Ed Case

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my colleague from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1380) to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to clarify provisions enacted by the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, to further the conservation of certain wildlife species, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I appreciate, again, the comments from the ranking member, but I think he is out of step with the majority in this House, given the bipartisan nature of this particular legislation. A couple of quick points to answer some of his objections. First of all, as I mentioned earlier, the Zoological Association of America has withdrawn its opposition to this bill. The Zoological Association of America, contrary to the statement, is not opposed to this bill. Second, he talks about the guidelines by the USDA being sufficient. They are obviously not sufficient when the status quo across this country still has such a tremendous and deleterious impact on animal welfare, as well as presents a continued risk for public safety. As was noted in some of the comments earlier, in fact, we have a patchwork of regulation across this country; whereas, it is time for us to have one uniform standard across this country that would apply everywhere. He complains that this bill is a matter of special interest. I would submit, if the special interests are those special interests that are concerned about the welfare of animals and are concerned about public safety, then those are good special interests to be aligned with. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I am very happy to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Haaland), chair of the subcommittee of jurisdiction, National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, my friend and colleague.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 4153, the Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act, will ensure that Native American veterans have equal access to healthcare, regardless of their location of residence, by expanding Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, funding to include urban Indian health centers. The Indian Health Service acts as the primary Federal agency responsible for providing healthcare to federally recognized Indian and Alaska Native communities. Currently, there are three types of facilities that make up the IHS system: Federally-operated facilities, tribally-operated facilities, and urban Indian organization-operated, UIO, facilities. As opposed to the federally-operated and tribally-operated facilities, which are often located in remote areas, UIO facilities have been established in larger cities in order to accommodate the large populations of tribal members located in urban areas. By law, a Native veteran is eligible to receive services under both the VA and IHS and can choose which one to use at any given time. Section 405 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, or IHCIA, authorizes the VA to reimburse federally-operated and tribally-operated IHS facilities for any services that they provide to eligible Native veterans. To that end, the VA has entered into one national reimbursement agreement that encompasses 74 federally-operated IHS facilities, as well as 114 individual reimbursement agreements with tribally-operated IHS sites. However, because Section 405 does not explicitly reference UIOs, these facilities are excluded from receiving any reimbursements from the VA. This has severely hampered the ability of urban Indian health organizations to properly care for the Native veterans living in urban centers and has forced these veterans to travel great distances to reach an IHS facility or, sadly, to abstain from treatment altogether. We can all agree that Native veterans should have equal access to healthcare, regardless of where they choose to reside. As such, H.R. 4153 will bring parity to the IHS system by allowing UIOs to enter into reimbursement agreements with the VA. I want to thank the sponsor of the bill, Representative Ro Khanna from California, for advocating on behalf of Native veterans everywhere, and I urge quick adoption of this bipartisan legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 7045. This legislation would require the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, to conduct a study to identify lands in the State of Hawaii that merit inclusion in the National Forest System. Hawaii is the most isolated island chain and one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world. Within these constrained borders, we have 10 of the 13 world climate zones and ecosystems, ranging from the deserts to the tropics, where plants and animals that found their way to Hawaii evolved like nowhere else. The study would consider how a Hawaii national forest, which we do not currently have, could contribute to the conservation of this biodiversity not found elsewhere in the National Forest System while supporting the research mission of the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. My bill provides the first step in establishing a national forest in Hawaii. It would help inventory where Hawaii's native koa, ohia, and sandalwood forests can be conserved and expanded for cultural and commercial practices. It would help identify where cultural sites could be better conserved and access expanded to the public and practitioners. It would help provide the basis to bring together local stakeholders to move forward the conversation of how to responsibly establish a national forest in Hawaii in a manner that will benefit both Hawaii's island communities and the National Forest Service. As we continue to identify solutions to our climate and biodiversity crises, I hope we can all see the value in taking this step toward protecting Hawaii's unique forest resources and our native species. Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CASE. I yield to the gentleman from Utah.

Mr. CASE. Yes.

