Joaquin Castro

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Olga E. Custodio for her service to our country and the San Antonio community. Lt. Col. Custodio graciously served on my 2018 Military Service Academy Nomination Board and played an essential role in helping local students begin their military careers. Lt. Col. Custodio knew the path to her dream would not be easy. While studying at the University of Puerto Rico, she was denied the opportunity to participate in the university's Reserve Officer Training Corps program because women were not allowed at that time. Never giving up hope, she went on to fulfill her dream of becoming a commissioned military officer--and more. As the first Latina to complete U.S. Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training, she graduated in the top five percent of her class (of 48) with a fighter qualification to fly the T-38 as an instructor pilot. Lt. Col. Custodio points to three principles that have helped her become successful in a profession dominated by men: overcoming self- doubt, staying open to possibilities, and seeing herself as an equal. A female military aviation pioneer, she served for 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. She received an Aviation Safety Award for superior airmanship for her handling of an engine failure in-flight emergency After transitioning to the U.S. Air Force Reserves, Lt. Col. Custodio became the first Latina commercial airline pilot for American Airlines and was later upgraded to captain. In addition to the T-38T, she flew the T-41, B-727, F-100, B-757, and B-767. She owns a Cessna T210L and has also flown several general aviation aircraft including the Stearman biplane, Cessna-172, Beechcraft-35 V-tail, Cirrus Vision Jet, and a few others. Today, Lt. Col. Custodio is retired with over 11,000 flight hours to her name. Now a speaker and community leader, she serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations, including the Latino Pilots Association, Order of Daedalians, Dee Howard Foundation, and Women in Aviation Alamo City, which advocate for inspiring and empowering students, especially those from underserved communities, to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace. Since 2018, Lt. Col. Custodio has supported the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) and has moderated several all-female aviation panels during AirVenture at Oshkosh, WI. As a STEM advocate, she also volunteers her time as a speaker and role model at local schools, universities, corporations, and military base groups, encouraging young women and men to reach for their dreams. Lt. Col. Custodio is a mentor with the Women in Aviation International, Aviation Explorers, and the School of Aeronautics of the InterAmerican University in Puerto Rico. In 2017, she was inducted into the San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame. Lt. Col. Custodio recently co-authored the ``Latinas in Aviation'' anthology and is included as one of the 30 inspiring Latinas and Latinos who have shaped the United States in ``Nuestra America,'' published by the Smithsonian Institution. She is the honoree of the 35th Hispanic Heritage Foundation--2022 STEM Award. By pioneering many firsts during her career, Lt. Col. Custodio has shattered stereotypes and served as a powerful role model for those aspiring to become a pilot. As a pioneer who overcame tremendous challenges to excel in a male-dominated profession, she gained essential life insights and perspectives that she shares with everyone, especially women working to achieve their dreams. Lt. Col. Custodio lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband of 48 years, Edwin, and they have two children, Marcia and Edwin II, and one grandson, Jedi. Madam Speaker--I am proud to recognize a member of the San Antonio community who is a shining example of our country's strength in diversity. Lt. Col. Custodio is an inspiration to the Latino community and continues to display an immense commitment to public service. I'm grateful that her knowledge and experience have helped usher in the next generation of military leaders. I wish her and her family the best.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in honor of retired Navy Commander Sherri R. Zimmerman, a distinguished military leader who graciously served on my 2018 Military Service Academy Nominations Board. Commander Zimmerman enlisted in the Navy in 1993 and quickly distinguished herself as a talented leader. In 1994, she enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy, and graduated four years later with a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a commission as a Cryptologic Officer. Commander Zimmerman attended the Navy Cryptologic Division Officer training in Pensacola, Florida. Subsequently, she reported to Naval Security Group Activity Menwith Hill in Harrogate, UK, as Division Officer and an Operation Watch Officer. In 2002, Commander Zimmerman graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, with a Master of Science in Space Systems Operations. She also completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I through the Naval War College. Her payback tour was at SPAWAR Space Field Activity in Chantilly, Virginia, as Chief of the SIGINT Director's Action Group, then on the staff of the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office. For Commander Zimmerman's department head tour, she was assigned to