debate and with no hearings 6 months the Ways and Means Committee—
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the amount that has actually been paid ago or a year ago, but they have never which has any possible jurisdiction.
works out to—and I have got that been debated. There has never been a So let me go back and end where I
exact number here—$41,816 per FEMA hearing on any of this in the Ways and started. And that is, that I am not here
applicant for these two storms. Means Committee. to cast aspersions on disaster relief.
And there is, remaining, a tremen- The two biggest things are, we are My poor rural counties in South Caro-
dous amount of money that has al- extending here to residents of Puerto lina have been terribly affected, have
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H946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
requested disaster relief, and have re- more money because we have under- This isn’t the solution. I want to
ceived disaster relief. Now they have funding and our infrastructure is a lot thank everybody for coming here and
received far less than we are talking more fragile than the rest of this coun- trying to solve the problem for disaster
about here in Puerto Rico. try because this body hasn’t done its victims. But when you investigate this,
Probably, if you looked at all of this, job. I assure you, every single one of you
maybe a sixth of what my poor fami- The gentleman talks about taxes. will come back and understand that
lies, my poor African American fami- Why doesn’t the Virgin Islands pay this is a capacity problem. Getting the
lies, who had nothing to begin with— taxes in the same way? Because almost bureaucracy in both the territories, the
right in Marion County and Dillon 100 years ago, when we asked this gov- States, and also at the Federal level,
County and Marlboro County—are re- ernment to be treated in the same way getting the dollars to the disaster vic-
ceiving about a third of what the peo- as the others, this government said: tims, that is why we are having prob-
ple in Puerto Rico are going to receive You know what, we will let you keep lems today.
with this disaster bill. your Federal taxes and then we won’t I want to say this again. There are
We really need to consider the order have to give you the same amounts of tens of billions of dollars available.
of magnitude, number one, and when I money that we give the rest of the President Trump approved individual
say these numbers, I am not even States, when, in fact, at that time, and public assistance for disaster vic-
counting these tax credits. These tax maybe 100 people met the criteria of in- tims of the earthquakes in Puerto
credits need to be pulled out of this bill come to pay Federal taxes. Rico. We have got to make sure that
and they need to be fully debated. So it is a sham and it is an okeydoke the money is actually getting to the
Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield what this country did to the rest of us. right people.
myself such time as I may consume. I And then everyone wants to hold us to Dumping additional money on top of
would like to remind the gentleman the same standards and make sure that the tens of billions of dollars doesn’t
from South Carolina, who is on his way we are not supposed to get money the solve the problem. We need to focus on
out, that this bill has $25.7 million for same way. It is just ridiculous. real solutions and not stand here and
South Carolina to deal with the de- I think this is an incredible bill. I practice politics with one another.
struction and the needs. think it is long overdue. This does not I urge rejection to this bill. Let’s
I would also urge the gentleman, be- even put us on the same footing as the take a step back and fix the policy
cause he did give a thoughtful analysis, States in terms of what should happen, problems.
to perhaps visit Puerto Rico as many and I urge all of my colleagues to sup- Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I am
of us have. See the tarps on the homes, port it. pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentle-
people without roofs, kids that are not Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I yield woman from New York (Mrs. CAROLYN
in school, homes that don’t have water, 2 minutes to the gentleman from Lou- B. MALONEY), chairwoman of the Com-
and don’t have heat. isiana (Mr. GRAVES). mittee on Oversight and Reform.
I would be happy to work with the Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Madam Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New
gentleman to analyze, visit Puerto Chair, I want to thank the gentle- York. Madam Chair, I rise in strong
Rico, see the needs, and I am happy to woman from Texas for yielding me the support of H.R. 5687. When Hurricane
come to South Carolina if there are time. Maria hit Puerto Rico, its entire elec-
unmet needs that have not been pro- Madam Chair, we are in a situation trical grid was destroyed and millions
vided for. We are happy to work to- where we absolutely have needs in of its citizens were without power. It
gether. But again, in this bill, there is terms of disaster victims, whether it is took years to rebuild a lot of that in-
$25.7 million for South Carolina. Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Texas, frastructure and just when it was get-
Madam Chairwoman, I am pleased to South Carolina, North Carolina, Lou- ting repaired, it was struck by another
yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman isiana, and other States that have been natural disaster, another huge earth-
from the Virgin Islands (Ms. impacted by disasters. quake on January 7. That led to yet an-
PLASKETT). We have had hundreds of billions of other round of power outages and even
Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Chair, I dollars in damages in those States in more suffering and deaths in Puerto
thank the gentlewoman for the time. just the last 4 years. It is extraor- Rico.
I was actually going to discuss some dinary. I had the chance to travel to This bill will provide desperately
of the issues and specifics that were in many of those States and territories to needed disaster relief that will allow
the bill, this incredible bill that is so see firsthand the impacts, and I wanted the island to rebuild its infrastructure
helpful, but I think the last comments to be very clear. Virtually what every- and revitalize its economy. Puerto
caused me to have to take pause. one said on both sides of the aisle, they Rico is home to 3.2 million U.S. citi-
First of all, I don’t know why we are right in terms of what the disaster zens, and when disaster strikes, Con-
have to single out African Americans victims are going through. gress has a duty to step up and provide
in South Carolina, as if they are in But I do not agree in what folks are all the support our fellow Americans
more need than anybody else for fund- prescribing the strategy to be. We need.
ing or for underfunding when they are don’t need to stand here and see who I want to thank Chairwomen
more affected by disasters. But the rea- can out-Puerto Rico the other. It is not VELÁZQUEZ and Lowey for their pas-
son that these things are happening in a money problem. I have been through sionate work on this bill and their help
the territories is because of the under- this with millions and millions of peo- for Puerto Rico. I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on
funding of this body to the territories ple. We have policy problems. There this bill. It is desperately needed.
in ways that do not happen in States are literally tens of billions of dollars Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I yield
throughout this country. in the bank today that we are unable 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
There is no cap on Medicaid in South to get to disaster victims. Puerto Rico (Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN).
Carolina. There is no arbitrary amount Dumping more money on top of the Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto
of percentage that the Federal Govern- existing more than $40 billion in the Rico. Madam Chairwoman, I thank the
ment is paying as opposed to a local Disaster Relief Fund, and the billions ranking member for yielding again.
government is paying in South Caro- and billions of dollars available today I think we have not understood the
lina like there is in Puerto Rico and for Puerto Rico under the Community magnitude of this event. Yes, we do
the Virgin Islands where Congress arbi- Development Block Grant Disaster Re- have $40 billion in approved funds for
trarily said: We will only pay 55 per- covery Program, that doesn’t solve the Puerto Rico, but of that, just $1.5 bil-
cent. You pay 45 percent, based on a problem. lion has been disbursed to the island.
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number that has nothing to do with There is an amendment coming up The rest of the funds go through a dif-
your population or its demographics. later today by our Members from Texas ferent process.
There is no cap on highways and us to put more money into a fund because Actually, in February of last year,
being removed from Federal formulas some of the agencies have had trouble there was the publication of the guide-
that the rest of the States have. So even getting law changes interpreted lines to access $8.7 billion. Of that, just
when we have a disaster, yes, we need out. 1.7 got a grant agreement in January of
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H947
this year. So, again, in order to get the Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I re- TABLE OF CONTENTS
funds, it will be several months before serve the balance of my time. SEC. 2. The table of contents of this Act is
we have it. Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield 1 as follows:
minute to the distinguished gentleman DIVISION A—EMERGENCY SUPPLE-
b 1015 MENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DIS-
from the Northern Mariana Islands
That is the reason one of the con- (Mr. SABLAN). ASTER RELIEF ACT, 2020
cerns is that FEMA is getting the Mr. SABLAN. Madam Chair, I thank DIVISION B—PUERTO RICO DISASTER
emergency disaster individual assist- TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2020
the chairwoman for yielding.
ance as we speak, the same thing as Madam Chair, I cannot imagine. I DIVISION C—BUDGETARY EFFECTS
the other Federal agencies that are come from a district where we are the REFERENCES
doing the job on the ground. typhoon alley. A little over a year ago, SEC. 3. Except as expressly provided other-
But at the same time, we did have a wise, any reference to ‘‘this Act’’ contained
the second largest storm since 1935
power plant on the island that is com- in any division of this Act shall be treated as
that hit the United States hit my is- referring only to the provisions of that divi-
pletely shut down, so we lost the power land, and that was subsequent to an- sion.
for a few days. Right now, we don’t other typhoon that hit my island just a DIVISION A—EMERGENCY SUPPLE-
have 500 megawatts reserved. Actually, year before that. MENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DIS-
if we do have another earthquake or But for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Vir- ASTER RELIEF ACT, 2020
any other replicas, we may run out, gin Islands, for Puerto Rico in par- That the following sums are appropriated,
again, of power because our power ticular, two major storms hit the is- out of any money in the Treasury not other-
plants were affected as well. lands, and before the people even had a wise appropriated, for the fiscal year ending
I do believe that roads and pipelines chance to truly get their lives back in September 30, 2020, and for other purposes,
were affected. Government buildings order, earthquakes. Those homes that namely:
were affected as well. We haven’t seen were not destroyed by the storms are TITLE I
yet the amount of destruction. now destroyed by the earthquakes. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Again, you will see a lot of Puerto Madam Chair, in a previous adminis- ENERGY PROGRAMS
Ricans leaving the island. It is hap- tration, I was a Special Assistant for CYBERSECURITY, ENERGY SECURITY, AND
pening already. It happened with Hur- Management and Budget, and we did an EMERGENCY RESPONSE
ricane Maria. They flew to Florida. We analysis of what it would be like to For an additional amount for ‘‘Cybersecu-
are depleting, basically, our island be- apply the U.S. Internal Revenue Code rity, Energy Security, and Emergency Re-
cause of these kinds of things. sponse’’, $6,750,000, to remain available until
fully to the Marianas. We would lose expended, for necessary expenses related to
Yes, we do need the money. We do more money if we change Federal taxes providing technical assistance related to
need to help our people in this stress. than if we don’t. So I support the bill, natural disasters in U.S. territories, includ-
The tax provisions are good in this bill. and I ask for its passage. ing technical assistance related to electric
Let me say, they are not an invention Ms. GRANGER. Madam Chair, I yield grids: Provided, That such amount is des-
from me. This House and Senate did a back the balance of my time. ignated by the Congress as being for an
report in 2016 recommending the child Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield emergency requirement pursuant to section
tax credit, the earned income tax cred- myself the balance of my time to close. 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
it, and many other amendments that Madam Chair, this emergency supple- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
treat Puerto Rico and the territories mental is critical to help Puerto Rico ELECTRICITY
differently. That is the reason we don’t get back on its feet and build a better For an additional amount for ‘‘Elec-
have enough resources to face a lot of tricity’’, $15,000,000, to remain available until
future.
these challenges. expended, for necessary expenses related to
In a demonstration of unprecedented providing technical assistance related to
Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I yield 1 hostility to Puerto Ricans, President natural disasters in U.S. territories, includ-
minute to the distinguished gentle- Trump has turned his back on the is- ing technical assistance related to electric
woman from New York (Ms. OCASIO- land. This Congress must not do the grids: Provided, That such amount is des-
CORTEZ). same. ignated by the Congress as being for an
Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ. Madam Chair, With this legislation, Madam Chair, emergency requirement pursuant to section
I thank the chairwoman for the gen- we can feed the hungry, repair damage, 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
erous introduction and time on this rebuild roads, restart schools, and keep Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
bill. the lights on. TITLE II
Madam Chair, the fact of the matter Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
is that innocent children, families, and to vote for this critical assistance. It is HURRICANE EDUCATION RECOVERY
the elderly in Puerto Rico are dying. absolutely essential. I do wish more of (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
They are breathing poisoned air, and my colleagues had visited the island, For an additional amount for ‘‘Hurricane
they are now enduring the psycho- seen the tarps on the homes instead of Education Recovery’’ for necessary expenses
logical trauma of ongoing earthquakes. related to the consequences of earthquakes
roofs, tried to get back through those
My own grandmother is oxygen de- occurring in calendar years 2019 and 2020 as
roads that are so slushy, walking of the date of enactment of this Act in those
pendent, and every day when the Earth through, driving through, and talking areas for which a major disaster or emer-
shakes below her, we don’t know if she to the people. It is essential that we gency has been declared under section 401 or
will have the power to continue her pass this critical assistance. 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
equipment that is medically necessary. Madam Chair, I yield back the bal- and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
While everyone here is arguing over ance of my time. 5170 and 5191) (referred to under this heading
money and over the administration of The CHAIR. All time for general de- as ‘‘covered disaster or emergency’’),
a colonial state, we have to take a look $100,000,000, to remain available through Sep-
bate has expired.
at the actual reality on the ground. tember 30, 2022, for assisting in meeting the
Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be educational needs of individuals affected by
Ninety-five percent of schools in Puer- considered for amendment under the a covered disaster or emergency: Provided,
to Rico are not up to code. They are 5-minute rule and shall be considered That such assistance shall be provided
leaving thousands of Puerto Rican chil- as read. through any of the programs authorized
dren vulnerable to the effects of nat- The text of the bill is as follows: under this heading in title VIII of subdivi-
ural disasters. Many have lost all their H.R. 5687 sion 1 of division B of the Bipartisan Budget
belongings, and many more live with Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–123; 132 Stat. 95),
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
psychological trauma. as amended by section 201 of this Act, as de-
resentatives of the United States of America in
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But this administration is not releas- termined by the Secretary of Education, and
Congress assembled,
subject to the terms and conditions that ap-
ing any of these funds that are sup- SHORT TITLE plied to those programs, except that ref-
posed to be duly allocated for recovery. SECTION 1. This Act may be cited as the erences to dates and school years in such Act
For that, we have to make sure that we ‘‘Emergency Supplemental Appropriations shall be deemed to be the corresponding
support this bill, and I strongly support for Disaster Relief and Puerto Rico Disaster dates and school years for the covered dis-
H.R. 5687. Tax Relief Act, 2020’’. aster or emergency: Provided further, That
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H948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
the Secretary of Education may determine cation Recovery’’ in this Act that are allo- ‘‘(iii) is able to demonstrate that, as a re-
the amounts to be used for each such pro- cated in response to a covered disaster or sult of the impact of a covered hurricane dis-
gram and shall notify the Committees on Ap- emergency may be used interchangeably and aster, the institution—
propriations of the House of Representatives without limitation for the same activities ‘‘(I) incurred physical damage;
and the Senate of these amounts not later related to Hurricanes Maria and Irma. ‘‘(II) has pursued collateral source com-
than 7 days prior to obligation: Provided fur- (b) Amounts repurposed pursuant to this pensation from insurance, the Federal Emer-
ther, That $1,000,000 of the funds made avail- section that were previously designated by gency Management Agency, and the Small
able under this heading, to remain available the Congress, respectively, as an emergency Business Administration, as appropriate; and
until expended, shall be transferred to the requirement or as being for disaster relief ‘‘(III) was not able to fully reopen in exist-
Office of the Inspector General of the Depart- pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emer- ing facilities or to fully reopen to the pre-
ment of Education for oversight of activities gency Deficit Control Act are designated by hurricane enrollment levels during the 30-
supported with funds appropriated under this the Congress as being for an emergency re- day period beginning on September 7, 2017.
heading, and up to $500,000 of the funds made quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) ‘‘(B) COVERED AREA AFFECTED BY A HURRI-
available under this heading shall be for pro- of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- CANE DISASTER.—The term ‘covered area af-
gram administration: Provided further, That icit Control Act of 1985 or as being for dis- fected by a hurricane disaster’ means an area
such amount is designated by the Congress aster relief pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of for which the President declared a major dis-
as being for an emergency requirement pur- the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit aster under section 401 of the Robert T. Staf-
suant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal- Control Act of 1985. ford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assist-
anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control SEC. 203. Not later than 30 days after the ance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) as a result of Hurri-
Act of 1985. date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary cane Maria.
GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS TITLE of Education shall provide a detailed spend ‘‘(C) COVERED HURRICANE DISASTER.—The
SEC. 201. (a) The second proviso under the plan of anticipated uses of funds made avail- term ‘covered hurricane disaster’ means a
heading ‘‘Department of Education—Hurri- able in this title, including estimated per- major disaster that the President declared to
cane Education Recovery’’ under title VIII of sonnel and administrative costs, to the Com- exist, in accordance with section 401 of the
subdivision 1 of division B of the Bipartisan mittees on Appropriations of the House of Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer-
Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–123; 132 Representatives and the Senate: Provided, gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), and
Stat. 95) is amended— That such plan shall be updated and sub- that was caused by Hurricane Maria or Hur-
(1) in paragraph (2)— mitted to the Committees on Appropriations ricane Irma.’’.
(A) in subparagraph (I), by striking ‘‘and’’ of the House of Representatives and the Sen- TITLE III
after the semicolon; ate every 60 days until all funds are expended DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(B) in subparagraph (J) by inserting ‘‘and’’ or expire.
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
at the end; and SEC. 204. Section 392 of the Higher Edu-
cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1068a) is amend- EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM
(C) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(K) assistance provided to an eligible en- ed by adding at the end the following: For an additional amount for the Emer-
tity under paragraph (1)(A) that was affected ‘‘(d) WAIVER AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO gency Relief Program as authorized under
by Hurricane Maria or earthquakes occur- INSTITUTIONS LOCATED IN AN AREA AFFECTED section 125 of title 23, United States Code,
ring in calendar years 2019 and 2020 as of the BY HURRICANE MARIA.— $1,250,000,000, to remain available until ex-
date of enactment of the ‘Emergency Supple- ‘‘(1) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—Notwithstanding pended: Provided, That such amount is des-
mental Appropriations for Disaster Relief any other provision of law, unless enacted ignated by the Congress as being for an
Act, 2020’, to assist with restarting school with specific reference to this section, for emergency requirement pursuant to section
operations, including assistance provided to any affected institution that was receiving 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
an eligible entity before the date of enact- assistance under this title at the time of a Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
ment of the ‘Emergency Supplemental Ap- covered hurricane disaster, the Secretary DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
propriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2020’, shall, for each of the fiscal years 2020 DEVELOPMENT
may be used by the eligible entity to pay the through 2022 (and may, for each of the fiscal COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
non-Federal share of a project described in years 2023 and 2024)—
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster ‘‘(A) waive—
and Relief Emergency Act (42 U.S.C. 5172), ‘‘(i) the eligibility data requirements set (INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
notwithstanding section 102(e)(3)(A) of title forth in section 391(d); For an additional amount for ‘‘Community
IV of division B of Public Law 109–148 (119 ‘‘(ii) the wait-out period set forth in sec- Development Fund’’, $2,000,000,000, to remain
Stat. 2794);’’; tion 313(d); available until expended, for necessary ex-
(2) in paragraph (9), by striking ‘‘and’’ ‘‘(iii) the allotment requirements under penses for activities authorized under title I
after the semicolon; section 324; and of the Housing and Community Development
(3) by redesignating paragraph (10) as para- ‘‘(iv) the use of the funding formula devel- Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) related to
graph (11); and oped pursuant to section 326(f)(3); disaster relief, long-term recovery, restora-
(4) by inserting after paragraph (9) the fol- ‘‘(B) waive or modify any statutory or reg- tion of infrastructure and housing, economic
lowing: ulatory provision to ensure that affected in- revitalization, and mitigation in the most
‘‘(10) if the amount available under para- stitutions that were receiving assistance impacted and distressed areas resulting from
graph (3) is insufficient to meet the need for under this title at the time of a covered hur- an emergency declaration relating to earth-
such assistance as demonstrated by applica- ricane disaster are not adversely affected by quakes that occurred in 2020 or a declaration
tions submitted by eligible entities, the Sec- any formula calculation for fiscal year 2020 of a major disaster that occurred in 2020 pur-
retary may use additional funds available or for any of the four succeeding fiscal years, suant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Re-
under this heading to fully fund approved ap- as necessary; and lief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
plications; and’’. ‘‘(C) make available to each affected insti- 5121 et seq.): Provided, That funds shall be
(b) Amounts repurposed pursuant to the tution an amount that is not less than the awarded directly to the State, unit of gen-
amendments made by subsection (a) that amount made available to such institution eral local government, or Indian tribe (as
were previously designated by the Congress under this title for fiscal year 2017, except such term is defined in section 102 of the
as an emergency requirement pursuant to that for any fiscal year for which the funds Housing and Community Development Act of
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit appropriated for payments under this title 1974) at the discretion of the Secretary: Pro-
Control Act of 1985 are designated by the are less than the appropriated level for fiscal vided further, That in determining the
Congress as being for an emergency require- year 2017, the amount made available to such amount allocated under this heading for any
ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of institutions shall be ratably reduced among grantee, the Secretary shall include an addi-
the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit the institutions receiving funds under this tional amount for mitigation that is not less
Control Act of 1985. title. than 45 percent of the amount allocated for
SEC. 202. (a) Amounts previously made ‘‘(2) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: such grantee for unmet needs: Provided fur-
available for activities authorized under ‘‘(A) AFFECTED INSTITUTION.—The term ‘af- ther, That the Secretary shall allocate for
‘‘Department of Education—Hurricane Edu- fected institution’ means an institution of grantees, based on the best available data,
cation Recovery’’ in title VIII of subdivision higher education that— funds provided for assistance under this
1 of division B of the Bipartisan Budget Act ‘‘(i) is— heading no later than 60 days after the date
of 2018 (Public Law 115–123; 132 Stat. 95) may ‘‘(I) a part A institution (which term shall the disaster occurs, or the date of enactment
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be used to address unmet needs, as deter- have the meaning given the term ‘eligible in- of this Act, whichever is later: Provided fur-
mined by the Secretary, for that heading in stitution’ under section 312(b)); or ther, That the Secretary may extend the
this Act and in the Additional Supplemental ‘‘(II) a part B institution, as such term is deadline in the preceding proviso by an addi-
Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 defined in section 322(2), or as identified in tional 30 days if the Secretary jointly cer-
(Public Law 116–20; 133 Stat. 890). In addition, section 326(e); tifies with the Administrator of the Federal
any funds provided under the heading ‘‘De- ‘‘(ii) is located in a covered area affected Emergency Management Agency for each
partment of Education—Hurricane Edu- by a hurricane disaster; and such extension, that the Federal Emergency
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H949
Management Agency has not made sufficient including copies of all relevant procurement ture of amounts under this heading: Provided
information available to the Secretary re- documents, grantee administrative contracts further, That the amount specified in the pre-
garding relevant unmet recovery needs to and details of ongoing procurement proc- ceding proviso shall be combined with funds
make allocations in accordance with such esses, as determined by the Secretary: Pro- appropriated under the same heading in prior
deadlines: Provided further, That not later vided further, That such funds may not be appropriations Acts without limitation: Pro-
than 5 days after making any such certifi- used for activities reimbursable by, or for vided further, That the Secretary shall trans-
cation, the Secretary shall transmit to the which funds have been made available by, mit each certification made under the au-
Committees on Appropriations of the House the Federal Emergency Management Agency thorities provided in this Act to the Commit-
of Representatives and the Senate, and pub- or the Army Corps of Engineers: Provided fur- tees on Appropriations of the House of Rep-
lish in the Federal Register such certifi- ther, That funds allocated under this heading resentatives and the Senate no later than 3
cation: Provided further, That not later than shall not be considered relevant to the non- days after making any such certification:
90 days after the allocation of funds made to disaster formula allocations made pursuant Provided further, That such amount is des-
a grantee under this heading and before the to section 106 of the Housing and Community ignated by the Congress as being for an
Secretary obligates any of such funds for a Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5306): Pro- emergency requirement pursuant to section
grantee, the grantee shall submit a plan to vided further, That a State, unit of general 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
the Secretary for approval detailing the pro- local government, or Indian tribe may use up Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Pro-
posed use of all funds, including criteria for to 5 percent of its allocation for administra- vided further, That amounts repurposed
eligibility and how the use of these funds tive costs: Provided further, That in admin- under this heading that were previously des-
will address long-term recovery and restora- istering the funds under this heading, the ignated by the Congress as an emergency re-
tion of infrastructure and housing, economic Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- quirement pursuant to the Balanced Budget
revitalization, and mitigation in the most ment may waive, or specify alternative re- and Emergency Deficit Control Act are des-
impacted and distressed areas: Provided fur- quirements for, any provision of any statute ignated by the Congress as an emergency re-
ther, That the Secretary shall approve or dis- or regulation that the Secretary administers quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i)
approve such plan not later than 60 days in connection with the obligation by the Sec- of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def-
after submission of the plan to the Sec- retary or the use by the recipient of these icit Control Act of 1985.
retary, and shall immediately notify the ap- funds (except for any requirements related to GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS TITLE
plicant of the Secretary’s decision: Provided fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor stand-
further, That if the Secretary disapproves a ards, the environment, and any timelines SEC. 301. For an additional amount for
plan, not later than 3 days after such dis- specified under this heading), if the Sec- ‘‘Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
approval the Secretary shall inform the ap- retary finds that good cause exists for the ment—Community Planning and Develop-
plicant in writing of (A) the reasons for dis- waiver or alternative requirement and such ment—Community Development Fund’’,
approval, and (B) actions that the applicant waiver or alternative requirement would not $1,260,000,000, to remain available until ex-
could take to meet the criteria for approval: be inconsistent with the overall purpose of pended, which amounts shall be allocated
Provided further, That the Secretary shall, title I of the Housing and Community Devel- and used under the same authority and con-
for a period of not less than 45 days following opment Act of 1974: Provided further, That, ditions as the additional appropriations
the date of disapproval, permit amendments notwithstanding the preceding proviso, re- under the heading ‘‘Department of Housing
to, or the resubmission of, any plan that is cipients of funds provided under this heading and Urban Development—Community Plan-
disapproved: Provided further, That the Sec- that use such funds to supplement Federal ning and Development—Community Devel-
retary shall approve or disapprove a plan assistance provided under section 402, 403, opment Fund’’ of title XI of the Additional
amendment not later than 30 days after re- 404, 406, 407, 408(c)(4), or 502 of the Robert T. Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster
ceipt of such amendments or resubmission: Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- Relief Act, 2019 (Public Law 116–20; 133 Stat.
Provided further, That the Secretary shall en- sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) may 896): Provided, That not less than
sure that all grant agreements necessary for adopt, without review or public comment, $1,530,000,000 of the funds made available in
prompt disbursement of funds allocated to a any environmental review, approval, or per- this section and under the heading ‘‘Depart-
grantee are executed no later than 60 days mit performed by a Federal agency, and such ment of Housing and Urban Development—
after the date of approval of a grantee’s plan: adoption shall satisfy the responsibilities of Community Planning and Development—
Provided further, That prior to making any the recipient with respect to such environ- Community Development Fund’’ of title XI
grant of funds provided under this heading mental review, approval or permit: Provided of the Additional Supplemental Appropria-
the Secretary, (1) must receive from the further, That, notwithstanding section tions for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (Public
grantee information that allows the Sec- 104(g)(2) of the Housing and Community De- Law 116–20) shall be allocated to grantees, no
retary to certify that such grantee has in velopment Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304(g)(2)), later than 60 days after the date of enact-
place proficient financial controls and pro- the Secretary may, upon receipt of a request ment of this Act, for mitigation activities in
curement processes and has established ade- for release of funds and certification, imme- the most impacted and distressed areas re-
quate procedures to prevent any duplication diately approve the release of funds for an sulting from a major disaster that occurred
of benefits as defined by section 312 of the activity or project assisted under this head- in 2018 or 2019: Provided further, That such al-
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emer- ing if the recipient has adopted an environ- locations shall be made in the same propor-
gency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155), to en- mental review, approval or permit under the tion that the amount of funds each grantee
sure timely expenditure of funds, to main- preceding proviso or the activity or project received under this section, under the head-
tain comprehensive websites regarding all is categorically excluded from review under ing ‘‘Department of Housing and Urban De-
disaster recovery activities assisted with the National Environmental Policy Act of velopment—Community Planning and Devel-
these funds, and to detect and prevent waste, 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.): Provided further, opment—Community Development Fund’’ of
fraud, and abuse of funds, and (2) shall cer- That the Secretary shall publish via notice title XI of the Additional Supplemental Ap-
tify in advance that such grantee has in in the Federal Register any waiver, or alter- propriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019
place such controls, processes and procedure: native requirement, to any statute or regula- (Public Law 116–20), and under the same
Provided further, That the Secretary shall tion that the Secretary administers pursu- heading in division I of Public Law 115–254
not prohibit the use of funds made available ant to title I of the Housing and Community bears to the amount of all funds provided to
under this heading for non-Federal share as Development Act of 1974 no later than 5 days all grantees that received allocations for dis-
authorized by section 105(a)(9) of the Housing before the effective date of such waiver or al- asters that occurred in 2018 or 2019: Provided
and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 ternative requirement: Provided further, That further, That none of the funds made avail-
U.S.C. 5305(a)(9)): Provided further, That with of the amounts made available under this able under this section or under the heading
the amounts made available under this head- heading, up to $5,000,000 shall be made avail- ‘‘Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
ing, grantees may establish grant programs able for capacity building and technical as- ment—Community Planning and Develop-
to assist small businesses for working cap- sistance, including assistance on contracting ment—Community Development Fund’’ of
ital purposes to aid in recovery: Provided fur- and procurement processes, to support title XI of the Additional Supplemental Ap-
ther, That with respect to any such duplica- States, units of general local government, or propriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019
tion of benefits, the Secretary shall act in Indian tribes (and their subrecipients) that (Public Law 116–20) may be used for any part
accordance with section 1210 of the Disaster receive allocations pursuant to this heading, of a major disaster that was declared in 2020:
Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (division D of or may receive similar allocations for dis- Provided further, That in administering funds
Public Law 115–254; 132 Stat. 3442) and sec- aster recovery in future appropriations Acts: made available under this section and title
tion 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Provided further, That of the amounts made XI of the Additional Supplemental Appro-
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 available under this heading, up to $2,500,000 priations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (Public
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U.S.C. 5155): Provided further, That the Sec- shall be transferred, in aggregate, to ‘‘De- Law 116–20), the fourth proviso under the
retary shall require grantees to maintain on partment of Housing and Urban Develop- heading ‘‘Department of Housing and Urban
a public website information containing ment—Program Office Salaries and Ex- Development—Community Planning and De-
common reporting criteria established by penses—Community Planning and Develop- velopment—Community Development Fund’’
the Department that permits individuals and ment’’ for necessary costs, including infor- in Public Law 116–20 and the first proviso of
entities awaiting assistance and the general mation technology costs, of administering section 1102 of such Public Law shall have no
public to see how all grant funds are used, and overseeing the obligation and expendi- force or effect: Provided further, That such
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H950 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
amount is designated by the Congress as Law 116–20), the Secretary shall execute all shall be in addition to funds otherwise made
being for an emergency requirement pursu- grant agreements for disbursement of funds available: Provided further, That such
ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced allocated to a grantee no later than 60 days amount is designated by the Congress as
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act after the date of approval of a grantee’s plan being for an emergency requirement pursu-
of 1985: Provided further, That amounts for the use of funds: Provided, That amounts ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced
repurposed by this section that were pre- repurposed by this section that were pre- Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act
viously designated by the Congress as an viously designated as an emergency require- of 1985.
emergency requirement or as being for dis- ment or as being for disaster relief pursuant SEC. 402. (a) Section 20601 of the Bipartisan
aster relief pursuant to the Balanced Budget to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–123) is
and Emergency Deficit Control Act are des- icit Control Act of 1985 are designated by the amended by striking ‘‘and DR–4335–USVI’’
ignated by the Congress as being for an Congress as being for an emergency require- and inserting ‘‘DR–4335–USVI, and for all
emergency requirement pursuant to section ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of major disasters declared under the Robert T.
251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Stafford Disaster Relief and Recovery Act (42
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 or as Control Act of 1985 or as being for disaster U.S.C. 5122) for Puerto Rico or the United
being for disaster relief pursuant to section relief pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of the States Virgin Islands during calendar year
251(b)(2)(D) of the Balanced Budget and Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 2020’’.
