Congressional Record, House, March 8, 2021 — Bloody Sunday Anniversary and Executive Orders
Summary
This is H1103 of the Congressional Record, House, March 8, 2021, with interleaved columns of Special Order remarks marking the 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Mr. Payne and Ms. Jackson Lee, honor Congressman John Lewis and speak about the need to pass H.R. 1 and H.R. 4 and protect voting rights. A new Representative from Georgia's Fifth Congressional District says she will not let the trauma suffered on March 7, 1965, be in vain. Mr. Comer speaks about the executive orders issued since President Biden took office, with the views attributed to the speakers.
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“Congressional Record, House, March 8, 2021 — Bloody Sunday Anniversary and Executive Orders.”
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March 8, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1103
Mr. Speaker, I have been watching representing Georgia’s Fifth Congres- However, it is bittersweet that he is not here
the presentation. It is so heart- sional District in the seat that was to witness the country he loved, the country
warming, but I did not want to miss held by Congressman John Lewis for he had such high hopes for still making it
the chance to say thank you to all of over 30 years. harder—not easier—for people to vote.
you for this commemoration of this Mr. Speaker, Congressman John But as the first Black woman to represent
56th anniversary. For so many of us Lewis already laid the blueprint for us. Georgia’s 5th District, a seat formally held by
who have gone there many times over, We are here as the Congressional Black Congressman Lewis and Ambassador Andrew
it is a hole in our heart not to be able Caucus to honor him 56 years after Young, I came to Congress to assure my con-
to be there for our precious John Bloody Sunday. We have an obligation stituents and the American people I will not let
Lewis, who gave us so much. to get in good trouble and continue the trauma suffered on March 7, 1965 or bat-
In the next couple of days, we are Congressman Lewis’ legacy. tles fought for the sake for voting rights since
going to be talking about justice, jobs, As Congressman Lewis told us, when then be in vain. The spirit of Congressman
healthcare, and all the things that he we see something that is not right, Lewis lives in all of us and we will protect his
stood for. And we are going to pass when we see something that is not fair, legacy. With our power, our message.
H.R. 1 and H.R. 4 and have the John when we see something that is not just, Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, in the
Lewis language become law. we have an obligation to speak up, to weeks since President Biden took of-
Mr. Speaker, I, again, thank the Con- stand up, to find a way to get in the fice, we have seen a dramatic reversal
gressional Black Caucus. way. As we continue the work for the from the America First policies that
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I people on this floor, we will do that in we saw under President Trump.
yield back the balance of my time. the legacy of John Robert Lewis. Thus, Mr. Speaker, after 4 years of policies
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay our power, that is our message. that empowered middle-class Ameri-
tribute to Congressman John Lewis on the Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the 56th an- cans to prosper, the working class is
56th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday March. niversary of Bloody Sunday, the day my now getting the shaft under Joe Biden.
Congressman Lewis spent more than 30 friend, mentor and predecessor, the late Con- And it is all happening through heavy-
years in Congress, marched with Dr. Martin gressman John Lewis and hundreds of dem- handed executive orders, not through
Luther King, Jr., and fought for racial equality onstrators nearly lost their lives attempting to legislation that reflects the voice of
across the country during his storied and his- peacefully cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the people’s representatives.
toric life. The civil rights icon died on July 17, the interest of voting rights. On day one, he acted recklessly to
2020, after a tragic fight with cancer. The images of Black men, women being
cancel the Keystone Pipeline, which
It was a devastating loss for me and our en- brutally beaten by police officers wielding billy
provided thousands of good-paying en-
tire country. Congressman Lewis was such a clubs and tear gas are still haunting. The vio-
ergy jobs to the American people.
great fighter for the right thing in our nation. lence sent many of the activists to the hospital
From there, it was only worse.
With his passing, I lost one of my fathers on because of the extent of their injuries. Con-
Rejoining the Paris climate agree-
the floor of the House. He was a colleague of gressman Lewis often remarked that he ‘‘shed
ment, reentering the communist-com-
my father, Congressman Donald M. Payne, a little blood’’ on that bridge that day, when his
promised World Health Organization,
Sr. and one of the men who inspired me to skull was crack by state troopers—people who
and reducing security on our southern
run for office. I was in awe of how he could were supposed to protect and serve. Why?
border were all executive actions that
convey such power and strength with a gentle Because, people who look like him, look like
will make America less safe and pros-
demeanor. His passion and love for his coun- me, wanted the right to vote, the right to have
perous. The President’s radical pro-
try and people brought out a ferociousness in a voice in our democracy.
