Adam Kinzinger

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. It is sad that we are here. As a military member, I spent some time at the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey in `06, or maybe a little before in `05. I think we all, as Members of this body, have probably been there in our travels and see some amazing potential for a country that really straddles two continents and plays such an important role in the future. But it is sad to see what has happened. So, I reluctantly have to rise today in support of H.R. 4695, the Protect Against Conflict by Turkey Act, also known as the PACT Act. I cosponsored this because I am worried about the direction of President Erdogan and the direction he is taking the Republic of Turkey. The leader of a country with so much to offer the world should not be cozying up to the likes of Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad--Vladimir Putin, who oversees a failing nation, quite honestly, and is not the future. Yet that is exactly what Erdogan is doing when he decided to invade Syria. Far too many men, women, and children have died at the hands of Assad, Putin, and Khamenei. It is unthinkable that a leader of a NATO nation will be joining the list of murderous thugs; but, given the latest developments in Syria, many of our Kurdish partners will likely die because of Erdogan's offensive. These are the same Kurdish fighters who, while we lost less than 20 soldiers in the fight against ISIS from combat, lost over 10,000 of their own men and women. These are the same Kurdish fighters who spent the past 5 years hunting ISIS leader Abu al-Baghdadi alongside our men and women in uniform, and we saw that come to fruition in a great way this weekend. Without their constant pressure on the ISIS networks, our operators may have never had the chance to bring him to justice--not to mention the fact that Turkey, inevitably, threatened to attack our troops in northern Syria. That is why I am proud to cosponsor this. By applying targeted sanctions against those directly responsible for the operations, we are sending a message to the Erdogan government that the U.S. will hold them liable for their actions. If he does not want to act like a NATO nation, then his government will feel the repercussions of such decisions. I thank Chairman Engel and Ranking Member McCaul for their steadfast leadership of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and I commend them for their ability to work in a bipartisan manner to advance measures in America's interest.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the one-year anniversary of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act being signed into law. The SUPPORT Act was the most comprehensive law ever enacted by Congress to take on a drug crisis--a bold response to an opioid epidemic that has affected every corner of our country. The SUPPORT Act took big strides in addressing the crisis by expanding access to treatment and recovery services, providing communities with the tools and resources they need to be successful on the front lines, ensuring we have effective systems in place to keep these powerful drugs from getting into the wrong hands, and more. I was proud to have my legislation, the Opioid Addiction Action Plan Act, included in the final package. My bill requires a comprehensive look at government practices--including reimbursement, coverage, and data collection--and allows us to find alternate methods of treating pain through innovation by making Medicare and Medicaid more flexible, adaptable, and focused on preventing and treating addiction. The SUPPORT Act recognized that while this crisis has reached every zip code, a one-size-fits-all approach won't remedy the issue effectively, and that's where the role of community comes into play. I believe community is at the heart of many issues facing our nation right now and is a key component for those struggling with opioid addiction. Having a support network and a sense of belonging is important to all of us, so it is imperative that on a community level we guide those who are fighting addiction, whether that be a family member, neighbor, or a compassionate stranger. The SUPPORT Act helps communities do just that, by propping up community organizations with technical or financial assistance, establishing peer support networks, and distributing best practices for those on the front lines within the community, like health professionals or law enforcement. As a society, we must do better to ensure those who are struggling know that they are not alone, and that they have a team of support around them. The stigma surrounding substance use disorders is real and detrimental to those who need help or are trying to rebuild their lives. The language we use to talk about them is incredibly important to breaking the stigma. We wouldn't define a person with cancer or Parkinson's by their disease and addiction is no different. The SUPPORT Act was a giant leap in the right direction, and while we are already seeing real results, we must continue to work together, from Congress down to the community leaders, to help those who are struggling and end this devastating crisis for good.