Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, this body has long recognized the accomplishments and unique heritage of cultures that make up and enrich the United States. Today, I, along with my colleague Representative Steve Watkins of Kansas, am proud to introduce a resolution recognizing and celebrating the heritage of Romani Americans. Few cultures are as geographically diverse as the Romani people. Tracing their ancestry to the Indian subcontinent, the Romani people migrated and settled throughout Europe over the last millennia. Often, they faced scorn, hatred, persecution and discrimination. Nevertheless, they maintained their unique language and culture while enriching the culture and economies of the countries in which they became citizens. They have made distinct and important contributions in many fields including agriculture, art, crafts, literature, medicine, military service, music, sports, and science. In 2005, the European Parliament estimated that there were 12 to 15 million Roma in Europe. Roma were among the many groups of people that suffered at the hands of the Nazis and their allies during World War II. It is estimated that between 200,000 to 500,000 Romani people were killed in death camps and elsewhere throughout Europe. In an attempt to liquidate the so-called ``Gypsy Family Camp'' at Auschwitz-Birkenau, on August 2 to 3, 1944, between 4,200 and 4,300 Romani men, women, and children were murdered in gas chambers in a single night. This year marks the 75th anniversary of that tragic event. Roma have also been a part of every wave of European migration to North and South America. In the United States, there may be as many as 1 million Americans with some Romani ancestry, whether distant or more recent. Representative Steny Hoyer was the first Member of Congress to raise concern about the situation of Roma, doing so in meetings with Romanian government representatives during a 1990 congressional visit to Romania not long after the execution of Nicolae Ceausescu. In 1994, the late Congressman Tom Lantos, himself a Holocaust survivor, convened Congress's first hearing regarding the situation of the Romani people. That hearing, before the Subcommittee on International Security, International Organizations and Human Rights, received testimony from Dr. Ian Hancock, Andrzej Mirga, Klara Orgovanova, and Nicolae Gheorghe. Though a great deal has changed since then, sadly, Romani people still face widespread human rights abuses and discrimination in employment, housing, and education. However, there is greater urgency for Roma to advance their causes today than ever before as evidenced by organizations such as the European Roma Rights Center and the still new European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture. The Helsinki Commission has maintained robust engagement on these issues and, as chairman during this Congress, I will build on those practices. The resolution I am introducing today does four things. First, it celebrates Romani American Heritage. Second, it supports International Roma Day and the Department of State's robust engagement in related activities. April 8 marks ``International Roma Day'' around the world and is a day to celebrate Romani culture and raise awareness of the issues facing Romani people. Third, it commemorates the 75th anniversary of the destruction of the ``Gypsy Family Camp'' at Auschwitz. Fourth, it commends the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum for its critically important role in promoting remembrance of the Holocaust and educating about the genocide of Roma. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask all Members to support this resolution and for its timely consideration on the House Floor.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the Wildlife Veterinarians Employment and Training Act of 2019. This bill will provide incentives for students to pursue wildlife and zoological medicine and increases the number of positions available at wildlife and zoological facilities. Wildlife and zoo veterinarians are the primary source of essential health care and management that is required for animals in both their natural habitat and in captivity. These physicians preserve natural resources and the lives of animals, while also protecting human health by preventing, detecting and responding to exotic and dangerous diseases. With the intensification of globalization and climate change, along with the growing interaction among humans, livestock and wildlife, the threat posed by emerging infectious diseases to humans and wildlife continues to increase. Controlling pandemic and large-scale outbreaks of disease has become more challenging over the years, yet there has never been a time where this is a more pertinent issue. We must take preventative measures to ensure the well-being of both animals and humans. In spite of these threats to public health, the United States faces a shortage of positions for wildlife and zoo veterinarians. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), less than one percent of AVMA members identify themselves as wildlife or zoological veterinarians. On average, veterinarian graduates owe $143,000 in student loans. Relatedly, salaries for wildlife and zoological professionals are relatively low compared to those who practice companion animal medicine, ranking second to the bottom for salaries paid to veterinarians as a whole. Lower salaries, combined with high educational debt and the small number of positions available, discourage students from becoming wildlife or zoo veterinarians. The number of internships, practical training programs, and formal education programs specializing in wildlife and zoological veterinary medicine are also insufficient. My bill directly addresses the aforementioned issues, by doing the following: Create new positions for wildlife and zoo veterinarians. Limit the amount of educational debt for veterinary medicine students, while providing incentives to study and practice wildlife and zoo veterinary medicine through a scholarship program and a loan repayment program. Help schools of veterinary medicine develop curricula and training programs specializing in wildlife and zoo veterinary medicine. Develop affordable and well qualified opportunities for individuals to become wildlife and zoo veterinarians, spur job growth, and promote public health policy across the nation. Madam Speaker, as you know, wild animals play a very critical role in our natural resources and contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The number of endangered species has only increased. Invasive non-native species and infectious disease threaten our public health. Therefore, wildlife and zoological veterinarians must be prioritized and given the resources and recognition necessary to protect both animal and human lives. I urge my colleagues to extend a helping hand to America's veterinarians by supporting this important piece of legislation.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Donate for Disaster Relief Act. Last year, there were 53 major disasters declared. The year before that, we had 61 declared major disasters. As we continue to feel the effects of climate change, there are going to be more major disasters and we as a nation are going to have to pay for the response and repair after these events. Now is the time to start thinking about what we can do to be better prepared for when these disasters strike. That is why I am introducing the Donate for Disaster Relief Act, which creates a completely voluntary check-off on income tax returns that lets taxpayers elect to donate to a disaster relief trust. This bill is an opportunity for us to share our selflessness and generosity and be better prepared to adequately fund our response to an emergency situation. The harsh reality of disasters is that while we may not be able to predict when or where they will always occur, we certainly can be prepared. The altruism of the American people is on display in their willingness to pitch in and help those in their greatest time of need. This bill creates an easy way for concerned Americans to anticipate the need for disaster relief, wherever and whenever it may be necessary. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critically important legislation.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the law firm of Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine, P.L. on celebrating their 10th anniversary. Kluger Kaplan was founded in 2009 by attorneys Alan J. Kluger and Abbey Kaplan. Since opening, they have expanded their offices from Miami and Boca Raton, Florida to Minneapolis, Minnesota. The firm focuses on a range of disciplines and industries, including business and corporate litigation, real estate litigation, securities and financial fraud, corporate governance, bankruptcy litigation and debtor and creditor's rights, appeals in state and federal courts, professional liability, intellectual property law, entertainment sports law, fashion law, class actions, and complex matrimonial litigation. Kluger Kaplan has always taken great pride in the work that they do on behalf of their clients and has rightly earned national recognition for that work. As a firm, they have made giving back to their community a top priority. Organizations they are working with include: The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), America's Second Harvest, Boy Scouts of America, Chapman Partnership for Homeless, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Diabetes Research Institute, Dr. Abe Chames Foundation, Florida International University Alumni Association, Friends for Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Hispanic Unity Charity, Jewish Adoption & Foster Care Options (JAFCO), Lawyers for Literacy, Legal Services of Greater Miami, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Miami Art Museum, Miami Children's Museum, Miracle League of Howard--Palmetto, Howard-Palmetto Baseball & Softball Association, Mt. Sinai Foundation, Museum of Contemporary Art, Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School's President's Award for Pro-Bono Work, and Top Responsibility Israel, Business & Education Society (TRIBES). As an attorney and former judge, who practiced law in South Florida for many years, it is always great to see the success of law firms such as Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine, P.L. The firm's esteemed lawyers continue to be advocates for their clients, taking on many complex cases around the nation. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pride to honor Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine, P.L. on the occasion of their 10th anniversary. They have had a tremendous impact on our community over the past 10 years, I wish them many more years of continued success.