Bloody Sunday is still one of the darkest posal to grant amnesty to 11 million il-
such a mild-mannered man. He didn’t just
days in our nation’s history, but we commemo- legal immigrants, while 11 million
speak for civil rights, he stood up against
rate it because the courage and the violence Americans are unemployed, is the defi-
abuse and suffered for it to make this country
Congressman Lewis and the over 600 march- nition of putting Americans last.
better for all Americans.
I learned so much from him and his leader- ers endured put the atrocities of this nation As it relates to immigration, this ad-
ship was evident in hundreds of actions in and centerstage for the world to see and served as ministration’s reckless policies know
out of the U.S. House of Representatives. One a catalyst for the Voting Rights Act being no bounds. Due to President Biden’s
of my greatest honors happened when we signed into law. loosening of security on our southern
held a ‘sit-in’ on the floor of the House in 2016 More than five decades later, after that hor- border, we are sending a message to the
to try and get a vote on gun control legislation rific display of intimidation and overt suppres- world that our immigration laws can
after 49 people died during a shooting at a sion and signing of the VRA, we are still fight- be violated without consequence.
nightclub in Orlando, FL. It was his drive and ing for voting rights for communities of color. Stopping construction of the wall
dedication that inspired me and so many of It is shameful, that the same frustrations our and weakening enforcement, especially
my colleagues to join him that day. There ancestors felt—being denied at the ballot box during a pandemic, is a huge national
were so many situations like that I could men- for failing a literacy test, having to travel far security and health risk to the Amer-
tion. Congressman Lewis always said it was distances to vote only to be told they were at ican people. The Biden administration,
important to ‘get into good trouble’ and those the wrong polling location, having to pay a poll specifically the Department of Home-
words have inspired me to this day. He was tax just to vote—are the same frustrations with land Security, must answer questions
a hero, a mentor, a leader, and a great, great our democratic process that people of color the Committee on Oversight and Re-
friend. are experiencing today. These tactics are form has asked about how they plan to
once again rearing their ugly head and it is keep the American people safe as they
f
disheartening that some of the same forces incentivize illegal immigration.
BIDEN’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND are trying to impose barriers to the ballot box Rather than focus on the unity out-
IMMIGRATION POLICIES using old tactics, new tricks. lined in his inaugural speech, President
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under In Georgia, legislators just passed a bill that Biden has issued divisive executive or-
the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- restricts access to absentee ballots, restricts ders and hurt the safety of the Amer-
uary 4, 2021, the gentleman from Ken- ballot dropbox locations and early voting ican people.
tucky (Mr. COMER) is recognized until hours. We saw in the 2020 election how poll Mr. Speaker, it is time for this Presi-
10 p.m. as the designee of the minority closures created long lines in Georgia. And, dent to work in a bipartisan way to
leader. now, to add insult to injury, Georgia law- take his duties seriously and enforce
Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I yield to makers are proposing making it a crime to our immigration laws. It is also long
the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. give people food and water while they stand past time to reopen schools and get
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WILLIAMS), my colleague. hours in line to vote—food and water! It is Americans back to work. These are the
COMMEMORATING 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY shameful and inhumane. things the American people expect us
SUNDAY There is not a day that goes by that I don’t to be working on, not engaging in ex-
Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. think about Congressman Lewis. We all miss cessive partisanship.
Speaker, I am here tonight as a daugh- him dearly. This year, the Bloody Sunday Ju- If we continue to see an approach to
ter of Alabama, as the Congresswoman bilee weekend was not the same without him. governing focused on pandering to our
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H1104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 8, 2021
far-left base rather than putting Amer- struggling, why is helping politicians, Kitchen for the outsized role they have
ica first, American jobs, national secu- like herself, Speaker PELOSI’s top pri- played in helping the city of Paducah
rity, and energy independence will suf- ority? weather some of our storms of this past
fer greatly. Whenever Washington gets involved, year.
