Marcy Kaptur

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this economic boost desperately needed by our communities. Our nation is on a dangerous precipice, an experiment with thousands of lives in the balance. This bill offers hope for thousands more small businesses, hospitals, and perhaps most importantly those on the frontline, with an infusion of $25 billion to ramp up desperately needed means to advance widespread testing. Testing is the key that offers containment of this virus. I am troubled. Troubled by the little insight we have into how the last two trillion dollars approved by these hallowed chambers was spent by the Trump Administration. We must ask why so much has yet to be disbursed. We must question why little help was provided to those who need it most, while those with access had their takings. I am proud of the work of my colleagues, particularly Small Business Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez, Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters, and our dedicated Speaker, who fought for $60 billion in community lending and a $310 billion infusion into the Paycheck Protection Program. This bill provides a great step forward and a vital lifeline to small businesses across Northern Ohio. Unfortunately, this bill drastically shortchanges the localities now forced with overwhelming burdens, huge losses of revenue, huge cuts to budgets, forced decisions of laying off first-responders or cut back on other life-sustaining services. It also offers no assistance to our postal service workers whose jobs hang in the balance. Calls to reopen without science and data are short sighted. Shame on Republican elected leaders who lead their constituents into the fire. What our constituents need is real leadership to keep them safe and supported until a bridge to the future for America can safely lead to reopening. Lives are at stake.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Earth Day by introducing a resolution recognizing the historic role Victory Gardens have served in strengthening our country's food security, health education; and community morale through the worst of times, including World War I, II and their current importance as we battle the current Coronavirus pandemic. I want to thank my dear colleague and proud son of Nebraska, Ranking Member Jeff Fortenberry, for partnering with me on this valiant endeavor. America faced many challenges head-on during World War I and World War II, and even the youngest and oldest citizens across the country could participate. Millions came together to strengthen food security by planting Victory Gardens. Again today, we find ourselves facing a new enemy, an invisible enemy--COVID-19. Its devastation is broad and indiscriminate. Life as we have known it is forever changed. But as we seek comfort and higher purpose, the call to reignite the patriotism of Victory Gardens rings loud. Let us unite once more to strengthen community while we are apart and help supplement troubled food chains to defy and delay insecurity. The harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables in our own backyards would have an indelible impact for our families and neighbors. This challenge presents a ripe opportunity to educate our children on the value of mother-Earth, as we implement home schooling lessons with schools shuttered. Investments, whether time, effort, or financial, in Victory Gardening will help teach our young citizens the fundamentals of healthy and nutritious food, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with cultivation. We must not let this opportunity or duty go to waste. While we continue to combat the devastating effects of COVID-19, I urge citizens across our great nation to raise their spades and seeds, and join me in planting Victory Gardens. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 748 contains a critical provision that will be used to assist state and local governments in their response to the crisis engulfing our nation. Indeed, local governments are bearing the heavy burden of response with dwindling resources while helping terrified Americans manage as best they can. As the entities closest to the ground, these local governments are on the front line of the fight, and we must ensure they have adequate funding. This provision, Section 5001 of the CARES Act, provides that Treasury will provide assistance directly, and not through the State intermediary to units of local government with more than 500,000 people. The provision, allows for a significantly broad definition of local governments and specifies that ``[t]he term `unit of local government' [includes] . . . other unit of general government below the State level with a population that exceeds 500,000.'' Section 5001 explicitly allows any government that represents more than 500,000 and includes regional councils of government which are chartered under state law. In Ohio, Chapter 167 of the revised code provides broad authority for a regional council of government to act as a local unit of government, to plan, enter cooperative agreements related ``to matters affecting health, safety, welfare, education, economic conditions, and regional development.'' See Ohio Revised Code, Sec. 167.03. In drafting and approving H.R. 748, the House and Senate intended section 5001 to be administered liberally, and for Treasury and the Courts to construe the statute broadly so as to encompass all local government entities with more than 500,000 citizens to act directly, and not through the intermediary of a state government. In fact, the State of Ohio has specifically devolved local authority to the regional council of governments to act in the general welfare interests of their citizens as a unit of general government. As Treasury promulgates regulations to implement this statute, the law intends for these regional councils of government to act as a general unit of local government, and envisions them to be eligible to certify and receive the state stabilization dollars.