Eliot Engel

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), the author of this important resolution.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), the author of this important resolution.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 17.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 17) expressing concern over the detention of Austin Tice, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in August 2012, American journalist and Marine veteran Austin Tice was abducted while reporting on the ongoing conflict in Syria. Eight years later, Tice continues to be held captive, his family and friends unaware of his condition and whereabouts. Five years later, another American citizen, Texas resident and psychotherapist Majd Kamalmaz, was detained without cause in northern Syria while visiting an elderly family member and aiding civilians traumatized by the civil war. Kamalmaz has been imprisoned by the Assad regime in Syria ever since without access to the outside world. The Tice and Kamalmaz families have worked tirelessly to secure the immediate release of their loved ones. Still, Austin and Majd continue to suffer inside Syria. H. Res. 17 encourages the Department of State, the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and other U.S. Government entities to work jointly to facilitate Tice and Kamalmaz' safe release and return. This legislation does not legitimize the Assad regime. I would never do that. For years and years, I have called them out on all of their human rights violations. It is a brutal regime, murdering men, women, and children in the hundreds of thousands. So, this doesn't legitimize the Assad regime, nor does it legitimize the deplorable tactic of hostage-taking. In fact, it does the opposite. Passing this resolution is a recognition that our country stands with Austin Tice and Majd Kamalmaz and those like them who have been victims of the Assad regime. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Al Green for introducing this important legislation. I want to also recognize, once again, our committee's ranking member, Michael McCaul, for his leadership on this issue. I am proud to support this measure, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 1, 2020. Hon. Eliot Engel, Committeee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Engel: I write concerning H. Res. 17, a resolution that expresses concern regarding the 2012 capture and detention in Syria of Austin Tice--a U.S. Citizen, journalist, and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps; and encourages the Executive Branch to take further actions aimed at bringing about Mr. Tice's immediate and safe return. Certain provisions in the resolution fall within the jurisdiction of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), as set forth in Rule X of the House of Representatives for the 116th Congress. In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. By waiving consideration of H. Res. 17, HPSCI does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subjects contained in the bill which fall within HPSCI's Rule X jurisdiction. I also ask that our exchange of letters be included in the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. I continue to be grateful for our committees' longstanding cooperation, both regarding this matter and others. And I continue to strongly support this and other efforts to secure Mr. Tice's immediate and safe return to the United States. Sincerely, Adam B. Schiff, Chairman.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank my friend, the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. McCaul. It has been a pleasure working closely with him on so many pieces of legislation. I know that the work will continue, and we will continue to keep in touch and make sure that we go the right way in trying to stop these human rights abuses all over the world. The number of political prisoners in Russia has increased by sixfold since the year 2015. This is what we have come to expect from Vladimir Putin's Russia: Blatant disregard for human rights and rule of law. The United States must stand firm against Russia's practice of politically motivated imprisonment and impose sanctions against anyone responsible for these human rights abuses. It is really important that the U.S. Congress stand up and do this. It is really important that we do it, regardless of political party. It is really important to send Putin a message that we are not going to sit idly by and allow him to do his bad work. He has interfered with our elections. He has tried again. He succeeded some of the time; he didn't succeed in other times. But we want him to stay away, and we want the people of Russia to have a government where they can feel free, not one where they feel the boot on their neck all the time. We need to stand firm against Russia's practice of politically motivated imprisonment and impose sanctions against anyone, even Putin, responsible for these human rights abuses. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support H. Res. 958, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 958, which condemns politically motivated imprisonment by the Russian Government and calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Russia. According to the Memorial Human Rights Center, there are more than 300 political prisoners in Russia today. These prisoners are human rights advocates, journalists, Ukrainians from Crimea, and American citizens like Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed. It has been common practice for the Kremlin to target opposition figures as an act of political revenge. Russian authorities regularly abuse counterterrorism laws and Interpol's Red Notice system to silence critics and deny them fundamental human rights. We must not only condemn these abuses, but we must increase the economic and political cost for Russian officials who engage in unjust imprisonments and political retaliation. This resolution calls on the Departments of State and Treasury to use the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to pursue Russia officials who are responsible for or complicit in politically motivated imprisonment. I remember in 2012, we all worked together to put this very important law on the books. No one deserves to be used as a political pawn by Vladimir Putin. It is critical that Congress strongly condemns and takes action against Russia's wrongful imprisonments. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 958.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 958) condemning the practice of politically motivated imprisonment and calling for the immediate release of political prisoners in the Russian Federation and urging action by the United States Government to impose sanctions with respect to persons responsible for that form of human rights abuse, as amended.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me to introduce this measure condemning one of the principal architects of Russian aggression around the world. Yevgeniy Prigozhin is one of Vladimir Putin's key cronies, with a long history of working against American interests on behalf of the Russian Government. His Internet Research Agency disinformation campaigns have worked to sow division and undermine democratic elections right here at home and also among our allies. Yevgeniy Prigozhin is also the leader of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, that has spread deadly conflict across the globe, engaging in violent and subversive operations in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, and sub-Saharan Africa. He has directed human rights violations in Syria, undermined U.S. operations in the Middle East, and played a key role in invading and destabilizing Ukraine. We must hold Prigozhin accountable and take action to stop his nefarious activities. This resolution condemns Prigozhin and his Kremlin partners, expresses strong support for the U.S. and European Union sanctions on him, which were announced this fall, and calls for the imposition of additional targeted sanctions. As Putin and his henchmen, like Prigozhin, continue their attacks on democracies across the world, Congress must send a strong, unified message that we will not tolerate their destabilizing actions and that we are ready to hold them accountable. Passing this resolution does just that. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this measure, urge all my colleagues to do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 996) expressing the sense of Congress that the activities of Russian national Yevgeniy Prigozhin and his affiliated entities pose a threat to the national interests and security of the United States and of its allies and partners, as amended.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, Yevgeniy Prigozhin is an enemy of democracy and an adversary of the U.S. and our allies. From sowing discord and division through disinformation campaigns to stoking violent conflicts around the world, Prigozhin is a dangerous Putin crony. This bipartisan measure condemns Prigozhin's nefarious activities and demonstrates Congress' support for continued cooperation between the United States and our European allies to hold him and his Kremlin partners accountable. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting its passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 996.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I echo the words of Mr. McCaul. I am pleased to support this legislation, and I urge all Members to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1819, the War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1819) to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for rewards for the arrest or conviction of certain foreign nationals who have committed genocide or war crimes, and for other purposes.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act, and I thank Congresswoman Foxx for her hard work on this bill. This bipartisan measure enhances the War Crimes Rewards Program, which enables the United States to pay rewards to individuals who provide information that leads to the arrest or conviction of foreign nationals who commit war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide. This initiative has led to the capture of fugitives who committed atrocities in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. This War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act will strengthen this rewards program and ensure that it can be used to bring perpetrators to justice, whether it is in domestic courts or international tribunals. Mr. Speaker, American foreign policy should reflect our values, including the promotion of human rights, and we must do everything possible to bring justice to victims of atrocities and hold perpetrators accountable. This legislation is an important step in that direction, and I am pleased to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am proud we are considering this excellent measure written by our dear friend, John Lewis. I know we all miss John dearly, but his legacy of advancing the cause of righteousness and justice lives on, and this is a good example. John championed the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act to further the teachings of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Their work on civil rights and social justice should be a beacon for us all, and I am pleased we can pass a measure today to continue their invaluable work for humanity. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and partner, Mr. McCaul. It is a pleasure once again to work with him on the committee and to work on legislation for the country and the world. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in strong support of the Gandhi- King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act, a measure championed by our late friend and colleague, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia. In 2009, John traveled to India to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King's journey to explore Gandhi's teachings on the use of nonviolent direct action to advance social justice. John's trip and his decades of civil rights work in public service--what he would call ``good trouble''--led to the Gandhi- King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act. This legislation honors the longstanding friendship between the people of the United States and India and establishes an educational exchange program to advance the teachings of Mohandas Gandhi and Dr. King. It also establishes a development foundation that would allow India and the United States to work together to address pressing issues, like climate change, education, and public health. At a time when our country is struggling to come to terms with the reality of systemic racism, I can think of no better time to advance the work of Gandhi; King; and John Lewis, our friend and colleague. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this measure, and I hope all of my colleagues will do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5517, the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5517) to affirm the friendship of the governments of the United States of America and the Republic of India, and to establish a bilateral partnership for collaboration to advance development and shared values, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 1115.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1115) calling for the immediate release of Trevor Reed, a United States citizen who was unjustly sentenced to 9 years in a Russian prison, as amended.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize one of the finest civic organizations in my district, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, which in January, 2021 will be celebrating its incredible 100th Anniversary. The Scarsdale League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that grew out of the suffrage movement. There were many suffragists in Scarsdale and Westchester over 100 years ago, fighting for the right for women to vote in public elections. Over its 100 years, the League has worked to protect and expand voting rights in our area. Their mission is to promote civic engagement, to communicate clear voter information, including on the ways to vote, dates of voting, and to help voters understand candidate and policy positions prior to elections. The League prides itself on holding Candidate Forum events in order to help our community members, from Scarsdale and beyond, make informed decisions at the polls. In addition, The Scarsdale League studies selected governmental issues every year and creates statements through a consensus process. They also organize various speaker events for our community and engage in civics education in the local schools, programming that is particularly important now at this moment in our history. Madam Speaker, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale is an active local community organization and they are very excited to be reaching this 100-year milestone. I too am excited that I get to share this wonderful centennial anniversary with them, and I congratulate their team on continuing to raise the bar on civic engagement in New York's 16th Congressional District.