Jim Jordan

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I was all over the State of Ohio in the recent campaign. I was all over the country. I was in Georgia, Florida, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Texas, all over the place. Not once--not once--did an American citizen come up to me and say: Do you know what? The first thing I hope the Congress does after this election, the first major piece of legislation I hope the Congress takes up after this election is to legalize marijuana. Not once did that happen. But this bill does more than that. This bill says it is not enough just to legalize marijuana. They want taxpayers to pay for it. This bill sets up a grant program. This is the marijuana business infrastructure bill. It sets up an office in the Department of Justice--a special office in the Department of Justice--for the marijuana industry. Grant dollars, taxpayer dollars are going to this industry. I didn't have anyone tell me: Do you know what? I hope the first big bill the Democrats do after this session is to give my tax dollars to the marijuana industry. That is exactly what has happened here. But, frankly, this shouldn't surprise us. Think about what the Democrats did earlier this week. Their first big hearing--actually, their first hearing--since the election in the Judiciary Committee was Wednesday in the Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Subcommittee. It was a hearing about letting criminals out of prison early because of the COVID issue-- letting criminals out early in an environment where violent crime is increasing. We know that, this summer, aggravated assaults are up 14 percent and homicides are up 53 percent. Democrat mayors and city councils around the country in our major urban areas in that environment are defunding the police. So in that overall environment where homicides are up, aggravated assaults are up, and there are less cops on the street, they want to release criminals early. I want to read from a letter that Mr. Nadler and Congresswoman Bass sent to the Attorney General back in March: We urge you to use every tool at your disposal to release as many prisoners as possible to protect from COVID-19. They go on to further to state--and this is the part that is scary: What you do with individuals who are high risk of contracting COVID-19, who are not in low- or minimum-security facilities, who have been convicted of serious offenses, we urge you to consider that even these individuals in these categories be assessed for release. Mr. Speaker, so even the most violent criminals they were looking at and they were encouraging the Attorney General to release on our streets. Oh, and just like with this marijuana bill, they want your tax dollars to pay for a grant program to the States to release criminals early--even the most violent criminals. In an environment where violent crime is up, where our Democrat mayors are defunding their police and taking cops off the street, they want to release criminals early and, oh, your tax dollars pay for it. Mr. Speaker, that is what they want to do. Now they say: Oh, by the way, it is not just enough that your tax dollars go to States to release criminals early in that environment when they are defunding the police and violent crime is up, we also want you to pay for the marijuana industry. You have got to be kidding me, Mr. Speaker. You have got to be kidding me. They started the week off having a hearing on paying States to release criminals out of our jails, and now they are going to end the week by saying that taxpayers pay for the marijuana industry. This is crazy. This is exactly what they want to do. Think about this for a second, Mr. Speaker. Think about a small business owner. Let's just pick Portland. A small business owner in Portland, who paid their local taxes, who this summer had their business destroyed because Democrat leaders in that city would not protect their business, now Democrats in Congress are saying: Oh, we want your Federal tax dollars to be used to release criminals early and to buttress the marijuana industry. Such a deal for the taxpayer. That is what the Democrats have prioritized this week in the United States Congress. It is ridiculous. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo).

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith).

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Hartzler).

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, House Democrats started the week off with a hearing on letting criminals out of jail early. They end the week with a bill legalizing drugs. And they want the American taxpayers to pay for both programs. They introduced a bill earlier in the year to give grant dollars to States to let criminals out of jail early, even violent ones, according to the letter Mr. Nadler and Chairwoman Bass sent to the Attorney General. Now, they want to create a trust fund in this bill to give grants to the marijuana industry and finance the marijuana industry. Mr. Speaker, these are the actions the Democrats take, the first actions they take after a national election. Go figure. Maybe that is why they lost 27 out of 27 toss-up seats around the country. Maybe that is why our party almost took back the majority. That is what they choose to focus on at a time when you have Democrat leaders around the country defunding the police, locking down businesses, destroying small businesses all over our Nation. This is what they choose to focus on. This is what they choose to focus on. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from the State of North Carolina (Mr. Murphy), the good doctor.

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), a former police officer who has seen firsthand what drugs can do to individuals and to communities.

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gaetz).

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs).

