Sheila Jackson Lee

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, you know what I am most--how should I say it?--honestly grateful for in the backdrop of Thanksgiving? That we had a Speaker of the House who never stopped negotiating and trying to find relief for the dying Americans and those suffering from COVID-19 with a major infusion of dollars almost 8 months ago. I am grateful for that. I am grateful that we are now in the midst, if you will--late, but engaging--of negotiations, and that we are committed not to leave this place, not to go home for any holidays before we provide relief for the American people. I am grateful for that. That is going to happen. So it is important to note that work is going on, led by our Speaker, and we hope that we will have the right partner to be able to save the lives of the American people who are now suffering from COVID-19. The MORE Act also saves lives. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), distinguished member of the Committee on Appropriations and one of the strongest advocates for the MORE Act to save lives, to help young people.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), one of the determined and strong advocates for this legislation, a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let me just say that the aggressive enforcement of marijuana possession laws needlessly ensnares hundreds of thousands of people into the criminal justice system and wastes billions of taxpayer dollars. I can assure you that States are able to protect our children, which we will discuss in a later moment. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), the chairwoman of the Small Business Committee.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the amount of time remaining.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), the distinguished chair of the Oversight and Reform Committee.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, let me indicate very quickly that every 37 seconds, between 2001 and 2010, there were 8 million arrests, every 37 seconds, for marijuana. We spent $3.6 billion on the war on marijuana, and it has not worked. We do today what saves lives. We know that States are going to be able to continue to protect their children, and this does not undermine the ability of Congress to protect children as well. In every State that has legalized marijuana, they have developed a comprehensive set of regulations to protect consumers. We also recognize that this issue of vaping is not generated by marijuana use. With a comprehensive structure, we will be able to protect children and not be selling marijuana to children. Those who have died in our communities may now live. As well, we will further understand the importance of a structure that is about restoration of justice. The imbalance against people of color has been a tragedy. Mr. Speaker, the MORE Act is crucial to be able to pass, and I ask my colleagues to do so vigorously as we also fight COVID-19. Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would like to thank the following Members and committee and Member staff for their outstanding work on the MORE Act: Joe Graupensperger, Milagros Cisneros, Christine Leonard, Barbara Lee, Earl Blumenauer, Nydia Velazquez, and Frank Pallone. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, American people are hungry. Americans are losing their homes. And one American every 30 seconds is dying. We need to be able to address this question and address it immediately. We passed the HEROES Act so many months ago that had testing money. It had restaurant money for all our local restaurants. It had PPP to save businesses. It had PPE money in terms of helping getting the equipment that is needed to save nurses and doctors, but it was not done. There is no reason for us to leave this place without recognizing the American people are crying out for relief. I am willing to look very carefully at the bipartisan legislation that would include dollars for local governments finally and as much for education and vaccines. But the main message is the American people are crying out: Do something for us. We have done it as Democrats. I extend my hand of friendship so that we can negotiate, pass legislation to save lives in America. COVID-19 is raging. Let's do something about it.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts as chair of the Committee on Rules, and I collectively thank the Committee on Rules for its diligent work on the MORE Act, and that is H.R. 3884. Let me, as well, thank Jerry Nadler, chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, for his great work and, of course, two outstanding members, Barbara Lee and Earl Blumenauer, for their consistent and persistent determination. Mr. Speaker, this morning I spoke to a representative of the law enforcement community, and I indicated to him that we are about to move forward on the decriminalizing of marijuana at the Federal level, eliminating, federally, the criminalization of marijuana and cannabis. I indicated that it was not to undermine law enforcement and not to promote drug use but, in essence, to bring about justice and to provide for the right kind of roadway for what over a majority of Americans, Republicans and Democrats, want. It is an important legislative initiative. It provides a vehicle for sales tax and a vehicle that allows businesses in the marijuana business to be able to bank legally. It provides for a reinvestment program, an opportunity grant program, and, as well, an expungement program governed by Federal courts. It ensures that there are no sales made to those under 21. It deals with substance abuse. This is a real step forward in bringing America together, and I know that my colleagues tomorrow on the floor of the House will recognize that is what we are doing. As many people know, the States that have decriminalized can continue; those who have not can continue their laws as well. So I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 3884 when it comes to the floor. Let us do it in unity. I, too, want to take the opportunity, very briefly. Mr. Woodall, I think we have seen each other quite frequently, either on this floor in debate or in the Rules Committee. Let me echo the generosity and cordialness of your persistent intellect in challenging each and every one of us who came to make our case. That is all we can do as Americans and Representatives, is to make our case. I join you. Let us work together for a COVID-19 relief package and have that as our legacy as we leave this place. But I wanted to make sure you knew that Texans appreciate your great leadership. Georgians and Texans have a good relationship. Congratulations to you. Thank you for your service.