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Control Act of 1985. (b) Subsection (a) shall be applied as if it
SEC. 302. (a) Amounts previously made SEC. 304. (a) The Secretary of Housing and were in effect beginning on January 1, 2020.
available for activities authorized under Urban Development, the Secretary of En- (c) Amounts repurposed by this section and
title I of the Housing and Community Devel- ergy, the Administrator of the Federal the amendments made by this section that
opment Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.) re- Emergency Management Agency, and other were previously designated by the Congress
lated to disaster relief, long-term recovery, Federal partners, shall complete the inter- as an emergency requirement or as being for
restoration of infrastructure and housing, agency consultation and coordination of disaster relief pursuant to the Balanced
economic revitalization, and mitigation in Federal investments necessary for the Sec- Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act
the most impacted and distressed areas re- retary of Housing and Urban Development to of 1985 are designated by the Congress as
sulting from a major disaster, including develop administrative requirements for being for an emergency requirement pursu-
funds provided under the heading ‘‘Depart- funds provided for enhanced or improved ant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced
ment of Housing and Urban Development— electrical power systems under the heading Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act
Community Planning and Development— ‘‘Department of Housing and Urban Develop- of 1985 or as being for disaster relief pursuant
Community Development Fund’’ in prior ap- ment—Community Planning and Develop- to section 251(b)(2)(D) of the Balanced Budg-
propriations Acts, that were allocated in re- ment—Community Development Fund’’ in et and Emergency Deficit Control Act of
sponse to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, may title XI of subdivision 1 of division B of the 1985.
be used interchangeably and without limita- Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law SEC. 403. Each amount appropriated or
tion for the same activities funded under the 115–123) no later than 30 days after the date made available by this Act is in addition to
heading ‘‘Department of Housing and Urban of enactment of this Act. amounts otherwise appropriated for the fis-
Development—Community Planning and De- (b) With respect to amounts made avail- cal year involved.
velopment—Community Development Fund’’ able for enhanced or improved electrical SEC. 404. No part of any appropriation con-
in this Act. In addition, any funds provided power systems under the heading ‘‘Depart- tained in this Act shall remain available for
under the heading ‘‘Department of Housing ment of Housing and Urban Development— obligation beyond the current fiscal year un-
and Urban Development—Community Plan- Community Planning and Development— less expressly so provided herein.
ning and Development—Community Devel- Community Development Fund’’ in title XI SEC. 405. Unless otherwise provided for by
opment Fund’’ in this Act may be used inter- of subdivision 1 of division B of the Bipar- this Act, the additional amounts appro-
changeably and without limitation for the tisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–123), priated by this Act to appropriations ac-
same activities in the most impacted and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- counts shall be available under the authori-
distressed areas related to Hurricanes Irma ment shall publish in the Federal Register ties and conditions applicable to such appro-
and Maria. the allocations to all eligible grantees, and priations accounts for fiscal year 2020.
(b)(1) Until the date on which the Sec- SEC. 406. Each amount designated in this
the necessary administrative requirements
retary of Housing and Urban Development Act by the Congress as being for an emer-
applicable to such allocations no later than
publishes a Federal Register Notice imple- gency requirement pursuant to section
60 days after the date of enactment of this
menting this provision— 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
Act.
(A) grantees may submit for approval by (c) Amounts repurposed pursuant to this Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 shall
the Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- section that were previously designated by be available (or rescinded or transferred, if
ment revised plans for the use of funds re- the Congress as an emergency requirement applicable) only if the President subse-
lated to Hurricanes Irma and Maria that ex- or as being for disaster relief pursuant to the quently so designates all such amounts and
pand the eligible beneficiaries of existing Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit transmits such designations to the Congress.
programs contained in such previously ap- Control Act of 1985 are designated by the SEC. 407. Any amount appropriated by this
proved plans to include those activities fund- Congress as being for an emergency require- Act, designated by the Congress as an emer-
ed under the heading ‘‘Department of Hous- ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of gency requirement pursuant to section
ing and Urban Development—Community the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
Planning and Development—Community De- Control Act of 1985 or as being for disaster Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and
velopment Fund’’ in this Act; and relief pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of the subsequently so designated by the President,
(B) approval of any such revised plans shall Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit and transferred pursuant to transfer authori-
include the execution of revised grant terms Control Act of 1985. ties provided by this Act shall retain such
and conditions as necessary. designation.
(2) Beginning on the date of the publica- TITLE IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS This division may be cited as the ‘‘Emer-
tion of the implementing Notice, any plan ACT gency Supplemental Appropriations for Dis-
revisions shall follow the requirements con- SEC. 401. In addition to other amounts aster Relief Act, 2020’’.
tained in such Notice. made available by section 309 of division A of DIVISION B—PUERTO RICO DISASTER TAX
(c) Amounts repurposed by this section the Additional Supplemental Appropriations RELIEF ACT OF 2020
that were previously designated by the Con- for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017
SHORT TITLE
gress as an emergency requirement or as (Public Law 115–72; 131 Stat. 1229), and by
being for disaster relief pursuant to the Bal- section 104 of title I of the Additional Sup- SEC. 101.
anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control plemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief This division may be cited as the ‘‘Puerto
Act are designated by the Congress as being Act, 2019 (Public Law 116–20; 133 Stat. 874), Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020’’.
for an emergency requirement pursuant to there is appropriated to the Secretary, out of QUALIFIED PUERTO RICO DISASTER ZONE
section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise DEFINED
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 or appropriated, for the fiscal year ending Sep- SEC. 102.
as being for disaster relief pursuant to sec- tember 30, 2020, $40,000,000 to provide a grant For purposes of this division, the term
tion 251(b)(2)(D) of the Balanced Budget and to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for dis- ‘‘qualified Puerto Rico disaster zone’’ means
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. aster nutrition assistance in response to a any area—
SEC. 303. For funds appropriated under the major earthquake disaster or emergency des- (1) with respect to which a major disaster
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heading ‘‘Department of Housing and Urban ignated by the President under the Robert T. was declared by the President under section
Development—Community Planning and De- Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
velopment—Community Development Fund’’ sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.): Provided, and Emergency Assistance Act by reason of
in subdivision 1 of division B of the Bipar- That the funds made available to the Com- the earthquakes occurring in or near Puerto
tisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–123) monwealth of Puerto Rico under this section Rico beginning on December 28, 2019, and
or the Additional Supplemental Appropria- shall remain available for obligation by the ending on the date which is 60 days after the
tions for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (Public Commonwealth until September 30, 2021, and date of the enactment of this Act, and
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H951
(2) which was determined by the President APPLICATION OF EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT IN taxable years which began on the first day of
to warrant individual or individual and pub- POSSESSIONS OF THE UNITED STATES such calendar year.
lic assistance from the Federal Government SEC. 104. ‘‘(B) ANNUAL REPORTS.—With respect to
under such Act by reason of such earth- (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 77 of the Internal calendar year 2021 and each calendar year
quakes. Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding thereafter, Puerto Rico shall provide to the
CHILD TAX CREDIT FOR PUERTO RICO AND OTHER at the end the following new section: Secretary a report which shall include—
POSSESSIONS OF THE UNITED STATES ‘‘SEC. 7529. APPLICATION OF EARNED INCOME ‘‘(i) an estimate of the costs described in
TAX CREDIT TO POSSESSIONS OF paragraphs (1)(B)(i) and (3)(A)(i)(I) with re-
SEC. 103. THE UNITED STATES. spect to such calendar year, and
(a) PUERTO RICO.— ‘‘(a) PUERTO RICO.— ‘‘(ii) a statement of such costs with respect
(1) SAME TREATMENT OF FAMILIES IN PUERTO ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—With respect to calendar to the preceding calendar year.
RICO WITH ONE CHILD OR TWO CHILDREN THAT IS year 2021 and each calendar year thereafter, ‘‘(C) ADJUSTMENTS.—
CURRENTLY PROVIDED TO FAMILIES IN PUERTO the Secretary shall, except as otherwise pro- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—In the event that any es-
RICO WITH THREE OR MORE CHILDREN.—Section vided in this subsection, make payments to timate of an amount is more or less than the
24(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is Puerto Rico equal to— actual amount as later determined and any
amended by adding at the end the following ‘‘(A) the specified matching amount for payment under paragraph (1) was determined
new paragraph: such calendar year, plus on the basis of such estimate, proper pay-
‘‘(4) RESIDENTS OF PUERTO RICO.—In the ‘‘(B) in the case of calendar years 2021 ment shall be made by, or to, the Secretary
case of an individual who is a bona fide resi- through 2025, the lesser of— (as the case may be) as soon as practicable
dent of Puerto Rico (within the meaning of ‘‘(i) the expenditures made by Puerto Rico after the determination that such estimate
section 937(a)) for the taxable year, para- during such calendar year for education ef- was inaccurate. Proper adjustment shall be
graph (1)(B)(ii) shall be applied by sub- forts with respect to individual taxpayers made in the amount of any subsequent pay-
stituting ‘1 or more qualifying children’ for and tax return preparers relating to the ments made under paragraph (1) to the ex-
‘3 or more qualifying children’.’’. earned income tax credit, or tent that proper payment is not made under
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment ‘‘(ii) $1,000,000. the preceding sentence before such subse-
made by paragraph (1) shall apply to taxable ‘‘(2) REQUIREMENT TO REFORM EARNED IN- quent payments.
years beginning after December 31, 2019. COME TAX CREDIT.—The Secretary shall not ‘‘(ii) ADDITIONAL REPORTS.—The Secretary
(b) MIRROR CODE POSSESSIONS.—The Sec- make any payments under paragraph (1) may require such additional periodic reports
retary of the Treasury shall pay to each pos- with respect to any calendar year unless of the information described in subparagraph
session of the United States with a mirror Puerto Rico has in effect an earned income (B) as the Secretary determines appropriate
code tax system amounts equal to the loss to tax credit for taxable years beginning in or to facilitate timely adjustments under
that possession by reason of the application with such calendar year which (relative to clause (i).
of section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code of the earned income tax credit which was in ‘‘(D) DETERMINATION OF COST OF EARNED IN-
1986 with respect to taxable years beginning effect for taxable years beginning in or with COME TAX CREDIT.—For purposes of this sub-
after 2019. Such amounts shall be determined calendar year 2019) increases the percentage section, the cost to Puerto Rico of the
by the Secretary of the Treasury based on of earned income which is allowed as a credit earned income tax credit shall be determined
information provided by the government of for each group of individuals with respect to by the Secretary on the basis of the laws of
the respective possession. which such percentage is separately stated Puerto Rico and shall include reductions in
(c) AMERICAN SAMOA.—The Secretary of the or determined in a manner designed to sub- revenues received by Puerto Rico by reason
Treasury shall pay to American Samoa stantially increase workforce participation. of such credit and refunds attributable to
amounts estimated by the Secretary of the ‘‘(3) SPECIFIED MATCHING AMOUNT.—For pur- such credit, but shall not include any admin-
Treasury as being equal to the aggregate poses of this subsection— istrative costs with respect to such credit.
benefits that would have been provided to ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘specified ‘‘(b) POSSESSIONS WITH MIRROR CODE TAX
the residents of American Samoa by reason matching amount’ means, with respect to SYSTEMS.—
of the application of section 24 of such Code any calendar year, the lesser of— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—With respect to calendar
for taxable years beginning after 2019 if the ‘‘(i) the excess (if any) of— year 2021 and each calendar year thereafter,
provisions of such section had been in effect ‘‘(I) the cost to Puerto Rico of the earned the Secretary shall, except as otherwise pro-
in American Samoa. The preceding sentence income tax credit for taxable years begin- vided in this subsection, make payments to
shall not apply unless American Samoa has ning in or with such calendar year, over the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Common-
a plan, which has been approved by the Sec- ‘‘(II) the base amount for such calendar wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
retary of the Treasury, under which Amer- year, or equal to—
ican Samoa will promptly distribute such ‘‘(ii) the product of 3, multiplied by the ‘‘(A) 75 percent of the cost to such posses-
payments to the residents of American base amount for such calendar year. sion of the earned income tax credit for tax-
Samoa in a manner which replicates to the ‘‘(B) BASE AMOUNT.— able years beginning in or with such cal-
greatest degree practicable the benefits that ‘‘(i) BASE AMOUNT FOR 2021.—In the case of endar year, plus
would have been so provided to each such calendar year 2021, the term ‘base amount’ ‘‘(B) in the case of calendar years 2021
resident. means the greater of— through 2025, the lesser of—
(d) DEFINITIONS AND SPECIAL RULES.— ‘‘(I) the cost to Puerto Rico of the earned ‘‘(i) the expenditures made by such posses-
(1) IN GENERAL.—No credit shall be allowed income tax credit for taxable years begin- sion during such calendar year for education
against United States income taxes for any ning in or with calendar year 2019 (rounded efforts with respect to individual taxpayers
taxable year under section 24 of the Internal to the nearest multiple of $1,000,000), or and tax return preparers relating to such
Revenue Code of 1986 to any person— ‘‘(II) $200,000,000. earned income tax credit, or
(A) to whom a credit is allowed against ‘‘(ii) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—In the case ‘‘(ii) $50,000.
taxes imposed by a possession with a mirror of any calendar year after 2021, the term ‘‘(2) APPLICATION OF CERTAIN RULES.—Rules
code tax system by reason of the application ‘base amount’ means the dollar amount de- similar to the rules of subparagraphs (A),
of section 24 of such Code in such possession termined under clause (i) increased by an (B), (C), and (D) of subsection (a)(4) shall
for such taxable year, or amount equal to— apply for purposes of this subsection.
(B) who is eligible for a payment under a ‘‘(I) such dollar amount, multiplied by— ‘‘(c) AMERICAN SAMOA.—
plan described in subsection (c) with respect ‘‘(II) the cost-of-living adjustment deter- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—With respect to calendar
to such taxable year. mined under section 1(f)(3) for such calendar year 2021 and each calendar year thereafter,
(2) MIRROR CODE TAX SYSTEM.—For pur- year, determined by substituting ‘calendar the Secretary shall, except as otherwise pro-
poses of this section, the term ‘‘mirror code year 2020’ for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subpara- vided in this subsection, make payments to
tax system’’ means, with respect to any pos- graph (A)(ii) thereof. American Samoa equal to—
session of the United States, the income tax Any amount determined under this clause ‘‘(A) the lesser of—
system of such possession if the income tax shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of ‘‘(i) 75 percent of the cost to American
liability of the residents of such possession $1,000,000. Samoa of the earned income tax credit for
under such system is determined by ref- ‘‘(4) RULES RELATED TO PAYMENTS AND RE- taxable years beginning in or with such cal-
erence to the income tax laws of the United PORTS.— endar year, or
States as if such possession were the United ‘‘(A) TIMING OF PAYMENTS.—The Secretary ‘‘(ii) $12,000,000, plus
States. shall make payments under paragraph (1) for ‘‘(B) in the case of calendar years 2021
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(3) TREATMENT OF PAYMENTS.—For pur- any calendar year— through 2025, the lesser of—
poses of section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United ‘‘(i) after receipt of the report described in ‘‘(i) the expenditures made by American
States Code, the payments under subsections subparagraph (B) for such calendar year, and Samoa during such calendar year for edu-
(b) and (c) shall be treated in the same man- ‘‘(ii) except as provided in clause (i), within cation efforts with respect to individual tax-
ner as a refund due from the credit allowed a reasonable period of time before the due payers and tax return preparers relating to
under section 24 of the Internal Revenue date for individual income tax returns (as de- such earned income tax credit, or
Code of 1986. termined under the laws of Puerto Rico) for ‘‘(ii) $50,000.
