Michael Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the IMF provides consultations to improve the economic governance of member countries. Traditional areas of focus have included fiscal administration, monetary policy, and financial statistics. More recently, however, the Fund has had to respond to increased demand for technical assistance devoted to anti-money laundering and countering the finance of terrorism, AML/CFT. While other international financial institutions also provide such assistance, it is commonly agreed that the IMF's role is preeminent, given its ongoing specialized work with fiscal authorities and other central banks. The IMF bases its AML/CFT work on the international standards, with its technical assistance including activities such as risk assessments, national AML/CFT strategies, legal and regulatory reforms, and the development of financial intelligence units. These FIUs are particularly important for countries that need to process reports of suspicious transactions that may be related to criminal and terrorism activity. H.R. 5469 will help the IMF continue and expand these programs by making AML/CFT technical assistance a priority and by reasserting its importance to the U.S. Treasury. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce), the author of the bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank my colleague from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce), for his important work on the anti-financing of terrorism issue. It is a very patriotic effort on his part. It's an important bill. We thank our colleagues across the aisle for their support of the bill as well, and I ask our colleagues as well to support the passage of H.R. 5469. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Speaker, during my 2-year appointment on the House Financial Services Committee's Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing, I joined with Ranking Member Stephen Lynch, Vice Chair Robert Pittenger, and a dedicated, bipartisan body to investigate and evaluate the efforts made by the United States to counter and dismantle the financial networks funding terrorist organizations. During this time, our task force heard repeated testimony that information sharing is not as efficient as it ought to be and that, in some instances, agencies or departments are not coordinating their efforts well enough. During a hearing held by our task force, Juan Zarate, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, stated that, and this is a quote: ``The U.S. Government's approach to its economic vulnerabilities is scattered--with strategies to protect supply chain security, combat transnational organized crime, secure the cyber domain, protect critical infrastructure, and promote U.S. private sector interests abroad to compete with state-owned enterprises . . . the U.S. should craft a deliberate strategy that aligns economic strength with national security interests more explicitly and more completely.'' This, Mr. Speaker, is exactly what this bill aims to address. H.R. 5594 requires the President, acting through the Treasury, to develop and publish an annual whole-of-government strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), an important and valued member of the task force.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), a trusted member of the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I just want to again thank Chairman Hensarling and Ranking Member Waters for entrusting to myself and my colleague, Mr. Lynch, the important work of investigating terrorism finance, how these terrorist organizations are achieving their resources, what we can do to sort of choke off their financing, which, to terrorism, is sort of like oxygen. Without oxygen, you can't live. Without financing, terrorists can't achieve their goals. So I want to thank Mr. Lynch because, during the course of the 2 years we worked together, he worked very closely with me to make sure, in each of the hearings that we had and all the work in putting the bills together, that no politics seeped into this important work, and so we continue to work together. I also want to thank the staff of the Financial Services Committee, Mr. Joe Pinder, Mr. Chris Matarangas of my staff, and Jackie Cahan of Representative Lynch's staff, who helped us craft the legislation that is on the floor today. I ask all of my colleagues to support this bill to adopt H.R. 5594. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in the opaque world of counter-threat finance, information sharing is critical for both the private and also the public sectors. The PATRIOT Act created a safe harbor provision allowing for limited information sharing to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. However, this provision has not been widely used, and some recent court decisions have called into question banks' liability for complying with requirements to report suspected money laundering, necessitating minor changes in law to clarify congressional intent. While subsection 314(b) of the PATRIOT Act encourages government agencies to share appropriate information with banks, and banks to share information with each other, banks have complained that the government does an inadequate job of sharing information that could help banks more easily identify suspicious activities. Throughout the task force hearings, banks and other experts have stated that more and better information sharing would reduce the compliance burden on banks and make their efforts more effective. H.R. 5606 aims to enhance safe harbor provisions for information sharing by broadening the range of suspected illegal activities abroad, but requires a study to determine the appropriate level of sharing with information subsidiaries or headquarters of U.S. banking operations, and then requires new rulemaking to clarify congressional intent. This proposed change would ensure that financial institutions file SARs without fear of civil litigation simply for complying with Federal law and would, thus, facilitate the continued flow of critically important suspicious activity reporting. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Pittenger), the author of the bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5602) to amend title 31, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to include all funds when issuing certain geographic targeting orders, and for other purposes.