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor and a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5517, the ``Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act'', which establishes an exchange initiative between the United States and India to study the work and legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude and fondness for my former colleague and dear friend, John Lewis, who passed away a few months ago, for introducing and leading this vital piece of legislation. By passing this bill today, we authorize the U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with the Indian Government, to incorporate three new programs: the Gandhi-King Scholarly Initiative, which creates an annual educational forum for scholars from both countries that focuses on the legacies of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr; the Gandhi-King Global Academy, a United States Institute of Peace (USIP) program tasked with developing a professional development training initiative on conflict resolution based on the principles of nonviolence; and the United States-India Gandhi-King Development Foundation, which establishes a foundation to address social, environmental, and health priorities in India. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Lewis was a giant among us mere mortals. Not only was he the conscience of the Congress, widely beloved and revered on both sides of the aisle, but he was also one of the Original Big Six, a pillar of the Civil Rights Movement, and a lifelong warrior for a more just, equitable, and better America. Like Gandhi and Dr. King, Congressman Lewis shaped the world through his actions of nonviolence, and it is in his honor that we gather here today to vote on a bill he championed. To quote Congressman Lewis, ``Both Gandhi and King were inspired human beings who believed deeply in the power of nonviolent resistance to injustice as a tool for social change.'' It is because of their courage, commitment, and vision of a more tolerant and equitable world that we are all able to enjoy and practice our most fundamental democratic freedoms. As the world's oldest and largest democracies, the United States and India have long traditions of upholding these shared values of nonviolent revolutions championed by figures like Gandhi, King, and Lewis. But as we have seen over the past few years, both countries have experienced significant affronts to the fundamental democratic principles, which threaten to erode the values that these men and many others have given their lives to protect. Mr. Speaker, the ``Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act'' seeks to apply the philosophies of Gandhi and Dr. King to conflict resolution efforts and current policy challenges. With this legislation, we seek to embody the best of what we saw of Gandhi, Dr. King, and Congressman Lewis in their fight for equality and justice as well as seek to preserve these values so that future generations are empowered and able to continue the fight against injustice. Just a few months ago, the world was reminded of the power nonviolent resistance has to effect positive change in the face of grave injustices. In the wake of George Floyd's murder, millions of people across the world and in all 50 states within the U.S. gathered together to peacefully protest against police brutality. People of different races, socioeconomic classes, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations came together to demonstrate in the most democratic way possible. Mr. Speaker, those marches, which were, without a doubt, inspired by the marches led by Gandhi and Dr. King, have resulted in a genuine dialogue about institutional racism in this country and have awakened efforts to reform the system, so that it truly benefits all people. I am honored to be a leader on this bill, and I urge all Members to join me in voting for H.R. 5517, the ``Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act.''

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Tom Lantos Commission for Human Rights and a former member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan resolution, H. Res. 958, ``Condemning the practice of politically motivated imprisonment and calling for the immediate release of political prisoners in the Russian Federation and urging action by the United States Government to impose sanctions with respect to persons responsible for that form of human rights abuse.'' For years, Russia's human rights record has continued to deteriorate, with the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly consistently restricted, both by law and in practice. Most often, the people who are courageous enough to attempt exercising their most basic human rights, including freedom of the press and freedom of speech, face reprisals, ranging from harassment to police ill-treatment, arbitrary arrest, heavy fines, and, in some cases, criminal prosecution and imprisonment. Among the Kremlin's political prisoners are journalists, opposition activists, peaceful protesters, adherents of ``prohibited'' religious groups, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as members of ``undesirable'' political organizations like Open Russia, an organization that has done a lot to support victims of human rights violations in Russia. In fact, several human rights defenders and NGOs have been targeted within Russia under the laws on ``foreign agents'' and ``undesirable organizations''. Mr. Speaker, this resolution seeks to do three things: Condemn the practice of politically motivated imprisonment by the Russian government, particularly under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin; Call for the immediate release of those designated as political prisoners in the Russian Federation; and Urge the current Administration to impose sanctions on those responsible for these human rights abuses using the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, or other authorities. By passing this resolution today, we are sending a bipartisan message to the Russian Government that we see the violations of human rights that are occurring, and we will not stand idly by while people who are fighting for progress are tortured and ill-treated. Furthermore, counter-terrorism provisions are widely used to target dissent across the country and in Crimea, and torture tactics remain pervasive, as does impunity for its perpetrators. Last year, due to the growing disconnect between the authorities and general public, there was an increase in street protests, ranging from political to economic to social and even to environmental issues. In July and August of 2019, more than 2,600 people were arrested during protests in Moscow, which had remained peaceful until the police and National Guard officers forcibly intervened. According to Amnesty International, there were numerous reports of arbitrary arrest, use of excessive, as well as indiscriminate force and ill-treatment of protesters by the officers, but none of these cases were known to have been investigated. As a fierce defender of human rights and the world's oldest democracy, the United States has a duty to the world to speak up in the face of injustice and when violations of international commitments, including the incarceration of political prisoners, occur. It is our responsibility as Members of Congress to pass this resolution today in order to urge the Russian Federation to release its political prisoners and respect the basic human rights of its citizens. I urge all Members on both sides of the aisle to join me in voting for H. Res. 958, ``Condemning the practice of politically motivated imprisonment and calling for the immediate release of political prisoners in the Russian Federation and urging action by the United States Government to impose sanctions with respect to persons responsible for that form of human rights abuse.''

