John Curtis

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the CARES Act, the largest economic disaster recovery package in our Nation's history. Given the size and the scope of this pandemic, it is a hefty price tag that must be paid. But I challenge my colleagues to join me in dealing with the consequences of spending money we don't have. It is time to get our financial house in order before it becomes our next crisis. I represent a State that has a balanced budget and a rainy day fund. We do it on a State level, and we can do it on a Federal level. I have heard stories of the devastating effects of COVID-19. One of the most important, unique parts of Utah's culture is the pride we take in serving one another, especially in a time of crisis. This spirit, coupled with the targeted stream of resources designed to keep money in the economy and people healthy, will be the key ingredients to ensuring communities across the State can fully heal from this unprecedented crisis. We will weather this storm together.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to condemn continued violence against civilians by armed groups in the Central African Republic and supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace in the country. I want to thank my colleagues, Congressman Cicilline and Congressman Fortenberry, for introducing this resolution and for their commitment to this important issue. Since the fighting began in 2013, thousands of civilians have been killed. Over half of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance, and more than 1 million people have been displaced from their homes. Still, today, most of the country remains under armed group control, and the democratically elected government continues to struggle to project any state authority. The humanitarian suffering is dire. I am also deeply concerned with the rapid increase in Russian activity across the country. AFRICOM Commander General Townsend testified last month that Russia is deploying paramilitary contractors, extracting minerals, and attempting to buy influence in the Central African Republic. This includes the notorious Wagner Group mercenaries responsible for horrible atrocities in Libya and Syria. Russian malign activity in Central African Republic is further destabilizing this fragile and war-torn country. This resolution urges all parties to fully adhere to the terms of the February 2019 peace agreement and cease attacks on civilians. It also calls on the international community to increase engagement to support efforts to implement the peace agreement and combat Russian malign influence. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan resolution. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again want to thank my colleagues for their hard work to highlight the situation in the Central African Republic. The U.S. is both the largest donor of humanitarian assistance and largest contributor to U.N. peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic. Our assistance provides critical food and medicine to vulnerable and remote populations. However, the critical needs remain, and we must urge our partners to do more. Supporting lasting peace and efforts to stabilize the Central African Republic is in the U.S. interest. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill which reauthorizes a USAID Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship program named after Malala Yousafzai. Malala is a Pakistani activist who began making the case for access to education for women and girls in 2008 despite objections from the Pakistani Taliban. In October 2012, she was shot in the head by the Taliban in an assassination attempt in retaliation for her activism. Malala, just 15 years old at the time, miraculously survived and continues to fight for access to education for every child. I want to thank my colleagues, Congressman Jeffries and Congresswoman Wagner, for introducing this bill and for their work on this issue. Specifically, this bill authorizes for 3 years a USAID Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship program to academically talented, financially needy Pakistani students to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree at participating Pakistani universities. At least half of the number of scholarships shall go to women, and the administrator shall make every effort to award at least half of the scholarships under the program to go to Pakistani women. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the words of my colleague. I would add to that just a few thoughts. My mother grew up on a farm in Dingle, Idaho. Her high school class had eight people in it, and she traveled to New York City to get a master's degree from New York University. I am so pleased for the women in my life and in our community who have led the way, but acknowledge, Mr. Speaker, that so many people around the world don't have that same opportunity. For that, I applaud my colleagues for the work on this bill and for promoting this very important issue. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again want to thank my colleagues for their hard work to expand the number of scholarships available to Pakistani women under USAID's Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Program. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support my bill, the TAIPEI Act, which does three important things. First, it endorses a U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement. Second, it supports Taiwan's membership in international institutions. Third, finally, this bill helps Taiwan maintain partners and allies around the world. Mr. Speaker, when I was a young missionary living in Taiwan in 1979, I could hardly imagine that the day would come when I could stand here and help return the favor of 40 years ago of their friendship and kindness to me as a young man living amongst them. My time in the region gave me a unique understanding of the history and the culture of these great people. The TAIPEI Act strengthens our relationship with our partner, Taiwan, and it does this without spending a single U.S. tax dollar. I thank Senator Gardner, the Senate sponsor, for working with me on this bill, as well as the bipartisan group of 47 Representatives who cosponsored this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again thank my colleagues for their support on the TAIPEI Act. It will make a powerful statement for us to pass this bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution to condemn all forms of violence against children around the world. I thank my colleagues, Congressman McGovern and Congressman Wilson, for introducing this resolution and for their work to address this very important issue. Mr. Speaker, more than 1 billion children around the world are victims of violence each year. Violence, exploitation, and abuse take many forms and disproportionately affect children in the most vulnerable populations, including those in refugee settlements and conflict zones. These traumatic experiences have serious and long-lasting effects on children's psychological, physical, and social development. But the negative consequences of violence against children spread far beyond individuals and families. When children are prevented from reaching their full potential, nations suffer severe political and economic setbacks. The United States has been a global leader in prioritizing programs to support the health and well-being of children around the world through our foreign assistance programs, but we can always do more. This resolution encourages the development of a coordinated and evidence-based U.S. strategy to prevent, address, and end this abuse. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again thank my colleagues for their hard work on this important cause. The exploitation, violence, and abuse experienced by so many of the world's most vulnerable children cannot be tolerated. This resolution raises awareness of this horrific reality and urges the United States Government to develop and coordinate evidence-based strategies to address this issue. The United States must continue to use its influence on the global stage to end violence against children wherever it exists. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule underlying the bill. Reducing the alarming rate of youth e-cigarette use is and must remain a top priority for public health officials and lawmakers. Our children are the future of our country, and my greatest joy in this life has been watching my children grow into the men and women that they are today. Protecting their health and safety and of that their children in order to ensure their future success is, personally, a top priority of mine in Congress. However, H.R. 2339, the bill before us today, is concerning for numerous reasons. First, this one-size-fits-all bill was drafted without Republican input. The committee of jurisdiction passed the legislation virtually along partisan lines. This legislation was finalized just Monday night but is receiving a vote this week, with details negotiated outside of public view. A bill of this magnitude, which includes over $100 million in new taxes, deserves a lengthy public debate. Second, Congress recently passed needed legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 on a bipartisan basis. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration already has the ability to regulate flavored e-cigarette products, and this bill would permanently undermine ongoing efforts to combat youth vaping by the FDA. Most importantly, this bill would undercut ongoing efforts by the State of Utah to combat youth vaping. The Utah Legislature and Governor's office acted decisively to keep these products out of the hands of our youth and are considering additional steps to protect the welfare of our kids. The State of Utah is a great example of what we can accomplish when partisanship is put aside for the greater good. In closing, I want to reiterate the importance of keeping these products out of the hands of children. But we can't do that without a lengthier, bipartisan conversation, and especially if we are ignoring the work State and local governments have been doing to keep our children safe.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the hardworking Utahns in the uranium industry in San Juan County, and especially those who have recently lost their jobs at the White Mesa uranium mill and the La Sal uranium mine complex. Unfortunately, foreign subsidization of uranium production has had a devastating impact on North American production and has affected the mill's operation; and, as a result, roughly 30 percent of the employees had to be let go at our Nation's last operating uranium mill. In addition to producing critical minerals, this mill has provided families with good incomes and generated tax dollars to help the local infrastructure. In fact, this facility is the largest private employer in San Juan County. Since my election to Congress, I have had the privilege to spend significant time in the rural parts of Utah, including San Juan County. I appreciate rural Utah's sense of community and desire to help their neighbors during a time of need. Unlike the more urban parts of Utah with a business hiring on every corner, rural areas often have fewer economic opportunities. However, the hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit among the residents of San Juan County make me confident they will be successful in their fight through this difficult time and, ultimately, come out stronger for it. Additionally, I am committed to creating new economic opportunities in rural areas. Rural Utahns deserve the same quality of life that their urban friends have, including access to broadband, quality medical care, and good-paying jobs. I will continue to work in Congress to bring these vital services to rural Utah. While it has been a difficult week for many in San Juan County, I know the community will be resilient and persevere.