Marcy Kaptur

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. I thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for bringing these important measures to the floor. The Energy and Water division of this bill makes critical investments in energy and water systems to sustain life on Earth, to combat climate change, to build public water infrastructure, and to invest in nuclear security. I sincerely thank our ranking member, Mr. Simpson, who has been a truly constructive, able, and amiable partner in these efforts. I thank our subcommittee staff, these young, gifted, patriotic Americans who have worked so hard to put this bill together: Jaime Shimek, Angie Giancarlo, Scott McKee, Farouk Ophaso, Mark Arnone, Mike Brain, and Marcel Caldwell. Our bill rejects the President's short-sighted proposed cuts that would harm our Nation's interests for both today and tomorrow. Instead, our bill invests in the future to meet serious national priorities. Addressing the needs of the future both economically and environmentally requires that our Nation be at the forefront of global innovation. The Energy and Water division of this bill moves our Nation forward on that vital front. Further, American companies require advanced means to produce and ship goods efficiently in a highly competitive and uneven global marketplace. We seek to advantage them. Finally, ensuring water and electricity for millions of Americans seems fundamental, but there are weighty new challenges. We provide additional support to meeting those priorities. We achieve this by providing $7.65 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, $652 billion above 2019, likely our Nation's premier infrastructure bill for 2020. We provide $1.66 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation, $110 million above 2019, for the desertification of Western States. We provide $38.6 billion for the Department of Energy, $2.9 billion above 2019. Within the DOE, Department of Energy, we responsibly fund our Nation's nuclear deterrent while providing a significant boost for vital nonproliferation efforts. Our bill increases the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program; ARPA-E, the advanced research programs; and the Office of Science to sharpen America's edge to invent the future and to ensure our Nation's energy leadership, security, and independence for generations to come, as all of our research labs, both public and private, across our country are being hacked constantly by those that seek to steal our patents and our innovation.

Ms. KAPTUR. In sum, the Energy and Water division of this bill invests in innovative programs to yield future opportunities and jobs. Our focus is on ensuring future economic prosperity. We underpin national security, and we bolster economic security and trade. Fundamentally, our work together prepares our country to mitigate, adapt to, and intelligently manage the awesome challenges of climate change, including the significant water events across our country, including our Great Lakes region. Our bill is needed more than ever to move America forward. We are living in a pivotal era. I look forward to answering any questions that individuals may have privately.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin must have been consumed with delight. President Trump chose to invite to the White House Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the right arm of Vladimir Putin. The American people should be on red alert, asking themselves what the President has to discuss with a senior leader of an adversary, in a meeting closed to the press and closed to the American people. Mr. President, what do you have to hide? Importantly, Mr. Lavrov is the individual that first concocted the Ukraine false narrative on December 1, 2016, that hid Russia's involvement in our elections, blaming it on Ukraine. It seems that this meeting is a part of a pattern of President Trump's disturbing behavior to cozy up to dictator Putin and his oligarch cronies, many of whom have invested heavily in Trump properties. Astoundingly, President Trump welcomed Russia's intervention in our 2016 elections, and then he invited Russia back to the Group of Seven. He shamelessly kowtowed to Putin at the Helsinki Summit. And additionally, President Trump withheld critical military assistance and a White House meeting from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, urging him to investigate false conspiracy theories about President Trump's political opponents here at home. Meanwhile, the President publicly and continuously derides our closest allies, and questions the value of NATO, for heaven's sake, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the bulwark of our security as free people. And he embraces dictators from around the world. Yet, again, need I remind the President that Russia seeks to destroy liberty. Putin seeks to destroy critical democratic alliances, forged at great sacrifice, such as NATO, that have brought unprecedented peace, security, and prosperity to the free world, which includes us. In 2019, Russia illegally invaded the independent nation of Ukraine, leading to already over 14,000 deaths and the displacement of millions. Ukraine is the scrimmage line for liberty in the Transatlantic Alliance. Russia has been working hard to destroy that alliance, which is freedom's bulwark. Russia has sided with the barbarous Assad regime in Syria, and Russia conducts constant cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns to meddle in democratic processes, including here in our 2016 presidential election; and she is intent to do it again next year. Simply put, the enemy of liberty will stop at nothing to weaken the United States and our allies. When the American people elect their President, they expect a leader to champion liberty on the world stage. The world is watching, and so are our children. How should they interpret the United States rolling out the White House red carpet for corrupt Russian leaders, while freedom-seeking Ukrainian President Zelensky is still waiting for his invitation to the White House? Indeed, this Lavrov meeting is rather sinister. It comes at a very sensitive time, domestically and internationally. On the eve of the meeting with Mr. Lavrov, Mr. Trump continues to deride our own national security institutions, such as the FBI, whose investigation clearly proved Russia interfered with our 2016 election, and she is on task to do it again. Mr. Lavrov, himself, invented and directed the totally false narrative that Ukraine interfered in our election, a conspiracy theory spun up by the enemy of democracy himself. By siding with Russia, our President's behavior encourages Russia's malign behavior, while hurting our allies. Interestingly, this secretive meeting in the Oval Office comes right after the Normandy Format talks in France between Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia, when President Zelensky successfully withstood Russian pressure. He did not cross any red lines that could suggest capitulation of Ukraine in front of Russian aggression. And during the Normandy meetings, thousands of freedom-loving Ukrainians showed up on the streets of Kyiv to show their support for President Zelensky and their readiness to defend their beloved motherland. So, our conclusion is what Russia couldn't achieve through the open channel of diplomacy, it tries to do through the channels behind closed doors here in our own backyard. Congress must demand full access to the transcript of the meeting between the President of our country and the Foreign Minister of Russia Lavrov. Free people deserve it.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I thank so very much Madam Chair for yielding to me and for her distinguished leadership on behalf of the American producers and farmworkers who are the subject of this important bill. I have a sense of how long she has worked on this. For too long, I have borne painful witness to the plight of our continent's migrant farmworkers, as well as the problems our growers are having. These hardworking migrant workers endure harsh working conditions at jobs that the American people simply are not interested in and won't do. These workers endure very harsh conditions to make sure that food gets to our tables, from farm to table. We could not feed this country without these workers. Many of these workers leave their families and journey to the United States in hopes of finding decent work at a respectable wage, yet far too often are subjugated to exploitative serfdom. That is why I stand heartened that the Farm Workforce Modernization Act has been brought forth to this House floor. This bill has strengths, as others have talked about: It regularizes the workforce; it addresses very serious issues.