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, at this historic moment for our beloved nation, we come together to pass the largest federal boost to our economy in modem history. This package is ``For Our People.'' It will save lives and our economy. Let me begin with a heartfelt thank you to our first responders, medical workers, grocery store workers, field hands and migrant workers, municipal employees, drug store and pharmacy employees, food bank volunteers, truck drivers and delivery workers, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, National Guard personnel, and non-profit Samaritans and volunteers of every persuasion helping across America. Each of your tireless efforts and dedication make this nation stronger. Our country is under attack by an invisible foe. We have not experienced a threat of this magnitude since Pearl Harbor when our nation found itself quite ill-prepared to meet foreign foes. Today, we vote on a $2.3 trillion response package that recognizes the medical and economic horrors confronting the American people. This legislation provides assurance and support to those who need healing and a bridge toward a more secure future. To America's medical frontline, our families, workers, seniors, and small businesses, we have heard your pleas for rescue. Today we provide a lifeline. Because of Democratic efforts, huge investments in hospitals, health systems and state and local government will receive the resources they desperately need to meet this pandemic. Democratic efforts won significant increases in unemployment insurance benefits to match average paychecks of laid-off or furloughed workers, and direct cash payments to millions. Democratic pressure led to significant expansion of fast relief for small businesses and made rent, mortgages, and utility costs eligible for SBA loan forgiveness. Because of Democratic leadership, students will have billions for emergency education funding and student loans will not bear income tax on repayment assistance provided by an employer. And most importantly, spending of the taxpayer dollars will be held accountable with oversight, preventing secret bailouts to the wealthiest friends of this Administration. This legislation is bold. But is not an immediate cure all. More action is required soon. This global pandemic exposed the reality the Heartland of our nation has known for decades. We cannot rely on foreign manufacturing for vital, daily essentials, surely medical supplies. It is overtime for this Administration to bring the full force of the Defense Production Act online, but more importantly to then partner with Congress to rebuild America's security through domestic manufacturing. Too many Americans have already lost their lives in this crisis because of missed warnings, ignored alarms, and disregard for our industrial base and vital medical supply lines. With Congress next turning to a legislative solution to provide robust economic recovery, we cannot ignore the elephant in the room. We must do everything to rebuild our strategic medical stockpile through American manufacturing ingenuity. American lives are at stake now and in the future. We make America great again by healing her people and rebuilding her domestic medical production. I fully support today's response package and urge all my colleagues to do so.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise in commemoration of the life of Boris Nemtsov who was tragically assassinated by Vladimir Putin's Russian regime 5 years ago this week in Moscow. Boris served as deputy prime minister and was a prominent voice for political freedom in Russia itself. Cities across the world have commemorated Boris' sacrifice, including here in Washington, D.C., which named the square outside the Russian Embassy Boris Nemtsov Plaza. Just recently, Czech authorities in Prague have joined in solidarity. In the years since Boris' assassination, Russia's efforts to dismantle democratic institutions across the globe have increased, including here in the United States where they are continuing to interfere in the elections of this year. We must stand together against Russia's aggression and malign behavior. Sanctions are a commonsense step. Today, I call upon the Trump administration to broaden stronger, targeted sanctions on Russia. To keep backpedaling, as the Trump administration has done, on an enemy of liberty is not acceptable.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. I thank our hardworking chair, Nita Lowey, for yielding me this time. Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 5687, the Puerto Rico earthquake supplemental funding. This $4.67 billion in funding is a vital lifeline for our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico reeling most recently from a series of devastating earthquakes, but also still recovering from the consequential damage of 2017's massive Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Since late December, a series of quakes rattled Puerto Rico, including another magnitude 5 earthquake just this last Tuesday. Today, this body sends a powerful message to the island community: This House will not let you suffer from inaction by this administration. Following the most powerful quake in early January, millions were left without power and running water for days. The electric grid struggled to keep up with demand. Anxiety remains high as more than 30 category 5 or higher earthquakes have hit this month. 30. Unbelievable. As we learned from Hurricane Maria, the aftermath can prove to be even more dangerous and deadly if there is not speedy and effective action. And I want to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and also the Ohio National Guard that has made journeys there, and other defense units that have risen to duty to protect and serve the people of our country in Puerto Rico. This emergency supplemental will provide these hard-hit, anxiety- ridden fellow Americans and communities with strength, hope, and support to begin moving forward again. A failure to act now is not just unacceptable, it is immoral. This bill provides the means to address current challenges inflicted on the human condition. It also includes funds to strengthen infrastructure for future mitigation.