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I accept the offer of Mr. Ranking Member. I will look the gentleman up in 20 years. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my colleague Congresswoman Titus' amendment to H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, which I cosponsored. Our travel and tourism industry employs nearly 16 million workers across our nation. In my home state of Hawaii, tourism is our main economic pillar, with one out of five workers statewide employed within this industry. I have literally hundreds of thousands of constituents and their families who are dependent on travel and tourism fear for their future due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of tourists arriving in Hawaii each day has dropped over 97 percent compared to a year ago. COVID-19 has devastated Hawaii's economy and threatened the livelihoods of countless individuals, forcing all into uncertainty and too many into unemployment and worse. This bipartisan amendment will ensure these families and millions of their fellow workers and families across the country are not left behind by adding hospitality and tourism to the list of non-traditional apprenticeship industries eligible for the 21st Century Grants in the Modernizing the National Apprenticeship System. The amendment supports our workers and businesses in the hospitality industry at a time of great need, and it invests in this critical sector of our economy to help ensure a clearer path to recovery. I am proud to support Congresswoman Titus' amendment, and I remain committed to finding and pursuing opportunities that will help the travel and tourism industry swiftly recover from the impacts of this pandemic. Mahalo.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the longstanding friendship and continued alliance between two great nations: the United States and the Republic of Korea. Seventy years ago, American and Allied servicemembers and civilians bravely came to the defense of South Korea, fighting alongside so many brave Korean citizens against North Korean aggression. While three long years of bitter conflict yielded only a stalemate, from the shared sacrifice and courage of millions emerged an enduring alliance and friendship between the United States and South Korea based on a common vision for the world and shared values for our peoples. The Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea endures to this day as a pillar of stability for the entire lndoPacific region. And in just the three generations since the Korean War, South Korea has emerged as one of Asia's great success stories, building a dynamic and diverse economy with a vibrant civil society and popular culture celebrated the world over. However, the relationship between the American and Korean peoples goes even deeper than the Korean War. In 1882, representatives of the United States and the Joseon Dynasty established diplomatic relations between their countries through the Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation. This was the first treaty Korea signed with a Western power, a treaty that first acknowledged Korea's status as an independent country. My Hawaii has also played and continues to play a major role in the strong relationship between our two countries. In 1903, the first Korean immigrants arrived in the United States through Hawaii, and I am proud of Hawaii's history and present as the gateway for new generations of Korean American immigrants and as a major bridge between our countries and peoples. Today, there are over two million Korean Americans across the United States, with almost 35,000 residing in my home state of Hawaii. It is a true honor to represent such a diverse and accomplished community that has contributed so much to the richness of Hawaii. Today, this House passed two resolutions recognizing the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. H. Res. 809 expresses the importance of the United States alliance with the Republic of Korea and the contributions of Korean Americans in the United States, and H. Res. 1012 recognizes the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and the transformation of the United States-Korea alliance into a mutually beneficial, global partnership. I am proud to support both resolutions and will continue to pursue opportunities to strengthen this crucial relationship, as well as to support Korean American communities in Hawaii and across the country. Thank you: (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da and mahalo)

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 910, the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2020. For decades, the Sea Grant College Program has provided essential oceans-focused research and support for our communities nation-wide and especially now as we face the impacts of climate change on coastal communities. The bill before us today would authorize an increase in funding for our Sea Grant programs and enhance our efforts to study, conserve and effectively use U.S. coastal resources. Climate change is wreaking havoc on our coasts, including throughout my Hawaii where coastal roads are crumbling as sea level rise and erosion take their toll. Coral reefs, which are vital resources for our ecosystems and provide protection from storm surges to our coasts, are facing mass bleaching events due to warming waters. Fish stocks are moving from traditional areas because of warming waters. The Sea Grant Program works with communities to research these issues and many more to provide useful information to make informed management decisions based on science. The University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program (Hawaii Sea Grant) is a prime example of focus on critical issues related to sustainable coastal development, tourism, hazard resiliency, sustainable aquaculture, indigenous knowledge, and the impacts of climate change. In all of its efforts, Hawaii Sea Grant strives to promote stewardship of Hawaii's coastal ecosystems and increase public awareness of the need to preserve and protect Hawaii's precious marine resources. Just some Hawaii Sea Grant impacts in 2018 included: Created or sustained 43 jobs for an economic benefit of at least $4.2 million; Generated $6.8 million in leveraged funds, resulting in a return on the federal investment of approximately 200 percent; Supported the education and training of 53 undergraduates and graduate students; Assisted 47 communities throughout Hawaii with implementing sustainable development practices and policies; Helped 762 fishers adopt safe and sustainable fishing practices; Educated over 30,000 K-12 students in Hawaii through Sea Grant education activities; Helped restore an estimated 5,500 acres of coastal ecosystems; and Improved community resilience statewide through outreach and distribution of more than 75,000 copies of the Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards publication. These impacts prove the longstanding importance of Sea Grant to many such communities nationwide. I am proud to support this continued work and urge all my colleagues to pass S. 910.