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, this bill regularizes the workforce, addresses the very serious issues of heat illness prevention and decent lodging, and also has other necessary provisions that demand our support. We must address the conditions of these workers. They cannot be preyed upon. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to improve conditions not addressed in this bill. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairwoman for her fantastic work, speaking up for some of America's most forgotten workers.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I applaud Chairman Smith for including in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report language to include the Coast Guard in the Department of Defense STARBASE Program. The NDAA is the culmination of many long hours of hard work, compromise, and showcases the best of the legislative process. The modified authorization of the STARBASE Program included in this year's NDAA will help improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for the youth of America. Coast Guard support of the STARBASE Program, which the NDAA now authorizes, will allow an already successful STEM education program to be offered in more communities across our country. Teaching STEM concepts to elementary and secondary students is more important than ever to prepare students for our increasingly complex world that requires innovation and critical thinking. Introduction of STEM at an early age allows the best opportunity for our workforce of the future to gain skills and expertise needed, to include the pre-requisites to serve in our Coast Guard, Armed Forces, and broader federal government. Additionally, to build on the NDAA provision that includes the Coast Guard in the STARBASE Program, I introduced the Coast Guard Youth STEM Programs Expansion Act (H.R. 3205). H.R. 3205 ties in the Department of Education into the STARBASE Program, improves STEM curriculum, and includes curriculum topics applicable to maritime environments. As the FY 2020 NDAA is implemented, I look forward to ensuring the Coast Guard and the Department of Defense continue to support STARBASE and STEM education initiatives. I urge support of the NDAA and hope that in the future, the House will advance the Coast Guard Youth STEM Programs Expansion Act.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Chair, I rise to support H.R. 729. I thank Congressman Case for yielding to me and call attention to the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act, which authorizes the U.S. Geological Service Science Center for the Great Lakes and commend Congressman Quigley for his hard work on the legislation. This service protects the Great Lakes Fishery from voracious, destructive, invasive species that threaten the integrity of our entire Great Lakes system. Today, in our district, the Geological Service is leading the charge to identify and contain grass carp, a pernicious invasive whose population threatens to explode but for the work of the Federal science agencies. Every day, our country sits in neutral with inadequate direction to the Geological Service we allow invasive species to undermine the multibillion-dollar Great Lakes Fishery. The Great Lakes have come a long way since the Cuyahoga River caught fire 60 years ago and since has healed, but we have a long way to go. With this authorization, the Geological Service will be able to conduct deepwater ecosystem science to help us better understand fish movement and behavior; and, for my district, which contains the most productive, shallowest, and warmest $7 billion fishery of the Great Lakes, the western basin of Lake Erie, the service's work protects the region's priceless ecological and economic future. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 729.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, next week, leaders from Ukraine, France, Germany, and Russia will meet to discuss a road forward to peace in Ukraine. President Zelensky was elected with a clear mandate to bring to an end Russia's illegal war on Ukraine. The question we must ask is: Peace at what cost to liberty? Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, already leading to the deaths of over 14,000 Ukrainians and the displacement of millions. The enemy of liberty seeks to undermine democratic institutions that have secured peace in Europe since the second World War ended. During these sensitive negotiations, freedom lovers stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people. America will not tolerate any nation that bullies Ukraine into a sham peace that only rewards Kremlin aggression. We join with the Ukrainian people in welcoming a just peace in Ukraine. However, any peace agreement cannot provide legal cover for Russia's land grab. Peace can only come to Europe when Russia respects the integrity of Ukraine's borders. Madam Speaker, liberty on the European Continent hangs in the balance. Today we must do what is right and stand with Ukraine's people so that tomorrow she will have a lasting peace and Europe, as well.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, bipartisan support for the U.S.-Ukraine longstanding strategic partnership remains resolute. Ukraine is the nation on the scrimmage line for liberty in Europe. And as I speak, Ukraine's armed services are protecting Europe's eastern flank from Russian aggression. Its people have made their commitment to democracy clear in its most recent elections, and over 14,000 Ukrainians have now died fighting Russia's illegal invasion. Tomorrow, the Congressional Ukraine Caucus will join the Atlantic Council in hosting a half-day bipartisan, bicameral conference, entitled, ``U.S. Strategic Interests in Ukraine.'' It will be held tomorrow at 11:30 in the Visitor Center Meeting Room North. I encourage my colleagues to come and spend a few minutes with us. I am also pleased to host a roundtable with extraordinarily brave, award-winning Ukrainian journalist Myroslava Gongadze tomorrow at 10 o'clock in the morning in Rayburn 2362B. Following the brutal murder of her husband, Myroslava tirelessly pursued justice on his behalf in the European Court of Human Rights and now serves as the Voice of America's chief for Ukrainian service. Madam Speaker, I kindly invite all my colleagues to attend these important sessions.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise in remembrance of the late Representative Jerome ``Bob'' Traxler, who served honorably in this House from 1974 to 1993. Bob was laid to rest this past week. A proud son and representative of the Thumb region of Michigan, including Saginaw, and his hometown of Bay City, please let me extend my deepest sympathies to his devoted wife, Jean, his daughter Sarah and son-in-law Christopher, his two stepchildren Greg and Caroline, and to his nine grandchildren. Bob was born and raised in 1931 in Kawkawlin, Michigan. He earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 1953 and subsequently his law degree from the Detroit College of Law in 1959. Ever the public servant, he served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. After his military service, he began his law career as the assistant prosecutor in Bay County from 1960 to 1962. He demonstrated his skill and knowledge of the law and soon thereafter was elected to the Michigan House ofRepresentatives, where he served from 1962 to 1974. During this tenure, he served as the Majority Leader of the House from 1965 to 1966. It was during this time he began to pursue a bill that helped establish the Michigan Lottery. And with this legislative action, so came his nickname ``Bingo Bob''. Bob was elected to the United States Congress after winning a special election in April of 1974. He arrived in Washington, D.C. in the midst of the Watergate scandal that was shaking the nation. I believe that as a witness to such a troubling time in our republic; it resulted in his development into a successful Congressman. He recognized that the purpose of Congress was to represent and help his fellow constituents, to echo their voices so the concerns of all were heard throughout the halls of Congress. During his eighteen-year tenure in the House of Representatives, Bob tirelessly served the people in his district. He loved interacting with them whenever he was home to the point where it was not work for him. His example is one from which all in Congress could learn. He rose through the Committee ranks, gaining respect from House Leadership and colleagues, and eventually served on the exclusive House Appropriations Committee as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Veterans' Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies. Through his work on the Committee, he was able to advance projects in his district such as the EPA research vessel named the ``Lake Guardian''. His