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Florida B. Thomas. Florida was a selfless member of her community and spent her life serving others. She was a woman of strong values and always worked to help her community through her church and her jobs as a teacher and librarian. Florida was born in Tallahassee, Florida in 1938. She attended Florida A&M University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science, before continuing her education at the University of South Florida where she received a Master's in Administration and Supervision. She served for 59 years at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where she was on the finance committee and served as a choir member and secretary. In addition to serving at her church, Florida worked for 40 years as a teacher within the Hendry County School System. After retiring from teaching, Florida felt she could still serve her community so she began working as a full-time librarian at the Harlem Library where she worked until she retired in 2014. Throughout her career, Florida was recognized again and again for her hard work and dedication to those around her. She was the first black librarian in the state of Florida within the integrated school system and was named ``Children Intermediate School (CIS) Teacher of the Year'' in 1987. She was also an active member of The Order of the Eastern Star fraternity. In May, 2017 the Harlem Community Library was re-named in her honor, and now serves the community as the Florida B. Thomas Library. And, just last year, she was honored with The Heritage Award for 2018. Madam Speaker, Florida Thomas was a champion for her community and she positively impacted the lives of many in Harlem and surrounding communities. I extend my deepest condolences to her husband, Melvin, and the rest of her friends and family during this extremely difficult time. Florida Thomas was a blessing to our community and I am proud to honor her memory today. She will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution with my good friends and colleagues, Representatives Gregory Meeks of New York, Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, and John Lewis of Georgia, which recognizes People of African Descent and Black Europeans. Our resolution would observe the history and current situation of People of African Descent living in Europe and Black Europeans during the United Nations designated International Decade for People of African Descent. It also encourages the U.S. Secretary of State to take a number of steps to ensure their situation is improved following recommendations from last year's People of African Descent Week (PADWEEK) held by our colleagues in the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium May 13-17, 2018. As it was quite rightly put by European Parliamentarian Cecile Kyenge, ``The People of African Descent Week reaffirms European values by developing strategic and coherent responses to make our society more inclusive in the face of rising racial prejudice and violence across Europe.'' Recommendations from the week included a European Black History Month and Remembrance Day for Victims of Colonialism and Enslavement; a fund for Black European led initiatives to address continuing disparities and discrimination and support for empowerment initiatives; European-wide strategies for the inclusion of People of African Descent; and support for transatlantic exchanges on common issues of racial prejudice and discrimination. The need for recognition of Black populations in Europe became clear ten years ago when I chaired a U.S. Helsinki Commission hearing entitled, The State of (In)visible Black Europe: Race, Rights, and Politics, where we learned that the situation in Europe is very similar to the one in the United States. While the presence of Blacks in Europe can be traced to enslavement, colonization, military deployments, voluntary or forced migration, the movement of refugees and asylum seekers, or educational and other professional exchanges, the story of Europeans of African Descent and Black Europeans still remains largely untold, rendering many of their past and present contributions to the very fabric of Europe unseen or forgotten, which is unacceptable. Madam Speaker, it is my hope that when we gather in the years to come to review the efforts of the United Nations designated International Decade for People of African Descent, we will not only speak of how our efforts resulted in our respective nations publicly recognizing the injustices and long-term impact of slavery and colonialism, but also of how our societies reconciled these issues in a manner that ensured equal opportunity, access, and justice for all people of African descent.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the African Descent Affairs Act. As we continue to highlight the International Decade for People of African Descent, we have seen a sharp increase in racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of discrimination across the globe. Human rights violations emanating from racial prejudice and discrimination have negatively impacted people of African descent around the world, resulting in racial bias and disparities in education, employment, health, housing, justice, and other sectors. We must act now to reverse these disturbing trends. The International Decade for People of African Descent provides an opportunity to not only draw attention to these inequities, but to also join efforts with countries around the globe to develop and implement national strategies honoring the vast contributions of people of African descent and to combat continuing issues of prejudice and discrimination such as those currently gripping our nation. To aid these efforts, I have introduced the African Descent Affairs Act. This bill seeks to improve the situation of people of African descent around the world