Congressional Record — House, April 6, 2022
Summary
This is H4229 of the Congressional Record, House, April 6, 2022, with interleaved columns that begin with the end of a roll call listing and then turn to debate on H. Res. 1033. Mr. Morelle states that the resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3807, the Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022, under a closed rule, and says the Restaurant Revitalization Fund in the American Rescue Plan provided $28.6 billion. He says the bill provides $42 billion to replenish the fund and $13 billion for a new award program for hard hit industries. A Republican speaker says the bill appropriates an additional $55 billion without being paid for, with the claims attributed to the speakers.
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“Congressional Record — House, April 6, 2022.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2022-04-06-crec-2022-04-06-pt1-pgh4229-2-f97222c8cf/
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April 6, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4229
O’Halleran Sánchez Takano b 1542 equally divided and controlled by the chair
Ocasio-Cortez Sarbanes Thompson (CA) and ranking minority member of the Com-
Omar Scanlon Thompson (MS) So the resolution was agreed to. mittee on Small Business or their respective
Pallone Schakowsky Titus The result of the vote was announced
Panetta Schiff
designees; and (2) one motion to recommit.
Tlaib as above recorded.
Pappas Schneider Tonko The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
Pascrell Schrader Torres (CA)
A motion to reconsider was laid on tleman from New York is recognized
Payne Schrier Torres (NY) the table. for 1 hour.
Perlmutter Scott (VA) Trahan Stated for:
Peters Scott, David Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, for the
Trone Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I was in a Hel-
Phillips Sewell
Underwood
purpose of debate only, I yield the cus-
Pingree Sherman
Vargas
sinki Commission hearing. Had I been tomary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman
Pocan Sherrill present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall
Porter Sires Veasey from Minnesota (Mrs. FISCHBACH), my
Pressley Slotkin Velázquez No. 117. colleague and friend, pending which I
Price (NC) Smith (WA) Wasserman Stated against: yield myself such time as I may con-
Schultz
Quigley Soto
Waters
Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I was un- sume. During consideration of this res-
Raskin Spanberger avoidably detained in a committee hearing and
Rice (NY) Speier Watson Coleman olution, all time yielded is for the pur-
Ross Stansbury Welch missed the final vote in the series. Had I been pose of debate only.
Roybal-Allard Stanton Wexton present, I would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall GENERAL LEAVE
Ruiz Stevens Wild No. 117.
Ruppersberger Strickland Williams (GA) Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask
Rush Suozzi Wilson (FL) Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was not re- unanimous consent that all Members
Ryan Swalwell Yarmuth corded for roll call vote 117. Had I been be given 5 legislative days to revise and
present, I would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall extend their remarks.
NAYS—200
No. 117. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
Aderholt Gimenez Miller-Meeks objection to the request of the gen-
MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE
Amodei Gohmert Moolenaar
Armstrong Gonzales, Tony Mooney RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS tleman from New York?
Arrington Gonzalez (OH) Moore (AL) Bass (Beyer) Gomez (Soto) Owens (Tenney) There was no objection.
Babin Good (VA) Moore (UT) Bowman (Evans) Grijalva Payne (Pallone) Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, this
Bacon Gooden (TX) Mullin Cárdenas (Soto) (Stanton) Peters (Jeffries) morning the Rules Committee met and
Baird Gosar Murphy (NC) Castro (TX) Harder (CA) Porter (Wexton)
Balderson Granger Nehls (Correa) (Correa) Price (NC)
reported a rule, House Resolution 1033,
Banks Graves (LA) Newhouse Cawthorn (Gaetz) Huffman (Butterfield) providing for consideration of H.R.
Barr Graves (MO) Norman Clark (MA) (Stanton) Roybal-Allard 3807, the Relief for Restaurants and
Bentz Green (TN) Obernolte (Blunt Johnson (TX) (Pallone) other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of
Bergman Greene (GA) Owens Rochester) (Jeffries) Schiff (Beyer)
Bice (OK) Griffith Palazzo Comer Joyce (OH) Scott, David
2022 under a closed rule.
Biggs Grothman Palmer (Arrington) (Garbarino) (Jeffries) The rule provides 1 hour of debate
Bilirakis Guthrie Perry Connolly Kahele (Mrvan) Sires (Pallone) equally divided and controlled by the
Bishop (NC) Harris Pfluger (Wexton) Kirkpatrick Steube (Donalds) chair and ranking minority member of
Boebert Harshbarger Posey Cooper (Correa) (Pallone) Suozzi (Beyer)
Bost Hartzler Reed Crawford (Long) Lawson (FL) Taylor (Jackson)
the Committee on Small Business, self-
Brady Hern Reschenthaler Crist (Soto) (Evans) Wasserman executes a manager’s amendment from
Brooks Herrell Rice (SC) Cuellar (Correa) Mfume (Evans) Schultz (Soto) Chairwoman VELÁZQUEZ, and provides
Buchanan Herrera Beutler Rodgers (WA) Doyle, Michael Newman (Garcı́a Watson Coleman
Buck Higgins (LA) Rogers (AL)
one motion to recommit.
F. (Evans) (IL)) (Pallone)
Bucshon Hill Rogers (KY) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my
Budd Hinson Rose f colleagues to adopt the rule and sup-
Burchett Hudson Rosendale port critical funding for restaurants
Burgess Huizenga Rouzer
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Calvert Issa Roy
and other small businesses across our
A message in writing from the Presi-
Cammack Jackson Rutherford Nation.
Carey Jacobs (NY) Salazar
dent of the United States was commu- As we all know, small businesses—es-
Carl Johnson (LA) Scalise nicated to the House by Mr. Adrian pecially restaurants—are the backbone
Carter (GA) Johnson (OH) Schweikert Swann, one of his secretaries. of our local economy. Not only for the
Carter (TX) Johnson (SD) Scott, Austin
Cawthorn Jordan Sessions f revenue they bring in, but for the
Chabot Joyce (OH) Simpson
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION many local workers they employ; fami-
Cline Joyce (PA) Smith (MO) lies that need their paycheck now more
Cloud Katko Smith (NE) OF H.R. 3807, RESTAURANT REVI-
Clyde Keller Smith (NJ) TALIZATION FUND REPLENISH- than ever. But sadly, restaurants have
Cole Kelly (MS) Smucker MENT ACT OF 2021, AND FOR been some of the hardest-hit businesses
Comer Kelly (PA) Spartz throughout the COVID–19 crisis, and
Crawford Kim (CA) Stauber OTHER PURPOSES
Curtis Kustoff Steel
many have struggled to keep their
Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, by di- doors open.
Davidson LaHood Stefanik
Davis, Rodney LaMalfa Steil rection of the Committee on Rules, I Many of us have made a promise to
DesJarlais Lamborn Steube call up House Resolution 1033 and ask support workers, families, and busi-
Diaz-Balart Latta Stewart for its immediate consideration.
