Karen Handel

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, first let me address the criticism regarding burglary being too broad in the way it is addressed in the legislation. This is the Federal generic definition of burglary and one that courts have found satisfies the definition of ``crime of violence.'' Mr. Speaker, the detractors of this fail to recognize that these definitions are not an expansion of actual State laws but only seek to cover the generic definition and reasonable iterations found in State law. In fact, prior to the Dimaya Supreme Court case, the Supreme Court had previously unanimously agreed in Leocal v. Ashcroft that ``burglary is the classic example of a crime of violence under subsection 16(b).'' The Community Safety and Security Act of 2018 is a necessary, crucial piece of legislation that will fix a major loophole in our system. We squarely address the issues raised by the United States Supreme Court, eliminating the vagueness, giving notice, and explaining which offenses Congress intended to cover when they had first crafted the language in clause 16(b) from the very beginning. By moving the legislation, we are avoiding potentially dangerous consequences of giving very serious, dangerous criminals a pass. We have examined the case law surrounding these offenses; we have considered the equities; we have been deliberative; and we have shown great restraint in many ways. Congress cannot sit idly by and allow criminals to disrupt our communities because of this loophole. This bill is a product of necessity, and we do not have the privilege to squabble over hypotheticals that ultimately have no bearing on real-life applications of this law. We must move to protect our communities to prevent more victims of crime. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I can assure my colleagues that this bill is not overly broad. It is not, as some have irresponsibly stated, a ``dangerous expansion of criminal law.'' Instead, it is a carefully crafted response to the U.S. Supreme Court's recommendations in the Dimaya case. Frankly, it is just the sort of bill that our system was designed to produce. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for this bill. Vote ``yes,'' and in doing so, demonstrate to your constituents your commitment to protecting law-abiding Americans from violent criminals. It is a simple choice. Make the correct one and vote ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Marino).

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to make the point that time really is of the essence in being able to protect due process and, equally and perhaps more importantly, being able to protect victims of certain violent crimes. For example, right now, today, under Fourth Circuit precedent, sex trafficking is not considered a crime of violence; and I think that most of us would all agree that sex trafficking is, indeed, a crime of violence. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Holding).

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I have two additional speakers.

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, just one clarification to the most recent comments. The part that was left out in those comments was the fact that it would apply only if a violent crime is committed. May I inquire as to how much time remains.

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first, I certainly appreciate my colleagues and the fact that they have read the bill so very thoroughly. I must reiterate, however, that this legislation is not overly broad. In fact, it specifically maintains the status quo. And we drew those lines because we crafted the bill to maintain that status quo. The legislation will not be able to fix some of the outrageous injustices that have occurred when courts have found certain offenses do not qualify as crimes of violence. For example, where a defendant who has a conviction for sexual abuse escapes more serious consequences because the State's sexual abuse statute also encompasses certain consensual conduct and, therefore, it was not categorically a crime of violence even when and where this particular defendant committed horrific acts that were most certainly not consensual. Some of these injustices must be fixed through State legislation. We refrained specifically from expanding the law, despite the very human desire to want to fix these kinds of injustices and recognizing that the States have the duty to fix this. This legislation, Mr. Speaker, does affect people's lives. Specifically, it is going to affect the lives of individuals who are victims of violent crimes. A couple more points have been raised. First of all, on the issue of fleeing, we have heard the concerns that the written text is a little bit too broad on fleeing. Well, let me just correct that. Courts have found fleeing to be a crime of violence. This is not an expansion. This applies only in vehicles. It is not on foot. The Seventh Circuit called this specific conduct ``inherently aggressive.'' The 11th Circuit reasoned that ``fleeing from law enforcement, an individual has already resorted to an extreme measure to avoid arrest, signaling that he is likely prepared to resort to the use of physical force.'' So, Mr. Speaker, we approach this bill with great diligence. Time, as I said, is of the essence, given the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. We heard from the police officers association that they are very concerned about the fact that pending cases and convictions could be effective if Congress does not act. Indeed, substantial harm will occur if we fail to act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, to my colleague from Texas, I want to say good morning to her as well and also recognize her significant efforts in criminal justice reform, and indeed I was proud to be able to support that recent piece of legislation that came through our committee as well. A couple of points. I very much appreciate the concerns that have been raised, Mr. Speaker, but I assure you that this law, as crafted, does not go beyond the scope contemplated when Section 16 was originally crafted. This is a responsible, carefully crafted piece of legislation that does what the United States Supreme Court recommended. It enumerates what crimes are crimes of violence so that there can be no vagueness and people know what the law is. In fact, it goes to protect due process, Mr. Speaker. This is our responsibility as legislators. And indeed, Mr. Speaker, time is of the essence, given the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, and indeed there would be substantial harmful effects if we fail as Congress to act today on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Marino).