by establishing within the United States State Department a Global Office of African Descent Affairs to establish global foreign policy and assistance strategies for people of African descent; creating a ``Fund'' to support antidiscrimination and empowerment efforts by African descent led civil society organizations; requiring Annual State Department Human Rights Reports to include a section on discrimination faced by people of African descent; and creating similar initiatives at the United States Agency for International Development that can work in partnership with the State Department. U.S. foreign policy strategies such as these have improved the situation of vulnerable groups internationally and would greatly assist in responding to increasing levels of prejudice and discrimination faced by people of African descent around the globe. The State Department has already launched many successful initiatives that have aided vulnerable populations, such as the Office of Global Women's Issues, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and special initiatives focusing on disability, LGBTQ+ and other communities. Implementing a Global Office of African Descent Affairs will continue this tradition and facilitate the full and equal participation of people of African descent in our society, promote knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contributions of people of African descent, and strengthen and implement legal frameworks that combat racial discrimination. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will embrace the challenge of combating prejudice and discrimination around the world. I encourage them to join me in recognizing the collective history and achievements made by people of African descent by supporting the African Descent Affairs Act.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, had I been present for roll call vote No. 125 to H. Con. Res. 24--Expressing the sense of Congress that the report of Special Counsel Mueller should be made available to the public and to Congress, I would have voted AYE on the measure.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Corey Jones Act, which is named after a young man who was taken from us far too soon under circumstances far too tragic and preventable to be allowed to happen again. During the early hours of October 18, 2015, Corey Jones of Lake Worth, Florida, was shot and killed by Nouman Raja, a plainclothes police officer operating an unmarked vehicle. Corey was legally and peacefully pulled to the side of the road awaiting roadside assistance when he was approached by Mr. Raja. Corey had no reason to believe that the person in plainclothes and driving an unmarked vehicle was a law enforcement officer. This uncertainty and confusion ultimately led to a tragedy that could have been easily avoided. After Corey's tragic death, I met with members of his family as well as officials from Palm Beach County. We discussed the urgency of addressing the issue of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles engaging in routine traffic stops. I promised that I would work to promote safer policing practices in our communities and the Corey Jones Act helps to accomplish this goal. Madam Speaker, Nouman Raja, the officer involved in the tragic shooting death of Corey Jones, was recently found guilty of manslaughter and attempted murder. In an effort to ensure that this tragedy does not happen to other families, I respectfully ask my colleagues to lend their support to this important bill.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Keiser University men's swimming team and their coach Adam Epstein on winning the 2019 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national title. Coach Esptein leads by example. His dedication to Keiser University and its swimming program is truly commendable. Not only has Coach Esptein been named Coach of the Year for the second time, since forming his team in 2017, but in just three seasons he has led the Seahawks to two NAIA national titles. This year's championship team had many standout swimmers. Junior Marcel Nagy won three events and was named the NAIA Swimmer of the Year. Freshman Pol Roch won the 500 meter free-style and set a national record in winning the 400 meter individual medley. Lukan Macek and Joel Hannson made their teammates proud with their respective performances in the 200 breaststroke, and Jan Suchan won his third national championship in the 100 meter breaststroke. The Seahawks won all five relays in the competition and totaled 622 points to win the national title. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Belinda Keiser, the Keiser University Seahawks' Swim Team, and Coach Adam Epstein on this momentous win. It is my distinct honor to be the University's representative in Congress. I wish Keiser University and its swimming program many more years of continued success.