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H952 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
‘‘(2) REQUIREMENT TO ENACT AND MAINTAIN (B) solely with respect to the amounts of under section 5001(a)(1) shall be determined
AN EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT.—The Sec- the increases described in subparagraph (A), without regard to section 5001(c).’’.
retary shall not make any payments under the last sentence of such section shall not (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section
paragraph (1) with respect to any calendar prevent such amounts from being carried to 7652(e) of such Code, as amended by sub-
year unless American Samoa has in effect an calendar year 2026. section (b)(1), is amended by striking para-
earned income tax credit for taxable years (b) SPECIFIED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT graph (6).
beginning in or with such calendar year ENTITIES.—For purposes of this section, the (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments
which allows a refundable tax credit to indi- term ‘‘specified community development en- made by this subsection shall take effect as
viduals on the basis of the taxpayer’s earned tity’’ means any qualified community devel- if included in section 13807 of Public Law 115–
income which is designed to substantially in- opment entity if such entity has a history of 97.
crease workforce participation. making qualified low-income community in- EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT WITH RESPECT TO
‘‘(3) INFLATION ADJUSTMENT.—In the case of vestments in federally declared disaster INDIVIDUALS EMPLOYED IN THE QUALIFIED
any calendar year after 2021, the $12,000,000 areas or Puerto Rico. PUERTO RICO DISASTER ZONE
amount in paragraph (1)(A)(ii) shall be in- (c) OTHER DEFINITIONS.—Terms used in this SEC. 108.
creased by an amount equal to— section which are also used in section 45D of (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the
‘‘(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by— the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall have Treasury shall pay to Puerto Rico the
‘‘(B) the cost-of-living adjustment deter- the same meaning when used in this section amount determined under subsection (b) for
mined under section 1(f)(3) for such calendar as when used in such section 45D. the purpose of providing an employee reten-
year, determined by substituting ‘calendar COVER OVER OF DISTILLED SPIRITS TAXES tion credit with respect to individuals em-
year 2020’ for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subpara- SEC. 107. ployed in a qualified Puerto Rico disaster
graph (A)(ii) thereof. (a) REPEAL OF LIMITATION ON COVER OVER zone (as defined in section 102). The pre-
Any increase determined under this clause OF DISTILLED SPIRITS TAXES TO PUERTO RICO ceding sentence shall not apply unless Puer-
shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of AND VIRGIN ISLANDS.— to Rico has a plan for implementing such
$100,000. (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 7652 of the Inter- employee retention credit—
‘‘(4) APPLICATION OF CERTAIN RULES.—Rules nal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by (1) which is similar to the plan approved
similar to the rules of subparagraphs (A), striking subsection (f) and by redesignating under section 504(d)(1)(B) of the Disaster Tax
(B), (C), and (D) of subsection (a)(4) shall subsections (g) and (h) as subsections (f) and Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act
apply for purposes of this subsection. (g), respectively. of 2017,
‘‘(d) TREATMENT OF PAYMENTS.—For pur- (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section (2) under which Puerto Rico will promptly
poses of section 1324 of title 31, United States 7652(f)(1) of such Code, as redesignated by distribute such payments to its residents,
Code, the payments under this section shall paragraph (1), is amended by— and
be treated in the same manner as a refund (A) striking subparagraph (B), and (3) which has been approved by the Sec-
due from a credit provision referred to in (B) by striking ‘‘as if—’’ and all that fol- retary of the Treasury for purposes of this
subsection (b)(2) of such section.’’. lows through ‘‘the use and tax’’ and inserting section.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of ‘‘as if the use and tax’’. (b) DETERMINATION OF PAYMENT AMOUNT.—
sections for chapter 77 of such Code is (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments (1) IN GENERAL.—The amount determined
amended by adding at the end the following made by this subsection shall apply to dis- under this subsection is the product of—
new item: tilled spirits brought into the United States (A) the aggregate amount of payments
‘‘Sec. 7529. Application of earned income tax after December 31, 2019. made under section 504(d)(1)(B) of the Dis-
credit to possessions of the (b) TRANSFER TO PUERTO RICO CONSERVA- aster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Ex-
United States.’’. TION TRUST FUND OF PORTION OF PUERTO RICO tension Act of 2017, multiplied by
LOW-INCOME HOUSING CREDIT ALLOCATIONS FOR RUM COVER OVER.— (B) the population adjustment ratio.
PUERTO RICO (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 7652(e) of the In- (2) POPULATION ADJUSTMENT RATIO.—For
SEC. 105. ternal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by purposes of this subsection, the term popu-
(a) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of section 42 redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as lation adjustment ratio means the ratio of—
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively, and (A) the number of individuals estimated by
State housing credit ceiling for Puerto Rico by inserting after paragraph (2) the following the Secretary of the Treasury to have been
for calendar year 2020 shall be increased by new paragraph: present in the qualified Puerto Rico disaster
$50,000,000. ‘‘(2) TRANSFER TO PUERTO RICO CONSERVA- zone (as defined in section 102), over
(b) QUALIFIED PUERTO RICO DISASTER ZONES TION TRUST FUND OF PORTION OF RUM COVER (B) the number of individuals estimated by
TREATED AS DIFFICULT DEVELOPMENT OVER.— the Secretary of the Treasury to have been
AREAS.— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—From any amount oth- present in the Hurricane Maria disaster zone
(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of section 42 erwise required to be covered over to the (as defined in section 501(c) of the Disaster
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, in the treasury of Puerto Rico under this section Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Exten-
case of a qualified building placed in service with respect to taxes collected on rum under sion Act of 2017).
in a qualified Puerto Rico disaster zone (as section 5001(a)(1) or subsection (a) of this sec- (c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than
defined in section 102), such area shall be tion, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 90 days after substantially all of the em-
treated as a difficult development area under transfer to the Puerto Rico Conservation ployee retention credits under this section
subclause (I) of section 42(d)(5)(B)(iii) but Trust Fund an amount equal to $0.46 per have been paid or allowed to taxpayers in
shall not be taken into account for purposes proof gallon of rum to which such cover over Puerto Rico, the Secretary of the Treasury
of applying the limitation under subclause is attributable. Any amount transferred of Puerto Rico shall submit a written report
(II) of such section. under the preceding sentence shall be treated to Congress documenting the implementa-
(2) QUALIFIED BUILDING.—For purposes of for purposes of this section (other than this tion of such credits.
this subsection, the term ‘‘qualified build- paragraph) as having been covered over to DIVISION C—BUDGETARY EFFECTS
ing’’ means any building which is allocated a the treasury of Puerto Rico. BUDGETARY EFFECTS
housing credit dollar amount during cal- ‘‘(B) PUERTO RICO CONSERVATION TRUST SEC. 101. (a) IN GENERAL.—The budgetary
endar year 2020 or 2021. FUND.—For purposes of this section, the term effects of division B and each succeeding di-
(3) OTHER DEFINITIONS.—Terms used in this ‘Puerto Rico Conservation Trust Fund’ vision shall not be entered on either PAYGO
section which are also used in section 42 of means the fund established pursuant to a scorecard maintained pursuant to section
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall have Memorandum of Understanding between the 4(d) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of
the same meaning when used in this section United States Department of the Interior 2010.
as when used in such section 42. and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, (b) SENATE PAYGO SCORECARDS.—The
NEW MARKETS TAX CREDIT ALLOCATIONS FOR dated December 24, 1968.’’. budgetary effects of division B and each suc-
PUERTO RICO (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments ceeding division shall not be entered on any
SEC. 106. made by this section shall apply to rum PAYGO scorecard maintained for purposes of
(a) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of section brought into the United States after Decem- section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Con-
45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986— ber 31, 2019. gress).
(1) the new markets tax credit limitation (c) COVER OVER DETERMINED WITHOUT RE- (c) CLASSIFICATION OF BUDGETARY EF-
otherwise determined under subsection (f)(1) GARD TO CERTAIN RATE REDUCTIONS.— FECTS.—Notwithstanding Rule 3 of the Budg-
thereof for each of 2020 and 2021 shall be in- (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 7652 of the Inter- et Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the
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creased by $500,000,000, to be allocated among nal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by sub- joint explanatory statement of the com-
specified community development entities to section (a)(1), is amended by adding at the mittee of conference accompanying Con-
make qualified low-income community in- end the following new subsection: ference Report 105–217 and section 250(c)(8) of
vestments in Puerto Rico, and ‘‘(h) COVER OVER DETERMINED WITHOUT RE- the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
(2) section 45D(f)(3) shall be applied— GARD TO CERTAIN RATE REDUCTIONS.—For Control Act of 1985, the budgetary effects of
(A) separately with respect to the amounts purposes of subsections (a)(3), (b)(3), and (e), division B and each succeeding division shall
of the increases under paragraph (1), and the amount of taxes imposed and collected not be estimated—
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H953
(1) for purposes of section 251 of such Act; way we can use disaster funds to help dress the fear and similar challenges
and our children. among the impacted student popu-
(2) for purposes of paragraph (4)(C) of sec- I thank my distinguished colleague, lation and their families.
tion 3 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act Therefore, I support the $100 million
Congresswoman GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN, for
of 2010 as being included in an appropriation
her work and her support on this included in the supplemental to help us
Act.
amendment, as well as Congresswoman meet the educational needs of those af-
The CHAIR. No amendment to the STEPHANIE MURPHY, Congressman fected by disasters.
bill is in order except those printed in ALCEE HASTINGS, and Chairman JIM The study funded by this amendment
part C of House Report 116–392. Each MCGOVERN. will provide us with vital information
such amendment may be offered only Madam Chair, I support the under- to help address challenges faced by stu-
in the order printed in the report, by a lying bill. I urge my colleagues to sup- dents impacted by earthquakes, miti-
Member designated in the report, shall port this amendment, and I reserve the gate additional impacts on their edu-
be considered read, shall be debatable balance of my time. cational attainment, and better pre-
for the time specified in the report, Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto pare them for future disasters.
equally divided and controlled by the Rico. Madam Chair, I claim the time in I want to conclude by thanking
proponent and an opponent, shall not opposition, although I am going to be Ranking Member GRANGER for allowing
be subject to amendment, and shall not in favor of the amendment. me the time and Congresswoman
be subject to a demand for division of The CHAIR. Without objection, the SHALALA for her hard work in working
the question. gentlewoman from Puerto Rico is rec- together on behalf of the people of
AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. SHALALA ognized for 5 minutes. Puerto Rico.
The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- There was no objection. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance
sider amendment No. 1 printed in part Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto of my time.
C of House Report 116–392. Rico. Madam Chair, first, I want to Ms. SHALALA. Madam Chair, I yield
Ms. SHALALA. Madam Chair, I have thank Congresswoman SHALALA. I 2 minutes to the distinguished gentle-
an amendment at the desk. thank the gentlewoman for visiting the woman from Connecticut (Ms.
The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate island several weeks ago with Con- DELAURO).
the amendment. gressman POSEY and Congresswoman Ms. DELAURO. Madam Chair, I rise
The text of the amendment is as fol- MURPHY. in support of this amendment. It is $1
lows: Madam Chair, let me tell you what million that provides funds for a study
Page 3, line 25, after the dollar amount, in- this amendment is about. This will pro- on the impacts of natural disasters on
sert ‘‘(increased by $1,000,000)’’. vide $1 million to conduct a study on the well-being and educational paths of
The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- the impacts of educational attainment, affected students and children in Puer-
lution 833, the gentlewoman from Flor- long-term economic opportunities, as to Rico.
well as the well-being of students from The children in Puerto Rico have
ida (Ms. SHALALA) and a Member op-
Puerto Rico who have had to disrupt or been struggling from the trauma of
posed each will control 5 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentle- change their educational path due to a multiple natural disasters. It has been
woman from Florida. natural disaster. resulting in unbelievable disruptions to
Ms. SHALALA. Madam Chair, I yield Although the full extent of the dam- their lives at home and at school.
After Hurricane Maria, Congress-
myself such time as I may consume. age is still being assessed, it is evident
woman GRACE MENG from New York
Madam Chair, our fellow Americans that the ongoing earthquakes impact-
and I went to Puerto Rico. We visited
in Puerto Rico have suffered greatly in ing Puerto Rico have been particularly
the schools, and the teachers told us
the last few years, from fiscal calamity harmful for our students and edu-
that the children were not coming to
to a monster hurricane to the Earth cational system.
school. Why? We asked the question:
shaking and continuing to shake. Following the collapse of this public
Why?
I have seen the suffering personally. school in Guanica—thank God it was
They were scared that if they went to
These disasters have resulted in many 4:24 in the morning, and there were no
school and they returned home, they
Puerto Ricans leaving the island, and students and teachers in that school. It
would not find their families, their
many are children or young adults who completely collapsed. The Department
home, or anything else that gave them
are still in school. of Education delayed the start of the
their strength and the hope with their
This amendment increases funding to semester across the island in order to
families, so they weren’t going. They
conduct a study on the impacts that conduct structural inspections of all
also couldn’t go because the power was
these young people face when they public schools. To this day, 69 schools
out, and the heat was too much for
have to disrupt their education. have already been deemed unsafe and
them to be there.
The truth is, we don’t know the best thus unable to reopen. Another 234 What is it that you can’t understand?
way to help children who have to leave have been classified as partially ade- What is it that this administration
their homes to pursue their education quate, which means that only some doesn’t understand about what is hap-
in another State or have to miss weeks parts of the school’s buildings are safe. pening to children, American children,
of school because their school building In fact, although inspections are on- in Puerto Rico?
is structurally unsound after an earth- going, the Puerto Rico Department of
quake. But we need to. We need to Education is projecting that 25 percent b 1030
know the best way to make sure that of the island’s public schools will be We included $3 million in the 2019
all children can reach their full poten- unable to be reopen during this semes- Labor-HHS appropriations bill to pro-
tial and are able to cope with whatever ter. vide behavorial health services and
trauma they may have faced. In Guanica, this town, there are six counseling to children in Puerto Rico.
Ultimately, this amendment will schools. All of them are closed. As we These services are being provided
save us money because we will have fu- speak, tents are being installed as out- through the National Child Traumatic
ture natural disasters where children door classrooms to ensure students Stress Network, which is a national
will have to move away from their don’t lose their semester, specifically network of grantees that provide serv-
schools or pause their education. Un- seniors going off to college. ices for children and adolescents ex-
fortunately, there will be more Marias The disruptive nature of the event posed to traumatic events.
and more Katrinas, and there will be cannot be overstated. Puerto Rico will Schools are the center of our commu-
more wildfires. need to identify alternative and/or nities. They offer students stable
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We need to make sure that we are temporary sites to open schools and re- schedules, warm meals, and support
serving both children and the tax- locate misplaced students. Many will from teachers and school professionals.
payers. We should spend our money in probably leave the island altogether, They are the center of learning. We
the most impactful way possible. The the way it happened with Maria. The need to act with urgency to support the
study will guide us on the most effec- provision of counseling and mental school recovery and restore this sta-
tive policies and the most effective health services will be crucial to ad- bility for the children in Puerto Rico,
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H954 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
but we must take a careful look at the The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of This is a wide infrastructure issue
long-term impacts of these disasters on rule XVIII, further proceedings on the that has impacted private homes, pub-
student well-being and educational ac- amendment offered by the gentle- lic buildings, and private businesses,
cess and success. woman from Florida will be postponed. including supermarkets, pharmacies,
Madam Chair, this amendment pro- AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MISS GONZÁLEZ- and stores in that region.
vides those resources. I support it, and COLÓN OF PUERTO RICO Since the seismic activity is ongoing,
I urge my colleagues to do the same. The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- we expect the infrastructure problems
Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto sider amendment No. 2 printed in part to worsen. Some structures have sur-
Rico. Madam Chair, may I inquire how C of House Report 116–392. vived seismic movements thus far, but
much time is remaining. Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto there is no telling us when or if they
The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Rico. Madam Chair, I have an amend- will be destroyed or affected by future
Puerto Rico has 2 minutes remaining. ment at the desk. aftershocks.
The gentlewoman from Florida has 1 The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate People are living in fear; people are
minute remaining. the amendment. living in desperation—especially in the
Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto The text of the amendment is as fol- southwestern region of the island. At
Rico. Madam Chair, the school that I lows: one point, over 7,000 people were living
am showing you here is one from Page 27, line 7, after the dollar amount, in- in shelters without a clear idea of when
Guanica. Maybe many people here will sert ‘‘(increased by $170,000,000)’’. they will be able to return to their
not know that the schools in Puerto The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- homes.