wide ranging interests asserted that NASA had a champion for the Hubble Telescope, that veterans were cared for, that local communities received back from the federal government their community development allocations, and that Michigan State agricultural interests were defended in the Farm Bills. After years of dutiful service, Bob retired in 1993. As his colleague for ten years, I learned a great deal from Bob. He took the time to illustrate what the position entailed and how very important it was to remember who sent a Member to Congress. He often reflected on the power imbalance in U.S. society and worked to give a greater voice for people of ordinary means. After retirement, Rep. Traxler went on to support his alma mater by serving on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees and the Mackinac Island Park Commission. Though Bob was an MSU Spartan and I, a Wisconsin Badger and Michigan Wolverine, he and I were dear colleagues and more importantly, dear friends. He tutored me in the intricacies of the appropriations process, for which I shall always be grateful. Particularly because our region has a tougher lift when competing for federal attention. I hope it is of some comfort to his loved ones, and to the people that he represented, that his being and indefatigable spirit are now freed from Earth's binds; may his soul rise high and shower our precious world with peace, justice, and good humor from sea to shining sea. With a heavy heart, golden memories, and abiding appreciation, may I extend my deepest gratitude for the life of Congressman Bob Traxler of Bay City, Michigan, and to his family and the people of Michigan he loved and treasured so dearly, for sharing him with our nation.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), our majority leader.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this continuing resolution. I listened carefully to what the gentleman said just prior to my taking the floor, and I wish that the other body had done its work. We did ours. I am pretty proud of our Members. This bill ensures that the Federal Government and its lights stay on, that we pay our bills on time, and that the people's business continues while negotiations on a full year's spending deal proceed. While we are hopeful an agreement can quickly be reached, I am really disappointed that the Senate continues to delay while so much is at stake. I really don't understand the problem over there. For each day that we delay in passing a full-year appropriations bill, we send a message of uncertainty that has consequences for the business of the American people. Be glad you are not a contracting officer in one of the agencies, certainly the Department of Defense, at this point. For our subcommittee, my bill, the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, proposes key investments to the Army Corps of Engineers, in our Nation's crumbling water infrastructure, and in the energy innovation pipeline that is so essential to sustaining life on Earth. The United States must remain at the forefront of energy innovation to address climate change, so vital to people across the globe. This bill essentially offers a pathway, and that is all it is, for our committees to negotiate on a final bill that makes these key investments and many others across committees. In addition to giving Congress the space to finalize our bills, this continuing resolution makes key investments in the Census, and they make those investments as soon as the bill passes. We must ensure a complete census count. In fact, the country can't wait even 1 month to invest in this ramp-up effort. Ads are out all across the country. The Census Bureau has to do its job. And the Census will support reapportionment and will impact everything the Federal Government does, from grant programs to redistricting. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation so the committees can move toward full agreement. I urge prayerful thoughts for our colleagues over in the other body to do their work so that we don't have to use up the full time before December 20 and we can actually pass the bills that are necessary before that time. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, who does such a fine job.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this continuing resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today during this week commemorating veterans in memoriam of Lt. Henry ``Ross'' Perot, of Texarcana, Texas. When I learned of Ross Perot's passing this summer, I was saddened by the loss of a passionate and determined American patriot. Ross Perot was a one of a kind American. His swashbuckling, Texas vintage and `can do' spirit was irrepressible. He lived the life he chose full steam ahead. His life of service was attributed to the love that he had for our great nation, and for that of his fellow service members who make the most honorable sacrifice to serve in our armed forces. He exhibited fierce loyalty to his family and friends, and his love of our nation was encapsulated in his famous catchphrase, ``It's just that simple.'' On this Veteran's Day, let us remember and honor Ross' military career as a Naval Officer, and the thousands upon thousands of people and institutions he helped throughout his life-- most often privately with no fanfare. From a young age Ross strove for excellence. At twelve years old he joined the Boy Scouts of America, and within a year of joining he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. This is the most prestigious title achieved by very few young men who participate in the program, which develops character and a strong foundation toward a life in public service. A proud and grateful graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1949, Ross served as a Lieutenant (j.g.) in the Navy for four years. While at the Academy, Ross was elected Student Body President, and also aided in the development of its honor system. He was assigned to the destroyer USS Sigourney (DD-643), and was then later reassigned to the aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CVS-32). Ross was also an agent of action and gave tremendous support to veteran's organizations such as the Vietnam Prisoners of War, and the Son Tay Raiders. He most notably advocated for the hundreds of former war prisoners left behind at the end of the Vietnam war. Exhibiting the mantra of ``no man left behind,'' Ross fought to alleviate the afflictions of his brothers and strove to provide them with better nourishment and medical treatment. He was truly a beacon of light at a time of utter darkness for so many in the military. A man of fierce determination, Ross lived every day to its fullest. His candidacy in 1992 and 1996 for the presidency of the United States created a thunderbolt in American politics. His founding of the Reform Party brought new issues forward to the public--fair trade was among them with his firm prediction that NAFTA would create a great sucking sound of U.S. jobs outsourced to penny wage nations. That proved correct. Trade deficits with U.S. trade partners have not been balanced since and, on balance, have been increasingly larger every year. He predicted the political thunderbolt this would spawn. Though many pundits put forth highly critical and piercing commentary regarding this businessman turned presidential candidate, Ross Perot's persistence drew attention to America's diminishing industrial base and the risks posed to the nation's innate strength as to growing U.S. government debt. By the year 2000, his drive had helped move the nation to balance the annual budget and begin paying down its long-term debt. That is, until 9/11. In response to his critics who charged him with being crazy, Ross' answer was to jubilantly dance across the stage with his wife Margot to the great Patsy Cline's love anthem ``Crazy,'' to the sheer delight and spontaneous applause of his audiences. One cannot reflect on Ross' life without mentioning his astounding business prowess. He established many business ventures and cutting- edge firms such as founding the Electronic Data Systems (EDS), which became a leader in record processing. He also invested in Apple founder Steve Jobs' NeXT computer and software company, which helped shape our current technological age. One of Ross' most impressive ventures was his namesake, Perot Systems. Perot Systems helped streamline record keeping for government, manufacturing, banking, insurance, and most notably health records by digitization and automation. Before being purchased by Dell, Perot grew his business to be a Fortune 1000 company with offices in over 25 countries, with more than 23,000 employees, and annual revenue of $2.8 billion. His business successes gave way to his unwavering support of private gifts of health and medical support to veterans and civilians, many of whom were strangers. One such instance was the National Medal of Honor Museum, a museum which he donated in an effort to highlight the sacrifice and bravery of American Medal of Honor recipients. His contributions to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center surpassed $100 million. Perot wanted this funding to be used for the indigent and uninsured, or ill veterans and armed services members. He also donated $2.5 million in seed money to fund research for returned veterans after the Gulf War suffering from neurological symptoms. As we remember the life of Ross Perot during this Veteran's Day week, we remember his infectious laugh and how he was no one's fool. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family. My thoughts and prayers are with both the Perot and Birmingham families, his wife Margot, their five children Ross Jr., Nancy, Suzanne, Carolyn, Katherine, and their nineteen grandchildren. May his legacy of patriotism and service live on. And may he be granted eternal peace, though I suspect he is already rearranging heaven's accoutrements.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, this week, freedom lovers around the world celebrate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Constructed in 1961, the infamous Berlin Wall symbolized Soviet brutality and forced separation between liberty and tyranny. Yet, no wall could contain the persistent surge for liberty by the captive people of Central and Eastern Europe. In Poland's shipyards, a workers' solidarity movement, led by visionary and valiant labor leader Lech Walesa, brought democracy to the Polish people and millions of others as the Soviet Union collapsed. In Leipzig, Germany, 100,000 protestors and their peaceful demonstrations led to the once-unimaginable reunification of a civilized Germany. Yet, as democracy spread, many assumed liberty's work in the region was done and that the roots of democracy were firmly entrenched. Tragically, yet again, maligned Russian influence haunts the region as Putin wages his illegal war in Ukraine, today's scrimmage line for liberty on the European continent. Outmoded ethno-national narratives are being fed that, in the past, led to centuries of bloody conflict. Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, democratic nations must unite so that liberty, justice, and equality is for all people across our globe.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Norma Malone Cook of Huron, Ohio. On Sunday, November 17, 2019, the Huron United Methodist Church will honor Norma for 50 years of service to their congregation. Norma began playing the organ at age 15 for the Huron United Methodist Church on September 14, 1969. Norma tells the story of the night that her parents dropped her off at the church to practice music and forgot to pick her up. She recalled the darkness and the sounds of the heat registers, and, there being no telephone near the choir loft, Norma just waited at the back door until her apologetic father showed up around midnight. Despite that event, Norma continued to serve her church with a smile. There have been many changes at the Huron United Methodist Church during the time that Norma has served, and she has improvised and changed alongside the church. One such change that marked the end of an era was in 1995, when the Hemry Organ Company increased the organ from 7 to 11 ranks, which made the organ four feet higher and moved to another location. Previously, the organist was in a sunken pit and could not see the activity of the sanctuary aisles. The organist relied on taking cues from the minister as to when music should commence or end, making it extremely difficult to play for a wedding as one could not see the bride walking down the aisle. Norma and Rev. Carothers formulated a communication strategy during his ministry by which the Reverend would crack open the parlor folding doors to bare the light. He would switch the light on and off as the cue for Norma to start the Wedding March. The wedding observers in the pew never suspected anything. Over the decades, Norma has brought over 300 brides down the aisle for weddings and comforted more than 400 families with funeral music. An active member of the Huron United Methodist Church congregation, Norma works with choirs of all ages and serves on multiple church committees. She always brings a sense of humor to choir rehearsals and helps make music fun for all who work with her or hear her play. Norma has played ecumenical services at almost every church in Huron, serving as an asset to the entire Huron community. Norma has been married to her husband Ron for over 35 years. Norma has three children and three grandchildren. We congratulate Norma on all her accomplishments and dedication to her service to the Huron United Methodist Church and the entire Huron community.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce a resolution supporting the Three Seas Initiative to bolster energy infrastructure security in Central and Eastern Europe. I am pleased to co-lead this bipartisan effort with the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment, Adam Kinzinger. Energy security is national security. For years, Russia has sought to undermine liberty and security in Europe by forcing Central and East European nations into reliance on Russia for their energy needs. They do this through projects including the Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream, Russian gas pipelines. Thankfully, 12 of our closest allies in Central and Eastern Europe have banded together to increase their energy autonomy through collective financing of energy infrastructure projects: the Three Seas Initiative. This resolution makes clear U.S.'s strong support for the initiative and encourages member nations to take action on joint financing of future projects. Additionally, it encourages the member nations to consider financing of clean energy projects as the world addresses our dire climate change crises. In the face of increased Russian aggression, the U.S. must play a leading role in energy security in Europe, and I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise to express deep concern about the timing of Secretary Rick Perry's resignation, and his simultaneous refusal to provide key information on his many trips to Ukraine, more than any other Cabinet member. He has played a central role in U.S.- Ukraine relations throughout the Trump Presidency. Thus far, Secretary Perry has refused to cooperate with lawful subpoenas issued to him by the Intelligence Committee and other committees of this Congress. As chair of the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, while I have had a productive relationship with Secretary Perry in the past, from strengthening our National Laboratories, to supporting the growing range of energy solutions, I feel his recent behavior raises serious questions. Madam Speaker, American taxpayers have a right to know what Secretary Perry was doing on his frequent travel to Ukraine as a public servant beholden to the public trust. Americans have a right to know what he observed, who he was meeting with, and who was benefiting from the contacts and deals he was making. The Constitution entrusts the House of Representatives with holding the executive branch accountable. That is what we must do. As U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine has been sidelined in favor of President Trump's personal and political agenda and abuse of power, Secretary Perry should do what is right, and immediately comply with the House's investigation. America deserves nothing less.