Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus for holding this special order today to give recognition and to celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month. National Caribbean American Heritage Month was officially signed into law in 2006 to help create and disseminate knowledge about the rich culture and contributions of Caribbean people to the United States. This is a special time when we honor the achievements and dreams of the millions of people of Caribbean origin now living in the United States, while also giving life and remembrance to the shared history of joy and perseverance that has united and enriched lives throughout and across the United States and the Caribbean for centuries. Since our Nation's founding, generation after generation of immigrants have helped build this country, and the prosperity and opportunity that draw so many immigrants to America would not be possible without the contributions and legacies of Caribbean Americans. Today, millions of Caribbean Americans strengthen our country through their vibrant cultures, traditions, languages, and values. Yes, Caribbean American entrepreneurs, scientists, medical professionals, teachers, artists, police officers, athletes, and contributors in every field have left a lasting impact on our society and continue to greatly impact our nation's growth and development as a global mecca for advancement and opportunity. Approximately 4.5 million Caribbean immigrants resided in the United States in 2019, representing 10 percent of the Nation's 44.9 million total foreign-born population. Close to 90 percent of immigrants in the United States from the 13 Caribbean countries and 17 dependent territories come from one of four countries: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Haiti. The Caribbean is the most common region of birth for the 4.5 million Black immigrants in the United States, accounting for 46 percent of the total. Jamaica (16 percent) and Haiti (15 percent) are the two largest origin countries for Black immigrants. Although Caribbean Americans continue to succeed in the United States, we must acknowledge the barriers and disparities that they continue to face. And as members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we must look to address all barriers for Black immigrants and protect Caribbean Americans, including but implementing comprehensive immigration reform. America's strength is rooted in its diversity, which is why it is of incredible importance to honor Caribbean Americans not just this month, but every month.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to acknowledge June 6, 1944, D-Day, the day the largest land, sea, and air attack came to Normandy to fight Hitler. It was an unbelievable surge of power for freedom. Just a few years ago, I had the privilege of commemorating D-Day at Normandy and being able to see the rows and rows of those who died in the name of freedom. Nine thousand of the Allies died, men and women, men in particular, from the United States of America. I honor them today and recognize that as we stand in this place, as we debate on this floor, we have the responsibility to pay tribute to why they fought for freedom and their love of America. We have the responsibility to do the right thing for the American people. That is why I stand today to raise an issue that has plagued us over and over again, and that is the enormity of gun violence, the proliferation of guns, and the loss of life of our children. Violence is impacting our children every single day. Yesterday, we held a powerful hearing to talk about how we can stop this gun violence. We heard from people who were victims, like Lloyd Gock, a victim of the Monterey Park shooting. His words rang so powerfully. He heard 42 gunshots, and he heard the bodies dropping, 11 dead and 9 wounded. He understands that a weapon of war should not be on the streets and that we should ban assault weapons. We also heard medical testimony, or professional health testimony, that indicated that storage, as indicated in the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, would be most helpful in saving the lives of children. Some 4 million children live in homes where guns are laid around and not stored. They lose their lives there. Every single day, eight children lose their lives by way of gun violence. What about Mr. Kling from the Giffords organization that says 6,500 veterans die every year due to gun violence, to suicide? It is imperative that we understand that their weapon of choice is a gun. Some would say that they are suicidal, that they have mental issues. It is the proliferation of guns--red flag laws, banning assault weapons, raising the age. We all still feel the pain of many shootings, but we feel the pain of Uvalde. I have come to know those families and the elected officials there who have been in pain, the city that has been in pain. The families and children remain in pain. You see how many of these small caskets they had to watch being buried in that community when a child, yes, under the age of 21 got a gun online. How outrageous is that? I stand here today saying: Are we going to keep the promise of those who laid their lives on the line for a free nation, or are we going to continually be against what is right? Let me quickly indicate that we must do something about the massive evictions across America. People are unhoused and need more housing. I am going to fight against the high numbers of evictions in all of our communities and will introduce legislation dealing with eviction. I want to bring it down in Houston and cities around the Nation. As well, I want to make sure that whatever rights we have, all people deserve the same rights, and that is access to freedom, justice, and equality and to recognize their diversity and access to healthcare. It was the Democrats who saved Medicaid when a million people were going to lose their Medicaid. Had we followed the leadership of our friends on the other side of the aisle, with their early bill H.R. 1, 1 million people--but we stopped it. We are stopping the default and negotiating away the idea of taking a million people off of Medicaid, their lifeline for healthcare. It is extremely important that we recognize that men and women laid down their lives or put on the uniform unselfishly. They do so so that freedom can be for every American.