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor, a mother, and a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan resolution, H. Res. 17, ``Expressing Concern Over the Detention of Austin Tice, and for other purposes.'' In May of 2012, the summer before Austin's final year at Georgetown Law School, he chose to go to Syria as a freelance journalist to cover the country's civil war. Austin felt compelled to tell the story of the horrific and ongoing conflict there as well as its impact on the people of Syria. On August 14, 2012, Austin departed from the town of Darayya, a suburb of Damascus, to travel to Lebanon, but shortly after leaving, he was detained at a Syrian check point. Five weeks later, a 43-second video emerged online with the title, ``Austin Tice is Alive'', showing Austin being held by a group of unidentified men with assault rifles, but there was no other message that accompanied the video. Even still today, no group has claimed responsibility for his capture nor have there been any demands in exchange for his release. Austin Tice was not a combatant. He was simply a young man doing his job, yet he has, without a doubt, had to suffer unimaginable ordeals and face the dangers of conflict, hostile governments, and rapacious bandits while reporting on the Syrian civil war. My heart goes out to Austin's parents, Debra and Marc Tice, as well as the rest of his family and loved ones for the pain and uncertainty that they have had to endure for over eight years. Eight years. Mr. Speaker, that is over 2,920 days that Austin's mother has had to go without hearing his voice, holding his hand, or seeing his face. Austin was born and raised in my hometown, Houston, Texas. He is the oldest of seven siblings, a former U.S. Marine, and his lifelong dream was to become an international correspondent for NPR. It is no secret that the risk of arrest, abduction, or death make journalism extremely dangerous and difficult in Syria. In fact, according to Reporters Without Borders, Syria is ranked 174th out of 180 countries in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index. In 2020 alone, Reporters Without Borders has documented the killings of 40 journalists and 3 media assistants as well as the imprisonment of 260 journalists, 122 citizen journalists, and 12 media assistants in Syria. Last year, I joined 122 Members of the House of Representatives and over 50 Senators in a bipartisan letter to the President, demanding that his Administration act to facilitate Austin's release from Syria. With that letter and this resolution, I am once again calling on the Department of State, the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and other U.S. government entities to engage with Syria for the purpose of securing Austin's safe release. From serving in Afghanistan and Iraq as a Marine to working as a journalist dedicated to delivering vital news to the American people, Austin Tice spent his life giving back and showing up for this country. Now we need to do the same for him and bring him home. I am honored to be a leader on this resolution, and I wish to thank my colleague and good friend from Texas, Representative Al Green, for his leadership on this resolution. I urge all Members on both sides of the aisle to join me in voting for H. Res. 17, ``Expressing Concern over the Detention of Austin Tice, and for other purposes.''

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional China Caucus and senior member of the House of Representatives, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1033, ``Condemning acts by the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that violate fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents as well as acts that undermine Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy''. First and foremost, I wish to thank my colleague, Chairman Engel, for his leadership on the Foreign Affairs Committee as well as on this vital, bipartisan piece of legislation. Time and time again, the Federal Government of the United States has had to rebuke Beijing for its aggression against Hong Kong and the Chinese Government's continuous efforts to restrict the region's autonomy. Today, we will once again defend Hong Kong by passing this resolution, which calls on Beijing to rectify national security law provisions inconsistent with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law and advises the U.S. government to coordinate with allies and partners to respond to the deterioration of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. In 1997, the British relinquished control over Hong Kong to China under a unique agreement which created the infamous ``one country, two systems'' principle. For over two decades, the people of Hong Kong enjoyed strong democratic institutions, including an independent judiciary, and have been able to proudly exercise their civil liberties. However, since 2014, the Chinese government has increasingly sought to undermine Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy. Most recently, on July 1, 2020, the Government of China imposed sweeping national security legislation on the people of Hong Kong, fundamentally altering Hong Kong's autonomy and undermining the basic rights and freedoms promised to the people of Hong Kong under the Sino- British Joint Declaration, a legally binding international agreement guaranteeing that the social and economic systems, as well as the life- style, in Hong Kong will remain unchanged through 2047. Beijing's national security law is the culmination of Xi Jinping's years long assault on Hong Kong's democratic freedoms and autonomy, and we must do our part as defenders of democratic freedom around the world to push back on Beijing's aggression. Under the national security law, the Chinese Government has criminalized any acts of: Secession, breaking away from the country; Subversion, undermining the power or authority of the central government; Terrorism, using violence of intimidation against people; and Collusion with foreign or external forces. In addition, it authorizes China's national security agencies to establish a presence in Hong Kong. This national security law gives Beijing a new tool with which to crack down on protesters and dissidents as well as push forward education that trumpets the successes of the Communist Party. Mr. Speaker, you may remember that last year, pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong in response to legislation that would have enabled suspected criminals to be extradited to mainland China. Thousands of students, lawyers, pro-democracy legislators, corporate executives, and others came together to protest that grave incursion of Hong Kong's autonomy and appealed to the United States support their pro-democracy movement, and we did by making the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act public law. By passing this crucial resolution today, Members of Congress are standing up for the democratic principles we hold so dear. Since its founding, the United States has been a city upon a hill, the model of democracy for the rest of the world, and a fierce defender of civil liberties for all. It is our moral duty to stand up for what is right and condemn what is wrong. Our vote to pass H. Res. 1033 sends a clear message to China and the world that the U.S. not only condemns Beijing's actions as violation of international law but also that we will continue to stand with Hong Kong. I urge all Members to join me in voting for H. Res. 1033.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the U.S.-Japan Congressional Caucus and a cosponsor of this resolution, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 349, ``Reaffirming the vital role of the United States-Japan alliance in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.'' First and foremost, I wish to thank my colleague, co-chair of the U.S.