Joe Cunningham

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my straightforward, commonsense amendment which would specifically examine how illicit foreign money was used to carry out disinformation and propaganda campaigns focused on depressing turnout among African American and other minority communities and the success or failure of these efforts during our recent elections. This amendment would also call for recommendations to address these concerns in future elections. Republicans and Democrats agree that foreign adversaries should never be allowed to sow discord in our political system and interfere with our electoral process. Unfortunately, in the last two elections, we saw massive misinformation campaigns launched by hostile foreign powers, and we know--we know--those efforts disproportionately targeted African American communities. Last May, the House Judiciary Committee released a trove of over 3,500 Facebook ads posted by Russia-linked accounts between 2014 and 2017. In 2015, for instance, Kremlin-backed accounts tweeted and retweeted dozens of messages manipulating the tragic mass shooting at the predominantly African American Mother Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston. Ads like this reached over 11.4 million people. Russia has sought to influence our democratic process by stoking racial, religious, and political differences, and this has had real consequences. African American turnout declined in 2016 for the Presidential election for the first time in 20 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, falling to less than 60 percent, from a record high of 66.6 percent in 2012. Election security is not a partisan issue; it is essential to our democracy; and Americans deserve to have the confidence of knowing the information they seek hasn't been manipulated by foreign adversaries. Our next elections are quickly approaching, so the time to show the world that we stand united on election security is now. I ask all my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike, to support this amendment to protect against foreign interference in America's elections. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, in closing, I urge both Democrats and Republicans to support this commonsense amendment to prevent malicious misinformation and propaganda campaigns from targeting African American and other minority communities. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, today I rise in support of my amendment to help protect our Nation's veterans and servicemembers from targeted disinformation campaigns bankrolled by foreign governments. Earlier this month the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee released its report on Russia's attempts to interfere with the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. In that report, the committee described how Russian-influenced operatives created fake online personas to target specific groups, including veterans, with the goal of sowing discord in the American political system. To that end, operatives created social media pages impersonating congressionally-chartered veteran service organizations, or VSOs, to push their divisive message. In one such case, a page impersonating Vietnam Veterans of America run by a troll farm in Bulgaria grew to nearly 200,000 followers before it was shut down. After learning of this illicit account, VVA launched their own 2-year investigation into the issue, and they found more than 150 similar efforts across every major social media platform. And while I think their actions are reprehensible, I have to admit that their approach makes sense. Numerous studies have shown that veterans vote at higher rates than those who haven't served. And those votes are especially concentrated in swing states. In my South Carolina district, veterans make up nearly 13 percent of the voting population, so I for one prefer my chances against a fellow American, rather than a campaign run out of a troll farm in Saint Petersburg. Joking aside, it is unacceptable that we are allowing those same men and women who have served our Nation overseas to be susceptible to these malign influences. That is why I am proud to support the underlying bill, which would prohibit foreign governments from sponsoring influenced campaigns designed to affect the outcome of a Federal election. But since we know that foreign adversaries aren't interested in playing by our own rules, my amendment would require the FEC to investigate those foreign influence campaigns after each election so we can put a stop to them. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, in closing, I want to thank Chairwoman Lofgren for her leadership on the House Administration Committee and all the members of the committee for their work on this critical legislation. I also want to thank Chairman McGovern and the members of the Rules Committee for allowing my amendments to come to the floor. I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Davis, across the aisle for his work. And I hope that all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting my straightforward, commonsense amendment, as well as the underlying bill. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic actions of Captain Forrest Lampela, Captain Ken Dickenscheidt, Senior Airman Chris Bowers, Airman First Class Timothy Henn, and Technical Sergeant Nick Scarmeas, who broke diplomatic protocol and fought near-zero visibility to save the life of a U.S. Navy sailor who was wounded in combat. The Joint Base Charleston crew was flying a critically injured sailor to Walter Reed from Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Halfway through their mission, the sailor took a turn for the worse and needed immediate surgery. The commander, Captain Lampela, made the decision to turn around and make an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland, in dense fog and without diplomatic clearance. In an incredibly stressful situation, the team fell back on their training and made a life-and-death decision that ultimately saved the life of their fellow servicemember. I am honored to commend them.