Erin Houchin

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I agree it is ridiculous that we must consider legislation like the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act, but that is the level of ridiculousness that the Democratic Party has forced us into with their out-of-touch, woke agenda. The priorities of the American people are protecting their right to consumer choice, not to be policed in their own homes. Democrats are fighting for woke corporations. Republicans are fighting for the American people. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy).

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, in response to my colleague on the other side of the aisle, this is just one piece of the Democrats' green agenda that is fast-tracking a path to all electric vehicles and appliances at a time when our grid can least afford it without any consideration for grid stability. This move to all EVs and electric appliances in our homes is not something that consumers are ready for, and it is not something that consumers want. The American people want to have choice and affordability, and the actions of the Democrats on this issue are the opposite of that. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to just unpack some of those arguments made against this bill, that H.R. 7109, the Equal Representation Act, will discourage immigrants from participating in the Census. Revealing that someone is not a citizen does not reveal if someone is here illegally. The individual could have lawful permanent residence, they could be a nonimmigrant residing in the U.S. during an authorized period of stay. Moreover, the Census Bureau must follow strict rules of confidentiality and cannot disclose data tied to an individual respondent in the decennial Census. It can only share aggregate information not attributed to a particular person. Furthermore, even if respondents were reluctant to complete the Census questionnaire, they would still likely be enumerated by the Census Bureau using other methods, such as review of official records to determine the inhabitants of a particular address or by using proxy information such as reliable information from a neighbor. Also, there was an argument that H.R. 7109 would skew the distribution of Federal assistance away from States and localities. This argument is a red herring. H.R. 7109 makes absolutely no changes whatsoever to any laws implicating Federal assistance. Noncitizens would still be counted in the decennial Census. They would only be excluded from the congressional apportionment base. One other argument that has just been made is that H.R. 7109 fundamentally misunderstands how apportionment was designed by the Framers of the Constitution. While Democrats may claim that the Evenwel v. Abbott Supreme Court decision requires the phrase ``whole number of persons'' in section 2 of the 14th Amendment to be interpreted as any resident, regardless of citizenship status, section 5 of the 14th Amendment permits the use of implementing statutes for the 14th Amendment. It is this implementing statute which H.R. 7109 amends to explicitly exclude noncitizens from the apportionment base. Beyond that, the historical context surrounding the phrase ``whole number of persons'' was specifically chosen to make clear that the drafters rejected counting individuals as partial persons. It does not in any way signify that any person taking up residence in a State should be counted for the purpose of apportionment, and certainly not that noncitizens must be included in the apportionment base. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I just make note of a few things with regard to the Equal Representation Act. We have heard some comments from our Democrat colleagues that this is somehow unconstitutional. The court case referenced in Department of Commerce v. New York, the lower court dismissed the plaintiff's claims under the Enumeration Clause, permitted claims under the Administrative Procedures Act and Due Process Clause. However, the Supreme Court upheld requiring the citizenship question only on the claims under the Administrative Procedures Act and not on constitutional grounds, saying that it is Congress' responsibility to determine whether and how this should take place. That is what we are doing here today in the Equal Representation Act by saying precisely that noncitizens should not count in congressional apportionment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to touch on the Equal Representation Act. This bill would restore the one-person, one-vote principle in apportionment. Only citizens are eligible to vote for candidates for Federal offices, including Members of Congress and electors for President of the United States. However, under the current practice, noncitizens, including lawful permanent residents, nonimmigrants, and even illegal aliens are wrongly included in a State's population for purposes of the apportionment calculation. Thus, States with higher proportions of noncitizens residing in that State are advantaged over States with a lower concentration of noncitizens. In the case of illegal aliens, the status quo is particularly concerning as some States or major metropolitan areas within those States have declared themselves sanctuary jurisdictions, shielding illegal aliens from Federal immigration law enforcement, with some even providing special services to the illegal alien population residing in those jurisdictions. Illegal aliens incentivized to move to those jurisdictions, who reside in that State on Census day, and who are enumerated in the Census, would add to the State's population for the purposes of apportionment. It is appropriate for Congress to direct the Census Bureau to collect one of the most fundamental data points regarding individuals residing in the United States: Whether or not they are a citizen. Article I of the Constitution requires the Census of the population to be taken every 10 years. This is directed by law. The Supreme Court has explained that Congress is permitted by the Constitution to inquire about citizenship on this questionnaire, on the Census. Adding a citizenship question to the decennial Census is an appropriate exercise of Article I authority over the Census and is the responsibility of Congress Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I note that the Founders never would have intended a U.S. President allowing 6.7 million illegal immigrants into the country, including terrorists and the drug cartels. I think that is probably not something that was envisioned by the Founders. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close as well, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, we, once again, have before us today the opportunity to move legislation that could have a positive effect on the everyday lives of all Americans, whether that is pushing back on the overreach and the administrative uncertainty of this bureaucratic state, or protecting the core functions of government agencies and protecting our very system of government. The choice we have before us in this rule is clear, and we must take action. H.R. 7109, the Equal Representation Act, ensures that the Census count only U.S. citizens for congressional apportionment and Presidential electors. This should not be a novel concept. It should just be a minimum standard. H.J. Res. 109 provides clarity in the digital assets sector, an area where the United States should be leading. Congress must provide clear rules of the road for digital asset innovators. However, the rule proposed by the SEC does just the opposite. With respect to home appliances, I think we should all agree that less intrusion by the government is the answer here. This administration's reckless pursuit of its green agenda surely could stop in our kitchens, can it not? At a minimum, we shouldn't be making living in this country more unaffordable than it already is by this administration. H.R. 6192 is a step in the right direction. Regarding our natural resources, our country is blessed with a diverse array of abundant natural resources. We ought to use those resources responsibly. H.R. 2925, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act, is responsible and worthy of our support. I look forward to moving these bills out of the House this week, and I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