Rico are used for shelters during hurri- lution 833, the gentlewoman from Puer- I have experienced these tremors my-
canes, so this is having the place for to Rico (Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN) and a self, and I can firmly state that fear
shelters being destroyed and many of Member opposed each will control 5 during these times is more than justi-
them not compliant right now and dur- minutes. fied.
ing the assessment. The Chair recognizes the gentle- The unpredictability of earthquakes
Let me give you an example. When woman from Puerto Rico. challenges any forecast capabilities.
we had the first earthquake, 6.4, and Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto According to the U.S. Geological Sur-
then the replica, the government of Rico. Madam Chair, I yield myself such vey, there is no telling when the earth-
Puerto Rico has to do an assessment of time as I may consume. quakes will stop. However, one thing
the infrastructure in all schools. But Madam Chair, today, I rise in support we do know is that the island needs
weeks later, we got more aftershocks of this amendment. It is a bipartisan help, and we need it now.
of 5, 5.4, 4.9. So that assessment contin- amendment to increase the amount of Madam Chair, this is why I am sup-
ued to happen, and it is an ongoing sit- disaster nutrition assistance for Puerto porting the underlying bill and why I
uation every week in order to have our Rico to $210 million. am offering this amendment. There are
kids and teachers safe. The island has been experiencing con- close to 397,000 NAP beneficiaries in
So right now, I told you already the stant seismic activity since December the affected municipalities, of which
number of schools that are deemed un- 28 of last year, and thousands of Puerto over 92,000 are children. These numbers
safe to return to classes. But if we do Ricans have lost their homes and all may grow, contingent on more munici-
have another replica of 5 or 4.9 during their belongings. This challenges their palities being affected and more resi-
these next days, and we are having be- safety and job security, as well as their dents joining the program.
tween 8 and 12 tremors a day, that may ability to provide food for themselves Madam Chair, food security is a crit-
be that many more schools can be in- and their family members. ical part of any recovery effort. My
cluded. Puerto Rico does not participate in amendment will ensure earthquake
Actually, originally, there were just the national Supplemental Nutrition victims can count on disaster nutri-
six towns included in the mayor’s dec- Assistance Program, or SNAP, as do tional funds to get them through this
laration of disaster. Right now, it is 29, our counterparts in the mainland; difficult time.
because the infrastructure gets weak- Washington, D.C.; Guam; and the Vir- I thank Congresswoman DELAURO,
ened with all the tremors, and that is gin Islands. Instead, Puerto Rico has Congresswoman VELÁZQUEZ, Congress-
the reason I do support this amend- the Nutrition Assistance Program, or men SOTO and JOSE SERRANO for spon-
ment. NAP, which receives significantly less soring this important amendment for
The mental health issue for students, funding. the people of Puerto Rico.
for parents, for kids is a real situation Excluding us from SNAP—and that is Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues
on the island. We don’t want to lose another issue that this House ad- to vote in favor. And, again, I cannot
more kids. We don’t want kids to lose dressed and we are making a study in vote for the bill. I cannot have Mem-
their semester. So I think this amend- that sense. Excluding us from SNAP bers in the House and in the Senate
ment would provide that much-needed also excludes us from the disaster por- representing Puerto Rico, but I can,
help. tion of this program, known as D– with all of you, vote for Puerto Rico in
Madam Chair, I yield back the bal-
SNAP. This means that every time this amendment.
ance of my time.
there is a natural disaster like the one Madam Chair, I yield back the bal-
Ms. SHALALA. Madam Chair, this
we are experiencing now, Congress ance of my time.
amendment is simply about helping
needs to step up and appropriate Fed- Ms. DELAURO. Madam Chair, I ask
American children, and I urge my col-
eral funding for disaster nutrition. unanimous consent to claim the time
leagues to support it.
Madam Chair, I yield to the gentle- We saw that after Hurricane Irma in opposition, although I am not op-
woman from New York (Mrs. LOWEY), and Maria. And now, we are facing an- posed to the amendment.
the chair of Committee on Appropria- other emergency, and that is the rea- The CHAIR. Is there objection to the
tions. son Congress needs to approve funds for request of the gentlewoman from Con-
Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I am this food nutrition assistance. This necticut?
pleased to support this excellent amendment will help support bene- There was no objection.
amendment. ficiaries of the program and allow an The CHAIR. The gentlewoman is rec-
Ms. SHALALA. Madam Chair, I yield increase in enrollment, ensuring that ognized for 5 minutes.
back the balance of my time. those impacted by disasters were sup- Ms. DELAURO. Madam Chair, I look
The CHAIR. The question is on the ported in their effort to maintain food forward to the day when my colleague,
amendment offered by the gentle- security. Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN from Puerto
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woman from Florida (Ms. SHALALA). The earthquakes have caused wide- Rico, can vote in this House of Rep-
The question was taken; and the spread infrastructure damage. Over resentatives.
Chair announced that the ayes ap- 15,000 residents have reported damage I also want to add one thing.
peared to have it. in their homes. Of those, more than A colleague from South Carolina said
Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I de- 1,000 are damaged to a point of being earlier that folks in Puerto Rico do not
mand a recorded vote. unlivable or destroyed. pay taxes. They pay payroll taxes. We
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H955
all understand payroll taxes; and, quite moral responsibility is in this body. We address the urgent needs for assistance
frankly, that is the basis on which the have the power to make this happen. to improve grid resiliency and to lower
child tax credit is determined. So they Let’s make it happen today. the cost of electricity.
are paying taxes. Madam Chair, I yield back the bal- That is why I requested this modest
Madam Chair, I rise in support of this ance of my time. uptick of $3 million. It is to see that
amendment. I am honored to colead it The CHAIR. The question is on the utilities in the smaller territories like
with my colleague JENNIFFER amendment offered by the gentle- my district can get the technical as-
GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN, with Congresswoman woman from Puerto Rico (Miss sistance they need to solve energy
NYDIA VELÁZQUEZ, and Congressmen GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN). problems that are unlike any other in
SERRANO and SOTO. It increases funding The amendment was agreed to. the United States.
for Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MS. PLASKETT Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the
Program to $210 million. The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- distinguished gentleman from Mary-
The $40 million in the underlying bill sider amendment No. 3 printed in part land (Mr. HOYER), who is the majority
provides a strong foundation on which C of House Report 116–392. leader.
to build; and, in light of a new analysis Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Chair, I Mr. HOYER. Madam Chair, I thank
from leading nutrition experts which have an amendment at the desk. the gentlewoman from the Virgin Is-
has shown how great the need is, the The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate lands (Ms. PLASKETT) for yielding. I la-
amendment increases the resources to the amendment. ment that, as Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN
what the experts are now calling for. The text of the amendment is as fol- pointed out, she will not be able to
Thousands have been left without lows: vote on the final passage of this bill.
food, water, or power. We cannot turn Page 3, line 5, after the dollar amount, in- I lament that Puerto Rico is not a
our backs on the people of Puerto Rico. sert ‘‘(increased by $3,000,000)’’. State. If it were a State or if the Virgin
We need to meet basic needs so that The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- Islands were a State, they would have
they can rebuild. It is not only a re- lution 833, the gentlewoman from the already been addressed and helped, con-
sponsibility, but it is a moral responsi- Virgin Islands (Ms. PLASKETT) and a sistent with what we have done for
bility. Member opposed each will control 5 States.
And why is this necessary? Because minutes. Madam Chair, history will remember
Puerto Rico receives a block grant for The Chair recognizes the gentle- this generation of Puerto Ricans for
nutrition assistance. It is known as the woman from the Virgin Islands. their perseverance, their courage, and
Nutrition Assistance Program, or NAP. Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Chair, I rise their strength. Having endured two
Because the value of the block grant is in support of my amendment. This devastating hurricanes in 2017, they
fixed, their nutrition assistance is un- amendment would increase the Depart- have had to cope with their heart-
able to meet the heightened needs of ment of Energy technical assistance breaking aftermath, characterized by
children and families in times of dis- for electrical grid recovery in the U.S. the Trump administration’s failure to
aster. It is fundamentally different territories by $3 million. allocate resources properly, fairly, ef-
from how food stamps work for the High energy costs have bedeviled the fectively, and timely.
millions of other Americans elsewhere U.S. insular territories for many years, Now a series of powerful earthquakes
in our country. harming consumers, limiting develop- have struck the island, causing addi-
But we know where this administra- ment, and draining capital from our is- tional damage and, sadly, loss of life.
tion falls on the food stamp program. lands’ economies. The average price of We have heard reports that, while
They are willing to deny 3 million peo- electricity paid by U.S. Virgin Islands much of the power transmission infra-
ple access to food stamps, take 2 mil- residents in mid-2019 was about three structure that was rebuilt stronger
lion kids off of the School Lunch Pro- times higher than the average power after the hurricanes were able to hold
gram. price in the mainland United States. up, the aging power plants they serve
Folks here are in need, but the people These islands have suffered at least sustained substantial damage.
in Puerto Rico, the children in Puerto one tropical cyclone, typhoon, or hurri- Madam Chair, I will remind my col-
Rico are in need. An island ravished by cane in the last 3 years, storms made leagues that the people of Puerto Rico
earthquakes and tremors—Wednesday stronger by warming oceans. are our fellow American citizens. They
saw a 5.0 magnitude earthquake. As a result of unprecedented recent are our brothers and our sisters, our
In her request to the Congress, Puer- disasters and the impact of enormous fellow Americans. Their well-being is
to Rico’s Governor warned: ‘‘Puerto physical damage, the Virgin Islands are our concern. Their capacity to rebuild,
Ricans are currently suffering eco- currently going through an energy cri- and rebuild stronger, is our responsi-
nomic and job loss, displacement and sis. Hurricanes Irma and Maria dam- bility as the representatives of the
interruption of essential services, and aged approximately 80 to 90 percent of American people—of all the American
thousands of refugees currently located the electrical transmission and dis- people. That is what we do after nat-
in camps are children and the elderly.’’ tribution systems in the territory. ural disasters: We help our fellow
We offer a bipartisan amendment Rolling blackouts persist to this day. Americans in need.
today to build on the underlying bill. I Madam Chair, I and several of my
commend the committee chair, Con- b 1045 colleagues will be traveling to Puerto
gresswoman LOWEY, and the sub- Successfully incorporating resiliency Rico over the President’s Day district
committee chair, Congressman BISHOP, measures into the electrical system re- work period next weekend. We will be
for their hard work on this fast-moving covery effort, including by building visiting communities in the south of
matter. microgrid systems, and adding renew- the island that have been hardest hit
To my colleagues: Have a sense of able generation capacity to the system by the earthquakes. Many of the same
what food means to people. We live in does require significant technical as- communities are still trying to rebuild
a land of plenty. We should not be sistance from the Department of En- from Irma and Maria.
about the business of denying food and ergy. I was there in 2017, in Puerto Rico,
nutrition help to others, and especially I am pleased that the House, through and in the Virgin Islands with Rep-
American children and American fami- this bill, will be taking action to make resentative PLASKETT. I was there with
lies from Puerto Rico, the nutrition as- appropriations for technical assistance the Republican leader, Mr. MCCARTHY.
sistance, the food that they need in with rebuilding electric systems in the We visited with families who lost their
order to survive. insular areas. However, given the cur- homes, who lost loved ones, and who
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Madam Chair, no one should go to rent state of the islands, including asked us to come back here to Wash-
bed hungry in this country or in those Puerto Rico, which has had the unique ington and help.
countries where we have American citi- challenge of natural disasters reoccur- We worked together, Republicans and
zens, and that is Puerto Rico. ring over the past several months, I am Democrats, to pass emergency funding
Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues, concerned that the amount of $15 mil- and partnered on an effort to amend
please—please—deal with what our lion may not be enough to adequately the Stafford Act to promote resilience
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H956 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
by ensuring that structures are built to the time in opposition, I am in favor of Madam Chair, I yield back the bal-
21st century standards. the amendment presented by Ms. ance of my time.
Madam Chair, when I return to the PLASKETT. The CHAIR. The question is on the
island later this month, I want to tell The CHAIR. Without objection, the amendment offered by the gentle-
the people I meet that Congress has gentlewoman from Puerto Rico is rec- woman from the Virgin Islands (Ms.
not and will not forget them, that their ognized for 5 minutes. PLASKETT).
brothers and sisters on the mainland There was no objection. The amendment was agreed to.
are with them. I want to tell them that Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. CRENSHAW
we took action to provide the addi- Rico. Madam Chair, I think it is impor- The CHAIR. It is now in order to con-
tional funding the island needs to re- tant to understand that living on an is- sider amendment No. 4 printed in part
cover from this most recent disaster. land puts us in a different mode than C of House Report 116–392.
I want to tell them that the Congress the rest of the States where you can re- Mr. CRENSHAW. I have an amend-
came together to approve the nec- ceive and manage electricity at the ment at the desk.
essary funds to help communities on power plants differently. The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate
the island restore critical infrastruc- Our infrastructure is weakened by the amendment.
ture and rebuild schools and housing. I hurricanes, and by many years of hur- The text of the amendment is as fol-
want to tell them that we came ricanes in our case. So I do believe that lows:
through with assistance for repairing this allocation of funds for technical Page 20, line 7, after the dollar amount, in-
the energy grid and making it more re- assistance from the Department of En- sert ‘‘(increased by $45,000,000)’’.
silient. ergy will help us to get through this The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso-
I also want to be able to share with situation and allow the U.S. Virgin Is- lution 833, the gentleman from Texas
them that Congress made key tax re- lands, and Puerto Rico as well, to fig- (Mr. CRENSHAW) and a Member opposed
forms to give low-income Puerto ure out what is going to be the kind of each will control 5 minutes.
Ricans some help with childcare and energy we are going to be using. The Chair recognizes the gentleman
affordable housing as they rebuild, as We approved $1.9 billion for technical from Texas.
we do for people here on the mainland. assistance in CDBG funds for the elec- Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Chair, I
Madam Chair, that is why I am ask- trical grid on the island of Puerto Rico, yield myself such time as I may con-
ing my colleagues to join me in passing but the guidelines have not been pub- sume.
this bill and making all of those things lished yet. So that means we don’t Madam Chair, I rise today to support
possible. When I go down to Puerto have access to those funds, even the people from the great State of
Rico in just over a week, I want to be though the Department of Energy has Texas.
able to tell the people there that this been doing the assessments on the is- It has been 21⁄2 years since Hurricane
House did its job. lands of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Harvey. Many of my constituents are
Sadly, we have seen the administra- Islands. Because of that, I do support still struggling to finance their re-
tion’s veto threat, which was little the amendment. building. And it is not as if Texans sim-
more than a denigration of our fellow Madam Chair, I reserve the balance ply waited on Federal aid. We passed a
Americans, accusing Puerto Ricans of of my time. local bond for $2.5 billion to address re-
corruption and being untrustworthy of Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Chair, I covery and future prevention. Addi-
receiving emergency aid. Ironic that yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from tionally, many took out SBA loans, a
his administration would make such a Texas (Mr. GREEN). low-cost loan to get themselves back
charge. Shame on them for making Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Chair, I on their own feet.
that allegation, and shame on them am greatly honored to support this Here is the problem: My constituents
even more if they veto disaster aid to piece of legislation, especially honored never thought that taking out an SBA
Puerto Rico under such a spurious and that Chairwoman LOWEY has put lan- loan, a loan that they would be paying
hateful belief. guage in there that will streamline the back, would prevent them from also re-
House Democrats will continue to process that Mr. HOYER helped to de- ceiving other Federal aid.
conduct oversight in order to ensure velop. This problem of dual benefits was ad-
that the administration does not con- I would just like to add this. I know dressed in law recently by my friend
tinue to withhold critical, congression- what it is like to live in harm’s way. In Representative GARRET GRAVES from
ally appropriated disaster aid from the Houston, Texas, we have billion-dollar Louisiana, but the fix came too late for
people of Puerto Rico who need it to floods that take lives, and these are some. Many victims of disasters who
rebuild. The stronger they are, the supposed to be 100-year floods. Unfortu- would be eligible for Federal aid such
stronger our Nation will be. nately, they are happening all too as CDBG-DR are not able to access
Madam Chair, I want to thank the often, and sometimes on a yearly basis. that aid.
chairwoman of the Appropriations So I stand here today to say thank This amendment will not be able to
Committee, Mrs. LOWEY, as well as the you to all involved, especially to Mrs. provide the estimated nearly $3 billion
chairman of the Ways and Means Com- LOWEY for what she has done to that the Texas General Land Office be-
mittee, Mr. NEAL, along with members streamline this process. It will be help- lieves would be needed to help all of
of their committees for their hard ful to persons in Puerto Rico and the those affected, but my amendment will
work on this package. Virgin Islands, but, also, in the long solve this problem for some of the most
Madam Chair, I want to thank Rep- run, it will be helpful to the people of vulnerable people who unfairly fell
resentatives VELÁZQUEZ, SERRANO, Houston, Texas. through the bureaucratic cracks.