CONGRATULATING GRAVES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL chaos and dysfunction follow closely This Christ-centered nonprofit pro-
JROTC behind. If somehow signed into law, vides crucial services, like free meals
Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to H.R. 1 will follow in that familiar pat- and housing, along with laundry and
congratulate the Graves County High tern. shower services. Their efforts to care
School JROTC for their first-place fin- Mr. Speaker, 2020 brought to light se- for the needy have been instrumental
ish in the All-Service Raider National rious concerns with our election sys- in helping individuals and families fac-
tem. We saw dramatic delays, uncer- ing hardships. In 2020 alone, they dra-
Competition, Co-Ed Division, in
tainty, and chaos from policies like matically increased the number of
Molena, Georgia.
universal mail-in voting and allowing meals served daily, a critical need due
The cadets, led by Lieutenant Jason
votes to be counted for days after the to the economic fallout from the
Caldwell, competed against 12 other
election—and in the case of New York, COVID pandemic.
schools, including military prep weeks and months after the election.
schools, in various physical activities. The Paducah Community Kitchen
These concerns are real and present would not be what it is without the
They should be proud of this out- the need for fundamental reforms, but
standing achievement. caring and dedicated volunteers who
these reforms should be addressed by
Over the summer, many competitions spend a significant amount of time
States, not Congress. And they should
were canceled due to COVID–19, leaving serving their community. These hum-
be the exact opposite of the disastrous
each cadet to train individually to pre- ble volunteers share love and compas-
H.R. 1.
pare for the competition. This victory Mr. Speaker, this legislation sanc- sion by lending a helping hand to their
is a testament to the hard work and tions the very practices that created friends and neighbors. The Paducah
dedication of each of these students chaos and uncertainty in the 2020 elec- Community Kitchen’s volunteers, spon-
under unusual circumstances. tion and sowed widespread voter dis- sors, and donors should be commended
Graves County was very well-rep- trust. Banning voter ID laws and tak- for all they have done to support their
resented by this talented group. The ing other actions to prevent States friends and neighbors.
Junior ROTC program at Graves Coun- from promoting a safe and secure elec- Mr. Speaker, on behalf of everyone in
ty High School cultivates leadership tion is a massive Washington power Kentucky’s First Congressional Dis-
and service skills in its cadets that will grab. trict, I want to thank them for all of
benefit their local community, the The legislation allows absentee bal- their compassionate work to help so
First District of Kentucky, and our Na- lots to come in up to 10 days—10 days— many families in need.
tion for many years to come. after the election date. Does anyone in ANTI-GUN CONTROL
Once again, congratulations to the this body think that is a good idea? Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I want to
Graves County High School Junior Mr. Speaker, I would invite anyone talk about something very important
ROTC for their victory in this very in America to come to my home com- to the people of Kentucky, and that is
prestigious competition. munity of Monroe County, Kentucky, the Second Amendment.
HONORING ALLEN COUNTY JAILER LARRY PIPER
and come down on election night in With President Biden taking office,
2022—the primary election because it is there are renewed concerns with the
Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to
a pretty Republican county, 91 percent safety of Second Amendment rights of
honor my good friend and a political
Republican, to be exact. I would invite law-abiding citizens and Americans.
powerhouse, Larry Piper, of Allen anyone to come to my community on Given his longtime record of pushing
County, Kentucky, who recently re- election day when all the people who extreme gun control measures through
tired after serving as Allen County jail- voted in person, which would be about Congress, and given his stated intent
er since 2007. At the end of January, 95 percent of the voters, voted. Let’s to enact those very policies, my con-
Larry stepped aside after faithfully say a magistrate, a constable, or a jail- stituents have every right to be con-
serving his community for years in this er candidate gets the most votes on cerned.
important role. that primary election day. Then, 10 This is especially true given that
During his time in public office, days later, a wad of absentees comes in House Democrats are putting bills on
Larry was known for always per- the mail to the clerk, and lo and be- the floor this week that are the first
forming his duties well, treating every- hold, that person loses. step in rolling back our basic constitu-
one with respect, and doing what was I would invite anyone in America to tional rights. These proposals come in
asked of him. These traits are the hall- come tell that magistrate candidate, addition to the bills which implement
mark of a good and honest public serv- constable candidate, or jailer can- new registration requirements for fire-
ant and describe Larry to a tee. didate, ‘‘I am sorry. I know you won on arms and ammunition, and disallow
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my election day, but 10 days later, these adults under 21 from owning firearms.
