Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Illinois for his indulgence. I rise in strong support of the effort of my good friend and colleague, Mrs. Wagner of Missouri, on H.R. 6891. I think it is important that we speak with one voice in this body that the brutal, reckless, and unprovoked invasion of Russia in Ukraine and the terrible toll it has taken on the Ukrainian people is not acceptable, not to the American people and certainly not to this Congress. Taking the steps enumerated in Mrs. Wagner's bill is a very important matter in isolating Russia and in raising the cost to Russia of this reckless and brutal invasion. It is not okay to target hospitals. It is not okay to target innocent citizens. It is not okay to target children, including children's cancer hospitals, with missiles raining down on their heads and killing the innocents. It is not okay in the 21st century to settle disputes kinetically, that is to say, by military invasion. Until and unless Russia stops its actions in Ukraine and withdraws from its sovereign territory completely, we need to stand as one with our allies and as one Nation in saying that we will resist, and we will assist the Ukrainian people in resisting this ruthless action by Vladimir Putin and his kleptocrats in Moscow. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Missouri for her leadership, and I am proud to support this effort.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2201) to manage supply chain risk through counterintelligence training, and for other purposes.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from South Carolina for her leadership and support on this important piece of legislation, which will help guard Federal assets. I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. 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 this measure.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2201, the Supply Chain Security Training Act, led by Chairman Gary Peters of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. I thank Representatives Joe Neguse and Scott Franklin, who did excellent bipartisan work here to lead the House companion, H.R. 5962, which was reported by the Oversight and Reform Committee on February 4 without opposition. This important bill to defend our Nation's information and communications technology supply chains cannot be enacted soon enough. In December 2020, a Government Accountability Office report revealed that Federal agencies had failed to fully implement supply chain and risk management standards for information and communications technology. That same month, the discovery of the SolarWinds breach made urgently clear how dangerous supply chain vulnerabilities can be. The networks of at least nine Federal agencies were compromised by Russian actors, allowing them access to Federal systems for months before they were even discovered. To help address these concerns, the Supply Chain Security Training Act establishes a training program for agency employees with responsibilities related to supply chain risk management, better preparing them to identify and mitigate supply chain threats associated with the acquisition of products and services. The training requirements created by this bill will ensure that the acquisition workforce has the capability to identify items in the supply chain that could be used to exploit Federal information systems. As the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, the Federal Government relies on a complex supply chain that spans continents and is continuously targeted by foreign adversaries and cybercriminals scheming to breach Federal information systems. To protect our national security interests and guard against these attacks, we must equip our Federal acquisition officials with the expertise and skills they need to reinforce our cybersecurity defenses through purchasing decisions. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on this side. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

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

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1097, the Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act. The bill was introduced by Senator Peters with bipartisan support here in the House with the companion legislation introduced by Representatives Ro Khanna and Nancy Mace. The Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act enables cybersecurity professionals in the Federal Government to rotate through assignments outside of their regular position or agency on a voluntary basis. The Office of Personnel Management would establish guidelines for the implementation of the program. The program would be authorized for 5 years, and after 3 years, the Government Accountability Office would assess its operation and effectiveness. Achieving cybersecurity in response to the threats the Nation faces was identified in GAO's latest ``High Risk List'' as an area where the government is actually regressing. GAO reported that Federal agencies are struggling to ensure that staff have the skills required to address the critical cybersecurity risks that continue to intensify. The program this bill creates allows the government to have its security employees to further develop their skills and agencies across the government to benefit from the employees' expertise. Recent cyberattacks in both the private and public sectors have demonstrated the dire consequences of failing to improve the Federal Government's cybersecurity operations. We know that adversaries in Russia, China, and other malign actors, state and nonstate, are consistently working to breach the U.S. Government's communications and data. Unfortunately, at times, they have been all too successful. In the 2020 SolarWinds breach, for example, Russian hackers infiltrated the networks of nine Federal agencies and went undetected for months. This bill goes a long way toward improving Federal agencies' capacity to strengthen cybersecurity operations, help them retain top talent in that field, and facilitate the exchange of expertise in this critical area. The security of Federal information technology systems and data is a national security priority, and it ought to be. It is essential to preserving public trust in government institutions and ensuring that agencies are better equipped to meet their missions in serving the American people. I strongly support the bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I inform the House I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague from South Carolina for her leadership on a very important matter, and I urge passage of this important piece of legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6531, the Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act. This bill is bipartisan, and it was introduced by the distinguished majority whip, Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, and Mr. Hal Rogers of Kentucky. This bill is timely and would make a difference in the lives of the people across the Nation facing the difficulties of living in persistent poverty. According