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6691, the Community Safety and Security Act of 2018. This legislation provides critical clarity to the definition of ``crime of violence'' in the United States Code in order to keep violent criminals off the streets and ensure the safety of our communities. In the recent U.S. Supreme Court case United States v. Dimaya, the term ``crime of violence'' was determined to be unconstitutionally vague. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Congress to act to provide the necessary clarity in the law that allows our law enforcement and our judicial systems to work and, importantly, to protect the victims of these violent crimes. The Community Safety and Security Act of 2018 provides that clarity by precisely and legally defining the phrase ``crime of violence'' and the related criminal acts that, when combined with the element of force are, indeed, considered violent. They include crimes such as voluntary manslaughter, attempted kidnapping, lewd acts upon a child, sexual assault, assault on a police officer, domestic violence, murder, and all other crimes that a normal, regular individual would think of as a violent crime, as well as human trafficking. In my State of Georgia, metro Atlanta is well known as a haven for human and sex trafficking, and as a recruiting center for vulnerable young people. In 2017 alone, it was reported that nearly 3,600 females and more than 600 males were trafficked. These are just the reported cases. Thousands more go unreported every year. This legislation that I bring forward today provides essential legal clarity to ensure that crimes like human trafficking and others in the bill are deemed legally as crimes of violence. Failure to address this issue would foster vagueness and uncertainty in our courts, and potentially disrupt the prosecution of certain crimes of violence, like human trafficking, child abuse, domestic violence, and other acts that any reasonable individual would consider a crime of violence. This legislation has the support of a number of organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Association of Police Organizations. In a recent letter to Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi, the Fraternal Order of Police noted that ``there are numerous convictions and pending cases that would be jeopardized'' in the wake of the Dimaya decision. The Community Safety and Security Act of 2018 is another step that we, as Congress, can take, that we must take, in order to make our communities the safest that they can possibly be. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HANDEL. 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 H.R. 6691.