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize the Palm Center on the occasion of their 20th anniversary. Founded in 1998 by the University of California, Santa Barbara, the Palm Center conducts policy research on key social and political issues affecting the most vulnerable Americans. For 20 years, the Palm Center has been a trailblazer in efforts to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members. The organization has worked diligently against the discriminatory ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' (DADT) policy, which prohibited service members of the LGBT community from disclosing their sexuality while serving. The Palm Center's independent research has enhanced the quality of public dialogue and contributed to the work of independent scholars, students, journalists, members of the public, and policymakers, like myself. In 2009, the Palm Center's research was a welcomed resource that allowed me to introduce the Open and Honest Testimony Act. This legislation addressed the discriminatory DADT policy by allowing LGBT troops to testify openly without the risk of discharge and ensured that Congress based its decision on the best possible information. In 2013, the largest collection of research on DADT policy was published in the Journal of Homosexuality. This publication was composed of the work of Palm Center scholars, as well as reviews of the literary works of Palm Center authors. The Palm Center was the first to release a study on openly gay military service members following the repeal of DADT. Even after its repeal, the Palm Center has continued its work against other anti-LGBT military policies. The Palm Center's current research focuses on transgender military service. This research comes at a pivotal time when President Trump's Administration threatens the ability of transgender men and women to serve in our military. The Palm Center's scholarship has made it abundantly clear that the transgender ban would weaken our military readiness, cause substantial disruptions, deprive the military of talent, and wreak havoc on the lives of military families. The research the Palm Center is conducting is crucial to negating the misinformation and belittling rhetoric the Trump Administration continues to engage in regarding our brave transgender service members. Madam Speaker, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Palm Center on its 20th anniversary. The work they are doing to provide the public with accurate and evidence-based information is invaluable to us all. I look forward to continuing my work with the Palm Center, and wish them many more years of great success.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Blanche Ely boys' basketball team and their coach Melvin Randall on their 57-52 victory to claim its second straight Class 8A boys basketball state championship at Lakeland's RP Funding Center on March 9, 2019. Coach Randall's dedication to Blanche Ely High School and its basketball program is truly commendable. Before the game, Coach Randall provided the team the same piece of advice he always does: ``piece by piece''. The All-USA Boys Basketball Coach of the Year and Broward County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee led his team by example, providing them with the courage, resilience, and wisdom needed to win. The Blanche Ely boys' basketball team would not be a success without their tremendous commitment to the sport. Senior Joshua Scott will be the first player in the program's history to win four back-to-back state titles. Aderes Stanton-McCray also was critical to his team's win. His block brought the team back into the lead in what Coach Randall described as the ``play of the game''. I would also like to recognize the entire Tiger basketball team, which includes: Tyrecke Francois, Jayden Fye, Daniel Merrius, Eric Guerrier, Aderes Staton-McCray, Javier Zapata, Jeremiah Mathieu, Jair Copeland, Derrick Lovett, Joshua Scott, Malachi Hazelton, Lance Rainer, Javon Williams, Lamont Evans, Colby King, and Bryson Williams. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Principal Dr. Karlton O. Johnson for his outstanding leadership of Blanche Ely High School, as well as Coach Melvin Randall, and the entire Blanche Ely boys' basketball team. They had a tremendous season and should be extremely proud of themselves. I wish the Blanche Ely High School and their basketball program many more years of continued success.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2019. It is well known that this country faces a gun violence epidemic. In fact, in the 2018 school year alone, there were 24 school shooting incidents. This is the highest annual number of school shootings in recent history, averaging out to one school shooting incident every seven and a half school days. The pain and heartache that result from this tragic and needless loss of life sends shockwaves through our communities, but especially through the families left behind. Today, our teachers must contend with not only the awesome responsibility of preparing our children for bright and meaningful futures, but also with protecting them from the very real threat of active shooters and others wishing to harm our children and grandchildren. Too often, the teachers themselves are casualties in this epidemic, leaving the families of the slain teachers, many with small children, unprepared financially. The Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2019 directs the Secretary of Education to provide assistance to the immediate family members of K-12 teachers who are killed during their performance of duties at a public or private school. This bill provides victims' families with funeral assistance; a death benefit payment to the surviving spouse, dependent child, or other next of kin; monthly living assistance for the surviving spouse; and undergraduate education assistance for each dependent child. In time, it is my sincere hope that the need for the crucial assistance provided by this measure will not be necessary as fewer and fewer families are forced to cope with the sudden, tragic loss of a loved one at school. However, until that time, we must do all we can for our dedicated and hardworking teachers and their families, and that is exactly the spirit with which this legislation is put forward. Madam Speaker, I urge this body to expeditiously pass this measure. Doing so will reaffirm America's solidarity, gratitude, and support for our nation's dedicated educators, who work tirelessly on behalf of our children.