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania and my good friend from Kentucky for their leadership. Mr. Speaker, I think it is extremely important to assure the American people--and particularly my husband, Dr. Lee--and to proclaim, which we have the ability to do as Members of Congress, that no one's gas stove will be lost or taken. In fact, I even heard Members say that they are buying a gas stove or getting a gas stove. Let me proclaim again: No gas stove will be taken from any American ever--ever. It is interesting to be on the floor fighting about freedom and protection of a gas stove. Needless to say, today is June 6. I stood earlier today to honor D-day. I know what those men died for. It is important to be able to protect consumers from dangerous explosions of any kind, and that is all that our agencies are doing. Again, I proclaim that no one's gas stove is being taken away. We will be debating freedom of a gas stove, protection of a gas stove, when eight children per day are dying because of gun violence. I only want my constituents in Houston to know, my constituents in Texas to know, my constituents in the Nation to know, as we represent the entire Nation: No one's gas stove needs protection or freedom because there is an agency that, prospectively, in 3 years, is looking to ensure that all gas stoves are safe. We owe that to the American people. I have now for the third time been engaged with the REINS Act. Please let me explain to you what that is. It is literally a stop sign of the executive functioning. If a regulation is abusive to the American people, we can file lawsuits, as often happens, to challenge that, and that would be individual consumers or companies. When you have a regulation, it takes at least almost a year for the input of the American people to be able to say this is a regulation that works or not, except the REIN Act will require the Congress to intercede every moment. Accordingly, if it is about asthma, if it is about heart disease, if it is about good medication, and a regulation comes out, you won't get it because the Congress will have a rein around it. It will be a stranglehold, and we will get nothing done. The separation of powers, I have done that before, as well, out of Judiciary Committee.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania for her kindness. All that will do is end separation of powers and basically say that the courts--not because a petitioner or plaintiff has gone in but because the Congress intercedes and wants the court to stop lifesaving regulations that can be helpful to the American people. Therefore, I know that we have to do our duty and be here today. I honor, again, the men and women who serve in the United States military and particularly those at Normandy on this day, of which I had the privilege of being there some years ago. Mr. Speaker, I end my remarks by saying that the American people need us to be serious. Houstonians need us to be serious. Texans need us to be serious. I am saying that no one's gas stove will be removed from their house or their apartment, but we will offer you the ability and the instruction to make sure that everything you have in your home is safe for you and your family.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 43, Authorizing the Use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association shall be permitted to sponsor a public event, soap box derby races, on the Capitol Grounds. The event shall be held on June 17, 2023, or on another designated date, whereby the sponsor shall assume full responsibility for all expenses and liabilities associated with the event. The event shall be free of admission charge and open to the public; and arranged not to interfere with the needs of Congress. The Soap Box Derby is a youth soapbox car racing program which has been run in the United States since 1933. It is also an event we support in my district by way of the Greater Houston Soap Box Derby (GHSBD) which is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit, Texas corporation organized for charitable and educational purposes. I support the expansion of this event and all those who are dedicated to having a race program that is safe, fun, fair, professionally run, and that reaches out to all youth.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 835, the Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act. H.R. 835 would expand the eligibility criteria for an accredited investor for purposes of participating in private offerings of securities to include an individual determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to have qualifying professional knowledge through educational or professional experience. The current definition of an accredited investor relies on a net worth threshold for individuals and households irrespective of the sophistication of the would-be investors. Traditionally, the accredited investor threshold has been determined through asset and income tests, resulting in both an under- and overinclusive definition that leaves out sophisticated investors who may not meet financial thresholds while including a wealthy person with no experience in financial markets. Excluding these individuals unfairly limits Americans' participation in capital markets. This bill would increase the total number of Americans eligible to purchase restricted securities. H.R. 835 would amend the Securities Act of 1933 to codify certain qualifications of individuals as accredited investors for the purposes of the securities laws.