-Japan Congressional Caucus, and fellow Texan, Congressman Castro, for his leadership on this important, bipartisan piece of legislation. For over 70 years, the partnership between the United States and Japan has played a vital role in ensuring peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond. At the core of this crucial relationship is a deep and shared commitment to freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Over the years, this partnership has benefitted not only our two countries but also the rest of the world. From promoting human rights and democracy to combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to improving global health to countering human trafficking as well as assisting the victims of conflict and disaster worldwide, the U.S.-Japan alliance has resulted in so much good for millions of people globally. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a leader on this resolution and to voice not only the importance of this invaluable friendship but also draw attention to the significance of this partnership in addressing many of the world's challenges. Furthermore, the U.S.-Japan alliance is a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific stability, and we must continue to prioritize this partnership to further our shared goals of peace and prosperity in the region. In the past decade, U.S.-Japan defense cooperation has improved and evolved in response to security challenges, such as the North Korean missile threat and the confrontation between Japan and China over disputed islands. I commend the Japanese leadership for deepening defense cooperation with the United States for the past two decades as part of their efforts to ensure a fair balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that the U.S. and Japan continue to collaborate and pursue our shared, positive vision for Asia that offers a better path than authoritarianism, predatory economics and geopolitical competition. Japan's importance as a democratic and economic partner cannot be understated nor should it be ignored. With uncertainty arising around the world, this alliance is more important than ever before, and I look forward to building on our decades-long partnership by further strengthening our ties and ensuring the safety and prosperity of both nations.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me wish America a happy Thanksgiving. Just 24 hours ago, Pfizer indicated that they would seek an emergency authorization of their vaccine at the Food and Drug Administration. People are dying. 250,000 have died. One million cases have already been met in Texas and California. The General Services Administrator does not have any legal authority to continue to block the certification that is needed for the incoming President and Vice President of the United States so they can be engaged in the distribution and the formula to be utilized for the distribution of vaccines as they begin to come, with a number of companies ready to move forward. In interviews on national television, you are hearing different States saying that they are getting a certain amount and that others are getting a certain amount. It is a question of vulnerability and those who are most vulnerable, those who cannot speak for themselves. Therefore, cooperation between the present administration and the Biden and Harris incoming administration is absolutely vital. I call upon the General Services Administrator today to cease blocking this engagement for the betterment of the American people and to save lives.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for yielding and for his leadership, and I thank the gentlewoman from California for her leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great enthusiasm to support this outstanding legislation which is H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020. Mr. Speaker, 250,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. Today 720,000 Americans applied for unemployment insurance, and here we are today recognizing the pain that America is experiencing, but more importantly giving an opportunity for young Americans and others to be part of a major apprenticeship program which invests more than $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding opportunities and access to registered apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and preapprenticeship. I am glad to be an American. I am glad to be a union supporter, and one of the reasons is that I look over the landscape of my mother's work and my father's work, and I saw lives improve as unions gathered together to ensure that Americans could have a decent living, support their family, and provide opportunities for their children. Here we are today investing $3.5 billion, but the return will be $10.6 billion in net benefits to the United States taxpayers. I believe that that is a real darn good return. This legislation could not be more timely because of the record unemployment and because of the pain America is experiencing. This legislation also creates an additional 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities. Let me tell you what I did before I flew up here to Washington. I visited Lone Star College--it hadn't opened yet--at the Fallbrook campus. But they understood what apprenticeship is all about. They have a logistics apprenticeship that is going to be part of their educational system. That will give people the opportunity in this whole new business of online selling and buying. Yes, it is innovative. HCC apprenticeship program, Houston Community College, has electrical contractors, plumbers, masonry, ironworkers, asbestos workers, glaziers, painters, and stationary engineers. Let me tell you the real picture that we see of this issue of helping with apprenticeship, Mr. Speaker. These are the faces from all over our city. And guess what? According to the Houston Chronicle: ``Interested in a new career? Consider an apprenticeship. Union-sponsored programs build skills, careers.'' Mr. Speaker, I include that article in the Record. [From the Houston Chronicle] Interested in a New Career? Consider an Apprenticeship Union-Sponsored Programs Build Skills, Careers. Houston Community College is restoring an old high school and converting it into college classrooms. And it's using some of its own apprentices to do it. San Jacinto Senior High was built in 1960, and the community college is gutting it for new academic classrooms. The project started about a year ago, and is scheduled to be completed in October. The eight apprentices--six plumbers and two pipe fitters-- are among the thousands of student workers in Houston who spend their days doing construction and their nights hitting the books. Houston's 11 union-sponsored programs, including the plumbers and the pipe fitters, last for five years; other programs, such as ironworkers and glaziers, last three years. But once the newly minted journeymen and women graduate, they should have great skills and--if the economy cooperates--a great career path. Chuck Fell, president of CFI Mechanical, which is installing the plumbing, heating and air conditioning in the new community college building, gave the group of apprentices a pep talk last week at the job site. ``You are learning skills,'' Fell said to the plumbers and pipe fitters who are spending their days assembling and installing the massive piping systems and four hours a night, two nights a week in school learning their craft. Those skills can take you a long way, whether you opt to stay working in the craft or move up to foreman, superintendent or project manager, said Fell, who attributed his own success and that of nearly all of his project managers to their own apprenticeship