Ms. KAPTUR. Within my subcommittee's Energy and Water accounts, the bill provides over $21 million for the Department of Energy to provide technical assistance help restore and rebuild the electric grid in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. These funds will allow the Department and our National Labs to provide the expertise necessary to begin the repair. Equally important is the significant financial support to meet the educational needs of island children for disaster nutrition assistance and repair all of the infrastructure. This Nation must help destroyed communities of our fellow citizens to help them recover from these historic disasters. We never know when it will hit our own backyard. I urge my colleagues to support this important emergency supplemental.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of an extraordinary man, Leo Goldner. Leo lived a full life, brought joy to so many, and served as a valued member of the Toledo community. Today his family and friends gather to eulogize him, and I would like to read his obituary into the Record on this day: ``Leo Goldner was born in Toledo Hospital on July 3rd, 1923, son of Herman and Margret Fleichocher Goldner and brother to his beloved sister. For many years the Goldner's lived above their family dry goods store called the Chicago Bargain House. ``He lived in a Hungarian immigrant neighborhood in East Toledo and learned to speak fluent Hungarian. He was an avid Stamp collector and a Yo Yo champion. ``Leo was the only Jewish boy in his elementary and high school and learned to defend himself against neighborhood bullies by learning Judo and quickly worked his way up to Black Belt 5th degree status. He had release parochial time in elementary school, but instead of taking two buses to go to his synagogue, he agreed at the request of the Monsignor of St. Stephen's Church to become an altar boy at St. Stephens Church, an interesting choice for a Jewish boy. ``There are pictures of Leo hanging in Waite High School and in St. Stephen's Church where he donated the bronze statue of St. Stephen, which still stands there out front today on Genesee Street. He graduated from Waite High School as a member of the National Honors Society. ``Leo attended the University of Toledo to study pre-law, was on the wrestling and tennis team, and joined the Lamda Chi fraternity. Upon the invasion of Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. There, as a lowly private, he was eventually sent to officer's candidate school to become a Lieutenant. ``In the Army, he served under General George C. Marshall as chief of staff and helped liberate the Philippines under General Douglas MacArthur where he was injured in hand to hand combat. He had no less than 12 medals and five decorations, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. ``He served as director of USO Camp Shows in the Western Pacific after being wounded in battle. He was an expert Magician and Hypnotist. ``During the time he was an infantry officer, he used two three day passes to marry the love of his life Marian Rachel Baron, to whom he was married for 76 years. ``After being discharged from the Army, he worked at the family dry goods store, but really wanted to have a store of his own. He accepted a job offer from his brother-in-law, Jerry Baron at Baron Steel Company. There he flourished as a salesman, making an unheard-of million dollars for the firm his very first year. Later, he and his brother-in-law Sidney Baron, started Tyler Steel, in 1953. Two years later, Leo started Parker Steel Company, which today is the number one distributor of metric metals in the nation. Leo and Marian began their married life in a house on Vermont Street in Toledo. In 1955 they built a home in Ottawa Hills. He included in the home a Theater room where he could perform magic tricks. He was past president of the Association of Steel distributors and a founding member of Magician Ring 68, Toledo, Ohio. He was the longest living member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (where he was awarded the Order of Merlin), which he joined on his 16th birthday. Leo and his wife Marian were founding members of the Toledo Chapter of Hillel at the University of Toledo. He did hundreds of Hypnosis demonstrations benefiting Waite High School and raised over $200,000 for scholarships. For well over 34 years, he was the State of Israel Bond Chairman for NW Ohio and traveled to Israel over 20 times. He was on the National Board of Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, the Darlington House, (home for the aged) the Elks Club, the Kiwanis, a 32nd degree Mason, the Damaseus Lodge, as well as a member of Temple B'nai Israel, Temple Shomer Emunim, Congregation Etz Chayim, and the American Israel Policy Conference. ``Leo was also a member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnotists, the National Guild of Hypnotists Gold Baton Group at Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the President's Council of the Toledo Museum of Art, and the Ohio Governor's Club. ``He is listed in Who's Who in America and is a member of the Jewish Community Center, where he taught Judo for many years. He was an avid boater and fisherman. ``Leo was President of Parker Steel Company, a board member of Temple Shomer Emunim, Couples Club Co-chair, and Chairman of the board of the Footlighters' Club of South Florida which raises money for indigent entertainers and musicians. He and Marian had many joyous years at the family cottage, the Squeezum Inn, on Kelleys Island. ``Leo and Marian spent many winters in their home in the Florida Keys, before moving to Aventura, FL for the last 16 years. ``When asked if he had any regrets, Leo said: `Not really, I really don't have any regrets. I've lived my life enjoying every minute. I've tried to enjoy every minute. I don't know when it's going to end, but I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me when I'm gone. I've enjoyed every minute and accomplished everything I ever wanted to do. As far as I'm concerned, they can dance and celebrate a life well lived at my funeral.' ``Leo is survived by his wife Marian; his four children, Paul (Linda Bender, Sandra Soifer), Harriet (aka Camryn Lee), Marcia Alter and Janet Killam (Michael); his grandchildren, Andrea DeMar (David), Mark Goldner, Sharon Tipping (Michael), Olivia Potash (Daniel), and Jordan Killam; and his great- grandchildren, Lauren, Noah and Rebecca DeMar, Talia, Emma, and Abigail Tipping and Omri Potash.'' Leo Goldner was a fine man and will be remembered admirably by all those who knew him. We offer his family and friends our prayers and hope that they find comfort in the wonderful memories of what Leo meant to each of the people who shared in his life.