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

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the Scottsburg Warriors boys' basketball team for their remarkable achievement in winning their first-ever Class 2A State championship this year in Indiana. I am so proud of my hometown team. Having watched the Warriorettes achieve the State championship trophy growing up in Scottsburg in 1989, this victory was extra special. Their hard work has paid off. Through every practice and game, these young athletes demonstrated the true spirit of teamwork and excellence. Their victory not only brings pride to the Scottsburg community, but the academic achievement and leadership of these talented young men serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the State. I commend the coaches, staff, and supporters who have cheered on the players throughout their journey to success. Congratulations, again, to my hometown team. Congratulating Lanesville High SchoolGirls' Basketball Team on Second Consecutive Championship

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations to the Lanesville High School girls' basketball team on their incredible achievement of winning the State championship for a second consecutive year. Their dedication, teamwork, and determination have propelled them to the pinnacle of success, making their community and school both very proud. This team's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. As they celebrate this historic victory, let us recognize the countless hours of practice, the sacrifices made, and the resilience shown by each member of the team. Their win not only brings honor to Lanesville High School, but their hometown. On behalf of the entire Ninth District, I congratulate the Lanesville girls' basketball team for their outstanding achievement and wish them continued success in all their future endeavors. Congratulating Brownstown Braves Boys' Basketball Team on Winning State 3A Championship