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5602 amends the section of the United States Code that allows the Treasury Secretary to issue ``geographical targeting orders,'' requiring more detailed information to be reported to the Treasury Department regarding certain types of transactions in a specific area for a limited amount of time. These geographical targeting orders, or GTOs, allow the Treasury to seek more granular detail on a type of activity in a specific area believed to be used for some form of illicit finance. GTOs in the past have been used to identify trade-based money laundering in counterfeit electronics or garments, or to identify repatriation of drug sales proceeds to drug traffickers. During a February task force hearing, former U.S. intelligence officer and Treasury special agent cited trade-based money laundering as an area of concern when dealing with illicit financing, stating that such techniques are allowing our adversaries to transfer value to one another right under our noses. Current language allows the Secretary to seek more detailed reporting of coins, currency, or monetary instruments. But Treasury believes that language does not, in some instances, allow for requiring, or compelling the reporting of, information on some sorts of noncash transactions. As illicit finance increasingly seeks to elude detection in the legal banking system, a slightly broader of what sorts of transfers of value should be reported would make such GTOs more effective, in Treasury's view. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I just want to, again, thank my colleague, Mr. Lynch, for bringing this bill to the task force's attention and for authoring the bill. The bill is smart. It is targeted. It will help the United States Treasury Department do its job of rooting out those who finance terrorism so that we can all remain safe. With that, I ask my colleagues to support and adopt H.R. 5602. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. 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 materials on this bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Department of the Treasury has done excellent work in its endeavor to curb money laundering and assist Federal law enforcement in its mission to combat terrorism. However, we cannot take its successes for granted. Throughout the task force, we heard time and time again that organized criminal and terrorist groups are constantly changing; adapting their techniques in an effort to expose and utilize the international financial system and that of the United States. As a result, it is imperative that we continue to improve the tools we use to combat these threats. H.R. 5607 aims to do just that. This bill enhances a number of tools that the Department of the Treasury uses in its efforts to combat the financing of terror and money laundering, which includes providing a greater emphasis on Treasury attaches stationed in embassies overseas, strengthening the requirements for temporary enhanced reporting, and adding the Secretary of the Treasury as a full-time member of the National Security Council. Our adversaries are constantly adapting. We must adapt as well. The policies implemented by this bill will prove to strengthen the Treasury's weapons as it continues to carry out its important work. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, July 6, 2016. Hon. Jeb Hensarling, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Hensarling: On June 28, 2016, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (``the Committee'') received a referral for H.R. 5607, ``To Enhance the Department of the Treasury's role in protecting national security, and for other purposes.'' In order to expedite the House's consideration of this important legislation, the Committee will forego consideration of the measure. This waiver is, however, conditioned on our mutual understanding that it does not diminish or otherwise affect any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matter contained in the bill or any similar legislation. Please place a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging the Committee's jurisdictional interest into any committee report on H.R. 5607 and into the Congressional Record during its floor consideration. I would also appreciate your support for the appointment of Committee members to any House-Senate conference on this legislation. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Sincerely, Devin Nunes, Chairman.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Lynch, for his hard work on this important bill. This bill contains seven sections, and each of those sections was the subject of extensive testimony and work in the 11 hearings of the task force over the course of the past 1\1/2\ to 2 years. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Pittenger), the author of the bill.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. We ask our colleagues to support and adopt H.R. 5607. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patricia Guth being named the Pennridge Citizen of the Year. Dedicated to education and administration; Dr. Guth began her teaching career in the Central Bucks School District and in 1958 began teaching in the Pennridge School District. Throughout her career with the Pennridge School District, Dr. Guth was the director of Elementary Education as well as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction. In addition, Dr. Guth was the author and model presenter of Alternative Teaching Strategies for the federal grant awarded to the Pennridge School District. In 1992 Pennridge School District Board of Directors, rededicated Perkasie Elementary School as Dr. Patricia A. Guth Elementary School. Patricia A. Guth Elementary School is a fitting tribute to Dr. Guth's work and the dedicated faculty and staff who have shaped it over the last five decades. Dr. Guth is an example of countless individuals who have served their community professionally and continue to contribute their experience, time and service through their retirement years. Dr. Guth, has set the bar for citizenship and service for which others should aspire to.