to the Census Bureau, in 2020 the official rate of poverty in the United States was 11.4 percent. That statistic illustrates the hardships faced by over 37.2 million people. As we know, poverty can be experienced by Americans of all backgrounds in rural, urban, and suburban communities. The aims of this important bill are straightforward. The bill would provide additional transparency about the areas of the country facing persistent poverty and would target more Federal resources for program assistance to those areas. Specifically, H.R. 6531 would require the Census Bureau to publish a list of all areas of persistent poverty, and the Office of Management and Budget would work with agencies to direct additional funds to the places where people need them most. Reports to Congress would be submitted annually--noting the programs included in the bill's efforts, along with assessments of the economic impacts of the additional investments, to the extent possible. This bill also calls for GAO to evaluate the effectiveness of the investments over time. Those areas of the country facing exceptional hardship require our exceptional attention and support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), the majority whip.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, let me just say, this is how it is supposed to work--watching the collaboration between our dear friend from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn) and the dean of the House (Mr. Rogers) on addressing endemic poverty in the United States is how this House works best. I congratulate both of them for showing us the way. I hope we emulate it on more than this occasion. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. Let's help our fellow Americans when we can, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 923) to support the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Georgia, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. 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 H.R. 7311, as amended.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7311, the Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act, as amended, introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. As Putin pursues a violent, illegal, and unjustifiable war in the sovereign nation of Ukraine, we must remember that he is also destabilizing fragile states in Africa to feed his ruthless war machine. As a matter of fact, the Russian Federation has conducted malign activities throughout Africa for several years now to raise funds and evade sanctions that would inevitably result from Putin's brutal war. From troll farms that spread disinformation to unaccountable private military contractors, the Kremlin continues to destabilize parts of Africa in order to achieve its objectives regardless of consequences. Those consequences are deadly and draining African governments of sorely needed resources. For example, Putin has used his network of oligarchs to deploy the Wagner Group mercenaries to countries like Mali and the Central African Republic, where allegations of human rights abuses such as mass executions, forced disappearances, torture, and other unspeakable acts are mounting every day by those groups. That is why I call on my colleagues to support H.R. 7311, which would require the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a strategy and plan outlining U.S. efforts to counter Russia's malign activities on the continent of Africa that undermine U.S. interests. It would also require the State Department to identify and hold accountable Russian and African officials who facilitate Russia's malign activities, including those that exploit the continent's natural resources and manipulate democratic processes in order to evade sanctions. I am pleased to see the administration is taking several steps toward this end in recent days, including through designating several Russian companies involved in illicit activities in Africa that were, in essence, designed to evade sanctions. With H.R. 7311, I am confident the State Department, with the support of our other Federal agencies, will help Congress develop a clear picture of what Putin is, in fact, doing in Africa and how we can effectively push back to protect our interests and those of our partners throughout the African region. Mr. Speaker, I support the bill and urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4133.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4693.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4693, the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act of 2021. In the wake of COVID-19, we have seen malnutrition rates climb and food insecurity become an ever-greater challenge. Jarringly, it is predicted that disruptions to global food and health systems will double global malnutrition rates--double--with women and children bearing the brunt of those effects. It is estimated that in 2022 the devastating global effects of COVID-19 could add an additional 17 million severely malnourished children worldwide. We cannot stand by while millions of children's lives are on the line with COVID, climate change, and conflict worsening the global situation. That is why the Foreign Affairs Committee took action with H.R. 4693 which will direct USAID to implement solutions to prevent and treat this global malnutrition. This bill establishes a nutrition leadership council to identify populations most at risk to severe malnutrition and to prioritize prevention and treatment programs. Preventing and treating malnutrition is relatively inexpensive to implement and has high returns. With every $1 we spend, we improve health and increase cognitive and physical development yielding the equivalent of a $35 return. By coordinating activities throughout the U.S. Government with our partner countries with the Untied Nations' specialized agencies, civil society, private-sector actors and more, we can sustain nutrition interventions that save lives. This bill also requires USAID to provide Congress an implementation plan and annual reports concerning its programs for treating and preventing malnutrition. Mr. Speaker, we must do more to support those in dire need, and we must answer their call for help. H.R. 4693 is this Chamber's opportunity to do just that: to prevent the lives of those suffering from malnutrition all around the world. This measure builds on the work and jurisdiction of USAID and will bolster efforts to respond to and prevent malnutrition everywhere. While the United States has led the world in responding to COVID-19 and its effects around the world, we must also ensure we don't lose ground in longstanding investments such as food security. By supporting this legislation we can take a meaningful step in doing both. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure so we can move it one step closer to the President's desk, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 812) to direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to regain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Organization, and for other purposes.