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1579, the Accredited Investor Definition Review Act of 2023. This bill revises who may be considered an accredited investor for purposes of participating in private offerings of securities. Certain unregistered securities may only be offered to accredited investors. Specifically, the bill allows the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) discretion in determining what certifications, designations, or credentials investors must possess for purposes of investor protection, provided that the credentials are at least as broad as the existing regulations. Additionally, the SEC must review these credentials every five years. This bill amends the definition of investor in the Securities Act of 1933 by adding the following language: ``(C) an individual holding such certifications, designations, or credentials as the Commission determines necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors, where such list of certifications, designations, or credentials shall be no less broad than those certifications, designations, or credentials described in the amendments made to section 230.501 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, by the final rule of the Commission titled `Accredited Investor Definition' (85 Fed. Reg. 64234; published October 9, 2020).'' This amendment will give small business startups and everyday citizens in Houston and around the U.S. the opportunity to participate in the growth and success of our economy.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2593, the Senior Security Act of 2023. This bill establishes the Senior Investor Taskforce within the Securities and Exchange Commission. The taskforce must report on topics relating to investors over the age of 65, including industry trends and serious issues impacting such investors, and make recommendations for legislative or regulatory actions to address problems encountered by senior investors. The Government Accountability Office must report on the financial exploitation of senior citizens. The proposed taskforce would do the following: A) identify challenges that senior investors encounter, including problems associated with financial exploitation and cognitive decline; B) identify areas in which senior investors would benefit from changes in the regulations of the Commission or the rules of self- regulatory organizations; C) coordinate, as appropriate, with other offices within the Commission, other taskforces that may be established within the Commission, self-regulatory organizations, and the Elder Justice Coordinating Council; and D) consult, as appropriate, with State securities and law enforcement authorities, State insurance regulators, and other Federal agencies. The Government Accountability Office Study will observe the economic costs, frequency, and policy responses of the financial exploitation of senior citizens. The Taskforce and the study that it will conduct is important because it will help prevent the financial exploitation of senior citizens. The Taskforce and its study could also inspire legislation to prevent the financial exploitation of senior citizens.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 2608, a bill to amend the Federal securities laws to specify the periods for which financial statements are required to be provided by an emerging growth company, and for other purposes. H.R. 2608 would change the reporting period for financial statements submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by an emerging growth company (EGC) or former EGC when it acquires another company. The bill would ensure that EGCs and former EGCs submit financial statements for their target companies that cover a reporting period that does not exceed the earliest audited period for the EGC or former EGC, as presented in connection with an initial public offering. Under current law, when reporting to the SEC, acquiring companies (including EGCs) must submit up to two years of financial statements for their target companies. H.R. 2608 is a measure that will limit the financial information an emerging growth company must submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, an emerging growth company is not required to present a financial statement for any period prior to the earliest audited period of the emerging growth company in connection with its initial public offering, such as a statement for an acquired company. This bill is being amended to clarify and specify language in the original text.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2610, which amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This amendment specifies certain registration statement contents for emerging growth companies. Additionally, the amendment permits issuers to file draft registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission for confidential review prior to a public filing. Further, emerging growth companies will only be required to submit profit and loss statements from the previous two years in registration statements submitted to the SEC, rather than the previous three years currently required by law. This bill facilitates greater efficiency and capital formation without sacrificing investor protection. In my home state of Texas, the Houston area leads the Nation in small business development and is one of the top emerging ecosystems for startups globally. More broadly, Texas remains the top destination in the Nation for new companies. Under this bill, emerging companies across Texas, the City of Houston, and the Nation will better be able to explore their options for future growth, evaluate required disclosures, and thoughtfully consider whether they will proceed with their public offering. This bill will boost these businesses and enhance their ability to catalyze economic growth and job creation nationwide. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2610 and the economic growth of our Nation, which is fueled by these emerging growth companies.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2793, the Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2023. This bill provides statutory authority for all issuers of securities to use certain offering procedures that are available to emerging growth companies. Specifically, the bill allows under statute issuers of securities to communicate with potential investors to ascertain interest in a contemplated securities offering, either before or after the filing of a registration statement (i.e., test the waters). Additionally, issuers are allowed under statute to submit a confidential draft registration statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission for review prior to public filing or within one year after the initial public offering or registration. This bill strikes ``an emerging growth company or any person authorized to act on behalf of an emerging growth company'' and inserts ``an issuer or any person authorized to act on behalf of an issuer.'' This bill further adds the following additional requirements: (A) In general--the Commission may promulgate regulations, subject to public notice and comment, to impose such other terms, conditions, or requirements on the engaging in oral or written communications described under paragraph (1) by an issuer other than an emerging growth company as the Commission determines appropriate. (B) Report to Congress--Prior to any rulemaking described under subparagraph (A), the Commission shall submit to Congress a report containing a list of the findings supporting the basis of the rulemaking. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that it would cost an insignificant amount for the agency to justify any further rulemakings to the Congress because the SEC already allows such practices under current policy. The Congressional Budget Office expects that the net effect on discretionary spending over the 2023-2028 period would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority, because the SEC is authorized to collect fees each year to offset its annual appropriation.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2812, the Middle Market IPO Cost Act. H.R. 2812 would require the Securities and Exchange Commission to study and report on the costs encountered by small- and medium-sized companies when undertaking initial public offerings and certain offerings exempt from securities registration requirements. The report commissioned through this bill will provide information to facilitate cost reduction for small and medium-size businesses when they conduct an initial public offering and ``go public.'' This bill constitutes an important step toward protecting small and mid-size businesses from the penalties they currently face under historic fee structures and restrictions on IPO funding. The Houston area leads the Nation in small business development and is one of the top emerging ecosystems for startups globally. In 2021, over 150,000 new-business applications were filed in the Houston area. This bill will boost these Houston businesses by making it easier for them to grow and create jobs. By going public, businesses in Houston and beyond will be able to give American families the opportunity to invest directly in their businesses and build wealth for the future. Mr. Speaker, I stand for American families. I stand for economic growth and small businesses. This bill will equip Congress to better understand and address the burdens and costs of conducting an initial public offering. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and in working to ensure accessible economic opportunities for all.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to honor Caribbean American Heritage Month and to express my appreciation to the multiples of talent in the Caribbean-American community. Over the last decade, there have been approximately 4.5 million members of the Caribbean-American community. Of course, two of those who I am most proud of are my late grandmother and grandfather, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, who migrated from Jamaica, West Indies. My grandfather worked on the Panama Canal. What an emotional experience to go to the Panama Canal and see his name, Alfred Jackson, listed with those who have worked on the canal. I also had the privilege of attending the funeral of one of Jamaica's iconic Prime Ministers, Prime Minister Manley, who is beloved around the nation. Let me salute the Caribbean-American community in Houston, Texas, rich and inviting with their wonderful culture, cuisine, and, yes, the brilliance that they serve in public service, medicine, education, and business. This is a great moment to be able to celebrate the richness of our diversity in this country. I can assure you, we have often said that we are a melting pot, but really, we are a mosaic. The pieces fit together where all of us are distinguished but yet part of America--part of America's democracy, part of America's work ethic, and part of America's freedom. I salute my Caribbean-American friends and kinship. God bless you.