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I enthusiastically rise today to honor the Dillard High School Lady Panthers girls' basketball team and their coach Marcia Pinder on winning their 10th state championship on March 2, 2019 with a 43-40 win against Ponte Vedra Nease at George W. Jenkins Arena. Coach Pinder leads by example. Her dedication to Dillard High School and its basketball program is truly commendable. Under Coach Pinder's tutelage, the Dillard girls basketball team has consistently been recognized for being among the best in their sport. In this year's game, Genovea Johnson and Raven White, two senior stars on the team, helped carry the Lady Panthers to victory. They both have had the unique experience of attending Dillard since they were in middle school. I would also like to recognize the entire Lady Panthers team, which includes: Markhyia Davis, Briah Christia, Chynna Mattair, Kayla Burrows, Sequoia Emmanuel, Angel Howell, Genovea Johnson, Kintaeja Ling, Taja Stephens Aryanna Boyce, Monique Harris, Raven White, and Marcus Harris. Madam Speaker, I am so very proud of the Dillard High School Lady Panthers girls' basketball team. They had a tremendous season and should be extremely proud of themselves. I wish Coach Pinder and the entire team many more years of continued success.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Outpatient Mental Health Care Act of 2019. Medicare Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) provide a structured and clinically intensive alternative to hospitalization for patients who otherwise might require sustained inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. PHP psychiatric patients typically receive four to six hours of treatment per day, five to six days a week in hospital-based settings and community mental health centers. However, the severity of a patient's illness often prevents that individual from obtaining or seeking transportation to a PHP facility, or from accessing high quality food. Additionally, some psychiatric medications that are prescribed to the patient cannot be safely administered without food. Currently, Medicare does not cover the costs of nutritional planning, meals or transportation for patients who receive psychiatric treatment in PHP programs. Therefore, PHP facilities are responsible for the cost of providing food and transportation. This exacerbates financial burdens that many PHPs and countless other community organizations are experiencing in these difficult economic times. Medicare also does not provide for vocational counseling. However, this counseling provides a direction for patients that they might not find on their own. Therefore, vocational counseling is vital for individuals while they work through their treatment allowing them to set employment goals and develop a plan to meet those goals. Madam Speaker, my bill will require Medicare to reimburse PHPs for providing transportation, food, nutritional services and vocational counseling. The bill also establishes a Behavioral Health Advisory Committee in which a diverse group of behavioral health stakeholders would examine and provide recommendations on how to address the persisting challenges of access, stigma, quality and operability in the mental health delivery system. PHPs are a cost effective alternative that can prevent mentally ill individuals from facing expensive inpatient care, incarceration, or institutionalization. The growing role of mental health PHPs in our health care system requires that we amend the law to assist PHPs in delivering the services, care and support to those who are living with severe and chronic mental illness. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critically important legislation.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment to H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2019, that I have offered with my good friend from my neighboring district, Congressman Ted Deutch.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Chair, the right to vote is sacred and fundamental. Yet across this country, in particular in my home State of Florida, voters were denied their right to vote because of penmanship. In the wake of the 2018 midterms, Florida's signature matching law was deemed unconstitutional because it allowed county election officials to reject vote-by-mail ballots for mismatched signatures, with no standards, an illusory cure process, and no process to challenge the rejection. Ballots being rejected because of perceived signature mismatch heavily affect voters already at the margins: trans and gender- nonconforming people, people with disabilities, people for whom English is a second language, military personnel, and women. I am very pleased to see that H.R. 1 would protect voters' due process rights when it comes to signature matching laws by requiring proper notice and an opportunity to cure. My amendment, amendment No. 4, builds on that by requiring States to submit a report to Congress after the end of a Federal election cycle regarding the number of ballots invalidated due to a discrepancy in a voter's signature, the attempts to contact voters to provide notice that a discrepancy exists between the signature on the ballot and the signature of the voter on the official list of registered voters, and the cure process and results. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate my good friend's suggestions, but this is my amendment. I didn't have anything to do with ballot harvesting, and I imagine that there are others who are going to address that particular subject. Mr. Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren), the chairman of the committee.