the Navy Cyber Defense Operation Command in Norfolk, Virginia. While there, she led as Deputy of Operations in the Training and Exercise Department. During this tour, she was also assigned as an Individual Augmentee to Multi-National Corps Iraq as an Information Operations Planner. She served in this role for 12 months in Baghdad, Iraq, and helped support Operation Iraqi Freedom. In May 2009, Commander Zimmerman became the Officer in Charge of the Navy Information Operations Detachment Chesapeake until the unit's disestablishment in December 2011. She also earned a Master of Science in Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Commander Zimmerman completed her O5 milestone tour at U.S. Fleet Forces Command as N24 Fleet Intelligence, Information Operations, and Electronic Warfare Readiness. From 2013 to 2014, Commander Zimmerman was assigned to Navy Cyber Forces in Suffolk, Virginia. She served as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Readiness and Modernization (N4) and then as the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Readiness (N3). Commander Zimmerman served as Executive Officer of the Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Texas from May 2014 to June 2015. One month later, she reported to NIOC San Diego to assume Command in July 2015. Commander Zimmerman retired from Active Duty on November 1, 2017. Her military decorations include the Information Dominance Warfare Officer pin, the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other service medals and ribbons. In 2017, Commander Zimmerman joined USAA in San Antonio, Texas, as the Military Affairs Service Academy Relationship Director. She lives in San Antonio with her family and is a proud mother to three children: sons Orion and Declan and daughter Eala. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Commander Zimmerman for her extraordinary commitment to public service. As a member of my Military Service Academy Nominations Board for the 20th District of Texas, she has played an invaluable role in ushering in the next generation of military leaders, and my office has benefited from her wisdom and expertise. I am grateful for Commander Zimmerman's service to the United States, and I wish her and her family the best.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and achievements of Mr. Jesus Vela, a World War II Army Veteran who celebrated his 100th birthday this past September. Jesus Vela was born on September 16, 1922, in Rio Grande City, Texas. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he trained as a search light operator and infantry sharpshooter. As American forces advanced in the Pacific Theater, Mr. Vela participated in island-hopping efforts to establish airfields in the Central Pacific and further assisted with U.S. operations in Guam. He earned the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Campaign Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and was honorably discharged at the rank of corporal in 1946. In March of 1946, he married the love of his life, Guadalupe Garza, and had three children--Arnoldo, Ricardo, and Noelia. Mr. Vela entered the carpentry trade and has since enjoyed many wonderful memories with his family. He inspired his children to follow in his footsteps in serving our great country and becoming leaders of their respective communities. Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating the life of Mr. Jesus Vela. I would like to wish Mr. Vela happy 100th birthday. He has reached a milestone and I thank him for his service to our country and community. May God continue to bless and watch over him.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of Alfred Sturchio, who celebrated his 94th birthday on October 30, 2022. Mr. Sturchio--or as many in San Antonio call him, Al--is a quintessential example of leading through public service. Al Sturchio is a staunch defender of our nation's values and freedom, a passionate educator shaping our city's youth, and a musician who uses the power of sound to transcend any culture, religion, or race. In May of 1951, Al Sturchio graduated from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, with a Bachelor of Music Education and a commission in the United States Army Reserves. After graduation, Hondo ISD hired him to begin their first band program--an all-girls Drum and Bugle Corp. As Mr. Sturchio settled into his new role, he was called upon to bravely serve his country. On one Saturday in 1951, Mr. Sturchio went home to play golf, only to find a telegram reading ``You will report on or about twenty-four hundred hours on Oct. 31st to Fort Still Oklahoma, for active duty.'' He reported for duty, and on October 18, 1952, Mr. Sturchio was wounded in action while in Korea. He would spend the following two months in hospitals in Korea and Japan. Mr. Sturchio was discharged in May 1953 and received the distinguished Purple Heart Medal. From January 1953 to June 1959, Mr. Sturchio began teaching at Sidney Lanier High School in San Antonio. He would lead the school's band to receive First Division during their first-ever UIL Marching Contest. In the summer of 1959, Mr. Sturchio received a Master of Education degree and returned to his alma mater, St. Mary's University, to teach with his father, Frank G. Sturchio. In 1966, Mr. Sturchio joined South San Antonio High School as band director and Coordinator of Music for South San Antonio ISD. He later accepted the