friend, Larry Piper, on a successful ca- ballots came in and you lost.’’ So you can join the United States
reer, and I wish him and his wife, Pa- That is what H.R. 1 would do. It
military and fight, and even die on the
tricia, the very best in a well-earned makes no sense. This bill is nothing
battlefield when you are 18, but you
retirement. but a Democrat attempt to consolidate
can’t own firearms until you are 21. Se-
ELECTION SYSTEM CONCERNS power. It places Washington in control
riously?
Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I want to of elections and enables voter fraud.
These radical proposals coming from
talk a little bit about H.R. 1, which And like every other priority bill we
the Democrat majority infringe on the
passed the House of Representatives have seen from this body, it is a dis-
basic rights and privacy of gun owners,
last week. grace for the taxpayers.
Mr. Speaker, I proudly voted against and should be stopped in their tracks.
Speaker PELOSI and the Democrats Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose these
H.R. 1, as did every Republican in this
made clear what their top priority in body. Let’s hope, when that bill makes measures, which are extremely radical
this new Congress would be: a swamp its way to the Senate, that there are and the opposite of what Kentuckians
takeover of America’s elections. some Senators with some common sent me to Congress to do. Instead, I
At its heart, this radical legislation sense on the Democrat side, like JOE will continue to work to support and
is a massive Federal takeover that en- MANCHIN, who will stand up for not just promote legislation that upholds the
ables ballot harvesting, requires mass the American taxpayer but the Amer- fundamental rights found in the Sec-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
mail-in voting, and uses taxpayer ican citizen and reject H.R. 1. ond Amendment.
money to fund political campaigns. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of
This bill, mistakenly named the ‘‘For b 2130 the law-abiding gun owners in Ken-
the People Act,’’ is targeted toward HONORING PADUCAH COMMUNITY KITCHEN tucky, whose continued advocacy
helping politicians, not the people. At Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise makes a real difference in the fight
a time when the American people are today to honor Paducah Community against gun control.
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March 8, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1105
RECOGNIZING SARAH BRIDGES manner. And $1 trillion of that $4 tril- in the House Oversight Committee
Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to lion we have already appropriated is where California Governor Gavin
recognize Sarah Bridges of Reidland, unspent. That is why I introduced a Newsom was bragging about his $10 bil-
Kentucky, a Marshal County High resolution with Budget Committee lion budget surplus. But you want to
School student who is using her talent Ranking Member JASON SMITH requir- send more money to California.
at sewing to provide swaddling blan- ing President Biden to provide this My home State of Kentucky saw a
kets for infants at the ICU. body with information about the $1 higher tax revenue during the pan-
According to recent reporting from trillion in unspent funds. demic months of 2020 than they did
the Paducah Sun, Sarah has been busy Congress should have the informa- during the same period of 2019. That is
crafting swaddling blankets for Baptist tion before we spend more taxpayer because we had a strong economy. If
Health Paducah’s neonatal intensive money. The American people must you take COVID away, it was the
care unit. She rose to this challenge have transparency and accountability strongest economy in my lifetime. The
and produced over 20 blankets in the for how their money is spent. biggest impediment to the economy
last 2 months, which are used by nurses People find that hard to believe, that over the past year has been mayors and
at Baptist Health Paducah to meet the 25 percent of the last COVID relief bill governors who have locked their cities
comfort needs of local infants. hasn’t been spent, and we don’t have a and States down.