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to rejoice the birth of Afton Margaret, daughter to Lauren and Tyler Jones. Born on Wednesday, October 9th at seven pounds and 15 ounces, she is the greatest God given gift anyone would be lucky to receive. There is no stronger love than that of a parent for their child, and I couldn't think of two more perfect people to raise a kind, brave, and intelligent person in this world than these two. Tyler and Lauren have been with me from day one. Tyler has been an amazing colleague, confidante, and most importantly, a remarkable friend. We have seen ups, and we surely saw downs, but I have found a loyalty and friendship in Tyler that I know he and Lauren will instill in their very own daughter's values, And Lauren has proved to have the same grace and strength I found in my wife, as her husband and I learned how to win over the Lowcountry we all four deeply love. If y'all thought my campaign was tough, welcome to parenting. I cannot wait to see the beautiful journey that unfolds. Amanda, Boone, Teddy and I are here for anything that you two, Afton, and Leia will ever need. We love y'all, good luck and congratulations.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the brilliant life of Louis O'Neil Dore. Dore was everything the Lowcountry could ask for in a hometown hero. Born in Beaufort in 1945, he attended Morehouse College and worked three jobs to put himself through college. After graduating, he returned home to teach high school and helped guide the desegregation of Beaufort's school system. He eventually obtained his law degree at the University of Georgia, where he was one of only four Black Americans in his class. Dore was a tireless advocate for civil rights and a champion of voting rights, education, and improved health standards for the people of the Lowcountry. Dore served as the legal officer for the Beaufort- Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, fighting for the rights of Black doctors to treat patients in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. As chairman of the South Carolina Board of Education, Dore worked with leaders and legislators to pass the Education Improvement Act of 1984, which is considered some of the most comprehensive education reform legislation of its time. Throughout the course of his life, Dore would return home to Beaufort to break historic ground, including becoming the first Black lawyer to be named partner at a South Carolina firm. I know that I speak for the entire State when I say that Louis Dore is one of the greats, and we are honored that he shaped our history.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, on September 19 and 20, 2019, I was absent from the House chamber. I returned to my district in South Carolina to attend to a family matter. Accordingly, I was unable to vote on three legislative measures on the floor. Had I been present and voting, I would have voted as follows: ``aye'' on rollcall No. 536: H. Res. 564, On Motion Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 4378; ``aye'' on rollcall No. 537: H. Res. 564, On Passage of the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 4378; ``aye'' on rollcall No. 538: H.R. 4378, On Passage, Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2020, and for other purposes; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 539: H.R. 1423, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Jordan #1 to the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act; and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 540: H.R. 1423, On Passage, the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1423, the FAIR Act, which would eliminate forced arbitration clauses in employment, consumer, and civil rights cases, restoring the rights of consumers, workers, and small businesses to go to court. This is about respecting the Seventh Amendment, the constitutional right to a trial by jury, the right of every single American to get their day in court. This is also about public accountability. This is about ending the ability of bad corporate actors to shield their wrongdoing and patterns of violation from public scrutiny. Let me be perfectly clear: Forced arbitration clauses, which are often buried in the fine print in confusing legal jargon, put the interests of powerful corporations over American workers and consumers. This impacts every single one of us. Every person in this room at some point has unknowingly ceded their rights away when entering into a contract to buy a new car, to start a new job, or sign up for a new credit card. This is hurting real Americans, from the elderly people who are mistreated in nursing homes, or employees working overtime but not getting paid, to servicemembers who are fired or not rehired after returning from Active Duty. Very few of them are actually getting justice. In the last 5 years, the number of consumers who have won a monetary award from forced arbitration averages to 382 people a year. Let me put this into perspective: On average, more Americans get struck by lightning every year than win a monetary award from an arbitration. When corporations know that they can get away with such bad behavior and shield that bad behavior from coming to light, there is absolutely nothing incentivizing them to follow the law and treat consumers well. It should go without saying, but this legislation is overwhelmingly popular. Research shows that 84 percent of Americans oppose forced arbitration. I urge every single one of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for the FAIR Act and restore vital rights to American consumers, workers, and small businesses.