band director position at Theodore High School in Northeast ISD, and after one year, became Vice-Principal for student discipline. In 1977, Mr. Sturchio served as Grand Marshall during San Antonio's coveted Fiesta Flambeau Parade. And in July 1985, Mr. Sturchio was given the distinct pleasure of serving as Executive Secretary of the Texas Bandmasters Association. In this role, he worked with the finest musicians in San Antonio and assisted band directors in improving skills with the association's educational offerings. After thirty-four years of assisting students and teachers with their musical desires and abilities, Mr. Sturchio retired from teaching in June 1986. Mr. Sturchio's contributions to music do not end in San Antonio. He has toured with Johnny Carson and Jack Benny; he's played the trumpet and conducted for the Ringling Brothers Circus, Ice Capades, the 1968 San Antonio World's Fair, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Kenny Rodgers, Sonny and Cher, and many more. However, he considers one of his greatest accomplishments to be playing for the San Antonio Spurs for more than ten years as the ``Sound of the Spurs.'' Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Al Sturchio for his many years of public service to the great city of San Antonio and the Nation. May we all find inspiration and guidance in his favorite prayer quote ``For it is giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is dying that we are born to eternal life.'' I wish Mr. Sturchio the happiest 94th birthday, and may God continue to bless him and his family.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of UT Health San Antonio's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS). For decades, GSBS has led our nation in educating future biomedical professionals. Please join me in recognizing its extraordinary achievements. Since October 21, 1972, GSBS has produced more than 4,000 graduates who are working worldwide in academia, the sciences, and other key industries. The school offers 21 academic programs and serves students from across the nation, with a particular focus on students from underrepresented backgrounds and economically-disadvantaged groups. GSBS programs are designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and scientific inquiry in the pursuit of educating students in contemporary areas of the biomedical sciences. GSBS faculty work on cutting-edge research in areas such as cancer, heart disease, and neurogenerative disorders. GSBS is one of only 11 institutions with National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Doctor of Dental Surgery/Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy combined degrees. Madam Speaker, UT Health San Antonio's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) is a pillar of our extraordinary community. GSBS will continue to remain at the forefront of scientific exploration. I congratulate GSBS on their 50th anniversary year. I look forward to seeing the many great things GSBS and its students will accomplish in the years to come.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8681) to establish the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship to fund international internships and research placements for early- to mid-career professionals to study nonviolent movements to establish and protect civil rights around the world, as amended.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam 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. 8681, as amended.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8681, the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act of 2022, and I thank Ms. Williams for authoring this important bill. I want to begin with a passage from an essay written by Representative John Lewis before his death, which was published on the day of his funeral. Representative John Lewis, in reflecting on the past and looking to the future said: ``You must also study and learn the lessons of history because basic humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, through decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Continue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others.'' These words are a call to action and H.R. 8681, the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act, seeks to meet that call, to learn from history and find solutions to the challenges of our time. The John Lewis Fellowship will be part of the Fulbright Scholarship Program administered by the State Department and will advance the teaching of the history of nonviolent movements around the world by fostering research and international exchange. The fellowship supports 25 young scholars in studying the history of nonviolent civil rights movements around the world and improving the understanding of nonviolence as a critical tool for change. Fostering constructive methods of civic expression is vital for a healthy, flourishing society. Thanks to John's leadership by example, thousands of people around the world over have learned how to confront the injustices of their own societies through nonviolent means. Now, the duty of honoring his legacy and shepherding a new generation of leaders falls on our shoulders. I can think of no better time than now to pass this bill that honors the legacy of the great John Lewis. I strongly urge all Members to vote in support of this important legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Williams).

