Steve Chabot

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2331, the SBA Cyber Awareness Act. In June 2015, the Office of Personnel Management, or OPM, discovered that background investigation records of current, former, and prospective Federal employees and contractors had been stolen from their system. That data breach affected 21.5 million individuals. Earlier in 2015, OPM discovered that the personal data of 4.2 million current and former Federal Government employees had also been stolen. This is absolutely unacceptable, and we must hold agencies accountable to secure their networks. While a much smaller agency, the SBA maintains important and sensitive data about loan recipients, government contractor information, and various other forms of personally identifiable information that hackers covet. That is why I am happy to support Mr. Crow's and Mr. Balderson's legislation, H.R. 2331, the SBA Cyber Awareness Act. This legislation mirrors legislation introduced in the last Congress by Senators Rubio and Cardin. The bill directs the SBA to issue reports that assess its cybersecurity infrastructure, including determining the country of origin of its IT components, and report cyber threats, breaches, and cyberattacks. This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill, and I urge my colleagues to support the measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I just want to thank Mr. Balderson and Mr. Crow for working together in a bipartisan manner on this very important legislation. I know Mr. Balderson wanted to be here today to speak on this. Unfortunately, I believe he had some airline issues, but I believe he will be submitting a statement for the Record. But again, we appreciate both Mr. Balderson and Mr. Crow's leadership on this. We have seen a large increase in cybersecurity threats against not only the private sector, but also the public sector. We must remain vigilant to ensure the public's data does not end up in the wrong hands. This bipartisan legislation ensures that the SBA is better equipped to protect American citizens' data. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1649, the Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2019. Information technology is a necessity for small businesses, because it arms them with the tools they need to be competitive in the global economy. Unfortunately, small businesses are increasingly popular targets for cybercriminals. The average cost of a cyberattack on a small business is over $30,000, which can destroy, literally, a small business. That is exactly why Ms. Velazquez, Mr. Evans, and I introduced H.R. 1649, the Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2019. This bipartisan legislation establishes a cyber counseling certification program in lead SBDCs to better assist small businesses with planning and implementing cybersecurity measures to defend against cyberattacks. The cyber assistance offered by trained staff at SBDCs would be provided at no or low cost to small businesses. Cyber planning assistance will encourage small businesses to take a more proactive approach to defending themselves from cyberattacks by leveraging the expertise from SBDCs and their partner agencies and institutions. This bill utilizes existing Federal resources to cover the reimbursement costs. We recognize cyber threats are ever-evolving and will continue to work with industry to ensure that appropriate staffing needs are met. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers, so I would be happy to close at this time if it is acceptable to the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, we have heard from small business owners, cybersecurity experts, and government officials, and there is no question that improving cybersecurity for America's small businesses should be an urgent priority for small firms. Over the past few years, the Federal Government has stepped up its efforts to both prevent and mitigate cyberattacks by coordinating and distributing cybersecurity resources directly to small businesses. This commonsense legislation would continue our efforts to ensure small firms can access needed information from SBDCs to help prevent and respond to cyberattacks. Mr. Speaker, I urge this bill's adoption. I want to again thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Evans) for his leadership on this, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2345, the Clarifying the Small Business Runway Extension Act. This important bipartisan legislation holds the SBA accountable for implementing the will of Congress. In the previous Congress, this committee undertook a deep-dive examination of the effects of entering the middle market on small contractors, and the Runway Extension Act of 2018 was the direct result of these actions. It was clear, under no uncertain terms, that the intent of the bill was to apply to the SBA's own calculation of its receipts-based size standards to small firms. However, the SBA took an opposing view, which resulted in a conflict between law and regulation. H.R. 2345 is critical in that it mitigates this confusion and restates the original intent of the Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018 to make clear that the law does, in fact, apply to the Small Business Administration. Additionally, H.R. 2345 responds to concerns raised by small businesses and stakeholders after the bill's passage, such as its effect on declining-revenue businesses and the need to provide the executive branch and small businesses time to adjust to the new rule. The transition plan offered by this bill will make significant strides in easing the path for small businesses and Federal agencies alike. I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber) and the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden) for their leadership. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure.