Sarah’s drive to use her talents to fill full accounting of where that money is, The truth is, Congress has already
a vital need reflect her high character where the unspent funds are, where it provided States with funding for
and desire to positively impact her is going, why it hasn’t been spent. COVID expenses through the CARES
community and region. Given her ex- But we are going to appropriate an- Act. Now we must look out for our tax-
tensive track record of community other $2 trillion? payers. This includes our senior citi-
service and school involvement, it is no We are not. You all are. Two trillion zens. Instead of helping our citizens
surprise that she is now giving back in dollars more of deficit spending. who are most vulnerable to the virus,
this admirable way. Transparency and responsibility
Biden’s bailout bill smacks Kentucky
On behalf of the entire First Congres- weren’t on the minds of the House last
seniors with a $6.4 billion Medicare cut
sional District of Kentucky, I thank week when the Democrats passed in a
over the next 10 years. That is not an
Sarah Bridges for this outstanding and partisan manner $2 trillion additional
America-first proposal.
caring project she has taken on. deficit spending.
This is not responsible governing, es- Before Democrats even attempt to
HONORING OCIE KEY ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
pecially in light of concerns from spend another dime of taxpayer dollars,
Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Congress needs to act to prevent gov-
today to honor Mrs. Ocie Key of the economists that the Democrats’ mas-
sive spending bill most likely will ernment waste, fraud, and abuse; and
First District of Kentucky, who is
cause an economic crash. It is defi- we need to refocus our attention on ac-
turning 100 years old on March 18.
Mrs. Key was born in Burkesville, nitely causing inflation. tually helping the American people.
If you have gone to fill up gas, if you I hope to see the United States Sen-
Kentucky, and continues to reside in
have gone to Lowe’s or Home Depot or ate exercise the due diligence that tax-
Cumberland County.
In 1939, Mrs. Key married Paul, and anywhere for home improvements, or if payers deserve, and that the House did
together they have three daughters, six you tried to buy any commodities, you not provide, in only passing funding
grandchildren, and five great-grand- have gone to refinance your house, you that is targeted directly to the pan-
children. are starting to see inflation. demic.
She is a lover of quilting, sewing, and And with the $2 trillion in that fund, HONORING VETERAN THOMAS BRUZAN
basket-making, and enjoys spending along with the $1 trillion that still Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise
time with family and friends. hasn’t been spent, you are going to cre- today to celebrate the life and legacy
Mrs. Key is a woman of faith and a ate the kind of inflation that I studied of Thomas Bruzan, who passed away in
member of the Christian Chapel Church about in the 1970s. December at his home in Cadiz, Ken-
of Christ in Burkesville, Kentucky. She This bill wasn’t about relief for tucky, at the age of 71, after a lifetime
is also the queen of the Cumberland Americans. I have supported targeted of service to his country.
County Red Hat Society and has been a relief, including the direct stimulus Tom was a decorated Marine Corps
member of the Cumberland County checks supported by President Trump. veteran, who received a Purple Heart
Homemakers for over 50 years. I voted for the $2,000. I was one of the for his service in Operation Meade dur-
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rep- few Republicans that voted for the ing the Vietnam war. After his mili-
resent Mrs. Ocie Key, and I join with $2,000 in direct stimulus to the individ- tary service, Tom assisted combat vet-
everyone in Cumberland County and uals who qualified economically. That erans as a volunteer at Pennyroyal
throughout the Commonwealth in is called targeted relief. Veterans Center in Christian County.
wishing her a very happy 100th birth- I also support funding to help with Tom was also a member of the Amer-
day. vaccine distribution and actually win ican Legion and a charitable giver to
NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY IN SPENDING the fight against COVID–19, but only 9 Nonnie’s Place, a nonprofit in Lyon
Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I would percent of NANCY PELOSI’s and Joe County, Kentucky, which supports
like to talk about transparency in gov- Biden’s so-called relief bill went to- women and mothers going through
ernment spending. That is one of the ward fighting COVID, and less than 1 hard times.
main objectives of the House Oversight percent went towards vaccines. In- Mr. Speaker, I join Tom’s family,
and Reform Committee. Not only do we stead, the focus was on satisfying the friends, and all impacted by his sac-
ensure the prevention of waste, fraud, far left political agenda. rifice, in celebrating his life of devoted
abuse, and mismanagement in govern- This relief measure inserted unre- service to our country and the First
ment, we also want and expect govern- lated pork projects in NANCY PELOSI’s Congressional District of Kentucky.
ment transparency, just like the people backyard and bailed out blue States, Tom was a true American patriot, and
who send us here to be their voice in which chose lockdowns over recovery. his bravery and kindness will not be
Washington. In other words, that COVID bill re- forgotten.