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today's passage of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act is a major victory for the American worker. Nationwide, millions of Americans work full-time jobs yet earn unsustainable wages and little to no benefits. Too many people work multiple jobs yet struggle to make ends meet while they watch the stock market and their executives, who, together, make millions upon millions. But by restoring balance to the gutted National Labor Relations Act, the PRO Act will restore the collective voice and dignity of American workers from all backgrounds, no matter the color of their collar. The PRO Act includes meaningful, enforceable penalties for union- busting companies and executives. It restores workers' ability to stand together by weakening States' antilabor right-to-work laws and closes loopholes that corporations use to exploit workers. Most importantly, it strengthens workers' right to free and fair union elections and requires corporations to respect the results. American workers are the living fabric and backbone of our country and economy and the future of our prosperity. They deserve the power to stand together and advocate for themselves. The PRO Act is the pathway to that power.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairwoman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee for yielding me this time, and I thank her for her unyielding support for water issues across this country, including in our very critical Great Lakes region. She has been a true and unyielding champion on these issues, and I thank her. Today's package of bills includes key priorities for protecting not just our Great Lakes, but ecosystems across our country. H.R. 4031, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019, enjoys broad support from the Great Lakes region. The 49 cosponsors of the bill represent every ideological perspective of our caucus, and today's bill, which is on suspension, is a testament of that bipartisan, bicameral critical support. In that vein, Mr. Speaker, I must also commend my colleague from Ohio, Congressman David Joyce, for his steadfast effort to work collaboratively to collect signatures for H.R. 4031 so we could move it from 2019 to 2020. This Great Lakes Act recognizes the enormous, unmet need for the region. The interagency collaborative effort has brought to bear resources, expertise, and stakeholders from across the local, State, and Federal portions of the region and helped to focus resources on a major hot spot. The Maumee River is the largest river that flows into the entire Great Lakes and is also facing gigantic harmful algal blooms. The Maumee River dumps all of these nutrients into Lake Erie, which then feeds the most productive part of the lake, endangering, annually, native species and creating massive harmful algal blooms with the critical ingredient of microcystin, which is toxic. Annually, the harmful algal blooms threaten Toledo's drinking water system, which had to be shut down 3 years ago. It threatens the safety of our beaches and longevity of our ecosystem. This Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is assisting communities to address the root causes of the blooms. Since 2010, over 4,000 projects have been completed across the basin, the largest watershed in the entire Great Lakes, and a recent University of Michigan study revealed that each dollar spent on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will result in $3.35 million in additional economic activity. The long-term goals of the initiative are delisting of the areas of concern, ensuring that fish are safe to eat and the Asian carp is kept out, and control of numerous environmental problems across our lakes, the largest source of freshwater on our continent. Today's legislation offers a ramp-up back to the level for the restoration initiative initially envisioned when the program was first funded in fiscal year 2010. So it is pretty new as Federal programs go. This gradual ramp-up represents a consensus across the delegation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation on final passage. Again, I want to thank Chairwoman Grace Napolitano for her work across both sides of the aisle and with Members of this House from every region of the country.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2382, or the U.S. Postal Service Fairness Act up for a vote today. Madam Speaker, 13 years ago, the Postal Service was saddled by this body when we required it--not with my support--to prefund its retirement benefits. Unfortunately, this prevented the Postal Service from addressing critical equipment modernization needs. Thankfully, this legislation allows us to correct this misguided requirement. The post office is a constitutionally mandated institution. A sense of community is sustained every time the mailwoman or mailman delivers a letter, increasing connectivity in rural and urban districts alike. The Postal Service delivers close to 190 million pieces of mail every single day and is a testament to American ingenuity. Indeed, postal workers are the best ambassadors, receiving an overwhelmingly high public approval rating of 74 percent. While we work to ensure the post office's financial health, we must also continue to increase innovation, such as through modernizing postal services. For example, creative initiatives could increase access to basic functions in post offices and underserved communities. I thank my friend, Representative Peter DeFazio, for his true leadership on this bill, and urge all my colleagues to support its passage, and thank those who did.