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the upcoming 75th anniversary of the United Nations and recognize the continued importance of multilateral action as we pursue a more peaceful, prosperous and just world. On October 24, 1945, less than two months after the world emerged from the deadliest conflict in human history, the United Nations Charter entered into force, formally creating the United Nations. The Charter was and continues to be a visionary document dedicated to the indispensable idea that, through diplomacy and consultation, states can work together to achieve a better world. American leadership played a central role in the effort to establish the United Nations. Even before the United States entered the Second World War, President Franklin Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter to outline their vision for the post-war international order. In the final years of the war, individuals like Cordell Hull, Edward Stettinius Jr., Ralph Bunche and many others played crucial roles in shaping the draft United Nations Charter. Congress was deeply involved as well, with Members on both sides of the aisle participating in the San Francisco Conference. Representatives Sol Bloom of New York and Charles Aubrey Eaton of New Jersey and Senators Tom Connally of Texas and Arthur Vandenberg of Michigan helped make the case for the United Nations in Congress and to the American public. On July 28, 1945, the Senate voted to ratify the United Nations Charter by an overwhelming vote of 89 in favor, 2 against--a dramatic change from the rejection of the League of Nations just 26 years prior. Yet the push for a United Nations also came from beyond the halls of Washington. In 1943, a dedicated, passionate group of Americans created the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA- USA), bringing the discussion of a post-war order to homes and communities across the country. Thus began a rich history of advocacy for American leadership and participation in the United Nations that continues to this day, with over 20,000 UNA-USA members in over 200 chapters across the country. In the decades since 1945, through the most turbulent years of the Cold War, through the challenges of decolonization and entering the new millennium, the United Nations has been center stage for the international community in addressing issues like conflict and peace, economic development, global health, gender equality, human rights and more. Through the United Nations and the multitude of specialized agencies that have emerged to coordinate international action, the international community has come together to eradicate smallpox and curb other infectious diseases, protect the ozone layer, lift millions out of poverty, promote maternal and child health, preserve cultural and historical sites and so much more. Yet, in an era of renewed great power competition, we must not forget nor neglect the responsibility of the United Nations for international peace. This duty is enshrined first in the preamble of the United Nations Charter in its resolution to ``save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.'' In our world today, amidst heightened tensions, rising nationalism and a growing rejection of multilateralism, we cannot afford to forget United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold's famous statement that ``the United Nations was not created in order to bring us to heaven, but in order to save us from hell.'' No one can deny that there are limits and flaws to the United Nations, and examples abound of ways in which the organization has fallen short. Yet it is also an evolving institution, reshaping itself to face the challenges and meet the demands of an ever-changing world. To quote Hammarskjold again, ``setbacks in trying to realize the ideal do not prove the ideal is at fault.'' The United Nations was America's answer to an uncertain global future in 1945. Since then, the United Nations has been a pillar of the liberal international order that has benefited not just the United States but the entire world as well. It is too early to say exactly how future historians will recall 2020. The challenges ahead are many, not just this COVID-19 pandemic, but also a worldwide economic recession, a global refugee crisis, climate change, and more. America's answer to those challenges must include the United Nations. It falls upon all of us today, as heirs to the legacy of those brave and visionary Americans who won both the war and the peace after, to continue working with the United Nations in pursuit of the future we want.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, the air, land, and oceans of our Earth are in mortal danger and must be saved. But it is our oceans that are the most vast and unknown of these and with the most complex and extensive risk from climate change, to pollution, extraction, and marine debris. Debris is especially acute in my own Pacific and its epicenter, the 1,500-mile-long Hawaiian Islands chain, which acts as a giant comb for all manner of marine trash. Fifty-two metric tons of debris clutter our Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument annually, with tons more on the shores of the main Hawaiian Islands. The results are human health and safety problems, habitat destruction, wildlife entanglements, vessel damages, navigational hazards, invasive species transport, and beach and coastline destruction. The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act ups our national ante on this critical issue by bolstering and funding actions that can make a real difference. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, and back to the subject of the resolution on the floor, which is discrimination against any and all Americans on the basis of their race. As the proud Representative of the State and district with the highest percentage of Asian Americans in this country, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 908 to condemn any and all forms of anti- Asian discrimination during and beyond this terrible pandemic. Our country confronts not only the novel coronavirus but also a virus of racism and hate. We cannot allow the one to feed off the other. On behalf of all Americans, we have a moral responsibility to call out and condemn this wave of racist hate speech, harassment, discrimination, and physical violence driven by fear, disinformation, and even purposeful exploitation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this resolution without reservation and speak out against racism against any group in any form at any time.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 4990, the Election Technology Research Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. My return to Congress in 2019 was prompted in part by my membership in Issue One's ReFormers Caucus, a nonpartisan group of more than 200 former Members of Congress, governors, ambassadors and cabinet members. This committed Caucus, whose slogan is ``fix democracy first'', is focused on a range of reforms essential to returning government to the people. Central to these reforms are much higher and broader participation in our elections and enhanced faith in the validity of our election results. Election security is in turn the critical foundation of participation and faith. It should be and largely is a universal goal, especially given continuing, emerging and expanding threats to our election systems. This bipartisan measure would help ensure that our elections are secured by the most advanced and best voting technology. It authorizes federal research to establish and maintain the highest standards possible, and establishes a Center of Excellence in Election Systems to regularly and thoroughly test the security and accessibility of voting systems and certify voting system technology. This measure passed our House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology with unanimous support because the Committee recognized the critical need for federal resources and leadership on this issue. It also was endorsed by my Blue Dog Coalition because it advances our own commitment to national security and accessible democracy. I thank Congresswoman Sherrill for her leadership on this important issue, and urge full House passage.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7797, the Boosting Long-Term U.S. Engagement in the Pacific Act, also known as the BLUE Pacific Act. I am proud to have introduced this bill, together with my colleagues, Congressmen Ami Bera, Ted Yoho, Brad Sherman, and Don Young, as well as other members of our Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus. Scattered across the vast waters of the Pacific, from Hawaii to Rapa Nui to Palau, and New Caledonia, are countless isles and atolls that constitute what we know as the Pacific Islands and their subregions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The collective land and maritime exclusive economic zones of the Pacific Islands cover more of the Earth's surface than the land areas of China and Russia combined. These islands are home to diverse and dynamic cultures and people on the front lines of climate change and facing significant challenges to long-term sustainable development. The United States is not some remote power in this integral part of our world. For two centuries plus, we have been, and today we are, a Pacific nation. We have jurisdictions of our own among the family of Pacific Islands, including my home State of Hawaii. We have longstanding ties with all of the Pacific Islands, be they independent nations, countries in free association, or territories of our friends and allies. Countless Americans died to liberate our Pacific neighbors in storied battles, including Tarawa, Peleliu, Guadalcanal, and more, during the Second World War. In my own district is the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, the final resting place of so many of these warriors. Our foreign policy in the Pacific Islands is driven by this deep historical relationship and the shared interests and values built by decades of consistent but quiet engagement. Over the past 20 years alone, the United States has provided over $5 billion in assistance for the region. In just the past decade, multiple administrations and Congresses have heightened our engagement in the Pacific Islands as we have focused our attention increasingly in the Indo-Pacific region. Reflecting this renewed attention to the Pacific Islands, last year I joined several of my colleagues in cofounding our first-ever, bipartisan Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus. We are dedicated to promoting greater understanding of this region and advocating for a sound United States foreign policy in the Pacific Islands that advances our shared interests and values. Our BLUE Pacific Act establishes a comprehensive, long-term framework for United States foreign policy in the Pacific Islands, focusing on three essential pillars: Security, development, and shared values. Our legislation would expand diplomatic and development presence; increase maritime security cooperation and assistance; deepen and diversify trade; support regional economic and social development in areas like public health and education; invest in climate adaptation and climate resilient infrastructure; coordinate with existing regional institutions and like-minded allies and partners; promote shared values like press freedom and gender equality; and strengthen people-to-people relationships and civil society. It would back up our commitment by authorizing $1 billion in assistance programs for the region for each of the next five fiscal years, more than triple current levels of assistance. In naming this bill, we not only pay tribute to the concept of the ``Blue Pacific'' embraced by leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum themselves as a shared identity and platform for collective action, but also intend for our efforts to be informed by and coordinated with the work of existing regional institutions and frameworks. This legislation would also integrate these programs with those of our like-minded allies and partners, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, and more. I have no doubt that the introduction and enactment of the BLUE Pacific Act will be welcomed by our partners and allies in the Pacific Islands. In uncertain times, this legislation sends a clear and powerful statement of what our foreign policy seeks to achieve--a regional order, built on mutual assistance and benefit, free of coercion, and fully respectful of the sovereignty of all nations. We seek to empower the countries and people of the region to determine the course of their own destinies. As a Pacific nation, we hope to share in that future alongside our Pacific Islands neighbors. The BLUE Pacific Act is the first step in that direction. I encourage my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring the BLUE Pacific Act and urge swift consideration of this critical legislation.