Mr. CONNOLLY. 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 S. 812.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 812, a bill to direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to regain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Organization, and for other purposes. S. 812 will help support Taiwan's effort to gain observer status at the World Health Assembly, the decisionmaking body of the World Health Organization. Since the end of 2019, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has reminded the global community of the importance of international cooperation and collaboration on global health. Taiwan has been a leader on global health. While the People's Republic of China was actively censoring public discussion of and silencing doctors about the effects and outbreak of the virus in China itself, Taiwan was saving lives globally with its early detection and dissemination of information about the virus. Despite its proximity to the original outbreak in China, Taiwan employed a strategy of social distancing, border controls, mask mandates, quarantine, and contact tracing so that it succeeded in suppressing widespread transmission. Incredibly, with a population of 23.5 million, Taiwan experienced roughly 37,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and fewer than 900 deaths. That is a tremendous feat compared to everybody else. Taiwan was not only able to use its knowledge to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic within its own borders, but it shared its expertise and medical supplies when the world badly needed it most. Taiwan donated millions of masks and PPE to many countries around the world, including here in the United States. These actions symbolize Taiwan's leadership and contributions to global health security and demonstrate why it ought to be part of the global conversation on public health. Unfortunately, China has tried to limit and constrain Taiwan's meaningful participation in all international organizations, including pressuring the WHO to strip Taiwan of its observer status in the WHA in 2017. As the co-chair of the Taiwan Caucus, I can tell you that makes no sense. This bipartisan measure would support efforts that enable Taiwan to share its public health expertise and experience with the world at times when we need it badly. Led by Senator Menendez, this legislation has already passed the Senate. The House Foreign Affairs Committee was proud to pass out of committee a near-identical bipartisan measure led by Representative Young Kim of California. Passage of this bill today, ahead of the World Health Assembly meeting next month, would not only be timely; it would also demonstrate the strong bipartisan, bicameral commitment the U.S. Congress has to our democratic friend Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to adopt this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 833, as amended.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H. Res. 833, which clearly champions Moldova's push toward democracy and our common work in strengthening our bilateral ties. I first thank my colleague, Representative Price of North Carolina, for drafting this important measure and his years of work on the House Democracy Partnership. Moldova, a small country in Europe, nested between Ukraine and Romania, rightfully deserves our attention today. After centuries of being fought over and by larger neighboring powers, the country is making strides toward democracy, combating deep-seated corruption, and moving closer to the Euro-Atlantic community. With the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the stakes are now so much greater. Indeed, more than 400,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in tiny Moldova since February, a number that represents more than 10 percent of Moldova's own population. Furthermore, Moldova is no stranger to malign Russian influence and interference. Transnistria, a Kremlin-backed breakaway region in Moldova's east, is an area of active risk. Moscow uses this wound to manipulate fears and politics in Moldova. We are reminded of that constant potential with the explosion in the region earlier this week and the constant dangerous rhetoric from the so-called authorities there. Thankfully, despite these challenges, the Moldovan Government is in a position to tackle them and advance an agenda to modernize and democratize its society and its economy. President Maia Sandu and the parliament in Moldova are ambitiously fighting corruption and implementing needed reforms, all while strengthening relations with the European Union and with the United States. The Moldovan people's good work to build a stronger democracy is admirable and deserves our full support, especially today; and passing this resolution, coupled with the Biden administration's highlighting of Moldova's progress during the Summit for Democracy, sends a strong signal that the entire United States Government stands with them. This resolution looks to build on the momentum in this decisive moment from Moldova, ensuring that the progress is meaningful and sustainable. I support this resolution, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC, April 22, 2022. Hon. Richard Neal, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Neal: I am writing to you concerning H. Res. 833, Expressing support for Moldova's democracy, independence, and territorial integrity and strengthening United States and Moldova relation, as amended. I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means under House Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on H. Res. 833 to expedite floor consideration. I further acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in the bill that fall within your jurisdiction. I also acknowledge that your Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar legislation moves forward, and will support the appointment of Committee on Ways and Means conferees during any House- Senate conference convened on this legislation. Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman.