Ken Buck

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Right. No disagreement in the world. And what is so significant is when Vladimir Putin says this is what is happening in Ukraine, who can believe him?

Mr. BUCK. Radioactive material. He was poisoned, and that is how he looks afterwards. Unbelievable that one human being can do this to another human being, much less a leader of a major nuclear power in the world.

Mr. BUCK. And, Congressman Roy, I just want to go through one of these slides again, if I can. I don't know if you got a look at this, but this is the before and after. This is a man who left, went to England, was poisoned, and this is what he looked like before, and that is after he was poisoned with radioactive materials.

Mr. BUCK. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I think it is worthwhile to take a look at who this leader is. Who is Vladimir Putin? He began his career, not surprisingly, Congressman, at the KGB. He came to power in 2000, winning the presidency after having served as a Secretary of the Security Council of Russia and as the Director of the Federal Security Service. Putin served as President until 2008, when he was constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third term, but Putin had little regard for the Russian Constitution. He orchestrated a maneuver in which one of his yes-men would be installed as the new President, and Putin would assume the role of Prime Minister. After serving as Russia's top leader, but in the capacity of Prime Minister, Putin then did the unthinkable and ran again as President in 2012. With protests and allegations of mass fraud in his background, he assumed another 6-year term and then again ran in 2018. Even more alarming, in April of last year, Putin signed into law a series of constitutional amendments that would permit him to run for President two additional terms, serving a total of 36 years. Putin's regime has become increasingly totalitarian, and Putin himself has put his KGB background to use, employing Soviet-era repressions against the people of Russia. He has cracked down on free speech, seized control of the media, and had his opponents and critics assassinated. Congressman, I know you feel strongly about how President Putin has put his KGB background to use.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I am here to have a discussion with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my good friend, about President Putin's actions in Russia. Putin is waging an unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine. Over the past 2 weeks, his attacks have become increasingly violent. The attacks have become more severe, even targeting residential areas. At the same time that Putin is engaged in a bloody war with tragic consequences for the people of Ukraine, he is also engaged in a propaganda war. His disinformation campaign is geared toward: first, his own people, who have largely been kept in the dark about the atrocities of this war against Ukraine; and, second, the entire world. In justifying his war to the world, Putin has relied on the ridiculous claim that he is the appointed person to denazify Ukraine. The Russian Government released a statement on March 1 through the Russian Embassy in Canada, stating: ``Russia continues its special military operation to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine. The Russian army does not occupy Ukrainian territory and takes all measures to preserve the lives and safety of civilians. The strikes are targeting military facilities only. . . . The tasks to clear Ukraine of Nazism . . . will be accomplished.'' Congressman Roy, there is a lot of evidence that Putin's army is targeting civilian targets.

