Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Armed Forces Deferred Tax Relief Act, legislation that will require the Department of Defense (DoD) to cover any additional taxes incurred by our brave servicemembers as a result of President Trump's reckless Presidential Memorandum issued on August 8, 2020. President Trump's Memorandum instructed the Secretary of the Treasury to use his authority to defer Social Security payroll taxes between September 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. The resulting Internal Revenue Service Notice postpones the collection of these taxes until the period beginning on January 1, 2021, and ends on April 30, 2021. This will result in our servicemembers paying double the tax, or 12.4 percent, each month of the first quarter of 2021. Many private businesses have opted out of the deferral, but the DoD has forced our servicemembers to participate, sticking them with a large tax bill coming due in the new year. My legislation will require the DoD to reimburse our servicemembers for any additional taxes withheld as a result of this Administration's willful ignorance.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and pillar of the South Florida community, Mr. Willie Lee Lawson III. Willie sadly passed away on September 29, 2020. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. He was born in Americus, Georgia, to parents who instilled in him the importance of serving his community at an early age. Eventually, Willie and his family moved to Pompano Beach, Florida, where he would start to put those lessons to use as a community advocate. Willie was a selfless leader who served multiple terms as the President of the Miami-Dade and North Broward County NAACP, respectively, and as the Chair of the Minority Business Council, New Alliance of Interactive Leaders & Supporters (NAILS) Founder & President, Advanced Certified Toastmaster, and committee leader for First-Time Homebuyers Program. His dedication and passion for his community and colleagues was perhaps only outdone by the love he felt for his family. However, even here, Willie took the knowledge and love that came from being a parent and husband and used it to support the people around him. Whether it was a parent in need of help with a child who was in legal trouble, an employee who was wrongfully terminated from their job, or Black children in need of support in school, Willie always made time for anyone who needed his help. Madam Speaker, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Willie's wife, Marie; and his children, Kimberly, Keisha, Miraj, and Willie. I pray they find comfort during this extremely difficult time. Willie will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of establishing a Congressional Commission to Strengthen Representative Democracy. My legislation, the Congress Commission Act, would establish such a commission to analyze the current size of the House of Representatives, examine alternatives to the current method by which Members are elected, and study the harmful effects gerrymandering continues to have on our democracy. Today, a Member of Congress represents an average of over 740,000 constituents, well over 10 times the number of constituents envisioned by the First Congress. The United States presents itself as the world's leading representative democracy. And yet, the House's weighty representative ratio makes the United States an outlier among the 35 nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, most of them highly developed, democratic states. It has been nearly 110 years since the House of Representatives has increased its ranks even though the United States' population has more than tripled in size. It is time we examine how this institution is constructed, so we can make the necessary changes for a more equitable tomorrow. It is not only within the power of Congress to improve itself, but it has a responsibility to do so. Such an effort as embodied in my proposed Congressional Commission to Strengthen Representative Democracy will result in a Congress that better reflects the constituencies, states, and nation we serve. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critically important legislation, so that we can better serve the American people.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend, and pillar of the South Florida community, Alan Levy. Alan called Fort Lauderdale home for more than 70 years and was the founder, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Great American Farms, a Pompano Beach-based agricultural marketing firm. He passed away on October 7, 2020, at the age of 80. Alan was a selfless leader who served on numerous nonprofit boards and was a passionate supporter of HANDY, a nonprofit that serves at- risk youth in South Florida. He dedicated a large portion of his life to helping youth and families in our community by ensuring they had every opportunity to succeed, serving as a beacon of hope for the less fortunate. His dedication and passion for nonprofit organizations was beyond compare. Once he was asked, if he could wave a magic wand and do two things for Broward County what would they be? Alan responded by saying he ``wanted to strengthen our educational system from early childhood all the way through to universities.'' He continued by saying, ``Seeing is believing. We can't just sit here and wait for somebody else to do it. You've got to get behind it, make the decision that you are going to make it happen, believe in it, and have a passion for its success.'' Madam Speaker, Alan did just that, he supported our community, believed in all of us, and because of that unyielding passion, ensured our success and the success of generations to come. It is true that our community has lost a hero, but it is undoubtedly the case that we are better for having had Alan in our lives. I will miss him dearly. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Marsha, and his children, Eric and Hope. I pray they find comfort during this extremely difficult time. May Alan's life and legacy live on for generations to come