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of the Society for Neuroscience, an organization at the forefront of medical research and positively affecting the lives of people across America and all over the world. The Society for Neuroscience is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. Over the past few days, more than 30,000 scientists from more than 70 countries have gathered at the Society's Neuroscience 2019 Conference in Chicago to present emerging science, learn from experts, forge collaborations with peers, and explore new tools and technologies. Some of the research being presented includes the latest projects and discoveries surrounding Alzheimer's and opioid addiction research, both of which are issues I care deeply about and have advocated for here in Congress. At the annual conference, the state of Illinois is represented by nearly 1,400 attendees who are sharing cutting-edge research conducted by Illinois' research institutions and academic centers. One of these institutions taking part in the gathering of minds is Northern Illinois University (NIU), which I proudly represent in Illinois's 16th Congressional District. NIU had 10 researchers showcasing their dedicated work to the Society, representing their passion to better the sciences and find answers to questions we all hope to uncover. In Fiscal Year 2019, the state of Illinois received over $485 million in funding through grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH). Of that funding, $424,000 went to IL-16 and included funding to conduct research aimed at better understanding the nervous system and to improve the treatment and prevention of brain and nervous system disorders. I want to commend the institutions in my district and state, as well as the Society for Neuroscience, for being leaders in neuroscience research and highlighting the importance of scientific research to advance our understanding of the nervous system to ultimately improve the health of people across the world.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 598, the Georgia Support Act. It is legislation I introduced with my colleague, Mr. Connolly. Georgia has been a strong ally to the United States, and ensuring their territorial sovereignty is essential to European security and American interests. Since the Russian invasion in 2008, Georgia has been embroiled in a battle for its very right to exist due to Putin's flagrant aggression. For over a decade, Russia has illegally occupied the Georgian parts of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which constitutes 20 percent of Georgia's territory. Putin has constructed military bases, erected border fences across civilian farms, and restricted transit between the occupied regions and Georgia. The subsequent occupation has displaced thousands of ethnic Georgians. Those who refuse to leave their homes now face extreme human rights abuses. Furthermore, Russia continues to meddle in Georgia's political processes and seeks to sow discord and chaos among the population. Our legislation reaffirms U.S. support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as the continued development of democratic values in Georgia. It also pushes for an increase in security assistance to Georgia, greater cybersecurity cooperation between our nations, and an enhancement of Georgia's ability to combat Russian disinformation campaigns. Most importantly, this bill authorizes the President to impose sanctions on those individuals responsible for human rights abuses in those regions. Passage of this legislation is an opportunity to show support for an ally that has been one of the greatest contributors to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and one that has endured Putin's belligerence for over a decade. By deepening U.S.-Georgia security cooperation, we send a strong message to Putin to think twice before interfering in Georgia again. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, again, I want to thank Mr. Connolly for his great work on this. I want to thank the chairman for bringing it to the floor and for his friendship and for the committees in this Congress that have steadfast support for our Georgian allies. This was mentioned earlier, and it is worth re-noting, Georgia pound for pound has the strongest commitment to NATO and Afghanistan, and they are not even full NATO members. So that tells you the kind of people they are. They are a key strategic and democratic partner in a tumultuous region, and increased U.S. support is a significant step toward countering the global threat posed by Russia every day. This bill passed in the 115th Congress in a bipartisan margin overwhelmingly, so I urge my colleagues to support this legislation yet again. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 552, which calls on the government of the Russian Federation to release Paul Whelan, an American citizen, from their custody or provide compelling evidence of his alleged wrongdoing. On December 28, 2018, Paul Whelan traveled to Moscow to attend a friend's wedding when he was arrested on allegations of spying. Over the past 10 months, Mr. Whelan has maintained his innocence as he awaits trial, which is expected to start in January of 2020. Mr. Whelan suffers from a chronically painful medical condition, which requires surgery. Unfortunately, this surgery was scheduled for shortly after his return from Moscow in January of 2019. Over the past 10 months, Mr. Whelan has been living in pain as he has declined to have the surgery in Russia. This bipartisan, bicameral resolution calls for the Russian Federation to immediately release Paul Whelan from his unwarranted detainment. Further, it calls for due process and unrestricted access to consular services for Mr. Whelan. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman has no further speakers, I am prepared to close.