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of both the repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force against Iraq in 2002 and the No War Against Iran Act, and I thank Congressman Ro Khanna and Congresswoman Barbara Lee for their true leadership. Sending our servicemembers into war is one of Congress' most solemn constitutional responsibilities. History will show this administration's reckless go-it-alone strategy against Iran with no allied support has left America less safe. Indeed, having dodged the draft himself, the President does not appreciate the true costs of war. Just look at the President's initial report that no U.S. troops were harmed following Iran's retaliatory strike on U.S. bases in Iraq. It has since been reported that at least 50 U.S. servicemembers were wounded and suffered traumatic brain injuries, a stark contrast from President Trump's tweet on January 8 stating all is well. The cavalier approach this President has taken in escalatory action against Iran is haphazard. Our servicemembers' safety and America's security have been hard won. This Congress fully understands the cost of liberty. It is why, today, we reassert our Article I power and clearly demand a clear request if the administration wishes to engage in war with Iran.

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, this Congress will ensure the wise, strategic, and prudent use of force to win the future by defending the American people and not carelessly tripping into war with Iran.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, the impeachment of President Donald Trump has forced our Nation into a constitutional crisis. On the one hand, Democrats have led a good faith effort to discover the truth and hold President Trump and his administration responsible for their destructive and corrupt actions in Ukraine. While on the other hand, Republicans have refused outright to meaningfully engage in the fact-finding process. In our House, Republicans have ignored the fact that Russia has invaded Ukraine, a sovereign nation. Ukraine is a scrimmage line for liberty in Europe today, a continent whose liberty we restored and paid a deep price for it. Despite overwhelming evidence in the Senate, Republicans have complained they have learned nothing new from the impeachment trial. Yet, they have voted over 10 times to block new evidence and witnesses. For instance, it is clear that President Trump's former National Security Advisor John Bolton's testimony has relevance to the Senate's efforts to find the truth--the truth. Bolton has firsthand knowledge of the administration's duplicitous actions in Ukraine and President Trump's malintent. Yet, Republicans in the Senate have refused to subpoena Bolton, despite his statement that he is willing to testify. Additionally, this week, The New York Times reported that President Trump told his former National Security Advisor John Bolton that he wanted the $391 million in security assistance to Ukraine frozen--a nation at war--until Ukrainian officials agreed to carry out investigations into Democrats and the Bidens. According to a manuscript written by Bolton, such a claim is relevant and warrants immediate investigation by Congress. Yet, Politico reported today that Republican leadership in the Senate remains opposed to additional witnesses, including Bolton, though dissent is emerging in their ranks. Mr. Speaker, I feel strongly that if the Senate fails to allow additional witnesses relevant to the impeachment trial and subsequently votes to acquit, such inaction will set a dangerous and perhaps even irreversible precedent, one that allows the executive branch to ignore congressional oversight with impunity. Today, President Trump has refused to comply with any congressional subpoenas obstructing justice, even going a step further as to block any and intimidate executive branch officials from cooperating with the House investigation. An executive branch unaccountable to Congress, the branch of government most connected with the American people, is a dangerous prospect. We cannot allow this to become the new norm. Ours is a nation of laws, not men or women. Laws protect us. The balance of power between our three branches of government at the local, State, and Federal levels is the only protection we have from ourselves. Our Founders wrote into our Constitution the means to hold a lawless President accountable and remove him from office. The rule of law is sacred, and that is why no one is above the law. Regardless of anyone's opinions of President Trump, personal affections are not the issue. The issue at hand is independent of party or politics. The question is: Who among us will sit silent and allow the voice of the people to be trampled, and who will rise up to keep the Presidency accountable to our Republic? Mr. Speaker, I have had the privilege to serve alongside public servants in both parties. While I have had disagreements with Republican colleagues on policy, I remain immensely thankful for their bipartisanship in so many ways and willingness to engage on issues to strengthen our Nation's national security and improve the lives of working people, calling many Republicans, actually, my friends. But that is why, Mr. Speaker, I am so disappointed today. My Republican colleagues have so far failed to act in defense of our democracy. They seem to live in an alternate reality from our own. The American people have made it clear they want additional witnesses to ensure a fair trial. They want to hear what Ambassador Bolton and other witnesses have to say. Senate Republicans should let them testify under oath. Finally, I enter into the Congressional Record the words of Dr. Daniel Rapport, a constituent and a distinguished medical doctor at the University of Toledo Medical Center, urging the Senate to convict President Trump. His words: ``The impeachment of President Trump has forced our Nation into a constitutional crisis. If the Senate fails to hold President Trump accountable, as is its constitutional duty, then a dangerous precedent will be set, one that empowers the executive branch to ignore congressional oversight with impunity. ``Combined with the increasing power of the executive in recent decades, in addition to the President's veto power, the capacity of the legislative branch to rein in the executive will be ever more limited, weakening the American's people will in their own government. ``This is an outcome that must be avoided at all costs. The Senate alone has the power to do what is right to preserve the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. The Senate must vote to convict President Trump.''