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today the House approved H.R. 2440, the Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act of 2019. Nearly every segment of our Nation's infrastructure is in disrepair due to chronic underfunding, including our Nation's water infrastructure, a true lifeblood of our economy. This year, as he did last year, President Trump proposed drastic cuts to the Army Corps of Engineers' budget. Unbelievable. But our Appropriations Committee rejected his proposals and those cuts. Today I stand with my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to call for greater investment in our water infrastructure. For our part, the House passed the FY20 Energy and Water Appropriations bill that included $1.6 billion from the harbor maintenance trust fund, an increase of $147 million above fiscal year 2019 and $732 million above President Trump's paltry and unrealistic budget request. Big, medium, and small ports across our country are efficient economic engines that anchor jobs and progress. They are hubs of production for communities everywhere. And, yes, they rely on leadership from this Congress to fund their maintenance. I congratulate Representative DeFazio for his hard work in writing H.R. 2440 and hope we continue the momentum to utilize the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the Port of Cleveland. Port of Cleveland, October 28, 2019. Hon. Marcy Kaptur, Congresswoman, 9th District of Ohio, Washington, DC. Dear Congresswoman Kaptur: The Port of Cleveland is pleased to know that an important bill will be considered on the House floor on Monday, October 28. The bill, H.R. 2440, the Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, has bipartisan support on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and I urge your support for the measure. As you know, the Port of Cleveland and others in our state depend on the Corps of Engineers' civil works program. Our port relies on the maintenance dredging work each and every year. Around $8 million is needed every year to keep the Cuyahoga River Federal shipping channel, the port's breakwater and related infrastructure in a condition that enables the safe navigation of ships and mariners. Major American industry and U.S. exports rely on maintenance dredging that occurs twice each year. Since 1986, when Congress created the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF), most cargo in American ports is charged an ad valorem tax for the purpose of covering Federal channel maintenance-related costs in U.S. seaports. In the first years, the tax revenue was fully spent on Federal channel maintenance but soon revenues increased and a surplus was allowed to accumulate in the trust fund, even as many shipping channels in the country were not fully maintained to their design depths and widths. Overtime, the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund balance has been allowed to grow to over $9 billion while Congress has continued to under-spend on the infrastructure that is our national navigation system. In more recent years, the House and Senate became more alert to the inadequately maintained American ports and the existence of the HMT and HMTF. Targets for maintenance spending were approved in WRDA 2014 and appropriations have increased. We ports have appreciated that improvement, but the fact is that the unused HMT revenue continues to accumulate while maintenance dredging in many parts of the country, including on the Great Lakes, is insufficient. The graph below, prepared in 2016, provides a snapshot of spending versus tax revenue. (In the years since, the trend is much the same with a projected HMTF balance (per FY 2020 budget) of as much as $10.4 billion. 20 YEARS OF THE HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND [Dollars in millions] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 HMTF Cash Flow: Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOY Balance................................................... 1,106 1,246 1,556 1,621 1,777 1,850 2,001 2,299 2,695 3,234 Receipts & Interest........................................... 651 607 767 816 730 737 946 1,102 1,337 1,427 Outlays....................................................... -511 -297 -702 -660 -657 -586 -648 -706 -798 -910

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence for inviting us to come to the floor this evening to share our sorrow with the Conyers family and the people of Greater Detroit that Congressman Conyers represented here so forcefully throughout his entire career. I would like to extend sympathy to his wife, Monica, and to his sons, John and Carl, that he used to come walk through Congress, even when they were small. He would take them on the train from one side of the Capitol to the other. I can still see him doing that. As others have mentioned, he served from 1965 to 2017. So, from the civil rights movement at its apex, that fervor came into this Chamber, and John served over half a century in furtherance of America's betterment. He was the 44th dean of the House. He became its most senior member and, certainly, the longest serving African American in the history of the United States of America. I think most Members would agree, he truly was a drum major for justice and also a drum major for jobs and fair wages for all workers. His service was anchored by those parallel visions, and I can still remember coming as a new Member to Congress. There were three men who were serving at that time: John; another John, John Dingell; and a man named William Ford. The three of them together, in my mind, actually formed the northern apex of the civil rights and labor rights movement in this country, and America was bettered by all of their services. They worked in tandem. They had been forged by the same set of experiences and came to us from what we in the Midwest call Motown, Motor City. That is a place that is unlike any other in the United States of America. It has a rich history. It has a history of struggle. It produced famous singing groups like The Supremes, contemporaneous with John's adulthood, the Detroit Tigers, and lots of jazz. John loved jazz. If you think about what he represented, Detroit is not really a tea and crumpets city. My apologies to all those who enjoy tea and crumpets. It is really a heavy-duty town, a very pluralistic community where the fight for organized labor was rooted and, something that we know well in our region, the strike at a place called River Rouge that began the work in our country to value labor through contract--not just happenstance, but by an actual contract. And John Conyers was a part of the development of the law that allowed for the dignity of labor, but it was born out of the struggle in Detroit, a very rough-and-tumble world. One of his early jobs was with the United Auto Workers, in which our family has had members for many generations now, and he and I shared that affinity. He was not an arrogant man, but he was rooted, again, in the fight for justice during the best years of his life. When he arranged for the funeral in Detroit of Rosa Parks--and the history of the Montgomery Bus Boycott is written, I don't think a lot of people really know that he actually had hired Rosa Parks in his office from 1965 to 1988. I can recall, in 2005, attending the funeral of Rosa Parks--what a central role John Conyers played in that magnificent ceremony. But through it was the continuing education of the people of the United States of America as to what the civil rights struggle, and our struggle as a people, has actually been comprised of, a constant struggle. I have to say, on the humorous side, he loved cars that drove fast. I happened to be in one of those cars one time, 90 miles an hour on I-75. I don't know how we ever didn't get a ticket. But he was always moving forward. I would guess we shared thousands-- I started adding it up today--thousands of airplane flights between Washington and Michigan, as we went to our respective hometowns. And I always found him to be very cordial, very friendly, full of good humor. He was a perpetual anchor for us on moving American forward, a leading strategist in that endeavor. So I hope it is of some comfort to his loved ones and to the people that he represented that his being and his indefatigable spirit are now freed from Earth's binds; and that his soul may rise high and shower our precious world with peace and justice from sea to shining sea. With heavy heart, golden memories, and abiding gratitude may I extend deepest sympathies on the passing of Congressman John Conyers of Detroit, Michigan to his family, his loving wife Monica, sons John and Carl, his constituents and colleagues who honor his life of service to our nation. An accomplished lawyer and passionate civil rights and labor leader, Rep. Conyers rose through the ranks of Congress to become Chair of the powerful House Judiciary Committee. In 2015, he because Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. His contributions to advancing the cause minority and labor rights as intertwined is legendary. He was a founding member of the Black Caucus, along with Rep. Bill Clay of Missouri and Rep. Louis Stokes of Ohio now 54 members strong. When Rep. Conyers arrived in Congress, and helped create The Congressional Black Caucus, there were only 13 African American Members. He authored and passed legislation creating the Martin Luther King holiday in 1983, and by 2000--17 years later--all 50 states had adopted it. John Conyers served as a perpetual anchor in the North for the burgeoning Civil Rights movement of the 1960's and became a leading strategist. His deep commitment accompanied by an affable nature drew people to his cause. A lover of jazz and the arts, Rep. Conyers never lost his joy of living despite the serious obstacles he confronted. Along with his Michigan barrister colleagues Rep. William Ford and Rep. John Dingell, the three formed a triumvirate that defined the value set and meaning of ``Democrat'' from the industrial, pluralistic cities of middle America. May it be of comfort to his loved ones that his being and indefatigable spirit are now freed from earth's binds, May his soul rise high and shower our precious world with peace, and justice from sea to shining sea.