training. ``You could be an owner of a company,'' said Fell, who became a plumber/pipe fitter apprentice in Orlando, Fla., after graduating from college with a degree in architecture. He went to work for a mechanical contractor who suggested that to really learn the business, Fell needed to become an apprentice. As part of that training, Fell spent two years at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center installing the mechanical and plumbing systems. ``Set your sights high,'' Doug Posey, director of apprenticeship programs for Houston Community College, told the apprentices. ``The opportunities are just incredible to excel and to do great things.'' Posey recalled how he put himself through college as a pipe fitter apprentice. He started his apprenticeship immediately after high school and eventually ended up with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Houston. While the concept of apprenticing yourself to a master craftsman and learning a trade is centuries old, it's not exactly a well-known career path today. But two apprentices who are working on the CFI Mechanical project are glad they discovered the old-fashioned way to learn a skill. Jaime Moncivais, a third-year apprentice, said he would never have heard about the program if it hadn't been for his cousin and his uncle, who are foremen at the job site. He was working for a small company for two years before he left to join the program. Moncivais is 23 and earns about $43,000 a year, plus health insurance and retirement benefits, by working full time during the day. After work two nights a week, he attends class for four hours. That costs him $88 a semester. ``I'm enjoying it,'' said Moncivais, who says he's going to get his state plumbing license before he decides what's next. So does his fellow apprentice Rudy Flores, who said he was drawn by the money. He estimates he earns about $50,000 a year. Flores, a fifth-year apprentice who has already received his state plumbing license, found out about the apprenticeship training program while working for a plumber in Houston who was also a former apprentice. He said he appreciates the intensive training of the program that sets him and the other apprentices apart. ``We like to see institutions put their money where their mouth is,'' said Richard Shaw, secretary-treasurer of the Harris County AFL-CIO. ``It sends a message that you ought to be training our students.'' Shaw has been critical of school districts and other community colleges for not hiring their own graduates when the schools need construction work. Funding for the apprenticeship programs comes in part from the state of Texas. But the bulk of the money comes from contractors and union members. For example, members of the plumbers union as well as plumbing contractors each contribute 55 cents per work hour for the training program. HCC is the fiscal administrator of the union programs as well as the two nonunion programs that train building engineers and electrical workers. Calvin Speight, business manager of Plumbers Local Union No. 68, said he has 60 apprentices starting in the fall and another 30 the following semester. In the meantime, they're working as ``provisionals'' to see if they like the job. Apprentices must be 18 years of age and either have graduated from high school or have a general- equivalency degree.

Ms. JACKSON-LEE

Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Then I would like to emphasize real-life activity that comes about through the apprenticeship: HCC apprenticeship students help build a new hospital. Mr. Speaker, I don't think we are doing anything better today and this week by providing for $3.5 billion in apprenticeship programs and $10.6 billion in return to the United States. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation and put Americans back to work. Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the Committees on the Judiciary, on Homeland Security, on the Budget, and as a cosponsor, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, which invests more than $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships. I thank my colleague and good friend, Congresswoman Susan Davis of California and Chairman Bobby Scott for introducing this important legislation that has the potential to yield $10.6 billion in net benefits to U.S. taxpayers in the form of increased workers' productivity and deceased spending on public-assistance programs and unemployment insurance and which bring America's investments in apprenticeship more in line with countries around the world. Mr. Speaker, the Registered Apprenticeship (RAs) system is America's most successful federally authorized workforce development program. According to the Department of Labor, 94 percent of people who complete RAs are employed upon completion, earning an average starting wage of above $7,000 annually. Yet, according to the most recent data, only 0.3 percent of the overall workforce in America have completed an apprenticeship. Mr. Speaker, this legislation could not be more timely because during a time of record unemployment, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 invests more than $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships. This legislation also creates an additional 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities on top of the current expected growth of the apprenticeship system, an investment that not only will pay off for workers and employers, but also benefit the taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is critical to expanding the nation's workforce development system during our country's deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Specifically, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 Authorizes $400 million for fiscal year (FY) 2021, increasing $100 million annually to $800 million for FY 2025, to support the creation or expansion of registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships and pre- apprenticeships programs, including in non-traditional apprenticeship occupations and for nontraditional populations. This funding will also attract and encourage employer participation and recruitment for individuals with barriers to employment, including individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Additionally, to ensure that apprenticeship agreements and program registration to ensure consistency in quality standards and worker protections, H.R. 8294 codifies and streamlines standards for registered apprenticeships, youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Also, codified are the existing regulations and practices to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in programs under the national apprenticeship system, and to increase diversity in the occupations offered and the individuals participating in programs, especially in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations. The legislation institutionalizes, and establishes by statute, the Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship, and vests it with the following roles and responsibilities: 1. Increasing participation in programs under the national apprenticeship system through technical assistance and program recognition activities; 2. Bringing together industry sector leaders and experts, including employers, industry associations, joint labor-management organizations, labor organizations, education and training providers, credential providers, and apprentices to establish national frameworks to expand apprenticeships to new occupations and sectors; and 3. Improving the data infrastructure to improve reporting and publicly disseminating information about apprenticeship programs. Another strong feature of this legislation is that it codifies the roles and responsibilities of the State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAAs) by: 1. Authorizing annual funding for State Apprenticeship Offices and SAAs at $75 million for fiscal year (FY) 2021, increasing by $10 million annually to reach $15 million for FY 2025, with one-third of funds equally distributed to all States and outlying areas, and two- thirds of funds distributed via formula to SAAs; and 2. Requiring SAAs to submit plans for registered apprenticeship activities, which generally mirror existing state requirements under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. My concluding reason for supporting this important legislation is that it strengthens the connections between the Department of Education and Department of Labor through an interagency agreement to support the creation and expansion of youth apprenticeships, college consortiums, and data sharing agreements. I strongly support this legislation and urge all Members to join me in voting for its passage.