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cast doubt over American support for our Ukrainian allies when he asked veteran NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly if she thought Americans care about Ukraine and if she could even find it on a map. How insulting. Pompeo's outburst came after Mary Louise Kelly questioned him about the administration's shameful treatment of our Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch. As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus and representative of a large Ukrainian American population, I am deeply concerned about what Pompeo was insinuating with his comments to NPR that the administration can do whatever it pleases because the American public doesn't care about Ukraine. I couldn't disagree with him more. Ukraine is the scrimmage line for liberty in Europe. Liberty lovers across the world care about Ukraine because its people are facing down Russian aggression. Unfortunately, Pompeo's comments reflect a larger pattern of the Trump administration advancing pro-Russian causes. On Secretary Pompeo's upcoming trip to Ukraine, I would urge him to support liberty in Europe. America and the world paid a heavy price for that.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I rise to introduce a resolution reaffirming the House's bipartisan support for Ukraine, our ally. This time-sensitive measure proclaims the United States' vital strategic interest in preserving liberty and democracy in Ukraine and across Europe. In 2014, Vladimir Putin's Russia invaded Ukraine without provocation. Over 5 years later, Ukraine remains engaged in a heroic struggle to defend its freedom and sovereignty. Today, Ukraine represents the scrimmage line for liberty on the European Continent and globally. This resolution makes clear that we in Congress recognize the sacrifice that Ukrainians make each day to defend liberty in Europe. As our ally, we support her continued defense, growth, and success. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join this timely resolution.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, today the United States Department of Agriculture published its long-awaited proposed rule to fix the Packers and Stockyards Act to address institutional bias against small livestock and poultry farmers. For decades I have fought alongside our livestock and poultry farmers to ensure their hard work is respected and standards exacted by their processing firms were fair and honest. Unfortunately, small producers have been taken advantage of, retaliated against, marginalized legally in favor of larger meatpackers, swine contractors, and poultry companies, and forced to swallow opaque contracts just to pay their bills. The proposed rule falls short to address their very serious grievances. Once again, this administration is happy setting minimal, powder-puff requirements that sidestep hardworking families in favor of mega-business integrators. Let us continue to work hard to improve the proposed rule to ensure that those who feed America get a fair shake and are treated right by all of America.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise in support of the War Powers Resolution as an original cosponsor. This is a grave and pivotal moment in American history, and we must be greatly concerned for the security of our troops and the safety of the American people. We live in an era of hybrid warfare and high-intensity reaction. One reckless military strike can incentivize countermeasures, not just in the immediate region, but thousands of miles away by Iran's proxies. Wise use of force matters. Without congressional authorization, and in defiance of our Constitution, this President ordered an unprecedented strike on Iran's top generals. There is no doubt Soleimani was a fierce enemy of liberty. However, this Lone Ranger attack by the President risks all-out war, greater instability in Iraq and Iran, losing the edge we have gained at such great cost; and some of those names have been put on the Record today. We must protect against further attacks on our servicemembers and attacks on U.S. assets, wherever they might exist.