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with affection in memoriam of Congressman Elijah E. Cummings of Baltimore, Maryland. He was a man for our time. Today, I join a grateful nation in honoring the life, as well as, mourning the death of an exceptional American, a man of deep faith in his creator and fellow human beings. As I learned of Elijah's passing, I was deeply saddened by the loss of such a magnanimous human being, a devoted patriot, and a man whose heart for others never stopped beating. During my tenure in the House of Representatives, I had the honor to serve alongside Elijah for over 23 years, but it is the greatest privilege of all to call him my friend. All Members who served with him know this similar affinity. The word great is often overused, but Elijah was truly a great man. He served his district in a way that made clear to everyone his unshakable love for the City of Baltimore and its people. His love was enduring. His service and passion touched those of us serving in any capacity. A graduate of Howard University in 1973, Elijah received his bachelor's in political science and served as the student government president. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, he attended the University of Maryland where he studied law, which led to two-decades of legal practice in the private sector. Elijah also served as the Chief Judge on the Maryland Moot Court, where he aided law students in their studies on appellate casework. Prior to winning his election to the House of Representatives in 1996, in 1982, at only 31 years old, Elijah became the youngest chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus in the Maryland House of Delegates. With not only an impressive 16 years to show for this service, he successfully climbed the ranks to become the first African American to serve as Speaker pro tem--one of the many groundbreaking milestones in his illustrious career. As a trailblazer, Elijah advocated for economic and racial justice, and human rights. He was constantly working to improve the condition of his community that had been devastated by the loss of over 30,000 steel jobs, which brought about great despair. Elijah persevered for his people and community using every opportunity to revitalize and to improve his hometown. Joining the House of Representatives in 1996, Elijah became the Representative for the seventh district in Maryland, serving and dedicated to Baltimore and its suburbs. He was truly a crusader, as he tirelessly fought as an advocate against drug abuse, gun violence, and a visionary for home ownership for all and labor unions--issues that so deeply impact our nation and his district. Amid racial conflict in his home city, Elijah was able to stand above the fray in such a riot-torn landscape and bring peace and reason. As a man who lived by example, his mantra of standing up for one's beliefs was reflected through his years of diligent service and his grace under fire. I can attest, during his medical challenge, which had been significant and prolonged, he never yielded. His dutiful work sustained the hope of his family and colleagues. History will attest his vision will have laid the foundation for a more honorable and respectful approach to governance of a free people. May I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his devoted wife Maya, daughter Jennifer, and the people of greater Baltimore for sending a man of such substance and bearing to serve the people of the United States. Elijah, the proud son of Baltimore, left his community, our nation, and this world a better place through his service. And for that, we shall remain eternally grateful. May God rest his soul peacefully and in full communion with the power of creation.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, today I introduce bipartisan legislation to rename NASA's Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio in honor of Neil Armstrong. Plum Brook is part of the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center and is home to unique world-class facilities that conduct critical and innovative ground tests for the international aerospace community. Plum Brook Station is testing a new generation of space exploration hardware for NASA's efforts to explore the lunar surface and to again land humans on the Moon. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Brown (D-OH) and Portman (R-OH). Ohio is not only the birthplace of aviation, it is also the birthplace of one of human history's all-time great explorers and aviators: Neil Armstrong, the first man to ever set foot anywhere other than on our planet Earth. A native Ohioan, Neil Armstrong served as a Navy pilot and later served the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) at the Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory, now known as north east Ohio's NASA John H. Glenn Research Center, of which NASA Plum Brook is affiliated. Armstrong's `small step for man, one giant leap for mankind' has gone down as one of the most significant and memorable events in human history. Armstrong has inspired countless young people to pursue careers in aviation and public service, young people who will carry on and build upon his immeasurable legacy. It is an honor to introduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Rep. Gonzalez in the House and Senators Brown and Portman in the Senate. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, three of the House committees investigating President Trump's dealings with Ukraine subpoenaed administration officials. They seek answers as to why President Trump would purposely withhold critical military assistance from Ukraine. Such a request is well within the committee's constitutional legislative powers. It is also central to establishing whether President Trump knowingly withheld military assistance to coerce Ukrainian Government officials into creating a false narrative on his political rival, Vice President Joe Biden. On October 15, the committees received a letter from the Vice President, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of Defense rejecting the House subpoena. One letter even indicated the administration was ``unable to comply with your request for documents at this time.'' Mr. Speaker, this is unconscionable. As co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus and a senior member on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I am greatly disheartened that U.S.- Ukraine relations could be put at risk just to advance and cover up President Trump's malfeasance. America deserves transparency and truth, and the Trump administration must work with Congress or face constitutional justice.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, the people of Russia have never known real freedom. During the 20th century, over the course of 70 years, Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union's henchman and regime leader, and that of his successors were responsible for the brutal murder of millions upon millions of innocent people inside Ukraine, Russia, Poland, and many other Central and Eastern European countries that became familiarly known as the Captive Nations. During World War II, American soldiers never really made it east of Germany when they liberated camps in Germany, and so much of the truth about what happened behind what was called the Iron Curtain, the edge of Soviet rule, was largely unknown to the West. Russia's wretched rule included: Forced famine, starving millions of her own people to gain the acquiescence of others; Gulags, where individuals were sent to work in work camps and died. They died of starvation. They died of overwork. They died of disease; Genocide, the wiping out of ethnic groups that didn't fit the perfect image of the ruler of Russia; Ethnic cleansing and a horrific world war launched in collaboration with Nazi Germany, where Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union divided up Europe as they saw fit. Not all Europeans have experienced the same history. I am interested to read some press reports now about Eurocentric people. Well, let me tell you, the history of Nazi Germany and the history of occupied Ukraine or occupied Poland are completely different. There was little value for human life by the Soviet regime and, certainly, no value for liberty. Americans remember, some do, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 after the free world had labored since 1946 to allow that moment to happen and the hope that it brought to millions of subjugated people beyond that Iron Curtain who dreamed of a better way of life--not only across Europe, but, in fact, the entire world. The fall of the Berlin Wall was symbolic, and its anniversary