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, my family tree on both sides is full of prominent women who served in elected office. The most notable of these is my wife's great-grandmother, Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon, a pioneer in both government and heritage. 123 years ago, she was sworn into the Utah State Senate, becoming the first woman in the country to hold that office. My wife is quick to remind me that she won that office by defeating her husband. Utah is home to some of the most capable and influential female leaders in the Nation, and I am fortunate to have these impressive women help advise me on all issues, and specifically those that impact Utah women. Because of the initiative of Martha Hughes Cannon, thousands of women have followed in her footsteps and served in State legislatures and as local and national leaders. I am excited and proud to introduce a resolution dedicating January 11, 2020, as National Martha Hughes Cannon Day and honor the path that she paved for the many women who serve today.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2881, which is critical to protecting the security of our Nation and for the advancement of 5G. H.R. 2881, or the Secure 5G and Beyond Act, tasks the Federal Government with developing strategies to protect against some of the vulnerabilities with cutting-edge five generation, or 5G, wireless communications systems. The rapid development of 5G cellular technologies is another example of the resolve and innovative spirit unique to the United States economy. Madam Speaker, 5G will pave the way for first-of-their-kind products and services and will more reliably give consumers quick and easy access to information necessary to live and work in the digital age; but the potential threats these advancements pose to our national security, to that of our allies, and to consumer privacy cannot be overstated, which is why I am urging my colleagues to support this legislation. Madam Speaker, I am proud to vote for this important legislation.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share my concerns with patient access to groundbreaking and lifesaving ALS treatments. This is a very personal issue to me as some of my close friends and neighbors have been affected by this difficult disease. I applaud the enactment of the Right to Try Act, allowing some people another option to receive the treatments they need. However, this should not be the end of the conversation. It is important to acknowledge that the passage of this act has not opened all the doors we expected, and many are still denied access to treatments. The FDA's lengthy approval process continues to limit patient access, at times forcing my constituents to spend large sums of money traveling overseas for treatment or, more commonly, forfeiting treatment altogether. The use of stem cells to treat ALS, widely used and deemed safe in other countries, has been studied in the U.S. for over 12 years but has yet to be approved, despite its fast-tracked status. Delaying approval of this treatment, commonly known as NurOwn, is putting lives at risk. I urge the FDA to prioritize its approval and give access to thousands of ALS patients.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Chair, before I begin, I would like to list the number of areas where I likely agree with my good friend from Colorado (Mr. Neguse). We share a State, a boundary, and our States are beautiful and full of public lands and recreational opportunities and areas that are majestic and are great treasures in our wonderful country. I believe personally that strong, pragmatic legislation to solve these local land managements is very important and far superior to efforts like the Antiquities Act. I thank my colleague for the years that have gone into this bill and his personal time to build consensus in the area. I found myself in his position just several months ago, offering a bill in my State. I believe the Congressman supported that bill, and I thank him for that support. It was a million acres of public land designation in my State. While not everybody got what they wanted, we were able to approach it from a prospect where I was able to get ranchers, environmentalists, outdoor enthusiasts to support that bill. The major difference between our two bills and why I stand today is that, on my bill, I was able to claim support from my local county commissioners. Every elected official in the State, my Governor, the State legislature, and the entire delegation of Utah were able to support that. While I want my friend from Colorado to succeed in his endeavor, I feel moving this bill without the support of the entire delegation and its members who represent the impacted land is a mistake. I am told that half of the Colorado delegation opposes this bill, including a Member who represents 65 percent of the land covered by the bill. While I applaud the consensus that has been put into this, I don't believe there is enough consensus to get this bill across the finish line and into law. With that said, in anticipation of the gentleman from Colorado's question, if this amendment passes, yes, I will support his bill. However, that is my second choice, and I think a poor, distant second choice to my first choice, which is that we would be able to find consensus with the other members of the delegation and move forward. I can't support a bill that lacks the consensus needed to continue through the Senate process, and I truly hope that Mr. Neguse and Mr. Tipton can work together to work out their remaining concerns. I have had other Members of Congress make proposals in my district, especially in San Juan and Emery Counties. I know firsthand that proposals made in another Member's district sometimes can cause problems. In fact, in my case, it has made it more difficult to resolve those public land issues. Similarly, on a practical level, any proposal that is not supported by all Members of Congress who represent that area doesn't have the consensus to get signed into the law. We all have a duty to represent these local communities in Congress, and that consensus is vital for success in any public lands bill. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Chair, I would like to reemphasize my praise for the Congressman from Colorado. The consensus that he mentioned is not a simple thing and should be applauded. I simply make a plea and request that the gentleman will continue to seek for that consensus, and particularly that of my colleagues and particularly his colleagues from Colorado, to see if he can get that final consensus needed to push this across the finish line. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time, and I am prepared to yield.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill to designate the United States Postal Service in Orem, Utah, as the Jerry C. Washburn Post Office Building. This is a great honor for me, Madam Speaker, as I had an opportunity to serve with Mayor Washburn as a newly elected mayor. Not only was Jerry Washburn the longest serving mayor in Orem's history, he was the type of leader that is exactly what is needed today among elected officials. He knew that, as much as he loved his city, it wasn't enough for his city to be successful; all of the surrounding cities in the community must also be successful. He knew it wasn't enough for him to be a great mayor; he needed the other mayors to be great, as well. His message was one of optimism, of unity, and of working together as public servants. He was humble and often soft-spoken. But when he walked into a room, everybody stopped to listen to what Mayor Washburn would have to say, and all of us were edified by his message and knew that we were better off. He was a personal mentor to me. I found myself often saying: What would Jerry Washburn do? Inevitably, that led me to a better decision. In addition to being mayor, he served as a board member for the Parks Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He started Washburn Motors in Orem with his father and was dedicated to his family, church, and community. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill to name the post office in his honor.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Clean Energy Week, an opportunity to celebrate bipartisan support for a wide variety of clean energy sources strengthening America's national security while also preserving our environment for future generations. Environmental stewardship doesn't have to mean making economic sacrifices. Clean energy solutions and jobs are the future for the United States, with clean energy powering more homes and businesses than ever before. The environment is, and should be, a bipartisan issue. That is why, this week, I am proud, with my friend Congressman Lowenthal from California, to offer a resolution in support of congressionally supporting the designation of Clean Energy Week. I am proud that our effort has already gathered dozens of our colleagues, bipartisan, on both sides of the aisle. This goes to show that we can work across the aisle to be better stewards of this Earth. I plan to continue pursuit of these positive bipartisan solutions in the future.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. CURTIS. Yes, in its current form.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, we are all familiar with the famous line from Thomas Jefferson, ``The government closest to the people serves the people best.'' So how is it that we are here today considering a bill that has been opposed by every member of the Alaskan delegation since 1980? Not just the Alaskan delegation, but every Governor of Alaska since 1980 and even the gubernatorial candidates last year, two Republicans, an independent, and a Democrat, opposed this bill. This week, many of my friends across the aisle sought to protect their coastlines by banning offshore energy development. They know what is best in their States. Apparently, the same standard of local control does not apply to Mr. Young, who is the only person in this body elected by the residents of Alaska. Not only is this bill opposed by the entire Alaskan delegation, it is opposed by the local Alaska Native population and written without their consultation. As a Member who represents Bears Ears, I hear from my colleagues all the time how important it is to have Native American consultation, and they are right. However, with local Alaska Native opposition to this bill and no consultation, there seems to be a double standard. In fact, just 3 days ago, I sat in a hearing where BLM was criticized for not working with the Native population. They held 11 hearings, 7 listening sessions--apparently, not enough. Unless I missed 18 trips of my colleagues to Alaska, we are working with a double standard. Those of you from States with very little Federal ownership have a difficult time understanding what it is like being from a State or county with 90 percent Federal ownership. Imagine being a local elected official maintaining roads, police, fire, sewers, and parks when only 10 percent of your property generates property tax. At the end of the day, Mr. Young and the native Alaskans, not the rest of us, should be determining the fate of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I have heard the argument that this development will contribute to climate change. Really? I am listening. This is one Republican who believes the climate is changing and man is influencing it, but I am baffled why so many of my colleagues will give a pass to a human rights-violating dictator in China and deny the local native Alaskans the right to have a living off the land. If we were serious about climate change, I have an idea. Let's take all the natural gas we are putting back into the ground in ANWR and send it to China and India. We would do more to reduce global carbon emissions than by implementing the entire Green New Deal. I have heard the term ``science denier'' tossed around, but I ask, who is denying science the most? Those