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Madam Speaker, I want to reiterate my staunch support for the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act of 2022. This legislation encourages the values of peaceful expression and invigorates a new generation of leaders with the same spirit that drove John in his lifelong advocacy for civil rights. His leadership during the civil rights movement was pivotal for extending the American promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to all Americans. Many of us may not be standing here before this Chamber but for his contributions to racial equality. This legislation seeks to instill that very same drive and purpose in the leaders of tomorrow, promoting the use of nonviolent civil rights as a tool for change around the world. Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me and support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8463) to modify the requirements under the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003 for candidate countries, and for other purposes.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am glad to bring this bipartisan legislation, which I authored together with my colleague, Representative Young Kim of California to the House floor. It will allow the Millennium Challenge Corporation, or MCC, to continue to work where it can do the most to foster development and reduce poverty. When Congress established the MCC almost 20 years ago, it was envisioned as a selective agency that would work collaboratively with the best-governed developing countries. Perhaps the most visible part of MCC's rigorous selection process is its scorecard, which evaluates more than 20 different policy indicators of good governance. But Congress also set an income-based threshold for nations where MCC could work. It was intended to make sure MCC focused on developing countries and on helping the people who need it most. I strongly support that focus and nothing in this bill is intended to alter that core part of MCC's mission and mandate. But the way we define that threshold, based on who falls within two categories in the World Bank's estimates of per capita gross national income, has led to several issues this legislation seeks to address. In the decades since the original standard was defined, the number of potential countries eligible for MCC's compacts has shrunk by almost a third. These compacts, which need to be ratified by both the United States and the partner country, can take years to negotiate, ratify, and implement. Under the income threshold's current structure, countries can suddenly become ineligible for assistance in the middle of a multi-year negotiation. Global disruptions like a pandemic or major conflict can also lead to changes in a country's eligibility. Under my legislation, the MCC would continue to use World Bank measures of GNI per capita as the basis to calculate eligibility, while expanding consideration for potential compacts to the world's 125 poorest countries. This change will ensure that MCC has a stable number of potential candidates, even as we continue to make progress in the fight against global poverty. The new pool of potentially eligible countries would cover 98 percent of the world's poor and 90 percent of the countries MCC has identified as facing substantial vulnerability, including to pandemics, natural disasters, migration, and food insecurity. It is important to note that this is potential eligibility. This bill does not change any of MCC's scorecard criteria. To qualify for a potential compact, countries must also be generally eligible to receive American foreign assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act and other provisions of United States law. The MCC Eligibility Expansion Act also includes protections to ensure that newly eligible countries do not crowd out support for low and lower-middle-income countries that qualify under the existing income threshold. For example, it includes language that would strengthen statutory direction to the MCC's board to prioritize development need and impact. The legislation would also require all potential candidate countries to identify appropriate national contributions during compact negotiations, meaning wealthier countries would pitch in more. In implementing this legislation, I also expect the MCC to compare this small pool of newly eligible upper-middle-income countries against their peers in determining eligibility through the scorecard. This bill would provide the MCC with more certainty and stability when it chooses to pursue a compact. Madam Speaker, with the support of my colleagues today, we can ensure that the MCC will continue its important work and maximize its impact fighting poverty and promoting development. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 8463.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Madam Speaker, the Millennium Challenge Corporation Eligibility Expansion Act will improve the MCC's ability to form stable, long-term compacts in the well-governed countries that will benefit most from United States' development assistance. I thank my colleagues, particularly my co-lead on this bill, Representative Young Kim, for the bipartisan work that has brought this legislation forward today. Madam Speaker, I urge the House to pass this legislation. I hope the Senate will take it up swiftly so that it can become law this year, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam 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. 4821, as amended.