is celebrated this year, 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall that ushered in a new order, a world that said liberty could still prevail over tyranny, even in the face of impossible odds in some of the most forgotten places in the world. Images of East and West Germans ascending the old Berlin Wall that divided freedom from tyranny stood as that symbol. And those individuals who had lived in West Germany and East Germany who climbed that wall and met for the first time in decades serves as one of the most powerful symbols of freedom in human history. As families were reunited, new democratic institutions rose from the ashes, where tyranny once dominated. The United States became a beacon of light to those people in an ever-growing free world following the rebuilding of Europe in the post- World War II climate and then, over four decades later, the Soviet Union's demise. The World War II Memorial that stands here in Washington, D.C., in fact, is testimony to the 20th century's greatest achievement, the victory of liberty over tyranny. Yet, in the ashes of the Soviet regime, the seeds of tyranny survived in the memories of its most ardent lieutenants and supporters. And one of them, the current Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who for years served as a Soviet spy in the KGB, is orchestrating Russia's vengeful march to restore its former empire. Today, Ukraine represents the scrimmage line in the fight for liberty on the European continent. And why does it matter to America? Because those allies in Europe have democratic republics like ours. They are our closest political allies on the face of the Earth. We do not live alone on this Earth. America does not live alone on this Earth, but, rather, we have a security system that was established following World War II that has held together the leaders of the free world. Vladimir Putin's greatest fear is an economically successful and democratic Ukraine at Russia's borders. A free Ukraine would undermine Putin's fragile, corrupt rule based on stealing--stealing land, stealing money from the people of Ukraine, and lining his pockets and those of his cronies. A free Ukraine sends a message, too, to the Russian people, a people who have never known liberty in their own right, that freedom is also attainable for them. For this reason, Putin would go to any length, and is-- assassinations, poisonings, war, torture--to steal from the Ukrainian people their right to choose their own destiny--40 million people--40 million people at the stepstone to all of Europe, the largest landmass nation in all of Europe. They have a right to choose their own destiny. In the aftermath of World War II, the United States, alongside our allied partners in the then newly formed North Atlantic Treaty Organization, more familiarly called NATO, created precious institutions to build solidarity and security among the war's transatlantic allied victors--institutions that had never existed before. America invested trillions of dollars in programs, beginning with the Marshall Plan, to build vigilant networks to stymie and, ultimately, reverse the spread of state-imposed communism. The American people, in a very war-worn country after World War II, rebuilt Europe through the Marshall Plan. Wow. Western-funded programs worked to rebuild Europe, and, though the Nazis were defeated, millions still found themselves trapped under dictatorial rule behind that Iron Curtain east of the Berlin Wall. Ukraine was one of those nations forced to exist under Soviet occupation until Ukrainian citizens declared their own independence after the fall of the Berlin Wall in a democratic, nationwide referendum in 1991, the only such referendum by any former Soviet republic. An astounding 84 percent of their voting-age population participated in that referendum, and more than 90 percent of them voted to separate from the Soviet Union and chart their own national course. That was a new page that turned in world history. Even in the eastern portions of Ukraine, in Crimea, a majority voted to be part of independent Ukraine. In one voice, the Ukrainian people decisively voted for and favored liberty over tyranny. What a dramatic moment in world history as liberty attempted to move eastward. But, even then, the struggle for liberty in Ukraine was far from over. It was only beginning. And we can see it in real time even until today. In 2014, the Ukrainian people rose up in the Ukrainian revolution of dignity against leaders in Ukraine that had become utterly corrupt, the pro-Russian leader then, President Viktor Yanukovych, after he rejected--why did they rise up? Because he rejected an association agreement with the European Union. And at whose behest did he do that? Vladimir Putin's. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian protesters immediately moved to occupy the central plaza of their capital city, Kiev, Ukraine. Clashes between those protesters and the riot police became violent and resulted in the deaths of nearly 130 civilians. Most of them died from government-ordered sniper fire. As tensions rose, Yanukovych fled--guess where?--to Russia to take cover. And, on that same day, by a vote of 328-0, their congress, their parliament, voted that Yanukovych be removed from office. The fight for liberty is being lived in real time. The world can see it--not just the Ukrainian people; the American people, the leader of the free world, for heavens' sake. In that very same year, Vladimir Putin mobilized Russia's vast military machine, one of the largest on Earth, to illegally and without provocation invade Ukraine at its Crimean edge and launch a not-so- covert war on Ukraine's eastern flank, a clear effort to rewind history and reimpose his dreamed neo-Soviet empire. Over 5 years later, Ukraine remains in an heroic struggle to preserve its hard-fought freedom and sovereignty. Its people have bravely faced down artillery barrages and live sniper and machine gun fire carried out by pro-Russian forces coming across the border, including Putin's little green men. While the country, Ukraine, is not yet a member of the European Union or NATO, which it so wishes to be, its men and women, including civilians, have bravely fought and died defending Europe and their own fragile democracy. Put yourselves in their position. What would you do if that happened in the United States of America? In the 5 years since the war started, 14,000 Ukrainians have been killed, 30,000 have been wounded, and nearly 2 million internally displaced in the conflict with Russia. It is a war that groans on with little notice but enormous consequences for liberty in this modern era. As Ukraine's defense forces crumbled due to years of corruption and mismanagement, the Ukrainian people took up the cause to defend their own nation. They have been seriously underequipped. And their heroism and, I might add, sheroism shines. Courageous women from the invisible battalion left their college studies and took taxis to the frontlines to thwart Moscow's war. It was like a David and Goliath struggle. Indeed, it has been the strength of the Ukrainian people that has fought Russia to a standstill for a moment. Just as we and our allies fought Soviet aggression in the 20th century, the Ukrainian people are in the trenches fighting Russian aggression in the 21st. They have more than earned the respect and continuing support of the United States and the free world. When the Soviet Union collapsed, one-third of the Soviet nuclear arsenal remained in Ukraine. There are two countries in the world that have nuclear weapons aimed: Russia, at us; and the United States, prepared to take them down if they would ever dare send them in this direction. But one-third of what the Soviet Union held in terms of nuclear strength remained in Ukraine, de facto providing Ukraine the world's third largest nuclear weapons arsenal. But, in 1994, by signing the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine agreed to give up the nuclear weapons in its territory in return for security assistance by the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Think about that. A promise was made. Ukraine's independence, national sovereignty, and borders would be respected. By annexing Crimea and waging a devastating war on the eastern side of Ukraine called the Donbas, Russia has severely violated the terms of this foundational security agreement. Lest we forget, Russia retained its nuclear arsenal, and their weapons remain aimed at us, the United States of America, and our NATO allies in Europe. The list of violations goes on. The basket one provisions of the Helsinki Accords, which the Soviet Union signed in 1975, along with the United States, Canada, and more than 30 European countries, as well as bilateral agreements that the Russian Federation signed with Ukraine in 1997, have effectively