Donalds LaTurner Taylor nesses in their time of need, and that is
Duncan Lesko Tenney
The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- why we established the Restaurant Re-
Dunn Letlow Thompson (PA) lows: vitalization Fund in the American Res-
Ellzey Long Tiffany H. RES. 1033
Emmer Loudermilk Timmons
cue Plan, which provided $28.6 billion
Estes Lucas Turner Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- in emergency assistance to eligible res-
Fallon Luetkemeyer Upton lution it shall be in order to consider in the taurants, bars, and qualifying busi-
Feenstra Mace Valadao House the bill (H.R. 3807) to amend the nesses impacted by the COVID crisis.
Ferguson Malliotakis Van Drew American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to increase This program was clearly a success,
Fischbach Mann Van Duyne appropriations to the Restaurant Revitaliza-
Fitzgerald Massie Wagner providing relief to more than 100,000
tion Fund, and for other purposes. All points
Fitzpatrick Mast Walberg
of order against consideration of the bill are restaurants and food and beverage
Fleischmann McCarthy Walorski businesses across the Nation. Some re-
Foxx McCaul Waltz waived. An amendment in the nature of a
Franklin, C. McClain Weber (TX) substitute consisting of the text of Rules cent estimates show the program saved
Scott McClintock Webster (FL) Committee Print 117–39, modified by the over 900,000 jobs, and 96 percent of re-
Fulcher McHenry Wenstrup amendment printed in the report of the Com- cipients said the grant made it more
Gaetz McKinley Westerman mittee on Rules accompanying this resolu- likely they would stay in business.
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Gallagher Meijer Williams (TX) tion, shall be considered as adopted. The bill,
Garbarino Meuser Wittman However, there is no question that
as amended, shall be considered as read. All our initial investment was not enough.
Garcia (CA) Miller (IL) Womack
Gibbs Miller (WV) Zeldin points of order against provisions in the bill,
The program ran out of funds in just 3
as amended, are waived. The previous ques-
NOT VOTING—8 tion shall be considered as ordered on the weeks, as the total funding requested
bill, as amended, and on any further amend- exceeded $72 billion, far more than the
Allen Guest Pence
Cohen Hice (GA) Wilson (SC) ment thereto, to final passage without inter- $28.6 billion provided for in the Amer-
Crenshaw Hollingsworth vening motion except: (1) one hour of debate ican Rescue Plan.
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H4230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 6, 2022
This funding gap resulted in 178,000 Today, we are here to consider a rule Now, we need to be focusing on the
restaurants who are unable to secure providing for consideration of H.R. crises that are going on that are going
funding in this program, even though 3807, the Relief for Restaurants and to become problems for restaurants
they applied to the program and met other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act. this year: workforce and inflation. We
all of the eligibility requirements. Let This legislation gives a check to the are still seeing ‘‘help wanted’’ signs all
me say that again, 178,000 restaurants, Small Business Administration with- over the country. Businesses are des-
many of which are in danger of perma- out accountability or oversight mecha- perate for a workforce. Congress needs
nent closure if Congress does not pro- nisms or even taking into account to stop paying people to stay at home
vide them with the relief they need. SBA’s feedback. and encourage them to work. And in-
The underlying legislation, the Relief Mr. Speaker, this bill appropriates an flation is hitting every single corner of
for Restaurants and other Hard Hit additional $55 billion to restaurants the economy. Between increasing
Businesses Act, would provide for $42 and small businesses, none of which is prices on all goods, and the effects we
billion to replenish the Restaurant Re- paid for. According to the Congres- are already starting to feel in the food
vitalization Fund, giving the Small sional Budget Office, as much as $340 industry from the Russian invasion of
Business Administration the funding billion in unobligated funds from var- Ukraine, consumers are going to start
necessary to close this funding gap and ious COVID relief legislation is avail- feeling the pain. And, unfortunately,
process the applications of those enti- able for expenditure, but we are not re- when you are trying to save money,
ties who are deemed eligible in the ini- allocating those. Instead, we would be going out to eat is not one of the first
tial application period, providing a life- relying on more deficit spending to things a family typically does. We need
line for the restaurant industry that provide these sums. Structurally, this to be getting ahead of these issues, not
has faced so many challenges over the bill is not going to work. This is a lot coming up with insincere attempts
past 2 years. of money, and it seems that Democrats under the guise of COVID relief.
In addition to this critical funding, just want to throw it to the wind, be- Mr. Speaker, I oppose the rule and
the underlying legislation also pro- cause when you look at how the funds the underlying bill, and I ask Members
vides $13 billion for a new Hard Hit In- are being distributed, this bill will not to do the same.
dustries Award Program, which will fix the problem. This is something that Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of
grant much-needed relief to other could have been addressed had the bill my time.
small businesses across industries and gone through the committee process. Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield
sectors that were the hardest hit by Because this bill is not immediately myself such time as I may consume.
the pandemic but were not eligible for or responsibly paid for, it would fur- I always appreciate hearing from my
the Restaurant Revitalization Fund or ther fuel the inflation crisis, which colleagues and a distinguished member
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant pro- currently sits at a 40-year high of 7.9 of the Rules Committee, Mrs.
gram. percent. Inflation is the number one FISCHBACH. I do note, however, a couple
This new program would prioritize problem facing small businesses, ac- of things before I yield some time.
those eligible small businesses that ex- cording to them. That is what they are The first is that as it relates to how
perience the heaviest pandemic-related saying. Instead of pushing through the bill is funded, as I indicated, the in-
losses, beginning with those that lost drastic increases of inflation-inducing spector general himself, that office, in-
80 percent of their revenue. deficit spending, we must work to- dicated there is $78 billion in fraudu-
To pay for both the establishment of lent claims that are being recouped by
gether to advance progrowth policies
the new program and the replenish- the Federal Government. This bill will
that empower small businesses to oper-
ment of the Restaurant Revitalization cost $42 billion for the Restaurant Re-
ate independently without burdensome
Fund, this bill would use funds re- vitalization Fund replenishment, an-
restrictions.
claimed, seized, or returned to the Fed-
I need to point out the political game other $13 billion, $55 billion. There is
eral Government from bad actors at-
Democrats are playing this session. plenty of money in those reclaimed
tempting to defraud previous recovery
They are proposing bills that have ti- dollars to be able to pay for this with-
programs.
Back in October 2020, the Small Busi- tles that make them seem like com- out having to appropriate new dollars.
ness Administration Office of the In- monsense bills, but really, they are dis- So this actually should be in line with
spector General had already identified ingenuous attempts to fix real prob- the principles of some of our more con-
$78 billion in potentially fraudulent lems. servative Members to have claimed
loans and grants to ineligible entities, This was true of last week’s insulin dollars that are owed to the United
and more than 300 individuals have bill, and it is true of this bill. What is States and to its taxpayers.
been brought to justice. This legisla- worse is they know that they are not Secondly, as it relates to workforce
tion also increases oversight and audit coming up with real solutions. That is shortages, and I think we all know in
requirements, ensuring that this addi- why we are now looking at yet another every industry, and the businesses I
tional support goes to the businesses bill that has not been through the com- talk to back home, are struggling to
originally intended to receive assist- mittee process, there has been no find workers. Yet, I note yesterday in
ance. transparency, no opportunity to dis- the Education and Labor Committee,
Mr. Speaker, I have always been an cuss, no public or minority input, and of which I am a member, that we didn’t
advocate of additional support for the has real flaws as a result that will only get a single Republican vote for the
restaurant and hospitality industry, exacerbate the problems my colleagues Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
and many of my colleagues on the have created. My Democratic col- Act, WIOA’s reauthorization, which
other side of the aisle have dem- leagues do not want to negotiate with will do great things to continue to
onstrated support for the Restaurant Republicans or allow any input from move people into the workplace as
Revitalization Fund, as well. I hope we anyone to come up with a bill that quickly as possible. Yet, we received no
continue to see bipartisan support for would actually help people. support for that.
this effort on the House floor. It is also why my colleagues did not So we are going to continue to work
I urge all of my colleagues to support take up the ENTREE Act, which was on these issues here in this Congress.
the rule and the underlying legislation introduced last summer, at a time We are going to continue to lead. This
to deliver critical funding for res- when restaurants really needed it. majority is going to continue to look
taurants and small businesses in com- That bill was also aimed at helping res- out for small businesses, it is going to
munities across the country. taurants and small businesses recover continue to look out for people looking
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Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of from the damage done by the pandemic for work, and it is going to continue to
my time. with proper oversight and constraints look out for employers who face work-
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, I and didn’t include discriminatory lan- er shortages. So we will continue to
thank the gentleman from New York guage that prioritized certain groups support this, and I believe this bill will
for yielding me the customary 30 min- based on criteria other than need. That be a great victory for the 178,000 res-
utes, and, Mr. Speaker, I yield myself eventually, the Supreme Court had to taurants who desperately need our sup-
such time as I may consume. put a stop to. port.
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April 6, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4231
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the is paid for. I respectfully ask: Where is mandering are inescapable.’’ ‘‘It is in-
distinguished gentleman from Cali- the CBO score? That would answer the deed ‘a sordid business’. . . . ‘‘quoting
fornia (Mr. DESAULNIER), a fellow question if we actually had done any— our Chief Justice John Roberts, ‘‘ . . .
member of the Rules Committee. put this legislation through any kind ‘a sordid business’ to divide ‘us up by
b 1600 of process, through committee, getting race.’ ’’ ‘‘And the government’s at-
the CBO score. tempt to do so here violates the Con-
Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I So I would question as to whether or stitution.’’
want to thank my friend and colleague not it was actually all paid for, as my That is the real story. I have intro-
for yielding. And I also want to thank colleague mentions. But I do think duced the Restaurant Revitalization
my distinguished colleagues on both that if we had the CBO score, we could Fund Fairness Act. We have got other
sides for the conversation at the Rules decide, finally, if it was paid for or not. bills on this side of the aisle that would
Committee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the pay for it; that would ensure that it
I want to speak for a few moments, gentleman from Texas (Mr. ROY). won’t be race-based; that would make
Mr. Speaker, as somebody who has Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the sure that the 177,000 applicants who
spent 35 years in the restaurant busi- gentlewoman for yielding.
were left on the outside looking in be-
ness, owning and managing restaurants I completely agree that we should be
cause of race-based governing by my
in California, small businesses that trying to help small businesses who
have gotten absolutely railroaded and colleagues on the other side of the
were vital to the communities where aisle, that that would not occur; and
they were; and how important they are run over by the power of government,
which amounts to, essentially, a tak- that, again—I want to reiterate—
to restart Main Street America in should be paid for without relying on
every district; the multipliers of hav- ing. They have had their livelihoods
taken away through the sheer power of the possibility of collecting the fraudu-
ing restaurants open, and the difficulty lent expenditures.
and the cash flow of a small business government, Federal, State and local.
It is absolutely extraordinary. Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield
like this, and why this initiative is so
It is one of the reasons that I worked myself such time as I may consume.
important.
with my friend, DEAN PHILLIPS, on the I want to just reiterate, this is really
The Bureau of Labor Statistics esti-
other side of the aisle, on the PPP a simple issue. And there may be at-
mates that in 2019, there were 12.1 mil-
Flexibility Act 2 years ago. I would tempts to distract from what is a sim-
lion people employed in the restaurant
have preferred we not go down this ple issue, but the Office of Inspector
and food service industry. So many of
road; that the government not go down General indicated that we had $78 bil-
those people immediately lost their
and shut down our economy. But the lion in fraudulent claims. That is an
jobs and their incomes with no warning
government did. And I think that estimate. Some estimates range as
when the pandemic hit. In April of 2020
amounts to something akin to a tak- high as $200 billion.
alone, the restaurant industry lost 51⁄2
million jobs. ing. It seems silly to me that we wouldn’t
But now, here we sit and, yet again, take advantage of those dollars which
Through the American Rescue Plan,
my colleagues on the other side of the are being reclaimed to continue to try
we established the Restaurant Revital-
aisle have not met an issue that they to get relief for the many, many tens of
ization Fund, which provided $28.6 bil-
can’t make worse; and that is what we thousands, hundreds of thousands of
lion in emergency assistance to eligible
are faced with right now. restaurants and their employees across
restaurants, bars, and qualifying busi- Mr. Speaker, my colleagues are
nesses impacted by the pandemic. the country.
bringing forward a $55 billion bill And I dare say that when I talk to—
Although this program helped more which they say is paid for, which is
than 100,000 restaurants and food and I have sat down with many, many res-
paid for and relies on recaptured, taurant owners in the last several
beverage businesses across the country, fraudulent relief funds. We have fraud-
in every district, the program received months who had made application, and,
ulent relief funds because you just simply, didn’t have the resources in the
applications of nearly three times the dumped $2 trillion out in the economy
amount of money that it had to give fund that we had allocated to get re-
when you came in here and did it by lief, continue to talk to me about this.
out. We cannot overlook the obvious voice vote 2 years ago.
need. So this is really a very, very simple
So you have got these fraudulent question. I know there are a lot of com-
The Relief for Restaurants and Other funds that we may or may not recap-
Hard Hit Small Businesses Act, H.R. plicated, nuanced questions around
ture that is, allegedly, what is paying here in Congress that we are always
3807, would inject $42 billion to allow for this. This bill should be fully paid
the Small Business Administration to dealing with. This is a simple one: Do
for out of existing COVID money that we want to help these small businesses,
process the applications of over 150,000 has not yet been spent. And that is
eligible entities that previously applied or do we choose not to help them? And
what we are offering as an alternative. I think we would argue here that they
for relief. But the real problem that the Amer-
I met and talked to many of my very much deserve and merit this sup-
ican people need to understand that my
former colleagues in the business who port.
colleagues have got themselves in a
have applied for these funds and they pretty vicious box, is because the ad- Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
speak very positively about their expe- ministration, with the full support of gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms.
rience and how helpful it was to get my colleagues here, made the alloca- ROSS), another distinguished member
them through the pandemic. It helps tion of dollars race-based. They made of the Rules Committee.
these small businesses. Through the it criteria-based. And they got slapped Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today
pandemic, at least 40 percent of pan- down by the court. They got slapped to highlight the urgent need for addi-
demic-related revenue loss was suffered down by the Sixth Circuit. tional relief for our restaurants.
by businesses with fewer than 200 em- The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Since the COVID–19 pandemic began,
ployees. found race and sex prioritization was restaurants in my district and across
Again, as a former restaurant owner unconstitutional and ordered the Small the country have been at the front line
myself, I have seen how restaurants Business Administration to halt the of our battle against COVID–19.
can bring communities together. We practice. But most of the funding had The Restaurant Revitalization Fund
owe it to these local business entre- been spent. It was underfunded. But offered a vital lifeline at a time when
preneurs, these owners, and millions of most of that funding had been spent. restaurants desperately needed our
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workers who depend on this help, to The court said: ‘‘The case is about help. However, the funds quickly ran
pass this important bill. whether the government can allocate out, leaving hundreds of thousands of
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, I limited coronavirus relief funds based restaurants without any relief, includ-
yield myself such time as I may con- on the race and sex of the applicants. ing in my State of North Carolina.
sume. We hold that it cannot. In a cruel twist, many restaurants
I would just like to mention, we con- ‘‘The stark realities of the Small were approved for funding, but never
tinue to talk about whether or not this Business Administration’s racial gerry- saw a dime.