SOTO, OCASIO-CORTEZ, and, yes, Miss Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto I urge my colleagues to vote in sup-
GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN, as well, for advo- Rico. Madam Chair, I yield back the port of this amendment, and I reserve
cating for Puerto Ricans in Congress. balance of my time. the balance of my time.
Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Chair, I Mrs. FLETCHER. Madam Chair, I
on both sides of the aisle to vote ‘‘yes’’ urge adoption of this amendment. This ask unanimous consent to claim time
on this package. Keep faith with our is important to the territories. in opposition, although I do not oppose
fellow citizens wherever they might As you heard from my colleague from the amendment.
live, in the East, in the West, in the Puerto Rico, islands are very fragile, The CHAIR. Is there objection to the
South, or in Puerto Rico, all Ameri- and we do not have the scale that oth- request of the gentlewoman from
cans worthy of having confidence that ers have, nor do we have grids that can Texas?
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we will stand with them in hours of be attached to other areas. So this is There was no objection.
distress. really important to us, and the tech- The CHAIR. The gentlewoman from
Vote ‘‘yes.’’ nical assistance of this Nation, from Texas (Mrs. FLETCHER) is recognized
Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto the Department of Energy, would go a for 5 minutes.
Rico. I would like to claim the time in long way in supporting a more resilient Mrs. FLETCHER. I yield myself such
opposition, and although I am claiming grid. time as I may consume.
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H957
Madam Chair, I rise today to offer I urge my colleagues to support this The problem is, it took HUD over a
this bipartisan amendment with my amendment, and I reserve the balance year to write guidance, and they to-
colleague and neighbor, Mr. CRENSHAW, of my time. tally missed it. They invented criteria
to help families who, through no fault Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Chair, I that is not in the law. They totally
of their own, were denied disaster re- yield such time as he may consume to missed it. They introduced discrimina-
covery funding—in our case, for our the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. tory criteria and make it virtually im-
constituents affected by Hurricane GRAVES). possible for many people to get assist-
Harvey. Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Madam ance.
As Members of this body will recall, Chair, I thank the gentleman from So what this amendment does, it is
Hurricane Harvey landed on the Texas Texas (Mr. CRENSHAW) for fighting for adding money to help fix a wrong. It
Gulf Coast in August of 2017. It was the the disaster victims of the awful hurri- shouldn’t have to be done.
second costliest hurricane in United canes that his constituents and others I urge adoption of this amendment.
States history. It took 68 lives, it have gone through in Texas, Florida, But most importantly, Madam Chair,
dropped more than 60 inches of rain, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the we have got to fix these policies that
and it caused nearly $125 billion in Virgin Islands. are causing the Federal Government to
damages. And I want to thank Congresswoman re-victimize disaster victims. That is
Our community came together to FLETCHER for her co-sponsorship of this not why we are here. That is not rep-
help, and we showed each other and the amendment and efforts to get this resenting.
Nation how much we can accomplish wrong fixed. I will say it again; I urge adoption of
Madam Chair, I want to very simply this amendment. I want to thank my
when we work together to help our
explain what is happening here. So you friends from Texas for their work on
neighbors in need.
have people that have experienced dis- this. We need to move forward and fix
This body worked, too, appropriating
asters; that have been through some this long-term.
funds quickly to help those affected for
type of flood or other disaster. The im- The CHAIR. The time of the gen-
immediate assistance and for long-
mediate assistance that is available to tleman from Texas has expired.
term rebuilding. Mrs. FLETCHER. Madam Chair, I
those disaster victims, and this is for
But the needs were great and the yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from
homeowners, for renters, not for busi-
funds, though well-intentioned, were North Carolina (Mr. PRICE), the chair-
nesses—but the Small Business Admin-
slow. So many of our constituents took man of the Transportation, and Hous-
istration offers loans, disaster loans, to
out loans from the Small Business Ad- individuals. They offer it to businesses, ing and Urban Development, and Re-
ministration, where they could get too, but they offer loans to individuals. lated Agencies Subcommittee.
low-interest loans to begin the nec- And that is the only money that is Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Madam
essary and immediate work of rebuild- largely available in the immediate Chairman, I rise in support of this
ing. aftermath. There may be a small grant amendment.
When they applied for the SBA loans, available from FEMA, but it is the I know the amendment doesn’t fully
they were told that taking out a loan only money. So if you want to be address the Member’s concerns, but it
would not disqualify them from other proactive, if you want to lean forward, addresses them substantially, and I
disaster aid. Unfortunately, they were, those are the resources that are avail- look forward to working with them fur-
in fact, disqualified from other forms able. You apply for a loan. So that is ther to engage both HUD and the Texas
of Federal aid because they had taken one of your options. Land Office to work toward a solution
out an SBA loan. The other option that you have is for this issue.
b 1100 that you can sit back in a FEMA-sup- So I thank both of my colleagues for
plied hotel room, or you can sit back in putting this constructive amendment
If they had taken out a loan from a
a FEMA-supplied trailer. The trailers, forward, and their effort to highlight
friend or a bank, they would not have
by the way, cost about $150,000 a piece, this issue that is of great importance.
been in this situation. They would still
under FEMA’s ridiculous process. I am happy to offer my support.
be eligible for the Federal aid. So you can have one option where Mrs. FLETCHER. Madam Chair, I
But because they chose to take out your thousands and thousands of dol- yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman
an SBA loan in the midst of an unprec- lars of taxpayer funds are paying for from California (Ms. PELOSI), the dis-
edented disaster, they were disqualified your hotel room. You can have another tinguished Speaker of the House.
from receiving further Federal assist- option where $150,000 is going toward a Ms. PELOSI. Madam Chair, I thank
ance. trailer to house you temporarily, while the gentlewoman for yielding, and I
Of course, that is inconsistent with you sit back and wait. thank her and Mr. CRENSHAW for this
the program, it is inconsistent with the The other option is you lean forward, very wise amendment to this impor-
intent of this body to punish people for you get the loan, and you help to re- tant legislation. I thank them for their
seeking help from the agencies that are build. You help to get your community leadership. The experience that they
there to help them in their times of back on its feet. You help to get the had in Texas is one that is shared in
need. tax base. the rest of the country as well.
I have heard from so many constitu- Under our ridiculous Federal policies, I urge an ‘‘aye’’ vote on that impor-
ents who have been left behind by the people that were proactive are pe- tant Crenshaw/Fletcher amendment.
what, by all accounts, was a mistaken nalized. Madam Chair, many of us remember
interpretation of the intent and the The gentleman from Texas, the gen- that nearly 21⁄2 years ago, Hurricanes
rules that need to be corrected. We tlewoman from Texas, they are exactly Maria and Irma tore through Puerto
simply cannot leave them behind. right. The people are penalized that are Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and
We now have the opportunity to cor- trying to get recovered faster; that are left a trail of heartbreak and devasta-
rect this error here and to bring mean- trying to get their community recov- tion in their wake. Thousands of Amer-
ingful relief to disaster victims. This ered faster; that are trying to not icans, all Americans citizens, trag-
amendment will fund $45 million to spend more taxpayer funds on hotel ically lost their lives.
those in Texas who were wrongfully de- rooms or trailers. Following the hurricanes, many
nied assistance because they took out Yet, our Federal policy penalizes Members traveled to the islands. We
SBA disaster recovery loans. We have a them for it; tells them that when saw firsthand the homes that were de-
chance today to right this wrong and grants are available, grants that you stroyed, the communities that were
to deliver the help that our neighbors don’t have to pay back; that they are ravaged, and the businesses and schools
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have been waiting on for years. ineligible. We are rewarding the wrong left in ruin. And we saw that the in-
During Harvey, our community dem- type of behavior. competence and indifference of many
onstrated that we are at our best when So, with the help of many people in from here compounded this terrible hu-
we are working together to solve prob- this room, we changed the law. The manitarian crisis.
lems, and this amendment does the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 It is unacceptable that the adminis-
same. changes, section 1210(a). We fixed this. tration illegally withheld for a full
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H958 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
year the assistance that Congress ap- millions for critical investments in Ms. TLAIB. Madam Chair, I would
propriated and that Puerto Rico needs, education, nutrition assistance, elec- like to begin by thanking Congress-
both to recover from Maria, and to pre- tric grid recovery, and strong tax relief woman LOWEY, our Subcommittee
pare for future disasters in Puerto Rico for Puerto Rico and other territories, Chairman PRICE, and their staff for
and the Virgin Islands. including permanent changes to the working with me on this amendment
In recent weeks, tragedy has once Earned Income Tax Credit and the and for their critical leadership on this
again hit Puerto Rico as more than Child Tax Credit, and new investments bill.
1,000 earthquakes—1,000 earthquakes to boost local economies and create I would also like to thank my sisters
have rocked the island since December good-paying jobs on the island. in service, Congresswoman VELÁZQUEZ
28. Schools have crumbled, hospitals I thank our distinguished chair of the and Congresswoman OCASIO-CORTEZ, for
are in disarray, and houses have been Ways and Means Committee, RICHIE leading this amendment with me. I am
destroyed. Thousands of people are NEAL, for his leadership in having this so proud to partner with them to make
staying in shelters or sleeping outside part of the package. our government more accessible, espe-
out of fear that their homes could col- Sadly, there are some who have some cially in times of disaster.
lapse as they sleep. obstacles to sending this emergency This amendment ensures meaningful
And tragically, two Americans have money to Puerto Rico following the access to fellow Americans with lim-
lost their lives, including a 13-year-old earthquake. As Members of Congress, ited English abilities to the public in-
girl in Vieques, where too many are we have a responsibility to act because formation maintained by grantees of
still waiting for the Federal assistance our fellow Americans deserve to know the Department of Housing and Urban
needed to modernize hospitals and im- that their government will be there for Development’s Community Develop-
prove access to care. them without question or hesitation in ment Fund.
Madam Chair, as Members of Con- this dark hour. The amendment rests on two prin-
gress, our most important responsi- Might I say, I am reminded, so many ciples, Madam Chair. First, the Puerto
bility is to keep the American people people in our country don’t realize Rican people have a right to know how
safe. Two weeks after devastating Puerto Ricans are American citizens. this relief money is being spent in their
earthquakes struck Puerto Rico, our Many of them, if you visit there, you own communities.
fellow Americans on the island still will visit veterans’ centers where so Second, no one is in a better position
face serious challenges to their safety, many of them come together. They are to hold officials and grant recipients
health, and well-being. American patriots who help our coun- accountable and to ensure that the
Every family that is sleeping outside, try. We are so proud of them, and we money we allocate today is used in the
every child who no longer has a school salute them; and in this time of need best interests of the community than
to go to because of seismic dangers, we want to help them. the people of Puerto Rico themselves.
every person who dies because they I urge a strong vote to provide help, That is why it is critical that we en-
can’t access a hospital, each is a chal- healing, and hope for Puerto Rico. sure that any information made avail-
lenge to the conscience of our country. Mrs. FLETCHER. Madam Chair, I able is easily accessible to all people,
Today, with this strong supplemental yield myself such time as I may con- regardless of what language they
assistance package, the Democratic sume. speak.
House and, hopefully, with strong bi- I thank my colleagues for their col- I cannot overstate how important it
partisan support, is showing the people laboration on this bill. I thank Mr. is that we pass this bill. The people of
of Puerto Rico that we are there for CRENSHAW for working with me on this Puerto Rico are struggling and perse-
them now, and throughout the road to important effort for our community vering through some of the most dif-
recovery. and for communities across our State ficult circumstances that any of us
I salute Chairwoman NYDIA and, of course, our country. have ever experienced.
VELÁZQUEZ, our fearless, persistent The bill provides over $4 billion in
I thank everyone for their collabora-
champion of Puerto Rico in the Con- critical disaster relief and long-term
tion and support in this effort, and for
gress, born there, family there. Thanks recovery assistance, and funds pro-
the eloquent statements and important
also to the members of the Congres- grams and grants to get kids back in
statements made this morning in sup-
sional Hispanic Caucus for raising a re- fully-functioning schools, repairing
port of this amendment on the floor.
lentless drumbeat on behalf of the fam- I urge all of my colleagues to support damages to infrastructure and roads,
ilies on the island. this amendment. And I yield back the and to rebuild the island’s electrical
Today, I also salute the distinguished balance of my time. grid that has been damaged because of
chair of the Appropriations Committee The CHAIR. The question is on the disasters and so forth, and ensure that
for working right away, as soon as we amendment offered by the gentleman no one else is affected, or that children
came back into session in January, to from Texas (Mr. CRENSHAW). don’t go to sleep hungry.
provide assistance to Puerto Rico, the It is time—it is time to release these
The amendment was agreed to.
best route there. That guidance was led funds.
AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MS. TLAIB
To hold the money that can save
by our distinguished chair of the sub- The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- lives is not only inhumane and im-
committee of jurisdiction, Mr. PRICE. sider amendment No. 5 printed in part moral, but it is, more dangerously, a
So I thank Chairwoman LOWEY and C of House Report 116–392. form of oppression. The disconnection
Chairman PRICE. Thank you for bring- Ms. TLAIB. Madam Chair, I have an to human suffering that we cause by
ing us to the floor today on this impor- amendment at the desk. doing nothing is what will continue to
tant legislation. The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate
This supplemental assistance pack- fail the American people.
the amendment. Passing this bill fulfills the central
age provides the relief that is urgently The text of the amendment is as fol- promise of our democracy governed ‘‘of
needed to help Puerto Rico and the lows: the people, by the people, and for the
Virgin Islands rebuild and recover Page 16, line 11, insert after ‘‘information’’ people.’’
today. And it invests billions in efforts the following: ‘‘, ensuring meaningful access
to prevent damage and loss of life in for individuals with limited English pro- b 1115
the future. ficiency in accordance with the Final Guid- Passing this amendment in this bill
Although the earthquake was in ance issued by the Department of Housing ensures that some of the most vulner-
Puerto Rico, the ramifications are in and Urban Development on January 22, 2007 able people have full access to democ-
that region. (72 Fed. Reg. 2732),’’. racy, regardless of who they are, where
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The package, as has been noted, pro- The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- they are from, and what language they
vides more than $3 billion for disaster lution 833, the gentlewoman from speak.
relief and long-term recovery; $1.25 bil- Michigan (Ms. TLAIB) and a Member op- I urge my colleagues to please sup-
lion for highway emergency relief, posed each will control 5 minutes. port this amendment.
which will also go to disaster-struck The Chair recognizes the gentle- Madam Chair, I yield as much time
States on the mainland; hundreds of woman from Michigan. as he may consume to the gentleman
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H959
from North Carolina (Mr. PRICE), my disasters, including continued support provements in Puerto Rico and the
distinguished fellow colleague and for the electric grid’s recovery. U.S. Virgin Islands within 30 days and
chairman of the Subcommittee on After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto for HUD to issue a notice in 60 days.
Transportation, and Housing and Rico in 2017, it took an entire year to Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam
Urban Development, and Related Agen- restore power to the whole island. Then Chairwoman, I will close by saying
cies. last month, back-to-back earthquakes that I really appreciate our ability to
Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Madam damaged Puerto Rico’s main power take this small step, but I think we
Chair, I thank my colleague for yield- plants and caused yet another major ought to all dream big for this beau-
ing. blackout. tiful part of our country.