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of General Robert P. Carson, the beloved bulldog mascot of The Citadel, who passed away this Friday. The General came from a distinguished lineage, and his relatives include former mascots of the University of Georgia, the United States Marine Corps, and Mississippi State University. The General's caretaker, Dr. John Bradford, reported that on game days, he would often find the bulldog waiting in the corner of his backyard, facing the stadium. He just couldn't wait to fire those cannons, and his spirit helped his fellow Bulldogs pull off an incredible upset this past Saturday. The General was with his fellow mascot, Boo X, when he passed away. The two were the pride of The Citadel campus and cherished members of the institution. Anyone with a pet knows how deeply they impact our lives, and I offer my sincere condolences to the entire Citadel community. Go `Dogs.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor National Hunger Action Day. Our nation has seen the damage and despair that hunger inflicts in our communities. In the greatest country on earth, no child should go to bed hungry. I am proud that the City of Charleston is committed to stamping out hunger in the Lowcountry. The Lowcountry Food Bank is working in our district to educate folks about food insecurity and reduce the rates of it in our community. More than 25 million meals--yes, you heard that right--25 MILLION meals were distributed in 2018 by the Lowcountry Food Bank and its 300 food pantries. The role that this network plays in our community is vital in addressing hunger and raising awareness of an issue that reaches all corners of the world. No child, no family, and no human being should experience the pain that hunger inflicts. National Hunger Action Day is one of the many platforms dedicated to tackling this crisis. Foodbanks across the Lowcountry and the rest of the country are teaming up to host events in September to bring awareness to food insecurity and how it impacts us as a society. We must fight hunger and mobilize the resources to take action and confront this crisis head on.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of Mayor Jimmy Carroll and his extraordinary fiancee, Carol Powers. I am honored to know this wonderful couple and congratulate them as they become one family. I am inspired by their love for the Lowcountry, the ocean, their family, and the love that they so proudly display for one another. Mayor Carroll and Carol Powers will be officially husband and wife on September 14th, 2019, but these two have been partners in life for quite some time. Carol has been a support system and partner to Mayor Carroll at his real estate company and business endeavors. She also knows when to put her foot down to protect his well-being, as she let the Mayor know that she would not marry him if he continued to volunteer at the Fire Department. Mayor Carroll lovingly obliged. It's good to know that someone is looking out for Mayor Carroll while he looks out for Isle of Palms. That is the lifelong partnership people dream of. On a personal note, it has been an honor to work alongside Mayor Carroll. We share a deep love for the ocean, and he has been an invaluable partner in protecting our coast. Isle of Palms could not ask for a better Mayor and future First Lady. I wish for them a lifetime of love as endless as the ocean and as timeless as the tides.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. My bipartisan bill permanently protects the Atlantic and the Pacific Coasts from the threats of offshore oil and gas drilling. It reflects the tremendous importance that Members of both parties place on healthy shorelines and the State and local economies that depend on them. This bill acknowledges that if we don't act, drilling rigs could soon appear off of our beaches. Folks from up and down the coast of my district understand that opposition to offshore drilling is not a partisan issue. Whether it be a first grader like Anna Caroline of upstate South Carolina who rallied 70 signatures to stop offshore drilling or a group of mayors like Billy Keyserling, Pat O'Neil, Tim Goodwin, Jimmy Carroll, or John Tecklenburg who worked tirelessly to defend our coastline, South Carolinians want to protect our community from the disastrous consequences that result from offshore drilling. The Lowcountry is a force to be reckoned with, and we stand firm in our opposition to drilling off of our shoreline. Down in the Lowcountry, we know that offshore drilling would ruin our economy, our vibrant natural resources, and our unique way of life. That is why opposition to offshore drilling is not a partisan issue, and I am proud to work with both Democrats and Republicans to get this done. Offshore drilling and the booming tourism industry that we have in the Lowcountry are mutually exclusive pursuits. Tourism in the Palmetto State is a $22.6 billion-a-year industry and supports 1 in every 10 jobs in our State. South Carolina's tourism industry holds a great deal more promise for statewide economic prosperity. I want to take a moment to also consider how natural disasters would impact our State if we were to drill offshore. We have seen spills from onshore infrastructure in the path of a hurricane. Hurricane Katrina is the best-known example, with roughly 8 million gallons of oil spilled. Last week, Hurricane Dorian was a sobering reminder that hurricanes and natural disasters can change course in a moment's notice and inflict tremendous damage on communities in the path of a storm. If Charleston, Hilton Head, or Beaufort had onshore energy infrastructure similar to Port Fourchon or Galveston, the potential for a major spill or environmental calamity from Dorian's destruction would have skyrocketed. Opposition to offshore drilling is an economic one, but it is also a moral one. The book of Genesis teaches us to be stewards and caretakers of all creation. I find it unconscionable that we can knowingly damage our waters and, consequentially, our marine life for such a pursuit. Offshore drilling is reckless; it is harmful; and it is absolutely disruptive to the communities that we call home. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my bill that will permanently safeguard the First District of South Carolina and coastal communities across this Nation.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to protect our environment. And as a former ocean engineer, I rise on behalf of the Lowcountry in the First Congressional District of South Carolina. This motion to recommit wants to cede more power to our President, but I believe in the Constitution, and I believe in separate but equal branches of government like our Founding Fathers intended. We, as Members of this institution, have an obligation to not only respond to current events, but also to anticipate future problems and work to prevent them. You don't wait for a bridge to break to fix its foundation, and you don't wait for the hurricane to hit before boarding up your windows, and you don't wait for an oil spill to realize that offshore drilling is just not worth jeopardizing our booming tourism industry. As my father used to say, the juice just ain't worth the squeeze. This bill ensures that no new lease sales are made along the Atlantic and the Pacific. We are not looking to reverse existing sales, just prevent new ones. So why does this matter? Because public opinion matters, and because our friends and our neighbors have expressed their opposition to offshore drilling along our coasts. There are certain things that go beyond politics, issues that touch each and every one of us personally, things that transcend partisan lines. In South Carolina, we have strong bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling. It doesn't matter what party you belong to. We all enjoy the same beaches, the same sunset, and the same coastal economy, like South Carolina's, which is worth over $22 billion. That is at risk. Whatever limited economic benefit may be gained from oil drilling is both fiscally and morally irresponsible. I want to remind the folks of the remarkable track record Republicans once had for environmental conservation. The National Environmental Policy Act and two Clean Air Acts were both signed by Republicans. A Republican created the Environmental Protection Agency. By voting against this bill, Republicans promote pollution; they put profits over people; and they erase the legacy of environmental conservation that Republicans before them worked so hard to build. I want to remind my colleagues, if they are a true conservative, if they are a real conservative, then be an environmental conservative, too. This idea that offshore drilling is necessary for the country to achieve energy independence is just a red herring. As President Trump pointed out earlier this year during his State of the Union speech, the United States is now the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world. Yes, USA, USA, USA. President Trump said that, for the first time in 65 years, we are a net exporter of energy. We have managed to make all this energy progress, and all that progress has been made without drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific. We are sending 3 million barrels of oil overseas every single day. We do not need to put oil rigs in the Atlantic Ocean at all. Why would we damage our beaches, our God-given natural resources, just to export more oil to other countries? Why would we do that? To answer that question, we must first answer a more basic question: Who did you come here to serve? When we see Old Glory, we pledge our allegiance to the flag and to the Nation, not to a party and not to a President. This is not a partisan question, so let us not give a partisan answer. Let's defeat this motion to recommit and pass H.R. 1941. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Professors Barbara McFarland and Michael Whiteman as they step down from the faculty at the Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. Their tenure has brought Chase bigger ideas, brighter days, and better futures for any student lucky enough to sit in their classrooms. One of Professor McFarland's greatest gifts is to provide every student she encounters with the resources and encouragement to achieve their best work--in law school and beyond. After 15 years at Chase, she is retiring to continue her work inspiring young minds, this time with young, at-risk children. I took a short quiz to celebrate Professor Whiteman's retirement and I scored a 6/10, which was pretty similar to some of my scores in his class! After 17 successful years at Chase, Professor Whiteman is headed off to a law school down the road. Professor Whiteman has been described by his colleagues as one of the most genuine and kind-hearted people they have ever met, and I truly could not agree any more. I know firsthand that Professors McFarland and Whiteman's passion for supporting a student's success can be the definitive factor between giving up and getting a degree, and I am so thankful for the impact they had on my educational and personal development. Professors McFarland and Whiteman are about to begin new journeys for themselves, but they can rest assured that their legacies will live on in the Chase Law School community. I thank them for all they have done and wish them good luck in all future endeavors.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, I rise today to honor the valiant actions of Deputy William Kimbro of the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office. On June 11, Deputy Kimbro pulled over a speeding vehicle to find that 12-day-old Riley had stopped breathing. She needed immediate help, so without hesitation, Deputy Kimbro administered lifesaving care to this newborn until the first responders could arrive on the scene. Deputy Kimbro served our Nation in the Navy for 21 years before joining the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office in 2013. A school resource officer on summer break, patrolling the road is not Deputy Kimbro's primary duty, but he acted without hesitation. For his bravery and composure, he earned Berkeley County's Life-Saving Medal. He is a husband and father of two children. Deputy Kimbro is an all- around hero, and we are lucky to have him looking after us in the Lowcountry. He, alongside all first responders, keep the Lowcountry and this Nation a safer and better place. Deputy Kimbro should take a bow. We are extremely proud of him.