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protect America Act. On June 12, 2016 we watched in horror as a lone terrorist, pledging allegiance to ISIS, carried out the nation's worst terror attack since September 11, 2001. As we continue to grieve and pray for those devastated by this attack, we must redouble our efforts and be clear in our resolve to protect our nation and her citizens from the radical Islamic terrorism that continues to target us. Part of the effort to protect our homeland must be to ensure the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement officials have the tools they need to block terrorists from purchasing a gun. That's why I support the Protect America Act which would establish a process to deny firearms and explosives to individuals suspected of terrorism. This common sense bill is carefully crafted to only target terrorists, and to protect the Constitutional principle of due process for law-abiding Americans who seek to exercise their Second Amendment rights. We must absolutely deny terrorists the means to attack us, but we must not undermine our freedom in the process. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, the threat of radical Islamic terrorism is real. And it is once again threatening us on our own soil. From Fort Hood, to Boston, to San Bernardino, and now to Orlando, we have been tragically reminded that there are radical Islamists who seek to kill us simply for who we are as a people. Blocking terrorists' ability to purchase weapons that can be used to wage war on innocent Americans is an important step. But we must have clear eyes about what it will take to defeat this enemy. Our efforts to combat this radicalism must be carried out on multiple fronts: through diplomatic action, military force, and countering the finances used to carry out these attacks. We cannot back down in fear. We must fight back. We must win.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th Birthday of COL Daniel ``Larry'' Rubini. The 70th birthday of COL Daniel (Larry) Rubini, (U.S. Army Ret.) is also a tribute to many years of public and military service, and allegiance to the community of veterans. COL Rubini was active in military and veterans affairs in Bucks County, chairing the Veterans' Advisory Committee, which was launched in 2011 to oversee the needs of veterans in the Eighth Congressional District. It is acknowledged that his leadership and dedication played a role in one important congressional objective in this district, that is, a focus on increasing veterans' access to medical care, education, job training, and employment. COL Rubini's legal and military background has been an asset to the effectiveness of the Veterans Advisory Committee. He has served as a United States Administrative Law Judge in the Social Security Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals and as a member of the Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Twice retired from the U.S. Army Reserve, COL Rubini was recalled to serve on the staff of the Hon. Paul Bremer, United States High Commissioner for Iraq. He was Senior Advisor to the Iraq Ministry of Justice and an integral part of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. Prior to his Middle-East service, he received specialized training in civil affair terrorism and the law of war. Today, he serves as Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. With sincere gratitude for years of service and heartfelt wishes for a very happy birthday--and many more

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th Anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 24. This 75th Anniversary of Troop 24 is a true milestone for one of the largest Boy Scout troops in the Lenape District of the Washington Crossing Council. Congratulations to the Scouts, past and present, and the leaders who have encouraged and guided young men from the troop's inception in 1941. The nickname ``Pioneers'' was chosen in the earliest days, an appropriate choice knowing the troop pursues many outdoor camping and high adventure experiences. Scouting produces leaders and trailblazers, much like the early pioneers and modern pioneers who are blazing new trails in space, science and more. The troop first organized in Morrisville, Bucks County, in 1929 and became the official Troop 24 in 1941, sponsored by Doylestown Presbyterian Church. Troop 24 can be proud of its history and the dedication of all its young men, including 154 who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Best wishes for many more years of great adventure and outstanding leadership.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today marks 100 years since the Boy Scouts of America received their Federal charter. This week also represents an important anniversary for my hometown council in Pennsylvania. For three-quarters of a century, the Ockanickon Scout Reservation in Pipersville, Bucks County, has fulfilled the goals of its early founders and provided adventure and fun for scouts from States as far away as Arizona, Texas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and hosted many scouts from across the globe. While the site is busy year-round, more than 3,000 young people arrive each summer, with more than 3,800 expected this year alone. Ockanickon Scout Reservation's objectives are simple: character, citizen training, and personal fitness. But there is also a rich scouting history of meeting the spiritual, developmental, and social needs of young people and instilling lifetime values that will help them reach their full potential. As a former camper and counselor myself, I want to offer my congratulations to Camp Ockanickon, the Washington Crossing Council, and Ajapeu Lodge on this anniversary marking 75 years. I hope there are many, many more years ahead of providing an outstanding experience to tomorrow's leaders.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chair, I rise to join my colleagues from Pennsylvania, Representatives Meehan and Boyle, in supporting an amendment that would provide health screenings for our constituents. The DOD has begun the process of checking whether chemical compounds like PFOS and PFOA may have contaminated groundwater surrounding more than 660 military sites across the nation, including confirmed contamination around the former Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster and former Willow Grove Naval Station in Horsham. In each of these instances, both public and private wells in my district have been impacted by contaminated groundwater--rightly concerning residents and local leaders. Because of this immediate and widespread concern, it is only right the Department increase efforts to offer health screenings in communities surrounding these formerly used defense sites. This simple amendment clears that path by increasing funding for these screenings. I urge this body to support this bipartisan amendment and, in doing so, reaffirm this government's commitment to protecting the health and safety of its citizens.