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Brownstown Braves boys' basketball team for their outstanding victory in winning the Class 3A State championship this year. Their successful season is a testament to their hard work and exceptional talents. The Brownstown community is undoubtedly beaming with pride for this achievement. What an exciting time to be part of Indiana basketball, especially southern Indiana basketball. I commend the coaches, staff, and supporters who provided guidance and unwavering support to these young men. I congratulate the Braves basketball team once more. This is a victory they will never forget. May they continue to strive for greatness in all their future endeavors.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National PEO Week, which starts May 19 and ends May 25, 2024. National PEO Week will celebrate the important contributions of the professional employer organization (PEO) industry, which provides payroll, employee benefits, compliance assistance, and HR services to hundreds of thousands of small and mid-sized businesses that employ more than 4.5 million people. PEOs play a critical role in helping businesses grow and thrive, during good times and bad. PEOs help their small business clients grow 7-9 percent faster, have employee turnover that is 10-14 percent lower, and are 50 percent less likely to go out of business than businesses that do not use a PEO. PEOs help small businesses improve productivity and profitability and focus on their core mission. Through a PEO, the employees of small businesses gain access to important employee benefits such as: 401(k) plans; health, dental, life, and other insurance; dependent care; and other benefits they might not typically receive as employees of a small company. I know the value that PEOs provide. Before coming to Congress, I worked for a PEO and witnessed the positive impact they had on small businesses in my home state of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the PEO industry for all they do to help our Nation's small businesses and their employees prosper.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, a critical piece of legislation that addresses the pressing needs of our workforce development system. I thank Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott for their work on this bipartisan legislation and for their responsiveness to the input from Members of the Education and the Workforce Committee. I am especially proud that this reauthorization includes my language that addresses a concerning gap in our current workforce funding mechanisms. As included in A Stronger Workforce for America Act, my provision specifically amends the distribution of Federal dollars, allowing States to reallocate funds as performance incentives to workforce boards that have either met or exceeded their performance targets. Additionally, recaptured funds that are awarded as performance incentives are not subject to the 50 percent training requirement that applies to the adult and dislocated worker programs. This will help entities who are meeting their targets reinvest in programs that work. It also ensures that our taxpayer dollars are effectively allocated to entities that are best serving our communities and helping individuals access the skills and education they need for meaningful employment. I am proud to have been involved in the drafting of this version of the Stronger Workforce for America Act as it enhances accountability, quality, and efficiency within our workforce system, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to address the tragic murder of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, whose life was senselessly taken while serving his community. This heinous act of violence not only took the life of a dedicated officer, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day. Guy Rivera and Lindy Jones, the perpetrators of this despicable crime, are no strangers to the criminal justice system. With extensive criminal histories, including prior arrests for violent offenses, Rivera and Jones epitomize the threat posed by repeat offenders who continue to roam our streets despite arrest after arrest. Officer Diller's death clearly exposes the threat that soft-on-crime policies in Democrat-led cities have brought to communities across the country. These atrocities have enabled individuals, like Rivera and Jones, to evade accountability and continue to live freely while law- abiding citizens and our brave men and women in law enforcement pay the price. As we mourn the loss of Officer Diller, we must also demand action and policies to restore accountability in our criminal justice system to support crime victims and prioritize the safety of our communities and our law enforcement officers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in calling for meaningful change to prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again.