There is no greater disgrace to the warded the States that kept their
taxpayers than the nearly $28 trillion b 2145
economies locked down, the States
in debt we are facing as a nation. But that have the highest unemployment EARMARKS
instead of taking this burden we are rate, and they got rewarded with this Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I want to
leaving to our children and grand- blue State bailout bill. conclude my remarks with mentioning
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
children seriously, Democrats are bar- The no-strings attached, $350 billion an issue that will be debated by my
reling through a partisan $2 trillion in State bailout money comes at a colleagues over the next few days.
package through Congress, $2 trillion time when, collectively, State revenues I want to make clear to the people I
of deficit spending. have hardly budged. represent, not just in the First Con-
Congress has already spent $4 trillion For example, California has a $15 bil- gressional District but the entire State
to fight the coronavirus in a bipartisan lion budget surplus. We played a video of Kentucky and America, for that
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H1106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 8, 2021
matter, where I stand on this issue, and PUBLICATION OF COMMITTEE any measure or matter which the Chair de-
that is the issue of earmarks and RULES termines to be of an emergency nature; pro-
vided, however, that the Chair has made an
whether or not to end the ban on con- RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES FOR THE effort to consult the ranking minority mem-
gressional earmarks. 117TH CONGRESS ber, or, in such member’s absence, the next
I am opposed to that for many rea- COMMITTEE ON RULES, ranking minority party member of the Com-
sons. First of all, I have learned this HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, mittee.
Washington, DC, March 8, 2021. (2) As soon as possible after calling an
over the 4 years I have served in Con- Hon. NANCY PELOSI, emergency meeting of the Committee, the
gress: Congress is not a democratic Speaker of the House, Chair shall notify each member of the Com-
place, especially when it comes to Washington, DC. mittee of the time and location of the meet-
money. We are going to have a debate— DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to clause ing.
and it is going to be in the press— 2(a)(2) of rule XI, the Committee on Rules’ (3) To the extent feasible, the notice pro-
rules of procedure for the 117th Congress are vided under paragraph (2) shall include the
about whether or not to bring back transmitted herewith. They were adopted on agenda for the emergency meeting and cop-
earmarks. January 12, 2021 by a nonrecord vote and ies of available materials which would other-
But, in fact, there have always been amended on February 2, 2021 by a nonrecord wise have been provided under subsection (b)
vote. if the emergency meeting was a regular
earmarks. This last COVID bill had Sincerely,
earmarks in there for Speaker PELOSI. meeting.
JAMES P. MCGOVERN,
The CARES Act had earmarks for leg- SPECIAL MEETINGS
Chairman,
islative leaders on both sides, Demo- House Committee on Rules. (d) Special meetings shall be called and
crats and Republicans. RULE 1.—GENERAL PROVISIONS convened as provided in clause 2(c)(2) of rule
XI of the Rules of the House.
Bringing back earmarks will only (a) The Rules of the House are the rules of
the Committee and its subcommittees so far RULE 3.—MEETING AND HEARING PROCEDURES
give certain people the ability to spend as applicable, except that a motion to recess IN GENERAL
more money at the expense of a major- from day to day, and a motion to dispense (a)(1) Meetings and hearings of the Com-
ity of Members, and I can’t believe that with the first reading (in full) of a bill or res- mittee shall be called to order and presided
Republicans would put a whole lot of olution, if printed copies are available, are over by the Chair or, in the Chair’s absence,
consideration into supporting the non-debatable privileged motions in the by the member designated by the Chair as
Committee. A proposed investigative or
bringing back of congressional ear- the Vice Chair of the Committee, or by the
oversight report shall be considered as read ranking majority member of the Committee
marks. if it has been available to the members of the present as Acting Chair.
Another reason why I oppose ear- Committee for at least 24 hours (excluding (2) Meetings and hearings of the Com-
marks is common sense. We have to get Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays except
mittee shall be open to the public unless
when the House is in session on such day).
serious about deficit spending. We are (b) Each subcommittee is a part of the
closed in accordance with clause 2(g) of rule
$28 trillion in Federal debt. Committee, and is subject to the authority XI of the Rules of the House of Representa-
and direction of the Committee and to its tives.