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H4232 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 6, 2022
For example, Kim Hammer, who now. While my colleagues continue to b 1615
owns Bittersweet in Raleigh, was ap- bring flawed, misguided, and unvetted In fact, just 17 hours ago, the Biden
proved for a grant by the Small Busi- legislation to the floor, House Repub- administration was more concerned
ness Association. Despite this, Kim licans stand ready to work on issues with presenting former President
still hasn’t received any relief and said, that directly affect American’s pocket- Barack Obama with a ceremonial pen
‘‘It feels like no one is listening.’’ books. than talking about how we are going to
Well, we are listening. Every time a To further explain the amendment, I bring down fuel prices in this country.
new variant emerges and cases surge, yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman You want to talk about out of touch.
the survival of countless restaurants is from Florida (Mrs. CAMMACK). There it is in a nutshell.
thrown into jeopardy. As I hear from Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I This is the Biden energy policy: soar-
restaurant owners in my district, they thank my colleague and friend from ing prices that hurt hardworking
all tell me how essential the restaurant the great State of Minnesota for yield- Americans and increasing reliance on
relief program was; but that it simply ing. foreign countries to meet our energy
was not enough. I rise today to defeat the previous needs.
During the peak surge of the Omi- question so that we may immediately We know that America’s future will
cron variant, Cheetie Kumar, the consider H.R. 6858, Congresswoman not be realized by sunshine and pin-
owner of Garland restaurant in Ra- McMorris Rodgers’ bill, that would wheels. We will realize it by boosting
leigh, said she just hoped she could strengthen United States energy secu- domestic production and ending our de-
keep the doors open for both her cus- rity, encourage and promote domestic pendence on countries that don’t have
tomers and for her staff. production of crude oil and natural gas, our best interests in mind. Heck, they
Jennifer Cramer, the owner of and help return to and solidify Amer- don’t even like us.
Catalan Taps restaurant in Cary, had ican energy independence. I have spoken to foresters and farm-
to start a GoFundMe campaign to keep You know, I get asked all the time, ers in my district who have told me
her lights on and her employees on why? Why will Congress do nothing to that energy costs alone are driving
payroll. lower the cost of fuel? Why do they them out of operation and out of busi-
Mr. Speaker, our fight against this continue to talk and do absolutely ness. To illustrate this, one of the top
pandemic is not over. It is unaccept- nothing? timber producers in my own district
able that we would leave the res- Well, right here—right here is your said he is spending $18,000 more a week
taurant industry out to dry. Res- answer. Today, Republicans stand, for on fuel costs alone. If this continues,
taurants contribute to the spirit, vi- the fifth time, legislation Today, Re- he will be suspending operations, all
brancy, and success of my community publicans stand, for the fifth time, leg- because this administration has issued
in Wake County, North Carolina, and islation in hand, to bring gas prices our domestic energy industry a death
many communities all across this Na- down and to restart our energy produc- sentence. That happened even before
tion. tion right here at home; legislation they took office.
I urge my colleagues to support the that would make us energy inde- This Biden energy plan, or lack
rule and the underlying legislation and pendent, once again, and that would thereof, is ruining the financial hopes
replenish this fund. get thousands of Americans back to and dreams of hardworking Americans
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, I work; legislation that would be a col- and destroying farmers, foresters, fam-
yield myself as much time as I may lective sigh of relief for our seniors, ilies, ranchers, and small businesses.
consume. and those on fixed incomes, who are We know that we can put an end to
If we defeat the previous question, I making the decision between gas or this energy crisis. We know we can, but
will offer an amendment to the rule to groceries. This legislation is the an- instead, we are focused on ceremonial
provide for consideration of Congress- swer, and it is ready to go. pens and issues that do not matter to
woman MCMORRIS RODGERS and Con- But you know what? My colleagues the American people.
gressman WESTERMAN’s American En- on the other side of the aisle have al- It is long past time that we end this
ergy Independence from Russia Act. ready been given vote recommenda- energy crisis and put American energy
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- tions by the Speaker of the House to security and independence at the top of
sent to insert the text of my amend- shoot this legislation down. They the priority list. I stand before this
ment in the RECORD, along with the ex- haven’t even read it. They haven’t even body and the American people to say
traneous material, immediately prior read it, and they are so blind to and be- that we, too, have had enough.
to the vote on the previous question. holden to their radical agenda that Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. they won’t consider a commonsense so- defeat the previous question so we can
CARSON). Is there objection to the re- lution to one of the most pressing immediately bring Congresswoman
quest of the gentlewoman from Min- issues facing all of our collective con- McMorris Rodgers’ legislation to the
nesota? stituents, these fuel prices. floor.
There was no objection. Again, this is the fifth time that this Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, for legislation has been presented, and it is myself such time as I may consume.
the fifth time, Republicans ask their the fifth time that my colleagues on Mr. Speaker, frankly, I am a little
colleagues to consider this bill. The av- the other side of the aisle have put perplexed. I think when I get home and
erage price at the pump two days be- Russia first and America last. talk to my restaurant owners, they are
fore President Biden took office was The average price of gas today is going to say: Why were you having a
$2.38 per gallon. They have been stead- $4.56 and climbing. For our truckers conversation about something not re-
ily climbing ever since. and farmers who fuel up on diesel, like lated to the restaurant revitalization
On February 14, 6 days before the many in my district, it is costing them act?
Russian invasion of Ukraine, the aver- well over $5 a gallon at the pump. In I will explain to them that as much
age price for per gallon was $3.49. These fact, it is $5.19 today for a gallon of die- as I would like to get into a conversa-
prices are affecting every single Amer- sel. tion about how Putin’s aggressive ac-
ican. All across our country, Americans, tions in Ukraine have affected gas
When adjusted for the increasing regardless of party, are making deci- prices around the world, as much as I
prices on all goods, thanks to failed sions, again, between gas in the tank would like to have the conversation
Democrat policies, wages and salaries or groceries in the fridge. Folks are about oil companies that have decided
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are below pre-pandemic levels. My con- canceling their first road trip with to continue to reap record profits and
stituents are pleading with Congress to their family in 2 years, or visits to not increase supply to meet the de-
focus on this issue and are being ig- grandparents, because Biden has de- mand around the world, as much as we
nored by the out-of-touch majority. cided that Americans who put fuel in can talk about all those things, that is
Now, for the fifth time, House Repub- their own gas tanks and shop for their not why we are here today. We should
licans are urging the majority to im- own groceries, they are not the pri- have that conversation in an appro-
mediately bring relief at the pump ority. priate venue.