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the Scouts, Sea Scouts and Venturers of the Aloha Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) as they undertake the BSA Mapathon. Headquartered in Hawaii's First Congressional District, the Aloha Council prepares young people in Hawai`i to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lifetime by instilling in them the traditional Hawaiian values of responsibility (kuleana), helpfulness (kokua) and taking of the land (malama i ka 'aina) with aloha. The BSA launched the BSA Mapathon on May 8, 2020. This national effort encourages Scouts to contribute to the Missing Maps Project. This project will update and improve the Red Cross' maps for regions at the greatest risk of humanitarian crises. The Missing Maps Project enables anyone with access to a computer to participate in humanitarian mapping by crowdsourcing volunteer efforts using a free and open-source mapping software. In Hawai`i, the Aloha Council has embodied the values of responsibility (kuleana) by advancing the mission of humanitarian mapping. Their helpfulness (kokua) in this noble national effort and their taking care of the land (malama i ka 'aina) with their act of aloha will be remembered in Hawai`i and our nation, especially if there is new crisis. I am proud to join with the Scouts in promoting humanitarian mapping, especially in Hawai`i where we have done so while promoting Hawaiian cultural values. I urge the House of Representatives to recognize the work of the Aloha Council and other councils throughout our nation who have joined in on this important endeavor.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, our country has officially observed each May since 1992 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, recognizing the extraordinary contributions of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community to the rich fabric and history of our nation. May is especially important to me as the proud Representative of Hawaii's First Congressional District with the largest population of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders of any district in our country. For over a century and continuing through the present and into tomorrow, Hawaii has produced repeated accomplished AANHPI ``firsts'' in government who have left a lasting impact on our state and country, including Territorial Delegate Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole, Senator Hiram Fong, Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Daniel Akaka, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, Governors John Waihe`e, Ben Cayetano and George Ariyoshi, as well as my current colleagues Senator Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. I am also proud to have served as a young staffer on Capitol Hill for my own mentor, the late Senator Spark Matsunaga. But the accomplishments of Hawaii's Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community extend well beyond the realm of politics and government into all areas of our society including science, law, sports, business, music, arts and culture and more. We are so proud to remember individuals like astronaut Ellison Onizuka, Judge Herbert Choy, entrepreneur Robert Taira, singer Don Ho, Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, golfer Michelle Wie, Native Hawaiian navigator Nainoa Thompson, boxer Brian Viloria, actor Jason Momoa, singer and songwriter Bruno Mars and so many more. The year 2020 also marks the 120th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawaii. On January 8, 1900, twenty-six men from Okinawa arrived in Honolulu as part of the first group of contract laborers. Like so many other AANHPI communities, Okinawan immigrants initially faced discrimination but through their own hard work and sacrifice, our Okinawan community has contributed deeply to the economic achievements and cultural richness of our state. Today, persons of Okinawan descent are deeply integrated into Hawaii's political, economic and social life, and I am proud to serve as their Representative here in Congress. In Hawaii and across America, AANHPI communities are as diverse as they are accomplished. But while our country has made significant progress in increasing visibility and expanding opportunities for all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, there is much work still to be done. Disparities in economic opportunity, education, health care and more between AANHPI and other communities and within subgroups of our AANHPI community persist. These disparities have become all the more apparent amidst this COVID-19 pandemic. Across our country, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities have been especially hard hit, reporting infection rates up to three times higher than the rest of the population. At the same time, across the country, Americans of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent are working on the front lines to care for their fellow Americans and keep our country going. Their strength and resilience alongside our fellow Americans are truly inspiring. As a member of executive board of our Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I will continue to work to protect the health and wellbeing of our entire AANHPI community both in Hawaii and across the country during this difficult time. During this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, while we celebrate the accomplishments of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in my district, in Hawaii and across America, we must also rededicate ourselves to continuing to empower and uplift all Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities and individuals.