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to reiterate that H.R. 2345 is important not only to help small contractors once they graduate, but it also holds the SBA accountable to the will of the people through an act of Congress. Small businesses have told us they need a runway to grow and they need that runway now. We need to ensure that this is done, that the SBA takes swift action. H.R. 2345 gets us there. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of a Cincinnati legend and civil rights icon, Marian Spencer. Ms. Spencer passed away Tuesday at the age of 99. She dedicated her life to shaping the community that she loved, Cincinnati, for the better. Among her many accomplishments, in 1961, she successfully led the effort to integrate Coney Island, Cincinnati's premier amusement park at the time. She was also a pioneer in Cincinnati politics, becoming the first woman to lead the local NAACP and the first African American woman elected to the Cincinnati City Council. Over the years, I had the good fortune to get to know Marian Spencer and learn from her experiences. We both served on the city council back in the 1980s, and she was never shy about sharing her opinions with me. I grew to respect her toughness, her honesty, and her conviction. Madam Speaker, Cincinnati lost an exceptional leader on Tuesday, but Marian Spencer's legacy will endure for generations to come.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Chair, I believe that additional Congressional emphasis on demining efforts in Nagorno-Karabakh is unnecessary at this time since demining will be complete next year, according to the Halo Trust. Moving forward, we all hope that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is on the horizon. And it very well may be. In a few weeks, senior U.S. negotiators will meet with the Foreign Ministers of both Azerbaijan and Armenia to advance the prospect of peace in Nagorno-Karabakh under the Minsk Process. As we watch this process which is clearly working, Congress should let negotiations play out.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, Mr. Speaker, and I rise in opposition to this resolution. It seems to allow Democrats on the Judiciary Committee to go to essentially whatever court they want to get a court order to get whatever documents they want--even grand jury documents and those that relate to our national security--all because they don't want, or are afraid to, really, hold Attorney General Barr or former White House Counsel Don McGahn in contempt of Congress, just as they are afraid to institute impeachment proceedings against President Trump or accept the fact that the Mueller investigation found that there was no collusion and Attorney General Barr found no obstruction. They just can't get it through their heads that that is the case, and they don't want to focus on the real issue threatening our democracy which is that Russia actually attempted to interfere in our national elections back in 2016 while Barack Obama--not Donald Trump--was President, and the Obama administration did absolutely nothing about that. They really don't seem too concerned that the Russians or another foreign entity might attempt to do so again in 2020. That is what they ought to be using their oversight powers--very powerful things the power that the majority has--they ought to be using it about that, not this charade. How many documents have the Democrats requested that relate to Russian interference in our elections? None. How many hearings? Zip. How many Obama-administration officials and others connected to Russia's efforts have they subpoenaed to testify before the Judiciary Committee? Zero. By continuing with this fake impeachment, the Democrats are doing the American public a disservice. My Democratic colleagues ought to be embarrassed.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I claim the time in opposition to this very flawed piece of legislation here this afternoon. It is flawed in many ways. First of all, it doesn't do anything to get more control at our southern border. We have thousands of people streaming across that border in various places on the border. It does nothing about that. It does nothing to improve on our asylum system, which is very flawed right now. The drug cartels make huge amounts of money by the people who are coming in illegally. They are told the magic words, which are basically to say that they fear if they return to their country, so they are let into our country. They are put on a bus or they are put on a plane and shipped somewhere around the country, to some city. They are given a court date 2 years out, 3 years out, 5 years out. Very seldom do they show up for that court date, so they basically disappear into the population. This legislation does nothing to reform our asylum laws or to protect the American people. It does nothing to basically protect folks around the world who are trying to come here the right way. The DACA amnesty program which is being created here will allow people to cut in front of the line for people who are trying to do it the right way. Not only does it not do things to improve the existing law--and it certainly doesn't do it in a bipartisan manner--but it is dangerous, and I will tell you why. In the Judiciary Committee--I have been on that committee for many years now--I offered an amendment. I think we all know that far too many people are killed or injured in this country by drunk drivers, by people who have, in some States they call it a DUI, in some States they call it a DWI, driving, basically, impaired, either drugs or alcohol. I offered a commonsense amendment which said, basically, that you would not be eligible for this if you were convicted--not just that you have driven, but you were convicted--of drunk driving and you either killed a person or the person was seriously injured. Serious bodily harm could be loss of an eye or a limb. Or, if you had multiple DUIs, two or more DUIs, you wouldn't be eligible for these. All the Republicans on the committee voted for it; all the Democrats voted against it. Mothers Against Drunk Driving, MADD, indicates that there are over 10,000 people killed every year in America by drunk drivers. Over 300,000 every year are injured by drunk drivers. In my amendment, we are talking about people convicted of it. Mothers Against Drunk Drivers indicates, for every time a person is convicted, on average, they think they have probably driven drunk 80 times. So we are allowing folks to be eligible for this program. All the Democrats on the committee voted against this amendment that would have basically made us safer in this country against drunk drivers. But they refused to go along with that, so I think it is really dangerous to pass it. It could have been much safer. The people who are injured are our sons. They are our daughters, wives, spouses, brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. But this bill doesn't make them safer. It had an opportunity to do so, but all my colleagues on the other side of the aisle voted against it. That is just one reason why I think this is a very flawed bill, and I would urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill. We could, in a bipartisan manner, actually do something for these Dreamers, these DACA folks, but Democrats said: No, we are not going to do this bipartisan. We are going to ram this thing through. It is really unfortunate because we could have done something good for the country, but that is not what this bill does. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a Co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijani Caucus, to honor the Republic of Azerbaijan as it celebrates its 101st Republic Day on May 28, 2019. This important milestone marks the very first time a parliamentary democratic republic was established in any predominantly Muslim country. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan's independence was short-lived, as it was soon occupied by the Soviets. Many Azerbaijanis lost their lives in 1920, trying to keep their independence alive and after years of living under Soviet rule re-gained their independence in 1991. Since regaining its independence, Azerbaijan has become a key ally to the United States in a strategically important region. It is a secular state with a predominantly Muslim population that has been home to vibrant Christian and Jewish communities for over a millennium. Azerbaijan continues to offer critical support for NATO operations in Afghanistan, particularly by enabling supplies to reach Coalition forces. Azerbaijan also provides vital support to U.S. nonproliferation efforts in a very tough neighborhood. In addition to supporting U.S. security interests in the region, Azerbaijan plays an important role in contributing to the energy security of our European allies and Israel. It is very remarkable that roughly 40% of Israel's oil is provided by Azerbaijan. I believe the U.S. should stand with Azerbaijan and work with them to strengthen their independence as our proven partner is subjected to substantial pressure from Russia and Iran. It is my pleasure to encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring Azerbaijan on its 101st Republic Day and celebrate the robust U.S.- Azerbaijan partnership.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, this week is National Police Week, a week the American people join hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers across the country to honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to keep our communities safe. Words alone can never fully express our gratitude for the sacrifices that police officers and their families make to protect the rest of us. And too often, it takes a tragedy to realize just what is at stake, and what we owe to those who are willing to take that risk. It's why I do all that I can as a Member of Congress to help give police officers the resources they need to do their job effectively and safely. For example, this week, we passed important legislation to reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. This important program helps protect the men and women who serve in law enforcement by giving states and localities the resources they need to ensure that all police officers have the proper equipment to keep them safe and help prevent line-of-duty deaths. Every day and night, in cities and towns across America, the men and women who wear the uniform risk their lives to protect us as we go to school, to work, and spend time with our families. And so, as we commemorate National Police Week, let's take a moment to thank those officers for their bravery, selfless dedication and tireless efforts to keep our communities safe. To those who serve us, who wear the uniform, and the badge, and the gun, thank them for their service. I also thank them for their dedication and the sacrifices they and their families make to keep the rest of us safe. God bless them.