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4821, the Combating the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act, introduced by my colleague, Representative Vicky Hartzler. The state of religious freedom in China has been alarming for several years now. Despite religious freedom being guaranteed in its constitution, the PRC actively suppresses this fundamental right. While this government's systemic orchestration of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Uyghur people and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Uyghur region has been widely broadcasted across international media, followers of a variety of religious faiths and traditions have long experienced religious persecution in China. The ability to freely practice one's religion or engage in worship has continued to deteriorate. Those who bravely speak out against the infringement of religious freedom or refuse to join state-sanctioned religious organizations face the PRC Government's inhumane repression and human rights abuses. Thousands of religious leaders and worshippers have been harassed, detained, disappeared, tortured, physically abused, sentenced to prison, or subjected to forced labor and indoctrination due to their religious affiliation or the practice of their religious beliefs. Some have even been pressured to renounce their religious beliefs. In addition to these atrocities, the People's Republic of China officials have removed or replaced religious images, iconography, and symbols; have desecrated or demolished places of worship; and have rewritten religious text in an effort to align with Communist Party ideology. This is unacceptable, but infringement on personal rights has become business as usual in China. Nobody should be forced to endure discrimination because of their religion anywhere in the world. Congress must act now to support efforts to protect and promote religious freedom in China and to protect adherents of all religious faiths in China. We must continue to call out the PRC Government for these atrocities and take actions to prevent the stifling of religious freedom in China. By passing this important, bipartisan legislation, this body sends a clear message to the PRC Government that it will be held accountable for its pattern of gross human rights abuses and severe violations of religious freedoms. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Hartzler for authoring this important, bipartisan legislation which I was proud to move through the Foreign Affairs Committee, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, September 23, 2022. Hon. Gregory Meeks, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Meeks: This letter is to advise you that the Committee on the Judiciary has now had an opportunity to review the provisions in H.R. 4821, the ``Combating the Persecution of Christians in China Act,'' that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction. I appreciate your consulting with us on those provisions. The Judiciary Committee has no objection to your including them in the bill for consideration on the House floor, and to expedite that consideration is willing to forgo action on H.R. 4821, with the understanding that we do not thereby waive any future jurisdictional claim over those provisions or their subject matters. In the event a House-Senate conference on this or similar legislation is convened, the Judiciary Committee reserves the right to request an appropriate number of conferees to address any concerns with these or similar provisions that may arise in conference. Please place this letter into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our committees. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4821) to hold accountable senior officials of the Government of the People's Republic of China who are responsible for, complicit in, or have directly persecuted Christians in China, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8446) to modify and extend the Global Food Security Act of 2016, as amended.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. 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 H.R. 8446, as amended.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this bill that reauthorizes the Global Food Security Act. I thank my colleagues, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Smith, Chairman Meeks, and Ranking Member McCaul, for leading this bill. Today, as the world grapples with a rapidly changing climate, the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the global consequences of Russia's war of choice in Ukraine, the U.S. must step up to support the hundreds of millions of hungry and food insecure people in all corners of the world. More importantly, perhaps, we need to give these communities the tools they need to feed themselves. The Global Food Security Act was passed with strong bipartisan support in 2016 and reauthorized in 2018. It is critical that Congress once again acts to reauthorize this important piece of legislation. Not only does this reauthorization increase annual funding for the Feed the Future initiative; it also requires an additional focus on building resilience, strengthening food systems, and forming more local partnerships to advance agriculture-led economic growth. This will play a critical role in delivering food to those in need today while creating more durable and sustainable food systems for tomorrow. Food insecurity is a key driver of instability and violent extremism throughout the world. Investing in combating global hunger not only reflects U.S. values; it is also in our national security interest. By passing this legislation, along with President Biden's announcement last week that the United States will provide over $2.9 billion in new assistance to address food insecurity, we will make important strides toward achieving our goal of creating lasting food security. This important bipartisan legislation will continue support for the Feed the Future initiative that has already lifted millions out of poverty. Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee.)

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Madam Speaker, as the world continues to experience climate-related devastation, downstream effects of COVID-19 on global supply chains, and the crippling effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on food delivery and production, the United States must continue to support those vulnerable to food insecurity. Now is not the time to continue business as usual. The United States must step up to meet the moment and adapt our policy tools and foreign assistance to do the same. H.R. 8446 ensures that the United States maintains global leadership in combating the global hunger crisis by sowing the seeds of food security for the future. Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.