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2792, the Small Entity Update Act. H.R. 2792 would require the Securities and Exchange Commission to carry out a study and rulemaking on the definition of the term ``small entity'' for purposes of the securities laws, and other purposes. Agencies are required to consider the impact of their rules on small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Under the bill, the SEC must provide specific and detailed recommendations to Congress on how the SEC can revise the definition of small entity to (1) align with specified statutory goals, including reducing unnecessary burdens on small entities; and (2) to expand the number of entities covered. Currently, the term ``small entity'' includes any definition established by the SEC of the term ``small business'', ``small organization'', or ``small governmental jurisdiction'', with respect to the activities of the Commission. This bill would direct the SEC to modernize the criteria it uses to define a ``small entity'' to reflect the growth of the U.S. economy and the evolution of the capital markets since the last time the small entity definition was addressed. H.R. 2792 requests the study occur no later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, and once every 5 years after. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates implementation of this bill would cost about $2 million over the 2023-2028 period. However, since the SEC is authorized to collect fees each year to offset its annual appropriation, CBO expects that the net effect on discretionary spending over the 2023-2028 period would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2795, the Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act. H.R. 2795 would amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require issuers with a multi-class stock structure to make certain disclosures in any proxy or consent solicitation material, and for other purposes. A multi-class share structure occurs when a company issues two or more classes of shares that have different voting rights. Under the bill, the issuer must disclose certain information about each director, director nominee, named executive officer, and each beneficial owner of securities with 5% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities entitled to vote in the election of directors. Specifically, the issuer must disclose (1) the number of shares of all classes of securities entitled to vote in the election of directors beneficially owned by such person, and (2) the amount of voting power held by such person. The Enhancing Multi-Class Share Disclosures Act is both timely and necessary to close documented gaps in transparency around multi-class governance structures.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2796 the Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act, which expands the functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. Additionally, this bill amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation to provide educational resources and host events to promote capital raising options for traditionally underrepresented small businesses, and for other purposes. Specifically, the office must provide educational resources and host events to promote capital-raising options for underrepresented small businesses and businesses in rural areas. Furthermore, the office must meet annually with representatives of state securities commissions to discuss opportunities for collaboration and coordination. The passage of this legislation is essential for people in my home state of Texas and the constituents of the 18th Congressional District. In the Houston metro area, 82 percent of operating firms have fewer than 20 employees. Together, all these businesses employ around 400,000 workers, about 14 percent of the regional workforce, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Business Dynamics Statistics. Nearly 97 percent of businesses in the region have fewer than 500 employees, the standard to be considered a small business, and collectively employ around 44 percent of the region's workforce. Additionally, the unemployment rate for Houston is around 4.9 percent. Small businesses play an important role in creating jobs and advancing economic stability for the American people. The Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act will work to provide resources to further help small businesses. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2797 the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act of 2023, which expands who would be considered an accredited investor for the purposes of participating in private offerings of securities. Additionally, certain unregistered securities may only be offered to accredited investors. Furthermore, this bill allows an individual to qualify through an examination established by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The examination must be designed with an appropriate level of difficulty such that an individual with financial sophistication or training would be unlikely to fail. It also may include methods to determine competency in certain areas and must be administered by a registered national securities association and offered free of charge to the public. Currently, accredited investors must satisfy certain requirements indicating their reduced exposure to financial risk, including those related to income, net worth, or knowledge and experience. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 382 the Recognizing of the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to the society and culture of the United States. This resolution condemns the rise of antisemitism and calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and combat antisemitism, and to identify and educate others on the contributions of the Jewish American community. The passage of this legislation is essential for people in my home state of Texas and the constituents of the 18th Congressional District. 