I am happy to rise in support of this The people of Puerto Rico—and all Puerto Rico has been subject to mis-
amendment. It is a very well-consid- Americans, for that matter—cannot be fortunes, and we can think about a dif-
ered amendment, one that is an impor- forced to grapple with blackout after ferent future for Puerto Rico where it
tant addition to this bill. blackout, especially when climate moves very quickly not just to renew-
Access to linguistically appropriate change has made catastrophic storms able energy but to localized renewable
materials, understandable materials, all too frequent. As we think about energy, so that each community has
in the CDBG-DR program is vitally im- what is needed to ensure the long-term solar, microgrids, and battery storage,
portant. Meaningful access to program recovery of these areas, it is absolutely so that they really aren’t subject to
materials is essential for transparency, essential that renewable resources be these disasters in the same way at all.
for public input, and for knowledge on part of that conversation. Madam Chairwoman, I yield back the
how you take advantage of these bene- That is why I have introduced this balance of my time.
fits and these programs and what is simple amendment to prioritize fund- The CHAIR. The question is on the
available under the disaster assistance ing for renewable energy projects, like amendment offered by the gentleman
programs. wind and solar power, that will en- from Michigan (Mr. LEVIN).
While HUD currently requires all hance the long-term resiliency of Puer- The amendment was agreed to.
grantees to provide meaningful access, to Rico’s infrastructure. AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. SHALALA
this puts a finer point on it, and we We have already seen what renewable The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of
need to do that. It is important to un- energy can do in the aftermath of a dis- rule XVIII, the unfinished business is
derscore HUD’s responsibility and the aster. During the blackout that fol- the demand for a recorded vote on the
grantee’s responsibility to provide ac- lowed Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rican amendment No. 1 printed in part C of
cess in dispensing this aid. homeowners, businesses, and hospitals House Report 116–392 offered by the
I thank my colleagues for this waiting for repair crews actually in- gentlewoman from Florida (Ms.
amendment. stalled their own solar panels and bat- SHALALA) on which further proceedings
Ms. TLAIB. Madam Chair, I want to teries to get their power back faster. were postponed and on which the ayes
reiterate the importance of this Last year, Puerto Rico passed a law prevailed by voice vote.
amendment. As a person who was born setting a timeline to power the island The Clerk will redesignate the
and raised in this country and who entirely by renewable energy by 2050. amendment.
didn’t speak English when I started That is a great step, but it is not near- The Clerk redesignated the amend-
school, and who is now a Member of ly enough, and Puerto Rico needs our ment.
this Chamber, I can tell my colleagues Nation’s help.
RECORDED VOTE
personally how critical this is to our We have to ensure renewables are
democracy and to protecting all of us. prioritized for Puerto Rico’s recovery, The CHAIR. A recorded vote has been
I thank my colleagues again for their for the sake of their ability to survive demanded.
tremendous support, and I yield back disasters like Hurricane Maria and for A recorded vote was ordered.
the balance of my time. the sake of our planet. Power genera- The vote was taken by electronic de-
The CHAIR. The question is on the tion from fossil fuels is a major source vice, and there were—ayes 257, noes 149,
amendment offered by the gentle- of the greenhouse gas emissions that not voting 29, as follows:
woman from Michigan (Ms. TLAIB). are making climate change worse. [Roll No. 52]
The amendment was agreed to. We have to make major changes fast. AYES—257
AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MR. LEVIN OF Shifting to renewables is one change Adams Clay Fitzpatrick
MICHIGAN that will help combat climate change Aguilar Clyburn Fletcher
Allred Cohen Foster
The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- and help the American people cope in Axne Connolly Frankel
sider amendment No. 6 printed in part the aftermath of major disasters. Bacon Cooper Fudge
C of House Report 116–392. Again, I thank Chairwoman LOWEY Barragán Correa Gallego
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam for her work on this bill, and I yield 1 Bass Costa Garamendi
Beatty Courtney Garcı́a (IL)
Chair, I have an amendment at the minute to the gentleman from North Bera Craig Garcia (TX)
desk. Carolina (Mr. PRICE), the sub- Beyer Crist Gianforte
The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate committee chairman and my dear col- Bishop (GA) Crow Golden
the amendment. Blumenauer Cuellar Gomez
league. Blunt Rochester Cunningham Gonzalez (OH)
The text of the amendment is as fol- Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Madam Bonamici Curtis Gonzalez (TX)
lows: Chairman, I thank my colleague for Bost Davids (KS) González-Colón
Page 12, line 18, after the dollar amount, yielding. Boyle, Brendan Davis (CA) (PR)
F. Davis, Danny K. Gottheimer
insert ‘‘(reduced by $1,000,000)(increased by I am happy to rise in support of this Brindisi Davis, Rodney Graves (LA)
$1,000,000)’’. amendment. This amendment high- Brooks (IN) Dean Green, Al (TX)
The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- lights the importance of prioritizing Brown (MD) DeFazio Grijalva
lution 833, the gentleman from Michi- funding for renewable energy projects Brownley (CA) DeGette Haaland
Buchanan DeLauro Harder (CA)
gan (Mr. LEVIN) and a Member opposed that will enhance the long-term resil- Bucshon DelBene Hastings
each will control 5 minutes. ience of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. Bustos Delgado Hayes
The Chair recognizes the gentleman A reliable and resilient power grid is Butterfield Demings Heck
Carbajal DeSaulnier Herrera Beutler
from Michigan. critical to Puerto Rico’s ability to Cárdenas Deutch Higgins (NY)
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam withstand and quickly recover from fu- Carson (IN) Diaz-Balart Himes
Chairwoman, I thank Chairwoman ture disasters. Cartwright Dingell Horn, Kendra S.
LOWEY and subcommittee Chairman Madam Chairwoman, if I might, I Case Doggett Horsford
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
Casten (IL) Doyle, Michael Houlahan
PRICE for their leadership and for want to take just a moment also to Castor (FL) F. Hoyer
bringing this much-needed package to highlight section 304 of the bill. Sec- Castro (TX) Engel Huffman
the floor today. tion 304 requires HUD and other Fed- Chu, Judy Escobar Hurd (TX)
I am pleased to see that this bill in- eral partners to finish the consultation Cicilline Eshoo Jackson Lee
Cisneros Espaillat Jayapal
cludes funding for the long-term recov- on the $2 billion provided in the Bipar- Clark (MA) Evans Jeffries
ery of territories impacted by recent tisan Budget Act for electrical grid im- Clarke (NY) Finkenauer Johnson (GA)
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H960 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
Johnson (TX) Mucarsel-Powell Shalala Wenstrup Wittman Yoho this body and the people in it that
Joyce (OH) Murphy (FL) Sherman Westerman Womack Zeldin
Kaptur Nadler Sherrill Williams Wright
worked with us at that particular time.
Katko Napolitano Sires Madam Speaker, since I arrived in
Keating Neal Slotkin
NOT VOTING—29 Congress, I never forgot the help that
Kelly (IL) Neguse Smith (NJ) Bishop (NC) Kustoff (TN) Radewagen we received from the Congress of the
Kennedy Norcross Smith (WA) Budd LaMalfa Reed
Khanna Norton
United States. So I routinely voted for
Soto Byrne Lewis Rice (NY)
Kildee O’Halleran Spanberger Cleaver Lofgren Roby
almost every supplemental that related
Kilmer Ocasio-Cortez Speier Cox (CA) Marchant Sewell (AL) to disaster relief. I was one of 49 Re-
Kim Omar Stanton Foxx (NC) McHenry Timmons publicans who voted for Sandy relief,
Kind Pallone Stauber Gabbard Meadows
King (NY) Panetta Gaetz Morelle
Walker and I have no doubt that our fellow
Stefanik Webster (FL)
Krishnamoorthi Pappas Stevens Hudson Murphy (NC) Americans in Puerto Rico are in dire
Wilson (SC)
Kuster (NH) Pascrell Suozzi Kirkpatrick Norman need and certainly need help at this
Lamb Payne particular time.
Langevin Perlmutter
Swalwell (CA)
b 1149
Larsen (WA) Peters
Takano I was very proud, as I know many
Larson (CT) Peterson
Thompson (CA) So the amendment was agreed to. Members were in the last Congress, to
Thompson (MS) The result of the vote was announced
Lawrence Phillips
Titus vote for over $40 billion of relief to
Lawson (FL) Pingree
Tlaib
as above recorded. Puerto Rico. It needed that money.
Lee (CA) Plaskett The Acting CHAIR (Mr. HORSFORD).
Lee (NV) Pocan
Tonko There was no question about it.
Levin (CA) Porter Torres (CA) There being no further amendments, Madam Speaker, we are moving pre-
Torres Small under the rule, the Committee rises.
Levin (MI) Posey
(NM)
maturely here. That money, that $40
Lieu, Ted Pressley
Trahan
Accordingly, the Committee rose; billion, roughly half has yet to be ex-
Lipinski Price (NC) and the Speaker pro tempore (Ms. CAS-
Loebsack Quigley Trone pended. It is available for immediate
Lowenthal Raskin Turner TOR of Florida) having assumed the use right now.
Lowey Richmond Underwood chair, Mr. HORSFORD, Acting Chair of We still have $42 billion in the Dis-
Luján Rose (NY) Upton
Van Drew
the Committee of the Whole House on aster Relief Fund. That money is avail-
Luria Rouda
Lynch Roybal-Allard Vargas the state of the Union, reported that able for immediate use right now.
Malinowski Ruiz Veasey that Committee, having had under con- There is an ongoing FEMA investiga-
Maloney, Ruppersberger Vela sideration the bill (H.R. 5687) making tion to determine the precise needs of
Carolyn B. Rush Velázquez
Visclosky emergency supplemental appropria- Puerto Rico. That has yet to be com-
Maloney, Sean Ryan
Matsui Sablan Walden tions for the fiscal year ending Sep- pleted and reported to Congress. We
McAdams San Nicolas Waltz tember 30, 2020, and for other purposes, should wait for that disaster relief, not
McBath Sánchez Wasserman and, pursuant to House Resolution 833, because it may tell us that we need
McCaul Sarbanes Schultz
McCollum Scanlon Waters he reported the bill back to the House less, but it might actually tell us that
McEachin Schakowsky Watson Coleman with sundry amendments adopted in we need more. We should not act with-
McGovern Schiff Welch the Committee of the Whole. out appropriate information.
McNerney Schneider Wexton So, Madam Speaker, I think the ap-
Wild
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under
Meeks Schrader
Meng Schrier Wilson (FL) the rule, the previous question is or- propriate thing to do is to send this
Meuser Scott (VA) Woodall dered. back to the committee and wait for the
Moore Scott, David Yarmuth Is a separate vote demanded on any information to move. If we move now,
Moulton Serrano Young precipitously, it is almost certain that
amendment reported from the Com-
NOES—149 mittee of the Whole? If not, the Chair the United States Senate will not pick
will put them en gros. up this relief, and the President will
Abraham Gibbs Mitchell
Aderholt Gohmert Moolenaar The amendments were agreed to. probably not sign this bill if it got to
Allen Gooden Mooney (WV) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The his desk.
Amash Gosar Mullin question is on the engrossment and If we wait for the appropriate infor-
Amodei Granger Newhouse mation, use the available funds that we
Armstrong Graves (GA) Nunes
third reading of the bill.
Arrington Graves (MO) Olson The bill was ordered to be engrossed have right now to help people in Puerto
Babin Green (TN) Palazzo and read a third time, and was read the Rico, we have a much better chance of
Baird Griffith Palmer third time. getting our fellow Americans the help
Balderson Grothman Pence
Banks Guest Perry MOTION TO RECOMMIT they need, when they need it, in the
Barr Guthrie Ratcliffe Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I have a right amounts, and in the right way.
Bergman Hagedorn Reschenthaler motion to recommit at the desk. There is no doubt in my mind that
Biggs Harris Rice (SC) this Congress will respond appro-
Bilirakis Hartzler Riggleman The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the
Bishop (UT) Hern, Kevin Rodgers (WA) gentleman opposed to the bill? priately to an emergency. I have seen
Brady Hice (GA) Roe, David P. Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I am in us do it time and time again on a bi-
Brooks (AL) Higgins (LA) Rogers (AL)
its current form. partisan basis. I know we will do it
Buck Hill (AR) Rogers (KY) again at the appropriate time.
Burchett Holding Rooney (FL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
Burgess Hollingsworth Rose, John W. Clerk will report the motion to recom- So Congress will respond, if nec-
Calvert Huizenga Rouzer mit. essary. Frankly, Madam Speaker, I
Carter (GA) Johnson (LA) Roy
The Clerk read as follows: simply move that we recommit the
Carter (TX) Johnson (OH) Rutherford current legislation to the Appropria-
Chabot Johnson (SD) Scalise Mr. Cole moves to recommit the bill H.R.
Cheney Jordan Schweikert 5687 to the Committee on Appropriations. tions Committee, wait on the informa-
Cline Joyce (PA) Scott, Austin tion, and then act in the interests of
Cloud Keller Sensenbrenner The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- our fellow Americans.
Cole Kelly (MS) Shimkus ant to the rule, the gentleman from Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal-
Collins (GA) Kelly (PA) Simpson Oklahoma is recognized for 5 minutes
Comer King (IA) Smith (MO) ance of my time.
Conaway Kinzinger Smith (NE) in support of his motion. Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I rise in
Cook LaHood Smucker Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.
Crawford Lamborn Spano reluctant opposition to this bill. Long The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
Crenshaw Latta Steil before I was privileged to come to this
Davidson (OH) Lesko Steube tleman from Florida is recognized for 5
DesJarlais Long Stewart House, I was Secretary of State in minutes.
Duncan Loudermilk Stivers Oklahoma at the time of the Oklahoma Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, the gen-
Dunn Lucas Taylor City bombing, and I was tasked by the tleman from Oklahoma talked about
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
Emmer Luetkemeyer Thompson (PA)
Estes Marshall Thornberry
Governor to work with my friend, our timely assistance for his State. I think
Ferguson Massie Tipton colleague Mr. LUCAS, to work with the that is important because that is what
Fleischmann Mast Wagner Congress to see that we received timely we are asking for for Puerto Rico here
Flores McCarthy Walberg assistance for a disaster that was clear-
Fortenberry McClintock Walorski
today.