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to expand and improve the defense access roads program. This critical program allows the Defense Department to construct, replace, and maintain roads that lead to military installations. My amendment will improve the program by allowing DOD to construct and maintain flood management infrastructure, such as culverts and storm drains, and to fortify the roads that are projected to be impacted by sea level rise. This authority is critical to bases in the Lowcountry, such as Parris Island, which is increasingly vulnerable to projected flooding. Additionally, this measure will expand the program to include roads to airports or seaports that are deemed necessary for our national security. Given Charleston's indispensable role in supporting the rapid deployment of our servicemembers and their equipment, it is essential that our local infrastructure is maintained and reinforced. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, during rollcall Vote number 443 on the Connolly amendment, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``no'' when I should have voted ``yes.'' Amendment No. 14 Offered by Ms. Shalala

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

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

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my bipartisan amendment which makes clear that no funding made available by this bill can be used to carry out another wasteful round of base realignment and closure, or BRAC. Folks in the Lowcountry still remember the disastrous effects BRAC had on our economy in the past. Our region lost more than 20,000 jobs, according to some estimates, after the 1993 BRAC Commission recommended the closure of the Charleston Naval Shipyard. My amendment would make sure that the Joint Base Charleston, Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and the Beaufort Naval Hospital do not suffer the same fate. Combined, these important national security assets are estimated to account for nearly $13 billion in economic impact and support 78,000 jobs. But this amendment isn't just about preserving my district's economy. It is also about fiscal responsibility. The last BRAC round in 2005 cost taxpayers over $35 billion and is not expected to save even one- third of that. This is funding that should have gone to rebuilding our military and improving its readiness but was, instead, spent devastating military communities across the country. This is why I am asking that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle join me in supporting this amendment, which will ensure that military communities in the Lowcountry and across the Nation are spared the effects of another reckless BRAC round. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, in closing, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ratcliffe) for joining me in offering this amendment. I also thank Chairman McGovern and my colleagues on the Rules Committee for allowing this important amendment to come to the floor for debate. I ask that my colleagues vote in favor of this amendment to ensure that our military's limited resources are not wasted on another round of BRAC. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, which would further emphasize our need to ensure our military is prepared for the ever-growing risk of climate change and rising sea levels. To that end, my amendment would make sure further DOD construction projects meet military resilience standards. I have said time and time again that climate change is our greatest nonmilitary threat, but climate change also poses a significant threat to our military's readiness. Nowhere is this clearer than in the Lowcountry, which is home to some of our Nation's most critical national security assets. Parris Island, one of only two military bases that makes enlisted marines and the only military base that makes female enlisted marines, faces frequent flooding and could be flooded for over a third of the year by 2050. Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, the only place in the world where pilots are trained to fly the F-35B, faces similar flooding risks, which threaten to disrupt training and fielding of these aircraft. Just this year, Joint Base Charleston was identified by the Air Force as one of the top five bases most susceptible to the risks associated with climate change. I am offering this amendment because it is imperative that these important defense assets are prepared, not only because they are critical to our national security, but also because they are an indispensable part of our economy in the Lowcountry. Combined, these important national security assets are estimated to account for nearly $13 billion in economic impact and support 78,000 jobs in our district. Mr. Chair, this is an urgent issue that threatens military installations across this Nation, so I ask that my colleagues join me in support of my amendment and the readiness of our Armed Forces. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Chair, in closing, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for speaking in favor of my amendment and for all of her hard work in constructing this year's Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. This legislation makes significant investments toward ensuring our men and women in uniform have the facilities they need to keep our Nation safe and improving services at the VA. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle join me in supporting my amendment as well as the underlying bills. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.