Congress has to set the example. And (3) Any meeting or hearing of the Com-
rules so far as applicable.
the example is standing up and saying (c) The provisions of clause 2 of rule XI of mittee that is open to the public shall be
that we are going to do more earmarks, the Rules of the House are incorporated by open to coverage by television, radio, and
bring earmarks back, bring back pork? reference as the rules of the Committee to still photography in accordance with the
the extent applicable. provisions of clause 4 of rule XI of the Rules
More pork? (d) The Committee’s rules shall be pub- of the House (which are incorporated by ref-
That is a terrible example, and some- lished in the Congressional Record not later erence as part of these rules).
than 30 days after the Committee is elected (4) Before a motion to report a rule is of-
body has to stand up for the American
in each odd-numbered year. fered, a copy of the language recommended
taxpayer. Somebody has to stand up shall be furnished to each member of the
RULE 2.—REGULAR, ADDITIONAL, AND SPECIAL
for the children and grandchildren who MEETINGS Committee.
are going to inherit this $28 trillion in REGULAR MEETINGS QUORUM
debt, and I want to stand up for those (a)(1) The Committee shall regularly meet (b)(1) For the purpose of hearing testimony
people and oppose earmarks. at 5:00 p.m. on the first day on which votes on requests for rules, five members of the
Lastly, as the top Republican on the are scheduled of each week when the House Committee shall constitute a quorum.
is in session. (2) For the purpose of taking testimony
House Oversight and Reform Com- (2) A regular meeting of the Committee and receiving evidence on measures or mat-
mittee, one thing I have studied in may be dispensed with if, in the judgment of ters of original jurisdiction before the Com-
oversight, not just in Congress, but in the Chair, there is no need for the meeting. mittee, three members of the Committee
my time in the Kentucky General As- (3) Additional regular meetings and hear- shall constitute a quorum.
sembly and in my study of history and ings of the Committee may be called by the (3) A majority of the members of the Com-
Chair. mittee shall constitute a quorum for the pur-
American politics, is that there is al-
ways a direct correlation between ear- NOTICE FOR REGULAR MEETINGS poses of: reporting any measure or matter;
(b) The Chair shall notify in electronic or authorizing a subpoena; closing a meeting or
marks and corruption. written form each member of the Committee hearing pursuant to clause 2(g) of rule XI of
I said that to some Members, and of the agenda of each regular meeting of the the Rules of the House (except as provided in
they said: Oh, no, my earmarks won’t Committee at least 48 hours before the time clause 2(g)(2)(A) and (B)); or taking any
of the meeting and shall provide to each other action.
be corrupt, they are going to go to
member of the Committee, at least 24 hours VOTING
building projects. before the time of each regular meeting:
(1) for each bill or resolution scheduled on (c)(1) No vote may be conducted on any
The corruption is seldom with the measure or motion pending before the Com-
municipalities. The corruption is with the agenda for consideration of a rule, a copy
of— mittee unless a majority of the members of
the contractors and the subcontractors (A) the text of the bill or resolution; the Committee is actually present for such
in the pork projects. There is usually a (B) the text of any committee reports purpose.
direct correlation between earmarks thereon; and (2) A record vote of the Committee shall be
(C) any available letter requesting a rule provided on any question before the Com-
and campaign contributions.
for the bill or resolution; and mittee upon the request of any member.
At a time when we have got too (2) for each other bill, resolution, report, or (3) No vote by any member of the Com-
many special interests with their paws other matter on the agenda a copy of— mittee on any measure or matter may be
in the pot in Washington, bringing (A) the bill, resolution, report, or mate- cast by proxy.
rials relating to the other matter in ques- (4) A record of the vote of each member of
back earmarks is a bad idea. tion; and
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
the Committee on each record vote on any
I want everyone in Kentucky to (B) any report on the bill, resolution, re- measure or matter before the Committee
know exactly where I stand on that port, or any other matter made by any sub- shall be made publicly available in elec-
committee of the Committee. tronic form within 48 hours, and with respect
issue.
EMERGENCY MEETINGS to any record vote on any motion to amend
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance (c)(1) The Chair may call an emergency or report, shall be included in the report of
of my time. meeting of the Committee at any time on the Committee showing the total number of
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