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

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Anne Marie Labelle. Anne was a wonderful mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She was a selfless community advocate and will always be remembered for her strength and love of family. Anne was born in Troy, New York before moving to Broward County, Florida as a teenager. After high school, Anne became known for her activism in Sunrise city politics, before retiring far too young after suffering a stroke in 1982. In typical Anne fashion, she fought hard in rehab and recovered to work for local real estate developers in Plantation and Boca Raton. Anne was appreciative of those who helped her in her time of need, so she started volunteering at the Sunrise Rehabilitation Center and became a popular one-on-one volunteer for victims of stroke rehabilitation and brain injuries. She served on the hospital's community advisory board, while also volunteering with Shake-a-Leg, a group for individuals with disabilities who sailed monthly on Biscayne Bay. Madam Speaker, Anne's commitment to her community is a true testament to the person that she was. Anne will be remembered by the lives that she touched during her 77 years on this earth. Many fond memories of her will forever remain with her sons, Robert and Michael, her sister, Maureen, her grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew, Courtney, Casey, and Kelly, her great-grandchild, Parker, and her nieces and nephews, Ryan, Lauren, Grant, Logan and Abby. Anne's love for her family will be forever enshrined in her last words to her son, Robert, when she told him `tell everyone I love them'. I offer my deepest condolences to her entire family during this time of great sadness. Anne was truly a blessing to our community. I am so pleased to honor her memory. She will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 27th anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre, which took place on February 26, 1992, and remember the 613 men, women, and children who were brutalized during this despicable act of violence. Khojaly, a town in the Republic of Azerbaijan, was home to an unprecedented act of brutality that desecrated the norms and principles of international law, human rights, and freedoms. Armenian forces, with the support of the 366th motorized rifle regiment of the Russian army, stormed the besieged town of Khojaly engaging in acts so violent that their effects are still felt in the community, indeed the entire country, to this day. Madam Speaker, although a ceasefire was achieved in 1994, more than 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory including Nagorno Karabakh remain occupied and more than 1 million Azerbaijanis remain refugees and internally displaced persons. Over the past 20 years, Azerbaijan has spent over 6 billion dollars to ensure the social welfare of the internally displaced. Notably, while providing this crucial and costly support, Azerbaijan has still taken significant and impressive strides to improve economic development in their region. Indeed the Government of Azerbaijan has not only contributed to regional stability, but has continued to be a reliable ally for the United States in combating terrorism around the world. In the days after September 11, 2001, Azerbaijan quickly conveyed its solidarity with the American people and provided crucial assistance to our fight against terrorism by granting unconditional clearance to our military to use Azerbaijan's airspace as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This is in addition to the naval and ground routes the country provides for the international coalition's supplies that are to be delivered to forces in Afghanistan. Madam Speaker, marking the anniversary of a tragedy is always a solemn occasion. However, as a member of the Azerbaijan Caucus, I believe it is important to recognize and remember those whose lives were lost. I ask my colleagues to join me in offering condolences to the people of Azerbaijan.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill to restore the partnership between the federal government and counties for the health care costs of inmates who have not been convicted of a crime. This legislation will provide some relief to our nation's local economies, while strengthening the fundamental principles of our justice system. In almost all states, a person who is incarcerated in a county jail or juvenile detention facility loses their Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP or SSI benefits even if they have not been convicted of a crime. The U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the 8th Amendment requires government entities to provide medical care to all inmates. As a result, local governments are burdened with the expense of providing health care to thousands of men, women, and children currently awaiting trial. Providing health care for inmates constitutes a major portion of local jail operating costs. Requiring county governments to cover health care costs for inmates who have not yet been convicted of a crime places an unnecessary burden on local governments, which have their fair