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, as our country and world confront the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, some say, as a reason or excuse, that we should turn inward away from the rest of our world and to our own affairs. But neither can nor should we disengage. Instead, I join many of my colleagues and our fellow citizens in stating clearly that there has never been a better time or greater need to embrace an across-the-board renewal of America's global leadership. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned that COVID-19 poses the greatest challenge for our world since the Second World War. As this pandemic claims lives and cripples health care systems across the world, it also leaves in its wake the specter of a global recession without parallel in recent memory that will claim countless millions of jobs and livelihoods. The impacts of this pandemic will last years if not decades, and we will return to a world drastically changed. This comparison of our present crisis to the Second World War reminds us of the extraordinary sacrifices Americans made then and must make now. Yet, just as the greatest generation fought to liberate Europe and the Pacific, so too must we commit to fighting this virus wherever it may emerge. The successors of American factories that assembled tanks and planes over 75 years ago must now build ventilators and medical supplies, not for ourselves alone but for any nation who shares our fight against this pandemic. We are also reminded that the greatest generation, faced with a global economy ruined by war, chose not to celebrate victory in splendid isolation but did what no country had ever done before. That generation of Americans led the way in creating the United Nations and rebuilding the economies of friend and foe alike through the Marshall Plan, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. No one can deny the spirit of generosity and good will that motivated those actions, but it was also the practical self-interest of acknowledging that our own future lay in international engagement. Americans learned from the war that freedom, prosperity and peace go hand in hand and that, if we want to secure those blessings, we need to lead on the global stage. Today, those lessons still ring true. We know that a virus from one part of the world can swiftly spread, that a fragile state poses security challenges beyond its borders and that a slowdown in one economy can affect the entire global supply chain. So long as this pandemic persists in one country, we all are at risk, from a public health, economic, social, environmental and every other perspective. That is why Congress appropriated almost two billion dollars for international assistance across two emergency relief measures. Our Department of State and USAID have pledged almost $500 million, with more on the way. American businesses, philanthropies and non- governmental organizations are contributing their assistance as well wherever possible. These are important first steps, but our country can and must do more to lead a global effort against this pandemic. We must coordinate pathways for assistance from developed to developing countries to enhance the capacity of their health care systems to combat future waves of this pandemic. We must lead the way in bringing together the best and brightest around the world in fully understanding this virus and developing a vaccine. We must forge a path towards global economic recovery, restoring old supply chains and creating new ones, and leading our world economy to be stronger, more resilient and more just than it was before this crisis. Above all, we must lead in repairing the frayed fabric of global order, restoring trust in and commitment to our shared institutions among all countries. Seventy-five years after the Second World War, let us recall the courage and sacrifice of the greatest generation. Let us find the realities and opportunities in this crippling pandemic and recommit ourselves and the United States to global leadership and to the values of freedom, prosperity and peace at home and abroad. And as we do so and overcome this pandemic, let us, the Americans of this age, with our bravery, generosity and greatness of spirit, prove to be as celebrated an example as that greatest generation to Americans of future eras

Mr. CASE

Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, I rise in very strong support of this resolution to advance the cause of full and equal rights for all women. I do so for my 1-year-old granddaughter for whom I deeply hope that, when she reaches the age of understanding, the ERA will be as enshrined in our Constitution as is the right to vote today. I also do so as a proud citizen of my Hawaii. On March 22, 1972, when the U.S. Senate sent the ERA to the States, it was early in the morning in Hawaii; but by shortly after noon that same day, our legislature voted for ratification, the first State to do so. For my country and Hawaii and for all of our women leaders who led this fight, past and present, I proudly join my colleagues in voting for the ERA.