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just point out the American Medical Association put out a letter 2 days ago saying they oppose this legislation for the reasons that Dr. Murphy highlighted in his opening remarks. I would also just, again, point out what the Democrats on the Judiciary Committee did on Wednesday. It was about releasing criminals from prisons early. Again, just to read from the letter that the chairman of the Judiciary Committee sent to the Attorney General of the United States on March 30, 2020, he says. . . . who have been convicted of serious offenses or who have high pattern risk scores, we urge you to consider that even these individuals in these categories be assessed for release. I don't know how you can say it any plainer, Mr. Speaker. These are some of the most dangerous people in our Federal prison system. They wanted the Attorney General to look at releasing them into the public. That is how they started the week. They are going to end the week by decriminalizing marijuana and giving American tax dollars to businessowners to further the marijuana industry. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to pay tribute to Logan County Commissioner John F. Bayliss of Rushsylvania, Ohio. John will retire at the end of this year after nearly a quarter-century of outstanding service to the people of Logan County. Throughout his six terms on the Board of Commissioners--making him the longest-serving commissioner in Logan County history--John has become known for his superb management skills. His years of experience in the private sector, both as the owner of a residential building and remodeling company and as a farmer, prepared him well for the diverse fiscal challenges of local government. During his time in office, John has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Logan County Community Improvement Board, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and several committees of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. He is also a past county president of the Ohio Farm Bureau and a past county and state president of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association. A graduate of The Ohio State University, John and his wife of 44 years, Sharon, are the proud parents of three children: Brian, Courtney, and Brendan. They especially enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren. John's colleagues and friends will gather on December 8 to celebrate his many contributions and distinguished record. On behalf of the people of Ohio's Fourth Congressional District, I am proud to join in the accolades to him for his many years of fine public service. We wish him and his family every success as they move to a new chapter in their lives.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, this year the Ohio Military Hall of Fame marks the induction of its 21st annual class. Selection for the Hall of Fame is a high honor that has been accorded to only a few hundred Ohioans since 2000. To be considered for induction, individuals must have been decorated for heroic actions in a combat situation. I am honored to include in the Record this year's 30 inductees: Major Charles K. Boyd (posthumously), recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Sergeant Joseph R. Calabria of Youngstown, recipient of the Silver Star, Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. First Lieutenant Thomas J. Cannava (posthumously), recipient of the Silver Star, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. First Lieutenant Paul E. Cramer of Swanton, recipient of the Silver Star, Marine Corps veteran of World War II. Specialist Michael L. Harbottle (posthumously), recipient of the Silver Star, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. First Lieutenant Dwight E. Maul (posthumously), recipient of the Silver Star, Air Force veteran of World War II. Private First Class Gerald E. Shaner of Westerville, recipient of the Silver Star, Army veteran of World War II. Major Jay M. Strayer of Xenia, recipient of the Silver Star, Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. Warrant Officer I James E. Smith of Ashtabula, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Specialist Dewitt L. Battle of Cincinnati, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. First Lieutenant Richard E. Carpenter II (posthumously), recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Hospital Corpsman Third Class John J. ``Jack'' Crowley of Dublin, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Navy veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. Private First Class Gary E. Eicheler (posthumously), recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Sergeant Steven J. Hall of Marietta, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Private First Class Philip E. Hahn of Elyria, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War. Specialist Russel H. Hewit, Jr. (posthumously), recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Private First Class Frank J. Kovacs (posthumously), recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of World War II. Private First Class Charles R. Laberdee of Toledo, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. Sergeant Richard R. Perry (posthumously), recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of World War II. First Sergeant Anthony J. Pompos, currently living in Twentynine Palms, California, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Marine Corps veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sergeant Stanley R. Richards of Otway, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Engineman Third Class Edward C. York, Jr., of Jackson Center, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device, Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. Private First Class Laurace H. ``Larry'' Beckwith of Delaware, recipient of the Army Commendation with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. EOD 1 Benjamin I. Christenson (posthumously), recipient of the Army Commendation with ``V'' Device, Navy veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Donald F. Clutter III of Lodi, recipient of the Army Commendation with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Staff Sergeant David F. Hilliard of Steubenville, recipient of the Army Commendation with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Specialist Eric N. Hurdle of Williamsburg, recipient of the Army Commendation with ``V'' Device, Anny veteran of the Global War on Terrorism. Sergeant Harold L. Roberts, currently living in Parkersburg, West Virginia, recipient of the Army Commendation with ``V'' Device, Anny veteran of the Vietnam War. Sergeant First Class Mark E. Sexton of Galloway, recipient of the Anny Commendation with ``V'' Device, Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. Private First Class Leonard L. Staats of Akron, recipient of the Army Commendation with ``V'' Device, Anny veteran of the Vietnam War.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, Republicans denounce all violent extremism. Why won't the Democrats? Weeks ago in the committee, the Attorney General of the United States asked the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, asked the Democrats, why won't you speak out against the mob? Why won't you speak out against the violence that is taking place in our great cities all across the country this past summer? Guess what he got. Total, total silence. We have a bill on domestic terrorism, but a bill that barely mentions Antifa, one reference. Mr. Speaker, do you know why the one reference is in there? Because Republicans on the committee, through Mr. Steube, offered an amendment in the committee. Not mentioned in the bill are two things that have happened in the last 30 days. The cold-blooded murder of a Trump supporter by an Antifa member was not mentioned in the resolution and is not mentioned in the bill. Not mentioned in the bill is the assassination attempt on two police officers sitting in their patrol car just 2 weeks ago. Let's condemn all violent extremism. Maybe they won't do that because, as my good friend from North Dakota said, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, the committee with that storied history of defending the rule of law, maybe because that individual said that Antifa is imaginary and that Antifa is a myth. Ask Andy Ngo that, Mr. Speaker. Ask the journalist who was attacked by Antifa a year ago. Ask the people in Portland, Oregon. For over 100 days, their city has been under siege. There has been a siege on the Federal court building there by Antifa, but one reference only in their legislation, and that is only there because Mr. Steube offered the amendment in committee. For over 100 days, this organization has been targeting the business owners, the people, and the residents in Portland, Oregon, and in other cities around our country. Democrats can call what has been happening to our cities all summer peaceful protests, but calling rioting, looting, and arson peaceful protests doesn't make it so. Let's condemn all of it. We should speak out against all domestic terrorism. We should denounce the violence--the rioting, the looting, and the arson--that is taking place in our cities. We should not have another political messaging bill, which is exactly what this is.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, a few minutes ago we had a bill on domestic terrorism, Democrats wouldn't add language about the murder of a President Trump supporter by a member of Antifa. On that same bill, Democrats wouldn't add language about an assassination attempt on two police officers just 2 weeks ago, but now we have a bill to Federalize hairstyles. Federalize hairstyles. Democrats are doing nothing to address the violence and unrest in the streets of our cities, attacks on law enforcement officers across the country. Portland and other cities continue to surrender their streets to violent left-wing agitators, placing their residences and businesses at risk--residents and businesses and business owners across the country from--you have got Asian Americans, African Americans, you got all kinds--all Americans--can't deal with that, but we can Federalize hair. Racial discrimination is terrible, it is wrong, and it is already illegal under the law, as the gentleman from North Dakota pointed out. You go ask any American right now, September 2020: What should the United States House of Representatives be focused on? Lots of important issues we have got to deal with. But a policy that I think is redundant, as the gentleman pointed out, that is already covered under Federal law. We don't want any discrimination and we should rightly deal with it when it raises its ugly head. But this, come on. We can't add language to a domestic terrorism bill about two terrible things that have happened in the last month, but we are going to spend time on Federalizing a hairstyle. Mr. Speaker, I think we should vote against this.