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April 6, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4233
This conversation and the venue love to have that conversation, par- it away to Venezuela. Let’s stand firm
right now that we are in is to talk ticularly in a committee if we could and be Americans, both sides of the
about the Restaurant Revitalization hear the bill. But the majority has cho- aisle here. I am sorry, I will cool off
Fund. It is to talk about the 178,000 res- sen to shut out almost every single Re- here on this one.
taurants owned by Republicans, Demo- publican bill and not hold hearings Republicans have a real solution to
crats, and Independents all across where that would be the appropriate get American energy back on the mar-
America in every single district that venue. ket and get prices down. This bill will
we have the privilege of representing. For now, I suggest to my colleague restart the Keystone XL; it will end
Every single district has restaurants, from New York that he talk to his the moratorium; and it will boost the
and that is what we are here to talk leadership about actually hearing this LNG exports.
about: how to get relief into the hands bill in committee, having the conversa- Mr. Speaker, I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on
of those individuals who, for 2 years, tion, and having the transparency and the previous question.
have struggled under the most difficult the input that we could from the pub- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem-
economic circumstances any of us lic. Until that time, Mr. Speaker, this bers are reminded to refrain from en-
could ever imagine. is our venue. gaging in personalities toward the
Let’s make sure we keep our eye on Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the President.
the ball. Let’s continue to focus on the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. CARL). Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield
question in front of the House. Mr. CARL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in op- myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the position to the previous question so we Mr. Speaker, I do want to just cor-
gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. can amend the rules to immediately rect the record as it relates to the En-
SCANLON), my friend and distinguished consider H.R. 6858, the American En- ergy and Commerce Committee. I
member of the Rules Committee. ergy Independence from Russia Act. think, just this morning, the com-
Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Speaker, in My friends from the other side of the mittee held a hearing with the heads of
southeastern Pennsylvania, and in cit- aisle want to talk about restaurants, oil companies, multinational oil com-
ies and towns across the country, res- and restaurants are very important, panies, to bring them in to talk about
taurants are an essential cornerstone but understand that when families why they refuse to increase supply,
of our local communities and our re- can’t put fuel in their tank, they cer- which would bring down the costs.
gional economies. These restaurants tainly cannot afford to eat in a res- I didn’t do exceptionally well in eco-
were hard-hit by the pandemic. taurant. nomics when I was in the State Univer-
Despite the excellence of their cui- We have to get our priorities sity of New York, but I do remember
sine, over the past 2 years, many inde- straight. Yes, we are bringing them up the old supply and demand issue. When
pendent restaurants in Philly, Dela- now because we cannot get our bills to demand is high and supply is low,
ware County, and Montgomery County the floor. We cannot get our message prices rise. We are going to continue to
struggled to stay in business, and some out. work and push and urge those compa-
This is the fourth time the Repub-
permanently shuttered. nies to increase supply to meet demand
licans have tried to bring this bill up
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and bring the costs down.
for a vote, and each time, the Demo-
passed as part of the American Rescue There is not much we can do about
crats have refused.
Plan, was a lifeline for the restaurants what is going on in Ukraine, although
Families are suffering as rising fuel
that received it. The program provided we are desperately trying to help our
costs are making everything much,
grants targeted to the hardest-hit res- brothers and sisters there defend their
much more expensive, including bread,
taurants, giving restaurant operators democracy, which has had an incred-
clothes, and everything, including
financial relief to keep their doors ible impact on gas prices.
meals at our restaurants.
open and keep people employed. President Biden’s so-called solutions Let me also remind everyone who is
The funds weren’t enough to match do nothing to fix the problems. Tap- tuning in, who is watching what is
the need. I have heard it from my con- ping into our strategic reserves will do going on, that the issue before the
stituents, and everybody who is listen- almost nothing to bring prices down. House of Representatives today, the
ing has heard it from their constitu- All it does is risk our reserves and en- rule that is being considered, is dealing
ents. While roughly 300,000 restaurants danger our national security. with the difficulties that have been
applied for aid, only about 100,000 re- This administration is signaling to faced by restaurants across this coun-
ceived grants. the oil and gas companies that they are try during the pandemic, which has
For months, I have joined Represent- going to come after them. now lasted for nearly 2 years: the dis-
ative BLUMENAUER and my colleagues Big Government needs to get out of placement of workers and the impact
in calling to replenish the Restaurant the way. Get out of the way of the busi- that it has had on communities all
Revitalization Fund, using only funds nesses, and let the businesses run across this country. We are striving to
recouped from fraudulent claims that themselves. achieve a solution here that will be
have been made in earlier small busi- For example, where I am from on the good for everyone across all 50 States
ness relief programs. The Relief for Gulf Coast, the Department of the Inte- and these small businesses that con-
Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small rior has allowed one lease sale in the tinue to be the backbone of our local
Businesses Act will provide additional past year and a half. Under Trump, we economies.
financial support to restaurants and had two a year. We had the one sale Mr. Speaker, I have been very grate-
small businesses in the industries that that I am talking about in a year and ful for the leadership of Mr. BLU-
are still grievously affected by the a half. MENAUER, who has led the charge on
coronavirus pandemic. The Biden administration refuses to this issue for some time now. I think I
Mr. Speaker, I am glad this needed uphold the law of two per year, even have probably bothered him dozens of
bill is getting a vote on the floor. I though the courts struck down the one times to ask what we can continue to
strongly support the rule and its un- that he had. He refuses to challenge do to advance his efforts, and he has
derlying legislation, and I urge all of that to get those lease bids acknowl- continued to provide leadership.
my colleagues to recognize that this edged. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
issue is still before us and to do the Biden, what he has said is a lie. I am gentleman from Oregon (Mr. BLU-
same. sorry, it is an outright lie about what MENAUER), the sponsor of this bill.