share of widespread budget deficits and cuts to safety net programs and other essential services to deal with as it is. Terminating benefits to inmates who are awaiting trial undermines the presumption of innocence, which is a cornerstone principle of our justice system. The current practice does not distinguish between persons who are awaiting disposition of charges and persons who have been duly convicted and sentenced. Moreover, this reality disproportionately affects low-income and minority populations who are often unable to post bond, which would enable them to continue receiving benefits. Madam Speaker, my legislation addresses this problem by prohibiting the federal government from stripping individuals of their Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI benefits before the inmate has been convicted of a crime. It preserves the partnership between the federal and local governments and ensures that local governments are not burdened with an unfair share of meeting the constitutional mandate to guarantee medical coverage. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this commonsense bill that addresses a problem affecting communities all across the nation.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bipartisan resolution supporting the concurrent-track approach to the Israeli- Palestinian peace process. I want to acknowledge and thank my colleagues, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, and Representatives David Schweikert and Rob Woodall, for introducing this resolution with me today. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict presents an immensely difficult challenge--a challenge to which there are no easy answers. Successive United States Presidential administrations have pursued peace agreements between the parties for over three decades, from the 1982 Reagan Plan for Middle East Peace to the 1993 Oslo Accords, Camp David Summit, Clinton Parameters, Annapolis Conference, and efforts to restart the peace process under the Obama Administration. President Donald Trump has announced that he too will soon unveil a plan for peace. Despite a lack of progress on a formal agreement, Israel and some of her Arab neighbors have worked quietly and behind the scenes to improve bilateral relations in recent years. Common threats posed by Iran and violent extremism allowed for new dialogue to take root, and today, Israel enjoys closer relations to many of its neighbors in the region. These efforts represent an opportunity to improve security, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. The concurrent-track approach--where Arab and Muslim-majority states work to improve their bilateral relations with Israel as Israel and the Palestinian Authority work concurrently to advance the Israeli-Palestinian peace process--should be embraced by our government as a new paradigm for the region. The resolution I am introducing today expresses support for this approach and commends Arab and Muslim-majority states that have already taken steps to improve their bilateral relations with Israel. I, like nearly all of my colleagues in Congress, continue to support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, negotiated between the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and resulting in two states for two peoples, living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition. This is the only way to ensure that both the Israeli people and the Palestinian people can have sovereign homelands. The inability to achieve a two-state solution threatens the State of Israel's security and identity as the democratic homeland of the Jewish people, just as it impedes the well-being and self- determination of the Palestinian people. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure passage of this resolution.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I mistakenly voted AYE, when I meant to vote NO on Roll No. 81 (Buck of Colorado Amendment No. 2) to H.J. Res. 37--Directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the human rights atrocities that are occurring in Venezuela. Under the leadership of Nicolas Madura, Venezuela has reverted from one of the most prosperous nations in South America to a country into severe crisis. Venezuela's economy, once the envy of South America, currently faces one of the worst cases of hyperinflation in modern history. The International Monetary Fund expects the inflation rate to reach an astounding 10 million percent this year. Across the country Venezuelans are struggling to survive, facing immense difficulties putting food on the table or affording basic necessities such as fuel and medicine. More than 80 percent of Venezuelan households have insufficient access to food. As grocery stores become increasingly bare, hospitals too are running dangerously low on supplies as the medical system continues to crumble. Even though the Ministry of Health has stopped reporting national health data, we know that rates of malnutrition are rising, as are outbreaks of preventable diseases and the rate of infant mortality. Madam Speaker, more than three million Venezuelan citizens have fled their home to nearby nations, including nearly 300,000 who have come to the United States seeking refuge in 2018. As the situation continues to deteriorate, tens of thousands of protestors have taken to he street to protest the economic and humanitarian crises and demand change. We must stand with those who are putting their lives on the line to ensure that future generations of Venezuelans live in a peaceful and prosperous country.