Mr. JORDAN

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Posey).

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JORDAN. Was The Washington Post on January 26, 2020, to use your words, stoking anti-Asian bias when they used the word ``Chinese coronavirus''? Was The New York Times on February 20, 2020, stoking anti-Asian bias when they used the term ``Wuhan coronavirus'' in their headline?

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JORDAN. Will the gentleman yield for a question?

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Madam Speaker, what we should also do is denounce violence, all the violence, we see in our urban areas. The Democrats were given that opportunity just 2 months ago when the Attorney General of the United States asked them: Why won't you speak out against the violence in our cities? Why won't you speak out against what the mob is doing in our cities? Guess what we got from them? We got silence. Let's speak out against the violence we have seen for over 100 days in Portland and so many of our other great cities. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the minority leader, the leader of our great Conference.

Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the Speaker of the House said that the Russians are trying to jeopardize the security of our election. So are the Democrats. Democrats are trying to win the election after the election. Democrats in Pennsylvania have filed a lawsuit that says you can fix errors on absentee ballots after the ballot has been returned to the Board of Elections. I don't even know what this means. Can you vote in a race you didn't vote in? Can you change a vote? What does that mean, you can fix errors after you have already submitted the ballot? In Nevada, Democrats passed a law that says you can accept mail-in ballots 3 days after the election, even if the postmark date on the ballot on the envelope can't be distinguished. They are trying to win the election after the election. That is scary. The Speaker said that the White House is using dangerous and offensive language. The premise of the resolution in front of us is language can cause people to take action, and if you use the term ``China virus'' or ``Wuhan virus'', somehow that will lead to bias against Asian-American people; even though they used the terms ``China virus'' and ``Wuhan virus''. Everyone in the mainstream media used it. They used it in the committee hearing notice. Even though all that is there, they now say, oh, if you use those terms it will lead to anti-Asian bias. But they don't talk about the language they use and the left uses, the language the Speaker uses and how that may create an environment that will lead to violence. The Speaker of the House called the President of the United States an enemy of the state and said his supporters in Congress--Republicans--are enemies of the state. They don't talk about that. No. China virus can lead people to take action, but, no, not when the Speaker of the House calls the President of the United States and Republican Members of Congress enemies of the state. Two years ago a Democrat Member of Congress, the chair of a committee said this 2 years ago this summer: If you see somebody in the Trump Cabinet, you create a crowd, you push back on them, you tell them they are not welcome anymore anywhere. She encouraged her constituents to approach people in the Trump administration, harass them, and tell them they are not welcome anymore anywhere. She encouraged direct action. That is far different from using the term ``China virus'' which they used and which they had in a committee notice. This individual Member of Congress said, ``Go harass people in the Trump Cabinet.'' The Speaker of the House calls Republicans ``enemies of the State.'' And that is all fine by them. But, oh, you say, ``the virus started in Wuhan, China,'' and somehow you are terrible. This is the crazy world the left is in today. The crazy world they are in today. And, again, as said earlier by the gentleman from Texas and by others, I think the American people see right through this baloney, see right through it. This is ridiculous. I hope we get our senses and start--as the Republican minority leader said--I hope we would actually start spending more of our time on issues of more value to the American people. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.