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, one of the major leaders in the fight against COVID-19, Dr. Osterholm, said a few days ago that, if we continue on this same path, there will be 1,400 persons a day that may die of COVID-19. This is a season that we gather together as family members and, as well, a season of joy. But I believe it is important for those of us who hold the reins of government, as we have been doing in this Congress under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi: One, to fight without ceasing to pass the Heroes Act legislation for dollars for our local cities and counties and States, for testing, for PPEs, and, of course, our businesses and restaurants. Before I left Houston this week, I did a press conference to call upon my local authorities to issue a public safety alert. It was done in California, and out of that came 30,000 people to be tested. This weekend, I am calling for a citywide challenge for people to be tested before Thanksgiving. I ask my colleagues to join me at the testing sites that are available because we must save lives. Wash your hands, where a mask, socially distance; but, on Thanksgiving, ensure that you are outside and in groups of less than 10 people. Houston, do the testing regimen. Join us at the Allen Parkway Village. Get tested and save lives and stop community spread.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak in strong support of all the Jackson Lee Amendments made in order for consideration of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry and their staffs for working with me and my staff in consideration of several Jackson Lee Amendments. I offered several amendments to H.R. 6395 to improve the bill. Jackson Lee Amendment 180 directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress the extent, if any, of the threat to national security posed by domestic terrorist groups and organizations motivated by a belief system of white supremacy, such as the Boogaloo and Proud Boys extremists. The threat posed by accelerationists and militia extremists--a range of violent anti-government actors, movements, and organizations, some of which branch out of decades-old ideologies and others which are relatively new has led to violent engagement of law enforcement. My concern is that aftermath of a historic national election, the activity of violence influencers like Boogaloo Boys or Proud Boys will increase and lead to attacks becoming more frequent. In 2018, we saw too many instances of violent extremists searching for opportunities to sow violence and disrupt democratic processes. Boogaloo and Proud Boys are targeting constitutionally protected activity for cooption or to provide cover for attacks. Under the guidance that produced this report, there should not be any activity directed at groups that are not known for violent activity or have a history of engaging in violence directed at the United States government. Jackson Lee Amendment 182, directs the Secretary of Defense to report on the number of military bases, installations, and facilities that are named after African Americans; and directs each Secretary responsible for a branch of the military to establish a review process to consider the naming of military installations and covered defense property under the jurisdiction of that Secretary after African Americans who served in the Armed Forces with honor, heroism, and distinction and are deserving of recognition. I thank my colleagues Representatives Bennie Thompson, William Lacy Clay, Gregory Meeks, A. Donald McEachin, Marc Veasey, Stanford Bishop, Andre Carson, and Jahana Hayes for joining as cosponsors of this Amendment. In every war waged from the Battle of Lexington to the Battle for Fallujah, African Americans have honorably answered the call to duty, and served with valor and distinction in America's armed forces. The fact that military bases have been named after Confederate military leaders or soldiers is hard to imagine given that they were fighting to end the United States. The Confederacy was not something that should be held up for honor by the United States or our nation's military. There is no shortage of honorable replacement candidates to receive the honor of having a military base, installation or facility named in their honor: United States Army 1. Gen. Roscoe Robinson, Jr. General Robinson was a 1951 graduate of West Point who attended the service academy before the Army was desegregated. Robinson served in Korea and Vietnam, with valor decorations in both conflicts, and as a training officer as part of the U.S. military support mission in Liberia. He went on to become the first black commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, deputy chief of staff for operations in U.S. Army Europe, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, the U.S. representative on the NATO Military Committee, and the first black four-star general in the Army. 2. William Harvey Carney William Carney was the first African American recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, which he received for his actions on July 18, 1863 at Fort Wagner, SC while a member of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment in the Civil War--the state's first all-black regiment. The 54th Massachusetts was the subject of the film, ``Glory,'' starring Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman. 3. Lieutenant Colonel Charity Edna Adams Lieutenant Colonel Charity Edna Adams was appointed to lead the African American Women's Army Corps unit designated as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, which became known as the ``Six Triple Eight.'' This unit was instrumental in establishing and maintaining morale because it assured that mail from the battlefront and the home-front flowed efficiently and timely. 4. Lt. Col. Margaret E. Bailey In 1964, Margaret E. Bailey, Army Nurse Corps, was the first nurse to be promoted to lieutenant colonel. United States Navy 1. Dorie Miller Messman First Class and Admiral Michelle Howard. Dorie Miller, Messman First Class was serving in a noncombat role in the Navy, Dorie Miller responded heroically when the battleship West Virginia was attacked at Pearl Harbor. He was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross, the third highest honor awarded by the U.S. Navy at the time. 2. Admiral Michelle Howard Admiral Michelle Howard is a four-star Admiral and one of the highest-ranking African American women ever to serve in any branch of the military. Admiral Howard is also the first African American woman to command a U.S. Navy ship, the USS Rushmore. She is the Navy's second highest ranking officer and is currently serving as the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Africa, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples. The Air Force 1. Lt. Col. Shawna Rochelle-Kimbrell In 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Kimbrell became the first female African American fighter pilot in the Air Force history. Her flights in Northern Watch marked her as the first female pilot to fly combat missions for Misawa's 35th Fighter Wing, and the first African American woman to employ ordinance in combat. She has more than 1,110 hours in the F-16, including 176 hours of combat time. 2. Colonel Ruth A. Lucas Colonel Lucas was the first African American woman in the Air Force to be promoted to the rank of colonel. At the time of her retirement in 1970, she was the highest-ranking African American woman in the Air Force. 3. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. In 1959 General Benjamin O. Davis became the first African American Major General in the United States Air Force. In 1943, he organized and commanded the 332nd Fighter Group known as the Tuskegee Airmen. General Davis received many decorations during his career, including two Distinguished Service Medals and a Silver Star. On December 9, 1998, General Davis was awarded his fourth general's star by President Bill Clinton. The Coast Guard 1. Alex Haley Chief Petty Officer Haley is best known for writing letters for his shipmates and his short stories and articles, which got him promoted to Chief Journalist of the Coast Guard in 1959. Haley ultimately received a number of military honors, including the American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and an honorary degree from the Coast Guard Academy. And most of you know him also as the author of ``Roots.'' 2. Bobby C. Wilks In 1957, Captain Bobby Wilks became the first African American Coast Guard aviator. He later became the first African American to reach the rank of Captain and the first to command a Coast Guard air station. He accumulated over 6,000 flight hours in 18 different types of aircrafts. Twenty-five percent of the today's military is comprised of persons of color, of which 17.8 percent are African American. In 2017, blacks made up 17 percent of the DOD active-duty military-- somewhat higher than their share of the U.S. population ages 18 to 44 (13 percent). Blacks have consistently been represented in greater shares among enlisted personnel (19 percent in 2015) than among the commissioned officers (9 percent). Jackson Lee Amendment 179 implements a recommendation made by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy to implement Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) standard across U.S.-based email providers to increase the security of email. I thank my Colleagues Congressmen Langevin, Gallagher, Katko, and Joyce for joining this bipartisan amendment to the FY 2021 NDAA. The security of email has grown in importance as it has become in many ways the primary way that businesses, consumers, government communicate. Jackson Lee Amendment 183 provides authorization for a $10 million increase in funding for increased collaboration with NIH to combat Triple Negative Breast Cancer. As a Member of Congress, a mother, a sister and a spouse, and a breast cancer survivor, I feel a special responsibility to do all I can to ensure every American can win in the fight against all types of breast cancer, especially triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). About 10 to 20 percent of breast cancers test negative for both hormone receptors and HER2 in the lab, which means they are triple- negative. Studies have shown that triple-negative breast cancer is more likely to spread beyond the breast and more likely to recur (come back) after treatment. These risks appear to be greatest in the first few years after treatment. Jackson Lee Amendment 181 provides authorization for $2.5 million increase in funding to combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the NIH, an estimated 3.6 percent of U.S. adults had PTSD in the past year. PTSD was first brought to public attention in relation to war veterans, but it can result from a variety of traumatic incidents, such as torture, being kidnapped or held captive, bombings, or natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. This amendment will help ensure that ``no soldier is left behind'' by addressing the urgent need for more outreach toward hard to reach veterans suffering from PTSD, especially those who are homeless or reside in underserved urban and rural areas of our country. I urge my colleagues to support all of these Jackson Lee Amendments.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat) for yielding, and the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks) for proposing this legislation, along with his colleagues, Mr. Kinzinger and all the Members who are supporting H.R. 8259 that deals with the admission of Russia into the G7. The reason I think this is crucial legislation that I would hope that we would move swiftly to the United States Senate, the other body, and move swiftly for a signature, ultimately, of the President of the United States, is because this is a move that seems afoot with little consultation of the other members of the G7. Anyone listening to this, the American people, might be reminded that Russia fought against the Nazis. One might say they were on the good side in World War II. There have been moments where we have been able to collaborate with Russia on important issues relevant to all of us, Europe and beyond. But it certainly is disappointing under the leadership of their present head of government that they have seemingly sought not only to quash dissent but to kill dissent. Just a few minutes ago, we heard of the poisoning of one of the largest dissenters in Russia. It has happened before. It will happen again. Is the G7 an organization that coddles and comforts those who would poison dissent or undermine dissent? Or are we a group that may not agree all the time but truly believes in human rights and the dignity of all people and, yes, the understanding that dissent is part of the democratic principles? I am appalled at the attempt to kill dissent. Then, of course, you have to be concerned about the absolute, unfettered intrusion and caring less about the people of Ukraine, Crimea, and certainly places in surrounding Eastern Europe. They are in fear of their lives--the shooting down of an innocent commercial airline and the complete denial of such. Belarus, the whole question of Moldova, all of these places are subject to the whims of Russia. Now, if there was a completely different policy, foreign aid, a foreign relations policy of cooperation and collaboration, there is certainly the opportunity for G7 members to talk with Russia in any other forum. But I think when we are supporting NATO, we recognize the importance of that alliance. We also understand the strength of that alliance, recognizing the importance of that alliance in Afghanistan and, yes, in Iraq. To admit, because of a personal relationship between a head of state and Russia's head of state, I think it is unacceptable. Let me also say something that is strikingly disturbing at this point. Yes, the President has the right to hire and fire his or her Cabinet. In the last 4 days or so, the then-existing Secretary of Defense was precipitously fired. We don't have the inner workings and decisions of that. Maybe his work performance wasn't up to par. It doesn't seem like that is the case. Then, all of a sudden, a new person is ultimately an interim Acting Secretary of Defense, one of the most strategic and important parts of our Nation. Having been here through 9/11, there was a transition of government. Look who struck. Not Russia, of course, but Osama bin Laden on 9/11.