been thrown to the wayside. In addition, Russia's forcible annexation of Crimea and sponsorship of a hot war in Ukraine's east since 2014 violates numerous United Nations agreements that Russia, the Ukraine, the United States, and other countries have signed going back to the organization's founding in 1945. While it would be convenient to only blame Russia for the destabilization of this region, I must say, President Trump's recent illegal block of more than $391 million in military aid to Ukraine was not only a blow to Ukrainian security and to its new president, but to our own. Russia on the march does not serve the security interests of the United States. The United States and NATO have a vital interest in stopping the Kremlin's aggression in Ukraine. That Trump did so, in denying military assistance, in delaying military assistance to Ukraine, in pursuit of a personal political agenda for 2020, makes it not only a betrayal of U.S. security interests but, also, a legal issue. It looks like just the sort of perversion of the justice system that Ukraine has suffered for decades. To date, there are no records detailing President Trump's or his administration's official secret meetings and phone calls with Russian President Putin and his top lieutenants. There is no documentation to date on why President Trump lifted sanctions on key Putin oligarchs and supporters. If records exist, they, I hope, have not been unlawfully squirreled away somewhere by senior White House staff, similar to actions alleged in the September 2019 whistleblower complaint. It is clear that Putin has been at war with Ukraine to restore its domination in that neighborhood. The United States should do nothing to make it easier. Tragically, it appears President Trump is accommodating and, perhaps, abetting him. It is no wonder that our current the President was Putin's preferred candidate in 2016 and remains so for 2020. Now, Paul Manafort, President Trump's 2016 campaign manager, sits in Federal prison right now for tax evasion, but his crimes are much worse. He took millions of dollars, millions of dollars to lobby for the pro-Russian, anti-American, Ukrainian President, Viktor Yanukovych, who he mentioned earlier, whose own people drove him out the country. Yanukovych personally took his orders from Putin, who personally directed Russia's interference in U.S. elections and ordered the war in Ukraine. Take Rudy Giuliani, President Trump's personal lawyer. He has been carrying out a shadow foreign policy campaign, at the Trump administration's behest, to undermine their political rivals and boost the President's reelection. Recently, it was confirmed that Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, turned to Manafort, who is sitting in jail, for advice in his efforts to fabricate falsehoods on Vice President Joe Biden. The President and Giuliani even enlisted the support of U.S. Government officials in this scheme, co-opting U.S. taxpayer dollars for personal political gain. When the United States Ambassador to Ukraine refused to aid and abet their plot, President Trump purged the highly respected U.S. Ambassador, Marie Yovanovitch, who dutifully served our country with distinction throughout her adult life. During her service, Ukraine successfully carried out two democratic elections during a time of war and significant duress and made enormous progress on its anticorruption efforts. Ambassador Yovanovitch's steady and principled vision, steeped in a long tradition of U.S. diplomatic excellence, was exactly what was needed to shepherd the Ukrainian people along the jagged path toward democratic reform. Ambassador Yovanovitch represented the United States at the highest levels of her career in other countries facing similar challenges-- Armenia, for one, and Kyrgyzstan--under Republican and Democratic administrations. She served Presidents in both parties. It is, indeed, rare for a member of the Foreign Service to serve as an ambassador, let alone three times in very dangerous places. This is a true testament to her diplomatic seasoning, from which I believe our President could learn something. Tragically, the purging of Ambassador Yovanovitch is but the surface of the contempt that this White House and some of my Republican Congressional colleagues have treated public servants who place their lives at risk serving the American people's love of liberty, day in and day out. President Trump, let the record show, who dodged service in the U.S. military, seems to have no understanding of the value of our transatlantic alliances and at what cost they have been won and built. They are the single most important guarantor of our security and freedom. America needs friendly allies who share our democratic values and believe in the rule of law. Recently, we have learned that while the Trump-appointed U.S. Ambassador to the European Union should have been focused on repairing relations with Europe, as our own President has embarrassed European Presidents and leaders publicly, the Ambassador to the European Union found himself in Ukraine, arranging meetings to conduct opposition research on President Trump's political opponents. It cannot be overstated just how much the actions of our President and Rudy Giuliani have undermined U.S. strategic interests and the progress Ukraine has made to strengthen its democracy and deter Russian aggression. Imagine how the young new President of Ukraine felt when the President of the United States said to him that the military aid that was due to have been dispensed in the middle of this summer from the United States would actually be held until that President would do our President a favor related to his own reelection. Wow. For the Trump-led minions, our government does not serve the people. Rather, unfortunately, it is serving him. While we continue to seek cooperation with the Trump administration to help our own people here at home in so many ways--the cost of prescription drugs, trying to get an infrastructure bill passed in the House and the Senate, trying to deal with corruption in our own political system--Congress must investigate these deeply troubling episodes abroad. The Constitution demands that we conduct our affairs in a constitutionally mandated role of oversight and the impeachment inquiry, which is ongoing. We must ascertain to what extent the President and his advisers abused their power and held up critical military aid to Ukraine for their own political gain. Thus far, the President's defense has been complete resistance, not providing the materials necessary for a full congressional investigation in what seems to be an ongoing campaign to intimidate State Department officials from testifying before Congress, which really means before the American people. The American people have a right to know the truth. This is an open society. We don't need stonewalling from this administration. We should ask the President what he has to hide. The American people know the difference between truth and fiction. Mr. Speaker, what a historic defeat for liberty it would be if the West were to squander the sacrifices of the United States, Ukraine, and our allies by allowing Putin to succeed in his sinister mission. Despite President Trump's negligence, the United States Congress remains laser-focused on the threat from Russia. It is serious, and it is real. While Ukraine fights for its very existence, the United States Congress and freedom-lovers everywhere must continue to support Ukraine through military aid, programs to fight corruption, and the development of civil society, which the American people do so well. Congress must get to the bottom of President Trump's effort to withhold vital defense aid to Ukraine. She is facing a mortal enemy. This is liberty at stake in our lifetimes. Will we meet the challenge? The abuses of power outlined in the whistleblower complaint underscore the danger that President Trump's decisions pose to American national security and democracy itself. The American people must learn to what extent the President solicited interference from a foreign country in the upcoming 2020 U.S. Presidential election. From our own FBI, we have learned how many times Russia interfered in the last election and how many times then-candidate Trump contacted Russia during the campaign. I was thinking about that one night. If I were running for President of the United States, would I be in touch with Russia nearly 200 times? Think about that. How unusual is that? The American Presidency cannot be a tool for Russia to gain its insidiously destructive power. Above all, the American people deserve liberty first, last, and always in a political system free of malign foreign influence. Long live a free America, and may the people of Ukraine ultimately gain the freedom they so justly deserve. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.