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 273, which reaffirms the United States commitment to Taiwan and to the implementation of the Taiwan Relations Act, or TRA. As a longtime friend of the people of Taiwan, a founding co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, and a cosponsor of this resolution, I want to thank Chairman Engel and Ranking Member McCaul for their work to support our critical bilateral relationship with Taiwan. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, which together with President Reagan's Six Assurances, serve as the foundation for the relationship between our two countries, and I mean countries. Since the TRA was signed in 1979, Taiwan has become a vibrant, consolidated democracy, one of our most important trading partners and a model in so many areas for the rest of Asia and the whole world, really. Going forward, we must continue to implement the TRA and do better at fully appreciating the policy commitments it contains. With that in mind, I urge the President to immediately finalize an arms sales package with Taiwan as well as begin negotiations for a free trade agreement. As China's influence grows, our commitment to Taiwan will be the bellwether of our commitment to democracy in Asia. We do not owe China a vote in how we treat Taiwan. If we are equivocal in our support for Taiwan in the face of Chinese pressure, how can we credibly support democracy and democratic values when they are threatened elsewhere? I also want to voice my support for H.R. 2002, Ranking Member McCaul's Taiwan Assurance Act. This legislation takes important steps to advance our bilateral relationship, including support for arms sales and for Taiwan's participation in international organizations. It would also require a review of the State Department's, I believe, unreasonable guidelines for Taiwan's diplomatic staff here in the U.S. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I wish the legislation did not refer to the misguided U.S. One-China policy, but I understand that it was included as part of negotiations with the Senate. Finally, the Taiwan Assurance Act requires a report on implementation of the Taiwan Travel Act, legislation that I introduced last Congress to increase high-level visits between U.S. and Taiwanese officials. Since the bill became law a little over a year ago, we have seen not enough action, and I believe that it is past time for full implementation of this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, as we mark the TRA's 40th anniversary, H. Res. 273 and H.R. 2002 are critical to strengthening our enduring relationship with Taiwan as we look forward to the next 40 years, so I would urge my colleagues to support both of them.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, when I was reading the Cincinnati Enquirer online this morning, an article headline grabbed my attention: ``Last WW II Doolittle Raider dies.'' Lieutenant Colonel Dick Cole was 103 when he passed away Tuesday in Texas. There were 80 Raiders, and the fifth last to survive was Tom Griffin, from my Cincinnati, Ohio, district, who was 96 when he died a couple of years ago. I had the honor of getting to know Tom well over the years. He was a wonderful guy, and, yes, he was a hero. That is a term that gets used quite frequently nowadays; but Tom Griffin, and Dick Cole, and the other 78 brave Americans who took off that night from the USS Hornet truly were heroes. Only months after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, their daring feat gave America a much-needed shot in the arm that was a first and major step in winning that war. Now these 80 courageous, gallant, patriotic Doolittle Raiders are all gone, but they will never be forgotten.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act, legislation which protects the sanctity of life for the unborn by ensuring that infants who are born alive receive proper medical care, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, if this unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker and the majority leader to immediately schedule consideration of the Born-Alive bill so we can stand up and protect the sanctity of human life, and I would ask all of my colleagues in this body to join in my request.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the historic March 19 announcement by former Kazakhstan President, Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, who voluntarily and peacefully resigned from his position as President and as the Head of State. Kazakhstan's Constitution was prepared for such a scenario and calls for the Chairperson of the Senate of the Parliament to step in and take on the roles and responsibilities for the remainder of the President's term. This transition process, which will usher in the Chairman of the Senate, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as Head of State, is moving forward peacefully and with little to no disruption, as all parties involved remain committed to Kazakhstan's further development and prosperity, as well as serving as a stabilizing force in the region. Additionally, I call on President Tokayev to carry out the reforms necessary to hold free and fair elections in 2020, so that the people of Kazakhstan can continue to strengthen their democratic institutions. For almost 30 