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, I the drilling companies are. There are Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I
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yield myself such time as I may con- so many rules and regulations on the appreciate the gentleman’s courtesy
sume. drilling companies. I understand it. We and I appreciate his leadership and te-
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that my have to get the foot of the government nacity in terms of trying to help our
colleague from New York would love to off the back of the necks of our drilling beleaguered neighborhood restaurants.
have the conversation, would love to companies. Mr. Speaker, our friends on the other
have the conversation in the appro- Let’s save this country. Let’s don’t side of the aisle—even if they got their
priate venue, and I think we would also give it away to Russia. Let’s don’t give dream piece of legislation—would not
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H4234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 6, 2022
make any difference on the price of Finally, the legislation extends the produce energy more cleanly here in
gasoline this year or next year. We are period of time that Shuttered Venue America than any other country on
dealing with global supply. One of the Operators Grants can be spent to har- Earth.
things that will make a difference to monize it with the Restaurant Revital- So when we take actions that require
break the grip that we have with the ization Fund. us to import more oil from places like
oligarchs and the sheikhs is being able Best of all, this bill can be paid for Venezuela, which has a 50 percent high-
to deal with renewable energy that is with fraudulent pandemic relief funds er lifecycle greenhouse gas emission
not going to hold us hostage. that are recovered. per barrel of oil than oil produced here
We have seen remarkable progress Mr. Speaker, it is time for us to fin- in America, and when we increase oil
that is made. I am sad that our friends ish the job protecting our neighbor- imports from places like Russia that
on the other side of the aisle have been hood restaurants and other distressed still utilize dirty practices like meth-
resistant to these innovations in terms businesses. I am proud to have spon- ane flaring—things we haven’t done
of solar, wind, electrification, the sored this. I deeply appreciate the here in years—we are actually increas-
things that will really make a dif- broad bipartisan support in the House ing global greenhouse gas emissions.
ference today and tomorrow and help and the Senate, and I hope we will Mr. Speaker, if we increase energy
fight the crisis that we face with cli- enact it today. I support the rule. production here, not only will we lower
mate change and global warming. Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, with prices for our constituents who are suf-
This legislation will make a dif- all due respect, restaurants and small fering, and not only will we increase
ference to 177,000 small neighborhood businesses are facing difficulties, and our national security, but we will also
restaurants and other distressed busi- one of those challenges is high energy make our planet a cleaner place.
nesses. From the beginning of the costs. Delivery costs go up. It costs Mr. Speaker, I urge immediate con-
COVID–19 pandemic, these neighbor- more for their employees to get to sideration of the American Independ-
hood facilities have been the hardest work. It costs more for all of those ence from Russia Act.
hit. You have heard already that they things because of high energy costs. So Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2
were subject to over 4 million jobs lost this does affect restaurants and small minutes to the distinguished gentle-
in the first few months of the pan- businesses. I think this affects res- woman from the State of Texas (Ms.
demic. taurants, small businesses, and every JACKSON LEE).
The unemployment in the restaurant American. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I
industry remains stubbornly high, and Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the thank the manager for yielding, and I
approximately 90,000 restaurants have gentleman from California (Mr. thank him for his leadership. I thank,
permanently closed since the start of OBERNOLTE). of course, the chairwoman of the Small
the pandemic. We have heard from Mr. OBERNOLTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise Business Committee, Mr. BLUMENAUER,
countless others that are teetering on to oppose the previous question so that and the many supporters who have pro-
the edge. we can immediately consider the vided support for this legislation.
Restaurants are the cornerstone of a American Energy Independence from I am hoping that as my colleagues
livable community. They have em- Russia Act. begin to see the light, that they will
ployed nearly 60 percent of Americans Mr. Speaker, last night I held a town- understand that it will be far worse for
at some point in their career. I would hall with over 2,000 of my constituents. all of the employees who are in res-
venture to say that many of us on the Do you know what was top of mind to taurants that may close that they will
floor of the House have had that expe- those people? not even be employed to think about
rience. They are a major source of em- It was not the previous question. It paying for any gas prices no matter
ployment for people of color and was energy prices in America, and par- how much they might be.
women, and they support a $1 trillion ticularly, the price of fuel. I stand with them to ensure that in-
supply chain from farm to table. Mr. Speaker, it was heartbreaking to flation goes down and that we respond
The Federal Government has pro- hear from constituent after con- to gasoline prices. But they are not
vided help for those institutions stituent after constituent who said clear in what we are doing today. We
through the Restaurant Revitalization that they were unable to afford the en- are helping small and hard-hit busi-
Fund, a program based on my RES- ergy required to get to work and back nesses—sole proprietors, independent
TAURANTS Act that I introduced in just to put food on the table for their contractors, and businesses that are
June of 2020, but the program was over- families. Mr. Speaker, you can imagine not over 200 employees—to keep these
subscribed and underfunded. Only one- how embarrassing and heartbreaking it employees who have suffered from the
third of all applicants were funded, was for me to have to admit to my con- devastation of the pandemic.
leaving 177,000 hanging in the balance. stituents that the reason for those high We are doing more. We are not spend-
The relief for restaurants and other energy prices was the actions of their ing an extra penny because we are cap-
hard-hit small businesses will finish very own government. turing those dollars from those who
that job. More than 235 Members of the Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of fraudulently used dollars before. So we
House are cosponsors of this legisla- the current administration, there has are making good on our promise to
tion, the RESTAURANTS Act, includ- been a concerted effort to constrain the spend the American tax dollars cor-
ing two dozen of my Republican col- supply of energy produced here in rectly. We are having a data collection.
leagues. America. What we have is a classic We are going to have oversight on this
My legislation will provide $42 billion
problem of supply and demand. We particular program to ensure that it is
to help fund those restaurants that had
don’t have enough supply, and yet this spent effectively.
not previously received awards fin-
administration in its very first week We are going to respond, if you will,
ishing everybody who is in line.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The issued an executive order completely to the needs of the mom and pops, the
time of the gentleman has expired. halting the issuance of new gas and oil really oldest and distinguished res-
Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield exploration permits on Federal lands in taurants like This is It in Houston,
an additional 1 minute to the gen- this country. It issued an executive Texas; Burns Original BBQ; and J&J;
tleman from Oregon. order stopping the Keystone XL pipe- as people who have stood the storm
line. Mr. Speaker, that pipeline alone, yet, have kept employees but that
b 1630 if it were in operation today, would didn’t know whether they could keep
Mr. BLUMENAUER. The legislation allow us to import more than enough their doors open.
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provides $13 billion for a separate in- oil to completely offset our oil imports This is an important and vital piece
dustry neutral fund for small busi- from Russia. of legislation. I support the underlying
nesses that have been disproportion- The tragic thing about this situation legislation, which is the bill that deals
ately hard hit by the pandemic, such as is that the administration is doing this with relief for restaurants and other
live events, travel, hospitality, and fit- out of the mistaken belief that it will hard-hit small businesses and the un-
ness. We have all heard from them in make the planet greener. But nothing derlying rule.
our Districts. could be further from the truth. We Don’t you get it?
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April 6, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4235
We are keeping businesses open and so we can take up H.R. 6858, the Amer- for it. I hope many of them vote for it
keeping people employed. That is what ican Energy Independence from Russia despite their unwillingness to really
we are doing today. Support the rule Act. This commonsense legislation in- have a conversation about it today and
and the underlying bill. troduced by Representatives MCMORRIS to talk about extraneous issues.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in RODGERS and WESTERMAN would re- Before I reserve the balance of my
strong support of the rule to consider H.R. quire President Biden to submit an en- time, I include in the RECORD a Janu-
3807, the ‘‘Relief for Restaurants and Other ergy security plan to Congress to ary 24, 2022, article from CNBC entitled
Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022,’’ evaluate U.S. oil and natural gas im- ‘‘National Restaurant Association asks
which provides $70.6 billion in FY2022 for the ports, identify importing countries Congress for more grant money as omi-
Restaurant Revitalization Fund. that pose an energy security risk to cron hits industry.’’