who ignore 85 percent of carbon coming from outside the United States, or those who think that impacting 0.01 percent of ANWR will destroy the Alaskan environment? Let's put this in perspective. ANWR is less than 5 percent of Alaska. This project is less than 0.01 percent of ANWR. For perspective, that is like taking a janitorial closet in the Capitol of 175 feet and putting HVAC in it to keep us warm and cool. That is the perspective. When the other side is ready to fight climate change, Republicans stand ready. This is not one of those times. To start, my friend Greg Walden and his colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee seem to have the ability to generate a bill almost daily that would truly impact the true problems with climate change. Mr. Speaker, this motion to recommit will prevent the bill from taking effect until the President certifies that it will not result in a net increase of Russian oil and gas imports into the United States. The answer to climate change is not making the U.S. more reliant on foreign fossil fuels. A vote for this MTR is a vote to support local Alaska Natives. I repeat, the answer to climate change is not making the U.S. more reliant on foreign fossil fuels. The last time I checked, Ryan Zinke was the only one riding a horse. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the motion to recommit, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today regarding the Emery County Public Land Management Act, that was included in S. 47, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. This became Public Law 116-9 on March 12th, 2019. Throughout 2018 and early 2019, Senator Hatch, Senator Romney, and myself heavily engaged with the Emery County Commissioners and Emery County Public Lands Council to draft this important piece of legislation. After Senator Hatch's retirement, Senator Romney helped to carry the ball across the finish line. This law is the result of countless hours of deliberation, and thus I find it important to highlight some areas of congressional intent of particular interest. While these should generally be clear in the text and corresponding map, the historical context of how we arrived at some of these decisions may be of benefit to the Department of the Interior, future members of the Utah delegation, or those in Utah. The Utah delegation, and particularly myself, look forward to the implementation of this new law. Of note, Jake Bornstein (my Legislative Director), Romel Nicholas (Senator Hatch's public lands staffer), and Kelsey Berg (Senator Romney's Deputy Chief of Staff) were the main staff points of contact in our respective offices for the bill. Jake and Romel have extensive correspondence with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that further demonstrates the accurate characterization of the congressional intent I outline here. Most important to this process, our founding principle was to never take any action that would end a current ongoing use. For example, we were immensely careful to not close a road, trail, air strip, or other existing use in the legislative text or corresponding map with a wilderness designation. Further, we worked extensively to avoid more restrictive designations, such as wilderness, to areas it would limit ongoing activity. We worked to draw designation boundaries along geographic and physical features, or just outside a cherry stem, to ensure management made sense for the area. Any designation boundary that does not follow these trends, particularly any designation that puts at risk an existing use due to a poorly drawn boundary, was a clerical error and should be resolved under the authority clearly provided in Sec. 1221. Given the pure scale of this bill and legislative map, we realized this authority would be a vital tool to resolve these errors. I'd also like to point out the clear intent within Sec. 1232. Section (e), which clearly states that non-wilderness activities or uses that can be seen or heard from areas within wilderness are to be left uninterrupted by this legislation. On the topic of roads, we worked closely with BLM to ensure all roads in the 2008 RMP were not put into a wilderness designation, often referred to as ``cherry stemmed''. Our intent was to preserve these roads and for them to stay open. These cherry stems are of various sizes and were intended to ensure an adequate corridor is there to facilitate necessary maintenance. In the Recreation Area, we included language in Sec. 1222 to ensure the necessary maintenance to existing routes may continue and allow rerouting of roads or trails to protect the resources of the Recreation Area. Finally, I would like to explain that the driving force for this compromise bill was certainty, and thus preventing the designation of a national monument using the authority granted to the President under the Antiquities Act. As so many know, national monument designations in my home state of Utah have been the source of extensive controversy. In my view, land management is most effective when it is driven by local voices, compromise, and well-reasoned planning. Sweeping designations via national monument are often politically-inspired and they erode the quality of management for the areas they intend to protect. With the passage of the Emery County legislation, the need for a national monument is forfeited because a clear plan has been laid out for the long-term management of the San Rafael Swell. To be clear, this is a view that was shared by the many parties, including locally elected officials, conservationists, and recreationists, that were intimately involved in the forging of this compromise legislation. Any future national monument designation under the Antiquities Act in Emery County would be a violation of the good faith agreement that was shared among those that negotiated as part of this bill's process. I believe this bill is a big win for all stakeholders, and I look forward to watching what was a 20-year journey for Emery County come to fruition.