Mr. BUCK. And one more thing, when the press holds us to account, we stand up. We may disagree with them. We may offer another version of the facts, but we don't shut down the press. We don't close their doors. We don't turn off the TV station when they call something a war. When they call a war a war, we don't shut them down. That is exactly what is happening in Russia right now.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership, and I appreciate Mrs. Bustos and her willingness to consider this language. I don't know that there was a problem beforehand, but whatever there was, it has been cleared up, and I very much think that this is a stronger bill as a result of this amendment. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith), a cosponsor of this bill.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4445. This is the way the legislative process should work. This started with a victim of sexual harassment, Gretchen Carlson, who stepped forward and brought a cancer within an organization to light, and did it in a courageous manner. Then my colleague, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, took on this cause and wrote a good piece of legislation. But what she did was even more important. She was open to suggestions and often adopted suggestions to make this the very best legislation that it could be. And my friends, Congressman Matt Gaetz and Morgan Griffith, worked alongside her and worked on our side of the aisle to make folks aware of the need for this legislation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4445 because, one, it empowers rape victims to make a choice between arbitration and going to court. It also makes sure that sexual predators are held accountable. And finally, it puts corporations on notice that if they don't clean up their act, they are going to have a big problem. There is no more sweeping an issue like this under the carpet. This is something that corporations are going to take seriously, and they are going to change their conduct as a result of a possible change to their bottom line. This bill gives Members a choice to support rape victims or rapists. I choose to support the rape victims, the survivors of a terrible ordeal, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, this amendment is really very simple. It changes a somewhat convoluted definition of sexual harassment to the following: ``The term `sexual harassment dispute' means a dispute relating to conduct that is alleged to constitute sexual harassment under applicable Federal, Tribal, or State law.'' Simple, straightforward, understandable. The issue arose here because there was a question of whether the definition that was contained in this law would supersede Federal, State, or Tribal law; it doesn't. However, this clarifies that, and I would ask my colleagues to support this. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I rise to highlight the importance of the strategic relationship between the United States and Mongolia. Though geographically surrounded by two countries, Russia to the north and China to the south, I am told that Mongolia recognizes the United States as its ``third neighbor''--a key partnership forged through diplomatic, military, cultural, and economic relationships that provide immense value to both nations. As the United States continually adapts, analyzes, and innovates to stay ahead of challenges from global competitors like China and Russia, maintaining and strengthening relationships with regional allies like Mongolia is critical. Since establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1987, and the country's peaceful democratic revolution in 1990, the United States and Mongolia have partnered to expand political and financial cooperation and to advance market-based reforms to stabilize and grow economic opportunities for Mongolian citizens. The U.S. State Department's 2021 Investment Climate Statement on Mongolia highlighted the importance of direct foreign investment, especially from western companies and institutions, as pivotal for the growth and stability of the Mongolian economy. Mongolia is making efforts to bolster investor confidence by reiterating its commitment to implementing the U.S.-Mongolia Agreement on Transparency in Matters Related to International Trade and Investment. This agreement provides greater regulatory certainty and transparency for domestic and foreign investors by requiring a public-comment period before new regulations become final. The State Department's report highlights areas of success where investments have outperformed expectations, particularly in retail and service sectors of the economy. The report also identifies sectors where greater certainty is needed to ensure continued economic growth, including the mining and natural resources industries. To quote from the report: ``The Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine has resurfaced as a bellwether of Mongolia's investment climate. Upon reaching full production, the mine may produce as much as 25 percent of Mongolia's GDP. Resolving an ongoing investment dispute related to the mine between the government and multi-national shareholders is seen by many investors as essential to improving Mongolia's investment climate image internationally.'' (2021 Investment Climate Statements: Mongolia, 2021) A stable and robust Mongolian economy is central not only to the country's democratic, cultural, and financial independence, but it is also a clear strategic asset to the United States. I commend the Mongolian government for the steps it has taken to welcome and incentivize investment into its economy and encourage the government to continue to make progress on the institutional and legal measures that are needed to secure existing capital and encourage further investments into local jobs, businesses, and economic opportunities for the Mongolian people. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I am honored to recognize the important relationship between the United States and Mongolia.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joes, Colorado, volunteer firefighter Larry Wyant. On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Mr. Wyant was headed to the funeral of another area firefighter, Mr. Darcy Stallings, when a fire began in a cornfield in southern Yuma County. Mr. Wyant was responding to the call when high winds changed the direction of the grasslands fire, claiming his life. The small town of Joes is a close-knit community, and Mr. Wyant an integral part of it. Every volunteer stopped what they were doing to help contain the grasslands fire that day, according to Joes Fire Department. Mr. Wyant's commitment to his friends and community will be remembered. His bravery and heroic actions serve as a reminder of the great sacrifice our first responders make. Madam Speaker, I am humbled and honored to recognize Mr. Wyant's service and sacrifice. I want to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Wyant's family, friends, fellow firefighters, and community.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of volunteer firefighter Mr. Darcy Stallings. On October 21, 2021, Mr. Stallings passed away in an automobile accident while responding in his private vehicle to a call for a grasslands fire. His heroic actions and bravery stand as a reminder of the great sacrifice made by those who volunteer to serve their community as first responders. Mr. Stallings was a highly respected firefighter who volunteered for the City of Yuma's Volunteer Fire Department for nine years. Growing up in Yuma and serving on the board of the Yuma County Fairgrounds, he was an integral part of the community. Good people like Mr. Stallings represent the best of America. He was deeply committed to his family and community, and he will be remembered for his willingness to help others. On October 21, Colorado lost a dedicated community servant, friend, and father. I want to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Stallings' family, friends, fellow firefighters, and community. Madam Speaker, I am humbled and honored to recognize Mr. Stallings' service and sacrifice.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize May Ranch of Lamar, Colorado for receiving the 2021 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award. The Leopold Conservation Award Program, named after conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes and celebrates voluntary land conservation by private agricultural landowners. Each year, only one landowner in each of the participating states is given this award. Owned and operated by the Dallas and Brenda May family, the May Ranch of Lamar was given this award for 2021. The May Ranch exemplifies how livestock and wildlife can thrive together. Through collaborations with various wildlife and conservation organizations, the Mays have planted native trees, installed wildlife- friendly fences, and managed grazing on the ranch's grasslands. With the wetlands on the ranch serving as an oasis for birds, their grass- fed beef is marketed as ``Raised on Bird Friendly Land.'' The Mays have shown commitment to not only the conservation of the ecosystem on May Ranch, but to the agricultural way of life that is so important to Eastern Colorado. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I am honored to celebrate this special recognition of the May Ranch as the 2021 Leopold Conservation Award recipient.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Platteville, Colorado. The Colorado Gold Rush of 1857 brought an influx of frontiersmen through what is now Weld County, spurring population growth and the establishment of dozens of new towns and settlements. After the Denver Pacific Railroad reached the area in 1871, Platteville, Colorado, was founded. With just one general store in the first years of its existence, Platteville has expanded to encompass several banks, factories, hotels, and other retail establishments. The Platte River's fertile valley has long been known for its livestock and poultry, with over 200 farms now located in the surrounding area. Today, Platteville boasts more than 2,500 residents who are proud to call Colorado their home. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I am honored to celebrate this special occasion alongside my constituents who call Platteville home.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, my inquiry is, if it is appropriate to call the previous President a liar, is it appropriate that we can refer to the current President as a liar also?

Mr. BUCK. Does not apply to past Presidents?

Mr. BUCK. Understood. I thank the Speaker. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding. Madam Speaker, we have weak leadership now and a crisis in Afghanistan. We have a crisis at our border because of weak leadership. We have an inflation crisis because of weak leadership. And we have a crime issue in our cities as a result of weak leadership. Now, we debate preclearance requirements that are unnecessary and unconstitutional. We hear that they are necessary because of voter ID laws. It takes identification to buy liquor in this country, to buy marijuana in this country, and to drive a car in this country. To enter this building, it takes identification. Yet, it is such a burden that we need to have preclearance with the Department of Justice because of that heavy burden that is being placed on citizens, preclearance from an administration that has screwed up Afghanistan, screwed up the border, screwed up inflation. We are supposed to go to them and ask them for permission because voter ID is such a burden. If there weren't people streaming across this border who could potentially vote, we wouldn't be asking for voter ID laws across this country, but we are. Madam Speaker, you can't screw things up on the one hand and, on the other hand, try to require preclearance. It is wrong, and I ask my colleagues to vote ``no.''