Fulcher McKinley Watkins ly not of our own making. We got that We talked about the $42 billion for
Gallagher Miller Weber (TX) assistance, and I am forever grateful to hurricanes. We all know that less than
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February 7, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H961
half that money has still gotten to the [Roll No. 53] Kennedy Murphy (FL) Scott, David
Khanna Nadler Serrano
island already, and we are talking now AYES—178 Kildee Napolitano Shalala
about earthquakes, a totally different Abraham Gooden Palazzo Kilmer Neal Sherman
disaster in the southwestern portions Aderholt Gosar Palmer Kim Neguse Sherrill
of the island, unique in character. Allen Granger Pence Kind Norcross Sires
Amash Graves (GA) Perry Krishnamoorthi O’Halleran Slotkin
These funds may not even cover some Kuster (NH) Ocasio-Cortez Smith (WA)
Amodei Graves (LA) Posey
of these other issues happening. When Armstrong Graves (MO) Ratcliffe
Lamb Omar Soto
you look at the schools, in particular, Arrington Green (TN) Langevin Pallone Spanberger
Reschenthaler
Babin Griffith Larsen (WA) Panetta Speier
that are all across the island, this is Rice (SC) Larson (CT) Pappas Stanton
Bacon Grothman
unique because they were made to Baird Guest
Riggleman Lawrence Pascrell Stevens
withstand hurricanes, not earthquakes. Rodgers (WA) Lawson (FL) Payne Suozzi
Balderson Guthrie
Roe, David P. Lee (CA) Perlmutter Swalwell (CA)
I agree, if we need more funds, we can Banks Hagedorn
Rogers (AL)
Barr Harris Lee (NV) Peters Takano
always supplement with another bill. Rogers (KY) Levin (CA) Peterson Thompson (CA)
Bergman Hartzler
Why are we waiting? Why would we Biggs Hern, Kevin
Rooney (FL) Levin (MI) Phillips Thompson (MS)
wait today when the people of Puerto Bilirakis Herrera Beutler Rose, John W. Lieu, Ted Pingree Titus
Rouzer Lipinski Pocan Tlaib
Rico, our fellow Americans, need our Bishop (UT) Hice (GA)
Roy Loebsack Porter Tonko
Bost Higgins (LA)
help? Brady Hill (AR) Rutherford Lowenthal Pressley Torres (CA)
That is why we are here today. Imag- Brooks (AL) Holding Scalise Lowey Price (NC) Torres Small
ine a thousand earthquakes since De- Brooks (IN) Hollingsworth Schweikert Luján Quigley (NM)
Buchanan Huizenga Scott, Austin Luria Raskin Trahan
cember and imagine those thousand Lynch Richmond Trone
Buck Hurd (TX) Sensenbrenner
earthquakes happening after Hurricane Bucshon Johnson (LA) Shimkus Malinowski Rose (NY) Underwood
Maria—nearly a hurricane five—hits Burchett Johnson (OH) Simpson Maloney, Rouda Van Drew
and destroys most of your island. Burgess Johnson (SD) Smith (MO) Carolyn B. Roybal-Allard Vargas
Calvert Jordan Smith (NE) Maloney, Sean Ruiz Veasey
My guest was Jessica Carrillo who Matsui Ruppersberger Vela
Carter (GA) Joyce (OH) Smith (NJ)
left the island and had to come to cen- Carter (TX) Joyce (PA) Smucker
McAdams Rush Velázquez
tral Florida because she was weary Chabot Katko McBath Ryan Visclosky
Spano
Cheney Keller McCollum Sánchez Wasserman
from sleeping in her car or sleeping on Stauber
McEachin Sarbanes Schultz
Cline Kelly (MS) Stefanik
her porch, day in and day out for over Cloud Kelly (PA) McGovern Scanlon Waters
Steil
a month. Cole King (IA) Steube
McNerney Schakowsky Watson Coleman
I had the opportunity to go firsthand Collins (GA) King (NY) Meeks Schiff Welch
Stewart Meng Schneider Wexton
to Puerto Rico and see that damage as Comer Kinzinger Stivers
Conaway LaHood Moore Schrader Wild
the grounds shifted below our feet. We Taylor Moulton Schrier Wilson (FL)
Cook Lamborn Thompson (PA)
talked about the schools. We talked Crawford Latta
Thornberry
Mucarsel-Powell Scott (VA) Yarmuth
about the folks who were in the dis- Crenshaw Lesko
Tipton NOT VOTING—28
Curtis Long
aster relief camps, and the Costa Sur Davidson (OH) Loudermilk
Turner Bishop (NC) Kustoff (TN) Reed
Power Plant, which is closed, that now Upton Budd LaMalfa Rice (NY)
Davis, Rodney Lucas
Wagner
puts them in a tough position. DesJarlais Luetkemeyer
Walberg
Byrne Lewis Roby
So I ask: Let’s put together and pass Diaz-Balart Marshall Cleaver Lofgren Sewell (AL)
Duncan Massie Walden Cox (CA) Marchant Timmons
this bill that will provide $4.67 billion Dunn Mast Walorski Foxx (NC) McHenry Walker
in disaster relief and vote against the Emmer McCarthy Waltz Gabbard Meadows Webster (FL)
Watkins Gaetz Morelle
motion to recommit because we can’t Estes McCaul Wilson (SC)
Ferguson McClintock Weber (TX) Hudson Murphy (NC)
wait any longer. Wenstrup Kirkpatrick Norman
Fitzpatrick McKinley
I ask you to vote ‘‘yes’’ on the ulti- Fleischmann Meuser Westerman
mate package, to rise above the poli- Flores Miller Williams
tics of disaster relief because but for Fortenberry Mitchell Wittman b 1204
Fulcher Moolenaar Womack
the grace of God go you and your fami- Woodall
Mr. O’HALLERAN changed his vote
Gallagher Mooney (WV)
lies, your districts, and your States. Gianforte Mullin Wright from ‘‘present’’ to ‘‘no.’’
We rose together for Hurricane Mi- Gibbs Newhouse Yoho So the motion to recommit was re-
chael in my State of Florida and for Gohmert Nunes Young jected.
Gonzalez (OH) Olson Zeldin
Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The result of the vote was announced
I ask this House to get the job done NOES—223 as above recorded.
here today. Vote ‘‘no’’ on the motion to Adams Clyburn Fletcher The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
recommit and vote ‘‘yes’’ on this very Aguilar Cohen Foster question is on the passage of the bill.
good bill to help Americans in Puerto Allred Connolly Frankel Pursuant to clause 10 of rule XX, the
Axne Cooper Fudge
Rico. Barragán Correa Gallego
yeas and nays are ordered.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- Bass Costa Garamendi This is a 5-minute vote.
ance of my time. Beatty Courtney Garcı́a (IL) The vote was taken by electronic de-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Bera Craig Garcia (TX) vice, and there were—yeas 237, nays
Beyer Crist Golden
objection, the previous question is or- Bishop (GA) Crow Gomez 161, not voting 31, as follows:
dered on the motion to recommit. Blumenauer Cuellar Gonzalez (TX) [Roll No. 54]
There was no objection. Blunt Rochester Cunningham Gottheimer
YEAS—237
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bonamici Davids (KS) Green, Al (TX)
Boyle, Brendan Davis (CA) Grijalva Adams Bustos Costa
question is on the motion to recommit. F. Davis, Danny K. Haaland Aguilar Butterfield Courtney
The question was taken; and the Brindisi Dean Harder (CA) Allred Carbajal Craig
Speaker pro tempore announced that Brown (MD) DeFazio Hastings Amodei Cárdenas Crist
Brownley (CA) DeGette Hayes Axne Carson (IN) Crow
the noes appeared to have it. Bustos DeLauro Heck Barragán Cartwright Cuellar
RECORDED VOTE Butterfield DelBene Higgins (NY) Bass Case Cunningham
Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I demand Carbajal Delgado Himes Beatty Casten (IL) Davids (KS)
Cárdenas Demings Horn, Kendra S. Bera Castor (FL) Davis (CA)
a recorded vote. Carson (IN) DeSaulnier Horsford Beyer Castro (TX) Davis, Danny K.
A recorded vote was ordered. Cartwright Deutch Houlahan Bishop (GA) Chu, Judy Davis, Rodney
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Case Dingell Hoyer Bishop (UT) Cicilline Dean
ant to clause 9 of rule XX, this 5- Casten (IL) Doggett Huffman Blumenauer Cisneros DeFazio
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
Castor (FL) Doyle, Michael Jackson Lee Bonamici Clark (MA) DeGette
minute vote on the motion to recom- Castro (TX) F. Jayapal Boyle, Brendan Clarke (NY) DeLauro
mit will be followed by a 5-minute vote Chu, Judy Engel Jeffries F. Clay DelBene
on passage of the bill. Cicilline Escobar Johnson (GA) Brindisi Clyburn Delgado
The vote was taken by electronic de- Cisneros Eshoo Johnson (TX) Brooks (IN) Cohen Demings
Clark (MA) Espaillat Kaptur Brown (MD) Connolly DeSaulnier
vice, and there were—ayes 178, noes 223, Clarke (NY) Evans Keating Brownley (CA) Cooper Deutch
not voting 28, as follows: Clay Finkenauer Kelly (IL) Bucshon Correa Diaz-Balart
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H962 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 7, 2020
Dingell Lawrence Roybal-Allard Perry Sensenbrenner Upton PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Doggett Lawson (FL) Ruiz Ratcliffe Shimkus Wagner
Doyle, Michael Reschenthaler Simpson
Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I was un-
Lee (CA) Ruppersberger Walberg
F. Lee (NV) Rush Rice (SC) Smith (MO) Walden
avoidably detained. Had I been present, I
Engel Levin (CA) Ryan Riggleman Smith (NE) Walorski would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 52,
Escobar Levin (MI) Sarbanes Rodgers (WA) Smucker Watkins ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 53, and ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall
Eshoo Lieu, Ted Scanlon Roe, David P. Spano
Espaillat Lipinski Rogers (AL) Stauber
Weber (TX) No. 54.
Schakowsky Wenstrup
Evans Loebsack Schiff Rogers (KY) Steil
Westerman
f
Finkenauer Lowenthal Schneider Rooney (FL) Steube
Williams AUTHORIZING THE CLERK TO
Fitzpatrick Lowey Schrader Rose, John W. Stewart
Wittman
Fletcher Luján Schrier Rouzer Stivers
Womack
MAKE CORRECTIONS IN EN-
Foster Luria Scott (VA) Roy Taylor GROSSMENT OF H.R. 5687, EMER-
Frankel Lynch Rutherford Thompson (PA) Woodall
Scott, David Wright GENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPRO-
Fudge Malinowski Serrano Scalise Thornberry
Gallego Maloney, Shalala Schweikert Tipton Yoho PRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RE-
Garamendi Carolyn B. Scott, Austin Turner Zeldin LIEF AND PUERTO RICO DIS-
Sherman
Garcı́a (IL) Maloney, Sean
Garcia (TX) Matsui
Sherrill NOT VOTING—31 ASTER TAX RELIEF ACT, 2020
Sires
Golden McAdams
Slotkin
Bishop (NC) Kirkpatrick Reed Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I ask
Gomez McBath Blunt Rochester Kustoff (TN) Rice (NY) unanimous consent that, in the en-
Smith (NJ)
Gonzalez (TX) McCaul Budd LaMalfa Roby
Gottheimer McCollum
Smith (WA)
Byrne Lewis Sánchez
grossment of the bill, H.R. 5687, the
Soto Clerk be authorized to make technical
Green, Al (TX) McEachin Cleaver Lofgren Sewell (AL)
Spanberger
Grijalva McGovern
Speier
Cox (CA) Marchant Timmons corrections and conforming changes to
Haaland McNerney Crenshaw McHenry
Stanton Foxx (NC) Meadows
Walker the bill, including the change I have
Harder (CA) Meeks Webster (FL)
Hastings Meng Stefanik Gabbard Morelle placed at the desk.
Stevens Wilson (SC) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
Hayes Moore Gaetz Murphy (NC)
Suozzi
Heck Moulton
Swalwell (CA)
Hudson Norman Clerk will report the changes.
Higgins (NY) Mucarsel-Powell The Clerk read as follows:
Himes Murphy (FL) Takano b 1212
Horn, Kendra S. Nadler Thompson (CA) Page 27, line 25, strike ‘‘Recovery Act’’ and
Thompson (MS) Mr. MCCLINTOCK changed his vote all that follows through ‘‘U.S.C. 5122)’’ on
Horsford Napolitano
Houlahan Neal Titus from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ page 28, line 1, and insert ‘‘Emergency As-
Hoyer Neguse Tlaib So the bill was passed. sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)’’.
Huffman Norcross Tonko The result of the vote was announced
Hurd (TX) O’Halleran Torres (CA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
Torres Small
as above recorded. objection to the request of the gentle-
Jackson Lee Ocasio-Cortez A motion to reconsider was laid on
Jayapal Omar (NM) woman from New York?
Jeffries Pallone Trahan the table. There was no objection.
Johnson (GA) Panetta Trone Stated for:
Johnson (TX) Pappas Underwood Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I was f
Van Drew
Kaptur Pascrell
Vargas
unavoidably detained and missed the vote. b 1215
Katko Payne
Veasey Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’
Keating Perlmutter PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Kelly (IL) Peters Vela on rollcall No. 54.
Kennedy Peterson Velázquez PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. SCHRADER. Mr. Speaker, last
Khanna Phillips Visclosky night during Roll Call No. 51, I was in-
Kildee Pingree Waltz Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I was
Wasserman absent today due to a medical emergency. advertently recorded as voting ‘‘no’’ on
Kilmer Pocan
Kim Porter Schultz Had I been present, I would have voted: ‘‘yea’’ H. Res. 826, Expressing Disapproval of
Kind Posey Waters on rollcall No. 52, ‘‘no’’ on rollcall No. 53, and the Trump Administration’s Actions
King (NY) Pressley Watson Coleman Towards Medicaid, when it was my in-
Krishnamoorthi Price (NC) Welch ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 54.
Wexton PERSONAL EXPLANATION
tention to vote ‘‘yes.’’ I respectfully re-
Kuster (NH) Quigley
Lamb Raskin Wild Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, on Feb- quest this be officially reflected in the
Langevin Richmond Wilson (FL)
ruary 7, I was unavoidably absent. Had I been RECORD, and ask my full written state-
Larsen (WA) Rose (NY) Yarmuth ment be entered in the RECORD as well.
Larson (CT) Rouda Young present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall
No. 52, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 53, and ‘‘yea’’ on Madam Speaker, last night during a long se-
NAYS—161 rollcall No. 54. ries of votes, I was inadvertently recorded as
voting ‘‘no’’ when it was my intention to vote
Abraham DesJarlais Johnson (LA) PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Aderholt Duncan Johnson (OH)
‘‘yes’’ on rollcall No. 51. H. Res. 826, a resolu-
Mr. MORELLE. Madam Speaker, I regret-
Allen Dunn Johnson (SD) tion ‘‘Expressing disapproval of the Trump Ad-
tably missed rollcall votes 38 through 54 on
Amash Emmer Jordan ministration’s harmful actions towards Med-
Armstrong Estes Joyce (OH) February 6th and 7th of 2020. Had I been
icaid.’’ I rise today to correct the record and
Arrington Ferguson Joyce (PA) present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall
Babin Fleischmann Keller make it clear to my constituents and col-
No. 38, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 39, ‘‘yea’’ on roll-
Bacon Flores Kelly (MS) leagues that I unequivocally oppose the
call No. 40, ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall No. 41, ‘‘no’’ on
Baird Fortenberry Kelly (PA) Trump Administration’s proposal to block grant
Balderson Fulcher King (IA) rollcall No. 42, ‘‘no’’ on rollcall No. 43, ‘‘aye’’
Medicaid and gutting a critically important
Banks Gallagher Kinzinger on rollcall No. 44, ‘‘no’’ on rollcall No. 45, ‘‘no’’
Barr Gianforte LaHood piece of the Affordable Care Act.
Bergman Gibbs Lamborn
on rollcall No. 46, ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall No. 47, The Trump Administration’s proposal which
Biggs Gohmert Latta ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall No. 48, ‘‘no’’ on rollcall No. will cap federal funding and cut coverage and
Bilirakis Gonzalez (OH) Lesko 49, ‘‘yea on rollcall No. 50, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall benefits, is exactly the opposite of what I’ve
Bost Gooden Long No. 51, ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall No. 52, ‘‘no’’ on roll-
Brady Gosar Loudermilk championed during my time in congress. The
Brooks (AL) Granger Lucas call No. 53, and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 54. proposal will harm low-income parents and
Buchanan Graves (GA) Luetkemeyer PERSONAL EXPLANATION children, people with disabilities, and many
Buck Graves (LA) Marshall Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, I had to miss
Burchett Graves (MO) Massie
older Americans. It would make it more dif-
Burgess Green (TN) Mast
votes today because I am attending an event ficult for states to finance their Medicaid pro-
Calvert Griffith McCarthy in Charlotte, NC, with the President of the grams which would ultimately and inevitably
Carter (GA) Grothman McClintock United States. Had I been present, I would lead to reductions in benefits for our most vul-
Carter (TX) Guest McKinley have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 52 (Shalala
Chabot Guthrie Meuser nerable citizens.
Cheney Hagedorn Miller amendment), ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 53 (Motion The administration’s proposal also turns its
Cline Harris Mitchell to recommit), and ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 54 back on the commitment Congress and the
Cloud Hartzler Moolenaar (H.R. 5687). federal government made to states to cover
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
Cole Hern, Kevin Mooney (WV)
Collins (GA) Herrera Beutler Mullin
PERSONAL EXPLANATION 90 percent of the cost of Medicaid if those
Comer Hice (GA) Newhouse Miss RICE of New York. Madam Speaker, I states agreed to expanding the program. As a
Conaway Higgins (LA) Nunes was necessarily absent from votes on Friday, steadfast supporter and defender of the Af-
Cook Hill (AR) Olson February 7, 2020. Had I been present, I would fordable Care Act, it is undeniable that the ex-
Crawford Holding Palazzo
Curtis Hollingsworth Palmer have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 52, ‘‘nay’’ on pansion of Medicaid under that law has pro-
Davidson (OH) Huizenga Pence rollcall No. 53, and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 54. vided us the greatest opportunity to provide
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