Mrs. HOUCHIN

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1052 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Madam Speaker, last night the Rules Committee met and produced a rule, House Resolution 1052, providing for the House's consideration of several pieces of legislation. The rule provides for H.R. 2799, the Expanding Access to Capital Act, to be considered under a structured rule. It provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services or their designees and provides for one motion to recommit. Additionally, the rules provide for H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act. H.R. 7511 would be considered under a closed rule, and it also provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their designees and provides for one motion to recommit. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying pieces of legislation. I begin with H.R. 2799, the Expanding Access to Capital Act. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Financial Services Committee, I am glad to see this important legislation before us today. I am also glad this rule makes in order a number of amendments, including all of the bipartisan amendments that were submitted. In the last few years, we have seen fewer and fewer companies take advantage of opportunities to raise capital, largely due to burdensome compliance costs and regulatory obstacles. It is crucial that American entrepreneurs have the tools they need to grow their businesses and that we create opportunities for individuals to invest and save for the future. This bill aims to strengthen our public markets, expand options for companies to raise capital, and empower Americans, giving them more choices to invest and grow their wealth. By cutting the red tape and creating new avenues for economic growth, we can create jobs and opportunities for American workers, businessowners, and investors. We can put America back on a path to prosperity and safeguard our future. I am proud to have one of my own bills, the Regulation A+ Improvement Act, included as part of this bill package. The bill would raise the cap for Regulation A and allow for more small- to mid-size companies to raise money from everyday investors. At a time when many Americans are feeling the effects of inflation, this legislation could not be timelier. It can help create jobs and grow the economy. Our capital markets in these United States are the cornerstone of our economy and among our greatest strengths. This bill ensures that entrepreneurs and investors can take full advantage of what our markets have to offer. Through this, we can give small businesses and investors alike all the tools necessary to achieve the American Dream. Madam Speaker, unlike the previous bill I discussed, I am deeply saddened to be on the floor discussing the situation at hand and angry that we find ourselves here. It is unfortunate we must have this necessary conversation, driven by the tragic events such as the senseless murder of Laken Riley. This legislation and the underlying rule are in response to the brutal murder of Laken Riley, a college student in Georgia, whose life was cut short by a suspect who was an illegal immigrant with prior arrests in both New York and Georgia before allegedly committing this crime. This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to issue a detainer to any alien inadmissible to the United States who has been charged with, arrested for, or convicted of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. As ICE describes it themselves, detainers are ``an effective tool in keeping criminals out of local communities by allowing ICE officers to take custody of criminal noncitizens within the confines of a jail.'' If the alien is not in custody at the time of the detainer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is required to promptly take custody. Additionally, H.R. 7511 allows States to bring civil action against the Federal Government for failing to enforce immigration laws, including parole, detention and removal, and visa sanctions that we know this administration is not enforcing. Simply put, this gives States standing in court and recourse for their constituents who are victims of the enforcement decisions, or lack thereof, by this administration; decisions that have consequences like the very ones we are talking about today. The Biden administration's failure to secure our southern border has emboldened the criminal cartels, leading to increased drug trafficking and overdose deaths, human smuggling, and the influx of dangerous individuals into the country. These threats extend far beyond border States, affecting every corner of our Nation. Every State is now a border State. Unfortunately, Laken's story is not unique. Speaker Johnson recently documented over 100 similar situations where American citizens have been victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens, underscoring the urgency of addressing our border security crisis. The border is no longer a matter for debate. It is a pressing issue, and it demands immediate action. We cannot simply hold hearings and discussions in Washington. We need real solutions to protect the American people. The President must take decisive action to secure our border, starting with signing this critical bill into law. I look forward to the House completing its consideration of both pieces of legislation, and I urge the passage of this rule. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, my colleague on the other side of the aisle says that this is on us, on Republicans, because of our inaction, but we passed H.R. 2, the actual strongest border bill that we have ever seen. We passed H.R. 2 8 months ago, maybe more, and 211 House Democrats voted ``no'' on that bill. That bill has been sitting in the Senate unmoved ever since. Senate Republicans even rejected the disastrous border bill ultimately that originated over there that codified all of Joe Biden's terrible border policies. Mr. Speaker, I ask: Why would this bill go nowhere? Why would we not want to hold illegal aliens accountable? Why would we not want to detain illegal aliens who commit crimes such as theft, larceny, and violent crimes? Why would we not want to move this bill forward in the Senate? I hope that my colleagues in the Senate on both sides of the aisle would support this. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, you know what is a joke? The joke is that the bill that Democrats proposed in the Senate, with some Republican support, was the strongest border bill in history. That is the joke. That bill would do nothing more than codify Joe Biden's broken border policies. Republicans in the House won't codify asylum seekers crossing multiple countries to get to the United States. Republicans in the House won't codify letting illegal aliens into our country in record numbers. We will not normalize the broken border policies that have led us here to this point today. My colleague claims that this is just a political ploy and that we are doing whatever Donald Trump wants us to do. We are doing what the American people want us to do. Donald Trump didn't make this a top issue for American voters. Joe Biden did. By failing to secure the border and failing to protect Americans, he has failed on every measure on this front. Given the Biden administration's reluctance to issue any detainer requests, this bill, H.R. 7511, mandates that ICE issue a detainer and take custody of aliens who commit crimes. In Riley's case, the suspect was arrested in Georgia for theft and fingerprinted at a time when ICE was made aware of his crime through NICS. Had this bill been in effect, ICE would have been required to issue a detainer for the suspect and assumed custody. Or if the alien had already been released by State or local law enforcement, they could have apprehended him. The suspect in the Riley case was not detained and was paroled, violating provisions in the existing Immigration and Nationality Act. H.R. 7511 would give States standing to sue the Biden administration on behalf of its citizens for the harm caused by their failure to enforce existing immigration law. This is not a political ploy. This is a response to a tragedy and an attempt to prevent further tragedies. Mr. Speaker, I ask my friends on the other side of the aisle: What will it take? What will it take to get Democrats to care about actual border security? How many Americans have to die of fentanyl overdoses or become victims of violent crime? What will it take? Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy).

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to comment on my colleague's comments about this not going through a regular process. That is just not really correct. The House Judiciary Committee has held seven hearings on the state of our southern border. They also held a hearing specifically on criminal aliens and the Biden administration's lax immigration enforcement in the interior of the country. In addition, section 4 of H.R. 7511 was marked up in February. We heard a lot from my colleague on the other side of the aisle.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record an article dated October 28, 2022, in Fortune magazine by the Associated Press entitled, ``Fentanyl and related drugs are killing more people than guns and cars combined. Many victims don't realize they're even taking it.''