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1051, I call up the bill (H.R. 6691) to amend title 18, United States Code, to clarify the definition of ``crime of violence'', and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 994) to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for the protection of community centers with religious affiliation, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H. Res. 257, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Goodlatte for yielding. Madam Speaker, earlier today I voted in support of the Goodlatte- McCaul bill, and I stand here today in support of H.R. 6136. This bill is a commonsense measure that addresses many aspects of our broken immigration system. It will end the lawlessness at the U.S.- Mexico border, while also providing thoughtful and compassionate solutions to protect children at the border. Specifically, this bill will finally secure our borders, which is critical to national security. It provides $25 billion in advanced funding for the border barrier system, more border patrol personnel, and surveillance technology. That is advanced funding. That does not happen very often here in Congress. This bill also includes much needed measures to curb visa overstays. It limits extended family migration, eliminates lottery visas, deters sanctuary cities, and addresses asylum fraud. Further, H.R. 6136 establishes a new framework for DACA individuals. This framework is a sensible and, again, compassionate long-term solution that allows for legal residency through competitive, merit- based process. Importantly, the DACA provisions are contingent on the actual deployment of money and resources for that border wall system and the other border security measures. While this bill is not perfect, because few things are, it does represent a significant and meaningful step forward in fixing our immigration system. Madam Speaker, the status quo is simply unacceptable. We are long past the time for rhetoric, posturing, and politics. The American people deserve better. It is time for real solutions, and that is exactly what this bill offers. It is time for Congress to act. Let's pass this bill.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the THRIVE Act. In the Sixth District, my district, Fulton and Cobb Counties have the highest opioid and heroin overdose rates of all counties in the entire State of Georgia. For those struggling with addiction who make that hard commitment to recovery, aftercare and stability are critical to their ability to remain drug-free. Too often they return to the very same environments that helped foster their addiction, increasing the risk of relapse. Worse, many find themselves homeless, with no resources and no job. The THRIVE Act would create a 5-year pilot program that expands housing options for individuals transitioning out of treatment programs but still needing help. The program sets aside a small percentage of Section 8 housing choice vouchers for supportive and transitional housing nonprofits. Earlier this year, former Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher attended an opioid summit in my district. He shared with us the incredible outcomes from the Recovery Kentucky initiative launched during his administration. This legislation draws on the program and its success. I commend Governor Fletcher and, in particular, my colleague from Kentucky, Andy Barr, for their leadership on this legislation. This bill will give recovering addicts the added help they need to rise above their addictions and fulfill their real potential in life. I encourage my colleagues to support the THRIVE Act.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from Illinois, Representative Shimkus, for his steadfast leadership on this very important issue. I rise today, as well, to lend my support to H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2018. Mr. Chairman, America lacks the necessary geological repository for important nuclear power resources. Because of this, spent nuclear fuel currently sits idle in over 100 communities across 39 States. This deficiency has cost electricity ratepayers over $40 billion with little to nothing to show for the exorbitant cost. H.R. 3053 makes long overdue reforms to the Nuclear Waste Fund and facilitates the formal licensing process for the repository at Yucca Mountain. It provides a commonsense, bipartisan interim solution for the safe storage of nuclear waste. Most importantly, H.R. 3053 ensures that this safe, efficient form of energy can continue to expand and be utilized in the United States, such as Georgia's Plant Vogtle. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 3053 is much-needed legislation that will finally ensure the safe disposal of nuclear waste in this country. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Goodlatte for the opportunity to bring this bill forward. I rise today in support of H.R. 5645, the Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules Act, or the SMARTER Act. Mr. Speaker, the SMARTER Act is a much-needed piece of legislation to harmonize and modernize our antitrust procedures. Despite the shared responsibilities for the antitrust review between the FTC and the DOJ, both agencies follow dramatically different review processes, meaning that businesses are held to conflicting standards and procedures, depending on which agency actually conducts the review. And that review, as Chairman Goodlatte pointed out, is essentially a coin toss. We can do better than that. The SMARTER Act in no way weakens or undermines our antitrust review process. It does not prevent or hinder either agency from conducting a full and thorough review. Rather, the SMARTER Act actually strengthens the antitrust review process by injecting greater consistency, more transparency, and enhance consumer protection when we have these mergers and acquisitions. With that, I urge my colleagues to support the SMARTER Act.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, as Americans file their taxes today, it is the very last time they will do so under the old, unfair Tax Code. Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, hardworking Americans are already seeing the benefits of lower tax rates and a stronger economic growth: take-home pay has increased; companies are investing in infrastructure, R&D, and people, with billions of dollars in bonuses and pay increases, and even enhanced benefits. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also makes our Tax Code less complex and makes the process of filing out our tax returns easier and less daunting. This time next year, in addition to most Americans paying less in taxes, most Americans will find that the tax forms are simpler and the process less complex. Even so, Mr. Speaker, tax day will still come, and people across this country will still need to turn to the IRS for help and for answers about their taxes. That is why I am here today to speak in support of H.R. 5440. This bipartisan legislation, introduced together with my colleague from Arizona, Representative O'Halleran, whom I thank, holds the IRS accountable for putting its customers, the taxpayers, first. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers provide important services to taxpayers. Through over 300 centers across the country, millions of Americans receive free, personal, in-person tax assistance each year. All too often, however, these centers are closed with little to no notice, leaving taxpayers to generally fend for themselves. H.R. 5440 requires the IRS to provide adequate public notice about any proposed closure and ensures that impacted taxpayers in that community will still have access to assistance. Most of us dread even the thought of having to deal with the IRS, but today, through a package of bipartisan bills, Congress is moving forward to redesign and restructure the IRS so that its top priority is putting its customers first. H.R. 5440 is one aspect of these important reforms to refocus the IRS. Again, I thank Representative O'Halleran and the entire Ways and Means Committee for their hard work on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, let me first begin by commending Chairman Goodlatte and my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee for their hard work on this important issue. I have been in Congress just 10 months, but I have already seen firsthand that the budget process is fundamentally broken. While I supported the funding measures under this broken process, I did so with reluctance. But both parties--both parties--have brought us to this place with the severe fiscal challenges that we face today. But balancing our budget is not, should not be, a partisan issue. Across the country, virtually every State has a balanced budget requirement, and Governors and legislatures of both parties meet that requirement. Congress should too. Ultimately, balanced budgets are about accountability. We must hold the Federal Government and Congress accountable and insist that the overall budget be managed in a fiscally responsible way. The status quo, the same old kick-the-can-down-the-road, we-will-get-to-it-next- time approach is simply no longer an option. Big problems require tough choices. Every day that we continue to borrow and assume more debt, our decisions get all the more difficult, and the solutions all the more catastrophic. This balanced budget amendment is only a first step, but a much- needed step, to improving the fiscal state of our Nation. Our current path is unsustainable. Sooner than most realize, this path will not even allow us to continue to meet the promises already made to the American people. ``Don't spend more than you earn.'' That is what I was taught. And that is what families across this country do every single day. It is time for Congress to do the same, Mr. Speaker. I ask my colleagues to support this balanced budget amendment, not for the sake of politics, but rather for the sake of the future of this country and generations to come.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the State champion football program at Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell, Georgia. Under the leadership of Head Coach Tim McFarlin, the Blessed Trinity Titans finished with 13 wins and just 2 losses to earn their first ever State football championship title this past season. The 4A class in Georgia is a tough one, and I congratulate the other teams in this bracket for their efforts as well. But with the outstanding leadership and mentorship of Coach McFarlin, the Titans did prevail. Last week was also Catholic Schools Week. I had the pleasure of visiting Blessed Trinity Catholic School. During my visit, I included time with the AP government students, as well as with students in their STEAM program, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. My thanks to Principal Brian Marks, and to all of the students and the faculty there for a terrific visit and for being such a great part of the community in the Sixth District.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs, Georgia. For 50 years now, Temple Sinai has served the reform Jewish community in Atlanta, Georgia. In February of 1968, thirty people sat in on a meeting to discuss the formation of a Reform Jewish congregation in Atlanta. One month later, 145 families signed on as chapter members. Today, 50 years since that first meeting, over 1,300 Georgians proudly call Temple Sinai home. Senior Rabbi Ron Segal has been a member of the clergy at Temple Sinai since July 1996. As a board member of the Atlanta chapter of the American Jewish Committee and as an advisory board member of the William Breman Jewish Home, Rabbi Segal has shown a commitment to our city that extends well beyond the perimeter of Temple Sinai. Mr. Speaker, Temple Sinai will have served our community for a full half century this February, and they continue to go above and beyond in their service to their neighbors. From offering educational opportunities to serving as a center of Jewish life in Atlanta, I want to wish Temple Sinai 50 more years of continued success as a pillar of the Jewish community in Atlanta.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, last month, the House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Already these pro-growth policies are having a positive impact. Businesses are making investments in operations and people. Thane Brooks operates a resource center for children with special needs in Alpharetta, Georgia. Because businesses can now immediately expense new equipment purchases, Thane is able to open a second facility to serve even more special needs children. Georgia-based Aflac announced that it will increase contributions to employee retirement plans. AT&T, with nearly 3,000 employees in the Sixth District, gave a $1,000 bonus to nonmanagement employees as a direct result of the tax cut bill. Overall, more than 2 million workers across the country are feeling the benefits of this law through increased wages, bonuses, and more retirement dollars. And with paychecks for nearly every American set to increase in the coming weeks, there is even more good news on the horizon for American families.

Mrs. HANDEL

Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1766) to reauthorize the SAFER Act of 2013, and for other purposes.