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, now we have a circumstance where the newly appointed Acting Secretary of Defense is saying that our troops will be cut in half. I understand, the Joint Chiefs, if I am correct, have not been consulted or they have not made that decision. And that means, is that opening the door more for Russia into Afghanistan and Iraq? Is that jeopardizing our troops? These are questions that tie into relationships between Russia and now, presently, the United States. I think we have to make a firm statement against the G7, and I ask that we question the decision to withdraw troops, not because I have not been against the wars, but because I believe our troops should be assessed as their security and also our mission. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the support of this legislation.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for his leadership, and I also rise in enthusiastic support for the PLASTICS Act of Mr. McCaul and Mr. Engel. Texas is a Gulf State. Before we even get to the ocean, we can see the impact of plastic even in our area. To hear the stark report that more plastic than fish in 2050, I ask the question: What do we leave for our children? I think this legislation has a very important and strategic point to combine public and private partnership, to acknowledge the devastation of plastic, and to be able, in essence, to save the Earth. Mr. Speaker, for a moment, I want to allude also to the nonproliferation legislation that we just discussed and to join in support of the dire conditions and dire straits that the Nation and the world will be in if we allow the proliferation of nuclear abilities. It is very important that we contain those nuclear abilities. We have been on the floor today discussing Russia and its poisoning of dissidents, its intrusion into its neighbors. And we understand that the reckless use of nuclear materials really pose a danger to our children and our children's children. It is for that reason that I believe that we must continue fighting for nuclear nonproliferation. As a member of the European Parliamentary Exchange and many other groups discussing this, I believe this is an important and ongoing responsibility, along with the PLASTICS Act, it is intended to make our world safer and better for all. That is a commitment that we, as the Members of the United States Congress, should take extremely seriously, and I think it will be we who will stand in the gap to show the world what America's true values really are. We care about the environment and we care to keep the world safe from nuclear proliferation. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank the sponsor and the cosponsor of the legislation.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I thank the manager and the sponsor of this legislation for their kind courtesies. Mr. Speaker, it is never too late to say ``thank you,'' and I wanted to just not forget to thank Chairman Engel for the years of commitment to these issues and to his service on the Foreign Affairs and the Energy and Commerce Committees. I know this list of legislative initiatives has had the impact of our manager, the distinguished gentleman from New York, and certainly all of the friends and the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. But I think it is appropriate, having known Mr. Engel for a very long time, that he is a true believer in democracy, he is a believer in the international responsibilities of the United States, and he is also one who recognizes transition of government in the right way. He is transitioning, and he is doing it with dignity and respect. Mr. Speaker, I want to express to him my deepest respect for his service to not only the United States Congress and his family's sacrifice, but to the United States of America. We thank him for that service. It is my desire to have that in the Record at this time. I thank him on behalf of this Nation.

Ms. JACKSON LEE

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the Judiciary, Homeland, and Budget Committees, and Founding Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I rise in strong support of H.R. 8326, the ``Child Care is Economic Development Act''. First and foremost, I wish to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, for her leadership on this vital, bipartisan piece of legislation. H.R. 8326 requires grant applicants for certain public works and economic development projects to describe in their comprehensive economic development strategy how they will increase the accessibility of affordable, quality child care. By doing so, this bill makes it easier for child care to be an essential part of plans for local economic development projects. The child care industry has served as a crucial backbone to the United States' economy for decades, and it, too, continues to be rocked by the devastating effects of the coronavirus. Mr. Speaker, over the last few weeks, we have seen a tremendous surge in the number of coronavirus cases across the United States. As of today, health authorities have identified more than 11 million COVID-19 cases throughout the United States since the start of the pandemic in January. Just last week, my home state of Texas surpassed 1 million cases and reported over 20,000 related deaths. At the county level, Harris County, which includes my district, has reported more than 175,000 cases and over 2,360 related deaths. Before the pandemic, Texas had more than 11,000 child care operations. Yet, as a result of this disease, that number has reduced dramatically as these facilities have had to permanently close their doors. According to a survey conducted by the Bipartisan Policy Center, nearly two-thirds (63 percent of parents across the United States had difficulty finding child care amidst COVID-19. Furthermore, about 47 percent of parents are concerned they won't be able to afford child care when they can return to the workforce. As we seek to regain control over this virus and poise our economy to rebound from the effects of the coronavirus, these closures will, without a doubt, affect parents and families who need to return to work yet no longer have a child care provider. Child care facilities provide an immense and unquestionable public value. Workers in every industry rely on child care centers to provide capable care for their children, helping them juggle both parenting and employment responsibilities. The child care industry is even more essential to single parent households. In 2019, 15.76 million children lived with a single mother and approximately 3.23 million children lived with a single father. For these millions of families, child care is a lifeline. I have been a long-standing advocate for the child care industry because I understand the challenges many working families face when it comes to obtaining reliable, affordable, and quality child care. Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have supported numerous initiatives that strengthen the viability of the child care sector. Most recently, I supported: H.R. 7327, the ``Child Care for Economic Recovery Act''; H.R. 7027, the ``Child Care is Essential Act''; and H.R. 7909, the ``Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers are Safe Act''. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today, voicing my support for H.R. 8326 because it serves as a vital component to our nation's economic reopening strategy. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, approximately 50 percent of parents who have not yet returned to work cite childcare as a reason they have not returned. By passing H.R. 8326 today, we have the opportunity expand access to quality child care, so that individuals who are pursuing opportunities with these public works projects will not have to worry about choosing between employment opportunities and child care. I urge all Members to join me in voting for H.R. 8326, the ``Child Care is Economic Development Act.''