Ms. KAPTUR. To those ends, the American people deserve full transparency. The President must take steps to de-escalate this highly volatile situation in a most ungovernable part of the world. Let us rigorously pursue, with our allies, turning back Iran's development of nuclear weapons. And let us do all we can to uphold our beloved Constitution, put raging bulls back in their cages, and make the American people safer.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, as we begin the new year and the new decade, economic results feel tepid for working communities across our country. The President touts and newspapers parrot his misguided belief that America is experiencing the greatest economy for everyone. No, not for everyone. Sure, many indicators prioritized by Wall Street and Washington support and reflect this statement, but speak with millions and millions of lower and middle-class workers, Americans across our country--especially in the heartland, in the Midwest--and you will find they feel quite differently. They are falling deeper into debt. Despite President Trump's exaggeration, a soaring stock market is not indicative of a strong economy for all. Most Americans do not have a significant stake in the stock market. They work paycheck to paycheck. They have to pay higher prices for everything. According to fact-checkers at PolitiFact, Americans of modest incomes are significantly less invested in the stock market than wealthier Americans. No surprise there. Other groups, including minorities and those without a college education, also lag in stock ownership, meaning that the stock market rally President Trump and the Republican Party so loudly brag about misses--bypasses--the large majority of Americans. While unemployment numbers are relatively low, tens of millions of Americans continue to live and work below the poverty line. If you take look at their paycheck, many of them have to get food support through the government because they can't make ends meet--working people who are poor, millions of them. Millions more are unemployed and working multiple jobs just to make ends meet for themselves and their families. Others have given up on finding work altogether, especially in towns and cities, where good work has simply disappeared and not been replaced. These families simply exist. Since NAFTA's passage in the early 1990s, communities across America--especially in our industrial heartland--have endured the outsourcing of living-wage, middle-class jobs to Mexico and other penny-wage environments where workers are exploited to produce goods for pennies on the dollar. Because of disastrous trade policies such as NAFTA and lack of enforcement by governments like Mexico, our young people have grown up in the shadows of shuttered factories they have never seen in operation. For too many, the pain of NAFTA's and other trade agreements' broken promises remain raw and real. So, while job creation numbers may be up in one place, one must wonder: What sort of jobs are being created and how many are good jobs? The answer is: not nearly enough. Many of the lost living-wage manufacturing jobs weren't only outsourced to Mexico; others shifted to China. What has the President's unpredictable posturing with China has given our heartland? Desperate farmers and even more pain for manufacturing workers. The 18-month-long trade war with China has undermined business investment. It pushed the manufacturing industry into a recession and cost an additional $42 billion for American consumers who have paid more for needed goods, according to a new Federal Reserve Bank study. This year brings small relief for the 7 million lucky Americans who live in cities and States that will see wage increases; but this is no thanks to the President or the Senate Republicans who still refuse to move the Raise the Wage Act the House passed last year for the millions of workers who live at the lowest level of paid wages in our country. Millions of American workers remain left behind by the $7.25 minimum wage, or $15,080 for a full year's work, because the Federal minimum wage remains stagnant. American workers haven't had the benefit of a Federal minimum wage increase in over a decade, yet the prices of everything have gone up--right?--medicine, housing, food, cars, local taxes. There isn't a single congressional district in our Nation where a full-time minimum wage worker can afford a two-bedroom apartment. How about that? Factor in the rising cost of healthcare and education, and more American families continue to live at the breaking point and are going deeper into debt. This President continues to push for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, despite no plan to replace it. Here is another example of President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's failure to act to support workers: Our House passed the Butch Lewis Act--with bipartisan support, it passed this Chamber-- to address the worsening multiemployer pension crisis. Currently, there are about 1,400 multiemployer plans covering nearly 10 million people across our country who are retired--60,000 in Ohio alone. These plans are certain to run out of money to support those retirees. It is estimated that 1.3 million retirees and workers are set to lose these benefits. Mr. Speaker, the Senate should pass the bill that we passed here for these retirees; and we all, as a country, should work to improve the economic outlook for millions and millions of working Americans who, frankly, are left out of this economy.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Toledo, Ohio, for his first campaign rally of 2020. Does he know that Ohio has lost 286,332 manufacturing jobs since the first NAFTA went into effect and even more jobs during his Presidency? President Trump will not bring back those jobs. And since his NAFTA 2 passed, called the USMCA, the U.S. automotive companies have announced plans to expand production in Mexico. GM is closing numerous U.S. plants, including in Ohio, while making popular models in Mexico. Ford is even making its new electric Mustang in Mexico, the first Mustang not to be made in the United States of America. American manufacturing workers who find reemployment are typically taking pay cuts. What is more, the President has nothing to say or do about providing for pensions for over 60,000 Ohioans who are going to have them cut substantially because he does not support the Butch Lewis Act, which passed this Congress in this House and is waiting for passage over in the other body. Mr. Speaker, I would like to end my comments by saying that maybe the President, when he lands, should announce that Toledo's F-16 Air Guard fighter wing should get a complement of F-35s, which that unit has duly earned.