2022 was one of the worst years to date when it comes to recorded incidents of hate toward the Jewish community. There were around 3,700 reported incidents towards individuals. 73 of those reports were in the southwest region and more than half of those reports were in Houston alone. Earlier this year two neighborhoods in northeast Harris County were littered with hundreds of racist and antisemitic flyers. H. Res. 382 will help to spread awareness about the hateful acts of antisemitism and to spread recognition of the importance of Jewish American Heritage Month.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the heaviest of hearts to offer my sympathy and recognition to my fellow Texans and fellow Americans. On this day, the unspeakable happened in Uvalde, Texas. It happened on the 24th. That weekend, I immediately went to Uvalde, simply wanting to embrace and to be able to understand what the parents could not speak. We worshipped in a church. We walked amongst the flowers. We hugged children. We saw 9-year-olds crying in utter pain because they lost their playmates. I remember the viciousness of the scene. The loved ones of these children and teachers have never gotten justice. There have been no answers. They have gone day after day asking what happened. They watched as children scrambled out of windows, looking to see if their child would come. No one helped in the midst of that crisis. I want us to look at those faces today. Let us mourn and seek justice for these families. I mourn them. I will take my moment of silence in honor of these beautiful children and teachers who died viciously on May 24.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. The underlying bill could stand some work from all of us, and I ask us to save our children. Let's save our children and stop this deadly drug from coming into the United States, and let's find a way to reach our children.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I give the compliment back to the distinguished gentlewoman from New Mexico. We are alums, and we will leave that for all to find out from where, but I am very proud to stand with her and really to stand with all of those who believe that the scourge of fentanyl must end now. Mr. Speaker, we should not have one more death. I don't think there is any disagreement on this floor that there shouldn't be any more deaths. I also believe that it is important to recognize that there are some things that we come together on. I have never heard a Democrat be against border security. I have never heard a Democrat be against fighting the scourge of fentanyl taking out children. As I have said over and over again, as a senior member on Homeland Security and Judiciary, who has written comprehensive immigration bills to protect Americans and to secure our borders, at the same time as the ranking member and former chair of the Crime Subcommittee, I know what to do with fentanyl. I have introduced H.R. 3570. We have to stop fentanyl now to be able to get at the core of our problem. There is no doubt fentanyl comes in mostly from legal points of entry by United States citizens and others. It does have other entry points, but the core is to protect the lives of our children. Why couldn't we do our work where we are doing one bill and another bill? H.R. 3570 deals with synthetics. It deals with educational outreach. Just last night, I was speaking to a young person who said, Can you get Naloxone to be, if you will, in nontraditional places, clubs? Certainly, it should be in schools. It might even need to be in places of civic mindedness because it is where young people go to save their lives. Then synthetics, fentanyl that is used medically, are being sold online in pills that are misrepresented to our young people, and they lose their life. H.R. 3570 takes care of that, fights the scourge of online sales and fentanyl trafficking. There is a pathway of getting to where we want to be, but a schedule I where you are, in essence, doing mandatory minimums that are not stopping, if you will, this horrible traffic. We are indicating we can get to this with enhanced penalties for the actions of the perpetrator so that you don't by mistake get someone innocently doing research or otherwise dealing with this particular drug that we are talking about that can be deadly. There are scientists, there are responsible medical professionals, and then there are the devastatingly drastic evil people who try to use this to kill our children. We cannot adhere to that. H.R. 3570 looks at it comprehensively. Working with the Judiciary Committee, working with Energy and Commerce, and all our Members, it is important to put forward legislation that can embrace us all. I believe that we have the responsibility to do the right thing.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida and the gentleman from Illinois, and I join Mr. Horsford in expressing my appreciation to them both for their continuing leadership. Mr. Speaker, this is a particularly important Special Order, honoring our veterans far and wide; and then telling the stories of our Black veterans, who often have been at the wrong end of the history of this country. It should be noted that African Americans, some enslaved, have fought in every war since the Revolutionary War, and it is extremely important to recognize that sometimes their stories have not been told. I was very pleased today to support the legislation that supported a veterans' COLA, cost of living increase. As I indicated previously, we all know that veterans have been victims of homelessness, been discriminated against in terms of not being appreciated for their service, taking