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Comprehensive Breast Reconstruction Act of 2020. This bill would provide breast cancer patients the option to have comprehensive reconstruction, including nipple-areola complex tattooing. Approximately 275,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. As surgical options have improved in recent decades, the number of women pursuing breast reconstruction has continued to increase. In 2019 alone, 107,238 breast reconstructive procedures were performed in the United States--a 36 percent increase since 2000 when 78,832 procedures were performed. Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is now universally recognized as a gold standard component of comprehensive breast cancer treatment. Breast reconstruction has been proven to significantly improve a woman's psychological and physical well-being, providing self-assurance, and affording women a new beginning. The final stage of breast reconstruction surgery is to the nipple- areolar complex. This results in fully restoring the breast to a natural, symmetric appearance. This is achieved by a combination of tattooing with or without the addition of a surgical procedure to create a nipple. At times, tattooing is the only option for nipple- areolar reconstruction in patients that may have damaged tissue due to radiation therapy or simply want to avoid an additional surgical procedure. Most commonly, nipple-areolar tattooing is performed in a surgeon's office if a woman selects to have tattooing performed, which is not always the case. However, plastic and reconstructive surgeons are increasingly recognizing that professional tattoo artists can achieve superior results, including an impressively realistic 3-D nipple-areola complex tattoo. The price of tattooing can start at approximately $400 for a single breast and reach as high as $1,000 for both breasts. Greater standardization of insurance coverage for nipple-areolar reconstruction across insurance carriers is needed. In order to achieve this consistency, we need to amend the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA), within the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Further, we need to enhance the requirements for Medicare and Medicaid through the Social Security Act to protect a woman's right to comprehensive breast reconstruction, including nipple-areola complex tattooing. My bill will: Amend the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) to state that nipple-areola complex tattooing is medical necessary and is a part of breast reconstruction; Amend the Social Security Act to require Medicare to follow the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998; Amend the Social Security Act to add licensed tattoo artists to the list of Medicare providers; and Amend the Social Security Act to require Medicaid to add nipple- areola complex tattooing (as medically necessary) to the list of required services each State must offer relating to breast cancer reconstruction. Madam Speaker, as you know, breast cancer can affect not only a woman's physical well-being, but also her psychological well-being. Considering the significant role psychological factors can play in patients' overall well-being, it is essential that comprehensive breast reconstruction, including nipple-areola complex tattooing be required coverage by group health insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid. I urge my colleagues to assist women in their fight against breast cancer by supporting this important legislation.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, it is my great privilege to rise today to honor Melissa and David Comras, for their extraordinary contributions to the lives of children and teenagers in the foster care system. Melissa and David were recognized as a 2020 Angels in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). The Comras family has a strong history of involvement with both adoption and foster care. Melissa began her career helping children as a Guardian Ad Litem 20 years ago, when she began working with teenagers aging out of the foster care system. She is a fierce advocate for the rights of teens and guides them through the process of the independent living program through their 18th birthday and beyond. By opening their home and, most importantly, their hearts, through their personal experience with fostering and adopting their daughter Amelia, and by fighting for children who are at their most vulnerable as they age out of the foster system. Melissa and David truly exemplify Angels in Adoption. Founded in 2001, CCAI is a nonprofit organization with the vision that every child should know the love and support of a caring family. Every year, CCAI selects a small group of outstanding individuals, families, or organizations across the nation to be recognized as Angels in Adoption. These honorees have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. Madam Speaker, I am so very proud of Melissa and David Comras for all the work that they have done in our community. I wish them the best as they continue their work to make the dream of a forever family a reality for so many children in need.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Jailene Francois for submitting the winning entry in the 2020 Congressional Art Competition for Florida's 20th Congressional District. Jailene is a 10th grader at Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy in Tamarac, Florida. Her photograph, entitled ``Oppression,'' represents the oppression faced by people of color in America. The piece features a black and white photograph of a small African-American girl, crying, with a white X across her lips. Typically, we would recognize and congratulate young artists from Congressional Districts throughout the United States with a celebration here in the Capitol. This year is anything but typical. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions of American to cancel or postpone their celebrations and we in Congress are not exempt. Madam Speaker, I take great pride in honoring Jailene for her inspiring art work, which will be displayed on Capitol Hill for the next year.