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that this com- America, and encourage domestic pro- [From CNBC, Jan. 24, 2022]
mittee is reconsidering this critical piece of duction of oil and natural gas to offset NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION ASKS
legislation for America’s restaurant owners. imports from Russia. CONGRESS FOR MORE GRANT MONEY AS OMI-
The American Rescue Plan made great In fact, in contrast to our colleague’s CRON HITS INDUSTRY
progress in providing the funding in an equi- statement, Iowa is a leader in renew- (By Amelia Lucas)
table manner, prioritizing women, veteran, and able energy. Fifty percent of our en- The National Restaurant Association is
economically and socially disadvantaged res- ergy comes from renewable sources. We asking Congress to replenish the Restaurant
taurant owners. In addition, the majority of Revitalization Fund as the Covid omicron
even pay restaurants for their unused variant hits operators’ businesses.
funds were reserved for restaurants whose and old cooking oil. We are an energy Last year, lawmakers created the $28.6 bil-
gross receipts were no more than $1,500,000 exporter, and it is all done without a lion fund to aid bars and restaurants strug-
dollars. government mandate. All of the oil im- gling in the wake of the pandemic. The
It is essential to promote equity through the ported from Russia could be offset by grants were designed to make up for a res-
Restaurant Revitalization Fund Mr. Speaker, ethanol made from corn in Iowa. taurant’s full pandemic losses of up to $5
considering that only 8 percent of restaurants In order for the U.S. to become en- million for a single location or $10 million
are owned by blacks and 23.8% of Asian for a business with fewer than 20 locations.
ergy independent and secure, we must Publicly traded companies were ineligible,
owned businesses are restaurants. As legisla- have an all-of-the-above energy policy.
tors we must do everything we can to ensure but their franchisees could still apply.
We must unleash our natural resources Since the fund was depleted, restaurants
their survival. and produce our own clean, efficient have been pushing for Congress to replenish
To underscore the personal importance this energy here at home to ensure low en- it. Several lawmakers have introduced legis-
funding holds to me, I would like to mention a ergy prices and promote American jobs lation to do so, but the bills haven’t gained
widely loved, black owned, and historic Third in our communities. traction, and the Biden administration
Ward restaurant: Cream Burger. Rather than promoting policies that hasn’t appeared interested in supporting the
Cream Burger sits on the corner of Elgin measures.
hamper U.S. energy production and But the latest surge in Covid–19 cases and
and Scott and has been in operation for 60
ceding security to adversarial nations its impact on restaurants could change
years. It is a cash only restaurant that has
like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, we minds.
only had two additions to the menu across the The National Restaurant Association’s lat-
should promote exploration here at
entirety of its existence: chili cheese fries and est survey of operators found that 88% of res-
home and unleash our potential. We
bacon. taurants saw indoor dining demand wane be-
must ensure that the current ban on
The Greenwood family has been serving the cause of the omicron variant. More than
Russian energy is sustainable by
residents of the Third Ward their delicious three-quarters of respondents told the trade
prioritizing U.S. energy production, in- group that business conditions are worse now
burgers and homemade ice cream for dec-
cluding biofuels. than three months ago. And the majority of
ades and has no plans of closing any time
Just last week, the President re- operators said their restaurant is less profit-
soon.
The original owners of the restaurant, Verna leased a budget proposal that included able now than it was before the pandemic.
$45 billion on new taxes on domestic ‘‘Alarmingly, the industry still hasn’t re-
and Willie Greenwood, opened the restaurant created the more than 650,000 jobs lost early
to generate their own income and create energy production. This comes on top
in the pandemic, a loss 45 percent more than
generational wealth, which they certainly have of other disastrous decisions over the
the next closest industry,’’ the trade group’s
done. Ever since their tragic passing, the busi- past year and a half such as those that top lobbyist, Sean Kennedy, wrote in a letter
ness is now owned and operated by their halt the Keystone XL pipeline and the to congressional leadership for both parties.
daughters, Beverly and Sandra. current delay over the 5-year program Kennedy also touted the benefits of the
Beverly and Sandra hope to pass the busi- for offshore energy leasing in the Gulf first round of RRF grants. The trade group
of Mexico. These policies are not work- estimates that more than 900,000 restaurants
ness onto the next generation of children so jobs were saved by the initial round of fund-
they can, ‘‘see it through. Maybe 100 years,’’ ing for hardworking American families
and businesses who are dealing with ing, and 96 percent of recipients said the
Beverly said. grant made it more likely they could stay in
The restaurant sees a range of Third Ward high inflation and skyrocketing gas business. A full replenishment of the fund
customers every day, from the students at the prices. would save more than 1.6 million jobs, ac-
University of Houston to the cashiers working The American Independence from cording to the trade group’s estimates.
at the historic Houston Food Mart just down Russia Act would immediately approve Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I re-
the street. the Keystone XL pipeline, remove re- serve the balance of my time.
Cream Burger is iconic in the city of Hous- strictions on U.S. LNG exports, restart Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, I
ton, and I hold it in the highest reverence. It, oil and gas leasing on Federal lands yield myself the balance of my time.
and so many restaurants like it, is one of and waters, and protect energy and Mr. Speaker, in closing, I appreciate
those restaurants that would receive funds mineral development. These are key that my colleague from New York
from this legislation. steps we can take to promote U.S. en- talks about an extraneous issue. But
It is for that reason Mr. Speaker I support ergy security, and we must take action gas prices and the cost of energy in
the rule to consider H.R. 3807, the ‘‘Relief for now. America is a serious issue, and it is fac-
Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Busi- For this reason, I urge all of my col- ing every American. Every American is
nesses Act of 2022.’’ It will help save so many leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous paying more at the pump, and they are
businesses like the beloved Cream Burger, so question. Support H.R. 6858 to make facing the decision in their family
I urge my colleagues to support the rule as America energy independent and se- budget of how they are going to use
well. cure by voting ‘‘no’’ on the previous that.
Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, I question. In 2020, the last administration added
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yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I will 30 million barrels of oil to the Stra-
from Iowa (Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS). say this, that I suspect when, hope- tegic Petroleum Reserve. Now the
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, fully, this bill becomes law and we Biden administration is weighing a
I thank my colleague for yielding me have helped save the 178,000 res- plan to release roughly 1 million bar-
time to speak on this critical issue. taurants around this country that a rels of oil a day from this reserve for
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my col- number of my colleagues on the other months on end, and this is after he re-
leagues to defeat the previous question side of the aisle will be taking credit leased 30 million barrels in early March
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H4236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 6, 2022
and 50 million barrels of oil back in No- All points of order against provisions in the tigate the January 6th Attack on the United
vember which did nothing to prevent a bill are waived. The previous question shall States Capitol as directed by subpoena, to
spike in energy prices. be considered as ordered on the bill and on the United States Attorney for the District
any amendment thereto to final passage of Columbia, to the end that Mr. Navarro be
Congresswoman MCMORRIS RODGERS
without intervening motion except: (1) one proceeded against in the manner and form
and Congressman WESTERMAN have in- hour of debate equally divided and controlled provided by law.