years, Kazakhstan and the United States have worked diligently to build a strategic partnership based on mutual trust and cooperation on important issues such as economic investment, security, and cultural exchanges. Both Kazakhstan and the United States have made clear that this strategic partnership and friendship will continue to grow and expand under a new Head of State. I applaud President Nazarbayev for his work to create a strong and lasting relationship with the United States. In 2018, the U.S. and Kazakhstan signed numerous economic agreements that have paved the way for more than 700 American companies to invest over $3.7 million in the last year alone. These investments support jobs and provide an economic boost for both of our economies. In partnership with American companies, Kazakhstan launched the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) in 2018, which serves as a trading and financing platform for foreign and domestic investors, allowing Kazakhstan to grow as a major financial hub in the region. Kazakhstan and the United States have also been constructive partners in promoting security and stability around the world. Our two nations work together closely to support peace in Afghanistan and Central Asia through the Strategic Partnership Dialogue, joint-military efforts, and the C5+1 multilateral meetings. Additionally, President Nazarbayev was instrumental in Kazakhstan being the first Central Asian country to be elected to the United Nations National Security Council, providing a voice for the people of the region on a global stage. The United States welcomes this peaceful transition of power in Kazakhstan as it remains a reliable and trusted partner in Central Asia and I congratulate Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on his new role.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, the Cincinnati Moeller Crusaders have done it again, back-to-back Ohio Division I basketball champs 2 years in a row. The Crusaders defeated the strong Akron Saint Vincent-Saint Mary team over the weekend, 52-44, to take the championship. Moeller was undefeated this season going 29-0. In fact, going back to last season, it is their 49th win in a row in a league and a State known for great high school basketball teams. As a graduate of a Greater Catholic League rival school, La Salle, I have to acknowledge that Moeller is strong in just about everything. In fact, my senior year at La Salle, Moeller was the only team to beat us in football, even with me anchoring the La Salle defensive line. To Moeller's players, especially the seniors who will be graduating, the coaches, parents, teachers, and fans, congratulations. I wish them all the best in the future--unless, of course, they are playing my alma mater, La Salle.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address an issue that impacts all our congressional districts and communities: the opioid crisis. For years now, it seems that the only news about it has been bad news: 70,000 overdose deaths in 2017, widespread importation of deadly drugs like fentanyl, families devastated, lives wasted. But now, finally, some good news to report. In my district, specifically, in Hamilton County, we have had a 20 percent decrease in opioid deaths in the first half of 2018. The decline is the result of multiple prevention efforts, a task force of first responders, law enforcement, health officials, and community leaders all working together to tackle this deadly epidemic. Their efforts are truly saving lives in our community. Most importantly, their successes can be used as a model to help save thousands and thousands of lives across the country. And I can't think of any better news than that.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 596, the Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act, and I thank my good friend from Virginia, Representative Gerry Connolly, for his work and his leadership on this legislation and many other pieces of legislation that we have worked on in a bipartisan manner in this House. They say there is no bipartisanship here, whether it is under Democratic or Republican control, and we found a way to make that happen on the Foreign Affairs Committee over the years. As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the principal Republican cosponsor of this legislation, let me state clearly and emphatically that the United States--and the world, for that matter--must never recognize Vladimir Putin's reckless Crimean land grab, which is all too reminiscent of Soviet Cold War tactics. This bill not only definitively sets out U.S. policy that we will not recognize Putin's bogus claims of sovereignty over Crimea, but it will also prohibit our government from taking any actions that might imply our recognition of Russian claims. Representative Connolly and I first introduced this legislation back in 2014, shortly after Putin seized Crimea. Despite the intervening years, we must never grow accustomed to Russian control over the peninsula. That is one reason that makes this legislation even more vitally necessary, because over time, the world sometimes does grow accustomed to things. We must never let that happen with Putin's grab of Crimea. Last May, Putin opened a bridge over the Kerch Strait, which separates Russia from Crimea, in an attempt to better link it, to grab it and keep it. The bridge is too low for many large vessels, which has reduced economic activity at Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov, thus further harming Ukraine. Even more concerning, in November, Putin's thugs illegally seized three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews at the entrance to the Kerch Strait. Plain and simple, Putin's illegal annexation of Crimea, as well as his adventures around the Kerch Strait and in Eastern Ukraine, have no place in a modern, democratic Europe. We must not abandon Ukraine to Putin's bullying. That is why I am pleased to cosponsor this legislation along with my friend, Mr. Connolly, which is but a step toward a once-again free Crimea. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill so that we will never recognize Russian domination over the Crimean peninsula.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise in observance of the victims of the Khojaly Massacre, a barbarous atrocity committed against innocent Azerbaijani civilians. Tuesday, February 26, marked the 27th anniversary of this bloody episode. The story is all too tragic. Khojaly, in the region of Nagorno- Karabakh, was surrounded by Armenian and Soviet troops in the fall of 1991. After bombarding the city these troops attacked on the night of February 25 and 26, killing 600 innocent Azerbaijanis, including elderly people, women, and children. Hundreds more were left severely disabled from the attacks. Over fifty people were killed with wanton brutality, many children lost parents, and eight whole families were wiped out. Human Rights Watch described these attacks as a ``massacre'' and in a 1992 report stated that the attacks by Armenian and Soviet forces, ``deliberately disregarded [the] customary law restraint on attacks.'' This massacre remains the darkest chapter in the Azerbaijan-Armenian conflict. Unfortunately, the dispute over Nagorno Karabakh is still ongoing, despite the United States and the international community not recognizing the independent rule of the region and supporting a negotiated settlement. I call on all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to this decades old conflict. I encourage my colleagues to join with me and the Azerbaijani people as they remember this tragedy.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in observance of the 29th anniversary of Black January, January 20, a historic and tragic day in the history of the country of Azerbaijan and to remember the lives lost at the hands of Soviet brutality 29 years ago. On the night of January 20, 1990, 26,000 Soviet troops invaded the capital city of Baku and surrounding areas. As a result of this violent crackdown on the Azerbaijani people, more than 147 innocent civilians died, around 800 people were injured, and hundreds were arrested. This event has remained embedded in Azerbaijan's national history and in the minds of its citizens as ``Black January.'' This tragic event is seen as the rebirth of the Azerbaijan Republic. This attack was a desperate attempt to squelch the independence movement that was gaining momentum in Azerbaijan and to rescue the totalitarian regime, the rule of Communist Party, and the whole Soviet Union. This attack, however, produced opposite results, further inflaming the independence movement in Azerbaijan as well as those in other Republics of the former Soviet Union. Popular pressure led the country to break away from Soviet rule and declare its independence. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan was approved. November 1991 marked the beginning of international recognition of Azerbaijan's independence. The United States was among the first nations to recognize the young country's independence when we established diplomatic relations on February 28, 1992 and opened an embassy in Baku in March. Today, the U.S. and Azerbaijan share many interests and objectives for the region as we cooperate on a broad range of issues, especially energy development and security concerns. I encourage my colleagues to join with me and the Azerbaijani people as they remember this tragedy.

Mr. CHABOT

Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 498, the Clean Up the Code Act of 2019. I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson) for his support and his leadership in making this legislation possible. Back in 2008, the Heritage Foundation published a report estimating that there were nearly 4,500 different Federal crimes in the U.S. Code. Five years later, the Judiciary Committee asked the Congressional Research Service to review the foundation's findings only to be told that it did not have the resources to fulfill our request. This is a clear indication that there are too many criminal laws on the books and the code needs to be cleaned up. H.R. 498 eliminates nine provisions in Title 18, a good start, that in some instances have never been prosecuted since their enactment. For example, as has already been mentioned, the unauthorized use of the Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl will no longer be subject to criminal penalty if this bill is enacted. This bipartisan legislation is aimed at doing exactly what the bill title says--clean up the code. If there were too many criminal laws for the CRS to count back in 2013, let's help them get rid of the easy ones by enacting this legislation. As I say, it is a good start. It isn't going to solve the whole problem, but it is a good start, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.