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of my dear friend and fraternity brother, John W. Ruffin, Jr. John was a natural born leader who understood the importance of education and his duty to give back to the community. He passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. John first moved to South Florida in 1980 as an executive with Food Fair/Pantry Pride, Inc. His entrepreneurial spirit always drove him to start his own businesses. He made this dream a reality when, in 1986, he and his business partner purchased WRBD, establishing the first black-owned radio station in South Florida. John and his wife, Dottie, fanned a partnership with a travel retailer and to this day operate shops throughout Florida, while also providing consultation services to new businesses. As a philanthropist, John tirelessly advocated for a number of community and civic groups. As Chairman of the United Negro College Fund, he helped raise more than two million dollars in scholarships for Broward County students. He also served as the Chairman of the Urban League of Broward County, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Florida Memorial University. As Chairman and Board Member of the Internet Coast Initiative Council he helped to provide high tech access to underserved communities in South Florida. John's dedication to helping those less fortunate is inspiring and his presence in South Florida will be missed. Madam Speaker, John always gave back to the community, earning him numerous awards. He truly was selfless and determined to make a difference in the lives he touched. I extend my heartfelt condolences to John's family and friends, during this extremely sad time. John's legacy and loving memory will always live on. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today as the co-chair of the Tunisia Caucus, a caucus I have had the pleasure of co-chairing with my friend, Congressman David Schweikert of Arizona, As co-chairs of the Tunisia Caucus, we wish to extend our deepest gratitude and highest praise to His Excellency Faycal Gouia, Tunisia's Ambassador to the United States, as he concludes his impressive and valuable ambassadorship. The Ambassador's career has been as impressive as it has been dedicated to the people of Tunisia--a more dedicated son to his mother country would be difficult to find. Ambassador Gouia has multiple degrees and has studied at the National Defense University in the United States as well as the National Defense Institute in Tunis. With his impressive educational credentials, Ambassador Gouia has represented his country the world over including Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, and of course, the United States. Fortunately for the next generation of Tunisian diplomats, the Ambassador has shared his deep and broad experience with students at the Diplomatic Institute for Training and Studies of Tunis and at the High Institute of Human Sciences, University of Tunis. This is an invaluable opportunity for these students and does a great service for Tunisia's standing around the world--a standing as revered as it is today in large part because of Ambassador Gouia's diligent and meaningful work on behalf of the people of Tunisia and their government. Madam Speaker, on a personal note, the co-chairs have enjoyed immensely their meetings and dinners with the Ambassador. His insights are always enlightening as we all work to make stronger the solid and long-lasting bond between the United States and Tunisia. It is a friendship borne long ago that has only grown stronger over the years as both countries dedicate themselves to the cause of liberty, justice, and democracy. Madam Speaker, we again thank the Ambassador for his counsel, integrity, and friendship and wish him, his wife, and his two daughters, nothing but peace and prosperity as they embark on their latest journey.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of my dear friend, co-founder of Becker and Poliakoff law firm, Alan S. Becker. Alan's quest for a law degree brought him to Florida where he attended the University of Miami School of Law. Alan graduated in 1969 and scored the highest grade on that years legal Bar exam. Early in his career he worked in the Office of the Attorney General and as an assistant public defender. At the age of 26, Alan became the youngest person elected to the Florida House of Representatives, serving three terms from 1972 to 1978. Alan pioneered community association law with his long-time business partner, Gary Poliakoff, initially working out of the trunk of a car representing condo owners. Their law firm has since grown into one of the largest in Florida, with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. The official accolades and honors for Alan are too numerous to count, however, I want to highlight a few. Alan passed the Czech Republic Bar exam in 1992 and served as honorary counsel there until 2016. He was a passionate writer, teacher and painter. He authored two books, taught ``The Business of Law'' at the University of Miami School of Law, and lectured on leadership at Keiser University. Alan sat on the Board of Directors for Enterprise Florida and received the Governor's Business Ambassador Medallion for his contributions to economic development. Madam Speaker, Alan was a lifelong Democrat, but always reached across the aisle and worked in conjunction with others to find the best solution for our community, a quality that I honor and respect and is one of the many outstanding qualities of his character that made me proud to call him a friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Alan's family and friends and I pray that they find comfort during this extremely difficult time. Alan will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1017 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Woodall), my friend, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, none of us know what the future holds, but my friend from Georgia has indicated that he is not going to return after this session. He and I serve actively on the Rules Committee and have gotten to know each other and share moments of frivolity, as well as serious debate. I am going to miss him. I don't know whether he and I will be in debate on another rule because we have a rotational system up there, but just in case, I wish him well in his endeavors in the future. Mr. Speaker, during consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for purposes of debate only. General Leave