their service where they are commanding thousands and giving them an entry-level job. I think it is important that we recognize the importance of their work. We also know that there have been many who have had service-related injuries who have not been fully compensated. We continue to fight for those who have had exposure to Agent Orange. Certainly, we are more than excited about the passage of the PACT Act brought in the House, where I introduced the Jackson Lee amendment, which would require a report on the feasibility of modifying the individual longitudinal exposure record. That act, of course, even without changes, was, in fact, to add to providing protection to our veterans. Mr. Speaker, tonight I emphasize the stories of veterans who have fought and who have been in every war, and that includes the wars of the 1800s, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean war, and Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I acknowledge our friend and colleague, the Honorable Charlie Rangel, who was a Korean war vet in the worst of time, and the coldest of time, and an ugly war. He reminded us during his tenure here that the Korean war was not a conflict. It was, in fact, a war. We honor the generals who fought in World War II and who still came home to a segregated America, and we must remember those individuals, some who fell out of the skies in World War I and World War II. We have come full circle. There were 50,000 who died in the Vietnam war, with large numbers of African Americans who lost their lives. General Colin Powell fought in that war. He was wounded, and I pay tribute to him tonight. He ultimately became the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and, as well, ultimately Secretary of State. He had a passion for peace. He believed in peace. Though he was a warrior and a combat leader, he understood the value of peace. We thank him for his service. My own constituent, Sergeant Williams, he is a Buffalo soldier who fought in the Vietnam war, who lives today exhibiting the bravery of that time. I thank him for his service. Now we have come full circle in Iraq and Afghanistan, where many African-American men and women rose to the ranks of lieutenant and major. Globally, I thank them. There are many of them who served in my congressional district. This is an important moment, as we approach the Memorial Day weekend, for those who wore the uniform unselfishly and then lost their lives. Also, as I supported this COLA increase for our veterans, I remind everyone that there are many homeless veterans, many of whom are Black. I particularly say to them that their status today does not diminish their bravery and service to this Nation. It should be our commitment that we should not leave any veteran behind and not any veteran homeless. That will be my commitment, that we continue to fight against that scourge of homeless veterans who want to be reunited with their family members who are in need of the services that will make them whole. Finally, let me say this: As this Nation deals with default, we cannot forget the veterans who will lose 30 million healthcare appointments and will, in fact, suffer and not have a COLA. Remember what happens when there is no bipartisan effort, and our friends continue to insist on hostage taking. The people who lose out will be the people who are, in fact, our very special veterans. I thank the CBC for honoring our veterans in this way.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman as well, Mr. Takano, for his vision and leadership and the years of service that he has given to the Veterans' Affairs Committee. We could not have a more stalwart champion for the veterans of America. I thank my friends on the other side of the aisle and certainly, our colleague from California, who made a very important point. For this to work it has to be bipartisan. I hope we all will lean into the bipartisan efforts that need to be done to ensure not only its passage but its implementation. As the ranking member indicated, I am on the Homeland Security Committee and the Budget Committee. Many times in those committees we see the concerns of domestic security. We also see the concerns of effectively utilizing all of our tools to ensure the proper budget for the people of the United States of America. I cannot think, as we approach Memorial Day, and as we commemorate the accomplishments of Asian Americans in this great month of May, interacting with all of our community, that we would not find an appropriate time to honor those Korean-American soldiers who fought alongside of our fellow Vietnam soldiers in a battle that was for democracy and protecting, if you will, the sense of equality, protecting the people of that era and of that war. These soldiers bled. They rescued. They stood in front of our soldiers in terms of being comrades and fighting alongside. They saved lives. They lost lives. I think that it is important to take note of those who served, who were members of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea and are considered veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, for purposes of the provision of healthcare by the Department of Veterans Affairs. For so long, I would listen to my Vietnam vets before we really answered their call on Agent Orange and saw them get very sick, saw many of them pass away, talking about Agent Orange over and over again, and it just seemed that it was not being heard. Thank goodness we have done so many different things, such as the PACT Act, Agent Orange Act, all during my tenure as a Member of the United States Congress. We finally understood the truth of what the veterans were saying, and every time they speak, we should listen. I was with veterans over the weekend, and I thank them everywhere I go. Every speech I make in my community, I ask veterans to rise, and I say thank you. In this instance, title 38 is a special pay authority used to recruit and retain employees in certain healthcare occupations. It allows NIH to be competitive with other healthcare facilities. However, this would expand the eligibility of these benefits, this Korean American VALOR Act, to veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam war and have since become naturalized citizens, almost 300,000, and how many others served. So this legislation is clearly evidence of our relationship between the Republic of Korea and the friendship that we have established.