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, this week, President Trump will travel to the great and compassionate city of Toledo, Ohio, my lifelong home. Like all people, the President is welcome in Toledo. Toledo is a city of industry, where the mighty Jeep has rolled off the assembly line every year since 1941. We are also the city that embraces the future and launched America's leading solar energy company, First Solar. Our diverse city and people truly make America great. I urge the President to bring a message of unity to our city, not one of division. I also urge President Trump to keep his promises to our people: Make medicine and healthcare more affordable; save our Great Lakes; negotiate enforceable trade agreements that actually stop job outsourcing. Protect, don't gut, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Get Mitch McConnell to pass the Butch Lewis Act to save the pensions of 60,000 Ohioans, and select our 180th Fighter Wing for the F-35 tranche planes that they have so duly earned. Let us work on a bipartisan basis to improve the lives of all people. And, in furtherance of that, this Thursday, I urge all Toledo area religious leaders to offer prayers for nonviolence and peace, and I urge all of our citizens to light a candle in their home and put on a porch light to shine a ray of hope skyward for a new year of peace and prosperity for all. May God bless our troops.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me the time. I rise in opposition to NAFTA 2, which has been rebranded the USMCA. First of all, it is being rushed through at the last moments of this session without the majority of Members even able to read it or participate in hearings on it. Number two, it will not stem the continental outsourcing of U.S. jobs, and, sadly, and most importantly, it will not achieve the real enforcement by the Governments of Mexico or the United States. For over 10 years, I have been trying to get the Government of Mexico to arrest and prosecute the brutal murderers of Santiago Cruz, a Mexican national fighting against the huge continental labor trafficking of his countrymen. He was educating his fellow farmworkers that they did not have to pay a bounty of $8,000 to come to this country to work in our fields as they became indentured workers. Despite my over 10 years of efforts to bring justice to his brutal killers, Mexico behaves as if this crime never occurred. Why should I believe Mexico will enforce anything? Furthermore, about a month ago, we saw the President of Mexico not able to keep control of his own streets, and he released the son of El Chapo, the drug lord. What makes you think this administration or the one in Mexico will do anything to enforce the laws that USMCA purports to support? I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I wish to place on the record that Members of Congress swear a solemn oath to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Today we fulfill our oath by defending liberty. The central figure testing America's resolve is not here in Washington today. Rather, the closeted villain sits in Moscow at the Kremlin. Vladimir Putin has coordinated murders, election hacking, propaganda, the entrapment of willing fools and greedy underlings who put their own selfish interests over liberty. Putin seeks to sow disarray and destabilize democracies and the NATO alliance. At Putin's direction, Russia illegally invaded Ukraine in 2014. As Ukrainians defend Europe's eastern flank, 14,000 people have been killed at Putin's hand, with over 2 million displaced. Rather than stand up to Putin, President Trump and his minions aided Putin, first in hastening Russian interference in our 2016 elections, and then more recently withholding vital military aid from Ukraine to coerce its interference in our 2020 elections for Mr. Trump's personal gain. Might I end by saying: Onward to liberty. Vote for the Articles of Impeachment.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I applaud Chairwoman Lowey and the ranking member, Ms. Granger, for bringing us to this point today. I thank the Committee on Appropriations subcommittees being discussed here now for advancing a conference agreement that provides critical funding for Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Financial Services. H.R. 1158 and the Defense package address the priorities of readiness, modernization, and reform, to deter our main adversaries of Russia and China. Chairman Visclosky has crafted a careful compromise that ensures our Nation regains the advantage in hypersonic weapons and many other areas. The Homeland Security portion of the bill also provides important investments. It places safeguards on the Department of Homeland Security to ensure its work is legal, safe, and in the national interest. The safety of our homeland is increasingly threatened by bad actors, both here at home and abroad, and this bill protects the 2020 election, a top national security priority. The bill also provides funding for key issues at NASA, including for aeronautics; for the regional economic development program; and for harmful algal bloom research at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Lastly, the bill provides investments in our Nation's credit unions and community development financial institutions, and it makes critical investments in election security grants to harden vulnerable election infrastructure. Funding the government and keeping the lights on used to be a norm. Hopefully, we help restore that today. When the House passes this bill, we will be restoring the American people's faith in our ability to get the job done for our country. Madam Speaker, again, I thank Chairwoman Lowey for her extraordinary intelligence, leadership, and good demeanor that made this moment possible.