troduced the American Energy Inde- by the chair and ranking minority member Resolved, That pursuant to 2 U.S.C. §§ 192
pendence Act to reverse President of the Committee on Energy and Commerce; and 194, the Speaker of the House of Rep-
Biden’s disastrous anti-American en- and (2) one motion to recommit. resentatives shall certify the report of the
ergy policies. This bill is a real solu- SEC. 3. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not Select Committee to Investigate the Janu-
tion, and it needs to be heard. We need apply to the consideration of H.R. 6858. ary 6th Attack on the United States Capitol,
to talk about this to the American peo- Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I urge a detailing the refusal of Daniel Scavino, Jr.,
‘‘yes’’ vote on the rule and the previous to produce documents or appear for a deposi-
ple. tion before the Select Committee to Inves-
This bill, H.R. 3807, that we have be- question, I yield back the balance of
tigate the January 6th Attack on the United
fore us is not going to help restaurants my time, and I move the previous ques- States Capitol as directed by subpoena, to
and small businesses. But, of course, tion on the resolution. the United States Attorney for the District
that is not the Democrats’ intention The SPEAKER pro tempore. The of Columbia, to the end that Mr. Scavino be
anyway. If it were, they would have question is on ordering the previous proceeded against in the manner and form
brought this bill through committee question; and the Speaker pro tempore provided by law.
announced that the ayes appeared to Resolved, That the Speaker of the House
and worked with Republicans to build
have it. shall otherwise take all appropriate action
an effective piece of legislation. to enforce the subpoenas.
Instead, their intention is to push Mrs. FISCHBACH. Mr. Speaker, on
PURPOSE AND SUMMARY
this legislation through that sounds that I demand the yeas and nays.
On January 6, 2021, a violent mob at-
good so that they can use it as a talk- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
tempted to impede Congress’s constitutional
ing point to distract from their failed ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution and statutory mandate to count the elec-
policies. This bill is just another exam- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. toral votes in the 2020 Presidential election
ple of the Democrats’ reckless spending Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- and launched an assault on the United
habits. Their solution to the effects of ther proceedings on this question are States Capitol Complex that resulted in mul-
inflation is to throw even more money postponed. tiple deaths, physical harm to more than 140
at it. f members of law enforcement, and terror and
When will my colleagues learn that trauma among staff, institutional employ-
b 1645 ees, and press. In response, the House adopt-
spending is what causes the inflation? ed House Resolution 503 on June 30, 2021, es-
It is time for more pro-growth poli- RECOMMENDING THAT THE HOUSE
tablishing the Select Committee to Inves-
cies, not government handouts. OF REPRESENTATIVES FIND tigate the January 6th Attack on the United
Mr. Speaker, I oppose the rule and PETER K. NAVARRO AND DANIEL States Capitol (hereinafter referred to as the
the underlying bill, I ask Members to SCAVINO, JR., IN CONTEMPT OF ‘‘Select Committee’’).
do the same, and I yield back the bal- CONGRESS The Select Committee is investigating the
ance of my time. facts, circumstances, and causes of the Janu-
Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. ary 6th attack and issues relating to the in-
Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield Speaker, by direction of the Select terference with the peaceful transfer of
myself the balance of my time. Committee to Investigate the January power, in order to identify and evaluate
Mr. Speaker, first let me thank my 6th Attack on the United States Cap- problems and to recommend to the House
colleague and friend, Mrs. FISCHBACH. itol, I call up the report (H. Rept. 117– and its relevant committees corrective laws,
We spend a lot of time together in the 284) and accompanying resolution rec- policies, procedures, rules, or regulations.
Rules Committee, and I always appre- ommending that the House of Rep- This inquiry includes examination of the fac-
ciate our conversations. While we may resentatives find Peter K. Navarro and tors that influenced, instigated, or contrib-
not agree on issues from time to time, uted to the attack and how various individ-
Daniel Scavino, Jr., in contempt of uals and entities coordinated their activities
I always appreciate her earnestness, Congress for refusal to comply with leading up to the attack.
and I appreciate her good work. subpoenas duly issued by the Select
I want to thank all of my colleagues PETER K. NAVARRO
Committee to Investigate the January According to published reports, Peter K.
for their words in support of the rule 6th Attack on the United States Cap- Navarro, a White House trade advisor,
before us today. itol, and ask for its immediate consid- worked with Stephen K. Bannon and others
As I mentioned earlier, Congress eration. to develop and implement a plan to delay
acted last year to provide much-needed The Clerk read the title of the report. Congress’s certification, and ultimately
relief for restaurants and other small The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- change the outcome, of the November 2020
businesses, but we must do much more. ant to House Resolution 1023, the re- Presidential election. In November 2021, Mr.
Our economy simply cannot survive port is considered read. Navarro published In Trump Time, a book in
without small businesses, and it is which he described this plan as the ‘‘Green
The text of the report is as follows: Bay Sweep’’ and stated that it was designed
paramount that we redouble our com-
The Select Committee to Investigate the as the ‘‘last, best chance to snatch a stolen
mitment to ensuring their continued January 6th Attack on the United States election from the Democrats’ jaws of de-
success. Capitol, having considered this Report, re- ceit.’’1 In a later interview about his book,
I pledge to always be an ally in that ports favorably thereon and recommends Mr. Navarro added that former-President
fight, and I know my colleagues join that the Report be approved. Trump was ‘‘on board with the strategy,’’ as
me in that. I look forward to voting in The form of the Resolution that the Select were more than 100 Members of Congress.2
favor of this effort to bring much-need- Committee to Investigate the January 6th Previously, Mr. Navarro had publicly re-
ed relief to local restaurants and the Attack on the United States Capitol would leased on his website a three-part report,
small business community. recommend to the House of Representatives dubbed ‘‘The Navarro Report,’’ repeating
for citing Peter K. Navarro and Daniel many claims of purported fraud in the elec-
The material previously referred to
Scavino, Jr., for contempt of Congress pursu- tion that have been discredited in public re-
by Mrs. FISCHBACH is as follows: ant to this Report is as follows: porting, by State officials, and by courts.3
AMENDMENT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 1033 Resolved, That Peter K. Navarro and Daniel On February 9, 2022, Chairman BENNIE G.
At the end of the resolution, add the fol- Scavino, Jr., shall be found to be in con- THOMPSON signed a subpoena for documents
lowing: tempt of Congress for failure to comply with and testimony and transmitted it along with
SEC. 2. Immediately upon adoption of this congressional subpoenas. a cover letter and schedule to Mr. Navarro.4
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE
resolution, the House shall proceed to the Resolved, That pursuant to 2 U.S.C. §§ 192 The subpoena required that Mr. Navarro
consideration in the House of the bill (H.R. and 194, the Speaker of the House of Rep- produce responsive documents not later than
6858) to strengthen United States energy se- resentatives shall certify the report of the February 23, 2022, and that Mr. Navarro ap-
curity, encourage domestic production of Select Committee to Investigate the Janu- pear for a deposition on March 2, 2022.
crude oil, petroleum products, and natural ary 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, When Select Committee staff emailed Mr.
gas, and for other purposes. All points of detailing the refusal of Peter K. Navarro to Navarro on February 9, 2022, asking whether
order against consideration of the bill are produce documents or appear for a deposi- he would accept service and had an attorney,
waived. The bill shall be considered as read. tion before the Select Committee to Inves- Mr. Navarro replied only: ‘‘yes. no counsel.
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