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. As we heard from the South Korean President who spoke to a joint session just a few weeks ago, he talked about patriotism, democracy, and the unity of our nations. It is absolutely imperative that we support these Korean war vets who stood alongside of us and acknowledge that they served in Vietnam. They are now naturalized citizens, and they, in fact, have the evidence of the illness. It is so important to call them Korean American Vietnam veterans, naturalized citizens. We want them to get the honor of the Korean American VALOR Act. I ask my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 366 the Korean American Vietnam Allies Long Overdue for Relief (VALOR) Act. H.R. 366 would amend title 38, United States Code, to treat certain individuals who served in Vietnam as a member of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea as a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States for purposes of the provision of health care by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Title 38 is a special pay authority used to recruit and retain employees in certain health care occupations. It allows NIH to be competitive with other health care facilities in the area. The Korean American VALOR Act would expand the eligibility of these benefits to veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War and have since become naturalized U.S. citizens. This bipartisan legislation, when enacted into law, will provide veterans who served between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and became U.S. citizens during or after such service, access to hospital and domiciliary care and medical services through the VA. Approximately 3,000 Korean American Vietnam veterans are naturalized citizens--and the number of surviving veterans continues to dwindle. As a result of their time in Vietnam, these veterans are falling ill from the diseases caused by exposure to Agent Orange and other toxins and are not receiving adequate care. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) fully supports the passage of the Korean American VALOR Act H.R. 366. The Korean American VALOR Act will protect our veterans that served in Vietnam by providing them with the healthcare relief they deserve.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank very much the ranking member; Mr. Bost; my good friend from Texas; the ranking member, the gentleman from New Hampshire; and, of course, in the other body, Senator Tester for a very instructive and important initiative dealing with the cost of living for our veterans. Mr. Speaker, if my colleagues are embraced and engaged with veterans--which many of us do every time we are home in the district-- they realize that they, in many instances, continue their service in the kinds of work that they do. Realize, however, that they have any number of additional challenges in many instances. That, of course, includes some of the health issues, housing issues, and ability-to- support-family issues. The cost of living is, in essence, something that we should make as a commitment for the service that they have given. I know that we often say thank you for your service, and we often have a smile on our face. I want it to be well known, well known, that it is by our action and our deeds, not just by our words. The veterans that we see across our districts and across America have fought in many wars. Many of them believe that they have not been given the full amount of their veteran benefits. They believe that they are still trying to petition for a level of disability, if you will. Some are at a certain percentage and feel that they deserve another percentage because they are in a financial condition that causes them to wonder about their service and their service-connected disability. We get all of those questions. I think the overall statement that has been made about the cost of living is to recognize the difficulty our veterans have, the increasing amount of moneys that it requires for us to take care of our veterans, and that this is a responsible and respectable way of doing so. I hope that we will pass this quickly. I hope that it will go to the President's desk. I hope that when we see our veterans, we will be able to be an exhibitor of deeds, that we stood on the floor of the House to say thank you. We stood on the floor of the House to say we recognize the needs that you have from the veterans hospitals, veterans clinics, and certainly for the need of increased compensation. This is an important statement not only for veterans but for their families. It is an important statement for the young men and women who put on the uniform today unselfishly. They will ultimately be veterans, and we hope that they will be able to serve, and they will be able to come out as veterans. Please be reminded as we celebrate Memorial Day there are those who put on the uniform unselfishly, and they never made it home. We want to be able to honor those, but as well, we want to honor living veterans. I support this legislation that provides for a veterans COLA of 2023.