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, the Rules Committee met for 7\1/2\ hours and reported a rule, House Resolution 1017, providing for consideration of six measures, each under a closed rule. For H.R. 51, the rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform and self-executes a manager's amendment. For H.R. 1425, the rule provides 3 hours of debate equally divided among and controlled by the chairs and ranking minority members of the Committee on Education and Labor, Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Committee on Ways and Means, and self-executes a manager's amendment. Mr. Speaker, for H.R. 5332, the rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services, and self-executes a manager's amendment. For H.R. 7120, the rule provides 4 hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and self-executes a manager's amendment. For H.R. 7301, the rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. For H.J. Res. 90, the rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule provides one motion to recommit for each measure. Lastly, the rule provides that the provisions of section 125(c) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act shall not apply for the remainder of the Congress, and extends recess instructions, suspension authority, and same-day authority all through the legislative day of July 31, 2020. Mr. Speaker, we come together today still struggling in the long shadow of a pandemic that has taken the lives of over 121,000 Americans. With no end in sight, and--even in my judgment--less leadership from the White House than the last time we were together, we again see cases of COVID-19 spiking across the country and in my beloved State of Florida. If ever there was a time when an occupant of the White House has so abjectly failed to meet the moment to lead us to a safer, healthier, and better future, this is it. We must never forget one simple truth: It never had to be this way. Countless Americans never had to lose a father, a mother, brothers, sisters, grandparents, or dear friends--or even young ones. In the long shadow cast by the ongoing devastation wrought by a pandemic that has so overwhelmingly affected communities of color, we are witnessing again and again, day in and day out, the images of Black people being brutalized by officers who have taken an oath to serve and protect. Let me make it very clear: I have friends that are police officers. All police officers are not brutal. All police officers do not conduct themselves the way that we have seen some conduct themselves. My friends, the question is a fair one: How much of this do you expect us to take? How much of this would you take? How much would you allow your children and grandchildren to take? Reflect on that, please. Now, I imagine many of my friends on the other side of the aisle--I heard some of it yesterday--are going to say that the George Floyd Justice in Policing bill ``doesn't do this'' and ``it could do that.'' Simply because this bill may not be the reflection of the perfect vision of all Members of this body, does not mean it is therefore unworthy of the support of Members of this body. Currently, in this place, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is worthy of every Member's support. Mr. Speaker, there is another issue at the heart of achieving racial justice in this country. At the heart of ensuring that all American citizens know the liberty the Founders wrote of, and that is the cause of D.C. statehood. The District is overwhelmingly one of people of color, and the residents have, for years, vociferously, with over 80 percent voting in the affirmative, called for D.C. statehood. Over 700,000 Americans live in Washington, D.C. They pay Federal taxes, but do not have a say in this Chamber or the upper Chamber on how those dollars are spent. Residents of the District register for, and are subject to, the draft but have no voice in this Chamber as to whether we should declare war. Indeed, the District has sent 200,000 brave men and women to fight for the ideals and benefits of a democracy they are denied here at home--2,000 of those gave the ultimate sacrifice, and we will never forget them. It really is a tribute to Eleanor Holmes Norton that she has continued this fight on behalf of her constituents. The Supreme Court and the Federal bench in general render judgment after judgment that limit or expand the rights of D.C. residents, yet they are denied the right to elect the Senators who will confirm all these judges. Others will make the argument more fully today. They will note the constitutional, legal, and moral evidence that clearly and convincingly makes the case for statehood. But I would be remiss to let go unsaid the following, having gone to school in the District of Columbia at Howard University, from being the birthplace of Duke Ellington, the hotspot of jazz innovation for decades, Chuck Brown and go-go music, to the District's role in the civil rights movement, going way back with some to Cecilia's and Faces, to Ben's Chili Bowl and the Florida Avenue Grill, let us mute D.C. no more. Let us be about the business of expanding liberty today and pass H.R. 51. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui), a distinguished member of the Rules Committee and my friend.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the distinguished chair of the Committee on Rules and my friend.

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I take notice that the Speaker pro tempore has changed, and I am very pleased that one of the leaders of the legislation that we are taking up today is now serving as Speaker pro tempore. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), whom I have known all of my career and consider a friend and mentor.

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, would you be good enough to tell both sides how much time we have remaining.

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres), my good friend and distinguished member of the Rules Committee.

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon), my friend and a distinguished member of the Rules Committee.

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, when I asked the gentleman to speak, I didn't mean for him to take my time. I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin) for closing purposes.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Pocan).

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, yesterday, before we began our proceedings in the Rules Committee, I asked one of my good friends if he would speak on this rule. It is for the reason that I consider him one of the preeminent constitutional scholars in this institution that I made that request. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin), a distinguished member of the Rules Committee and my good friend.