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank Mr. Whelan's family for continuing to fight for his release and for bringing this matter to our attention. He is a pawn. Russia quite clearly has a terrible track record of taking care of people, whether it is bombing hospitals in Syria intentionally or whether it is just abusing people in other parts of the world--Venezuela--or imprisoning Americans. It is obviously their track record. Mr. Speaker, I urge my Democratic and Republican colleagues to support this resolution. I thank the chairman for bringing it up, the family for fighting, and everybody who spoke. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of one of my constituents, Mr. Arnoldo ``Arnie'' Cabello. Arnie proudly served in the Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Defense. He was a loving husband and caring father. Mr. Cabello will forever be remembered for his service to his nation and to his community. His perpetual selflessness, characterized by a life of service, began with enlistment in the United States Army and continued through his work for fellow service members with the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA 272), the Rockford Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. Mr. Cabello exemplified public service by his community involvement, participating in local government as a Trustee for Harlem Township, membership in the Knights of Columbus, and as director of the Phantom Regiment Cadets. Arnie was a generous man that faithfully served his God, country, and community. But most of all, Arnie loved his family. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege for me to honor the life of this man on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2019 recipients of the Congressional Veteran Commendation in the 16th District of Illinois. The five veterans receiving this commendation have served this country honorably and fought for the freedoms we hold dearly. These veterans answered their country's call by joining the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Marines. As a fellow veteran, I thank them for their patriotism and sacrifices on behalf of our nation. After these veterans served their country, they came home to serve their communities. They are civic leaders, active citizens, and many continue to serve their military brothers and sisters through veteran service organizations. Although their mission has changed since returning to civilian life, their leadership and tenacity have not. The recipients of the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation are: SGT Thomas Cleland of Roscoe, IL; CPL Neil Dreier of Durand, IL; 1LT Stephen Koppenhoefer (USA) of Seneca, IL; A1C Leo McCauley of McNabb, IL; and SMSGT Edward Stash of Ottawa, IL. I am proud and honored to be able to recognize these notable veterans. The recipients of this commendation serve as the embodiment of both military and civil service, and it is my hope they will inspire the next generation of our Nation's leaders.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero and good friend, Officer Mark Dallas, for being named the National Officer of the Year by the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum. On the morning of Wednesday, May 16, 2018, a student open fired inside Dixon High School. Without hesitation, Officer Dallas chased down the gunman and returned fire. He disarmed the shooter and took him into custody. Officer Dallas' selflessness and professionalism saved the lives of hundreds of students and staff, including his own son. On August 11, 2019, Officer Dallas will receive this award given to those who protect the thin blue line. Congratulations to Officer Mark Dallas on receiving this momentous award and being enshrined with the other men and women who have devoted their lives to protect the people of the United States. It is my great honor to once again recognize his actions in the House of Representatives.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Aaron Hattabaugh, a retired captain and B-52 navigator, for taking part in the longest combat mission in Air Force history. On January 16, 1991, Captain Hattabaugh and fifty-six other airmen aboard seven B-52G aircraft of the 596th Bombardment Squadron took off from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana on Operation Senior Surprise. However, those who took part named their mission Operation Secret Squirrel. This was the United States' first move to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein. Using state of the art air launched cruise missiles, these brave airmen had one objective: to destroy Hussein's strategic assets in Iraq and Kuwait. Over the course of this mission, the aircraft destroyed nearly all of the targets and blinded the Iraqi military to our ground forces, in turn saving countless American lives. Incredibly, these aircraft completed four in-air refueling maneuvers and covered 14,000 nautical miles in under 36 hours. This year marks the 28th anniversary of ``Operation Secret Squirrel'' and each year, those involved in this historic mission gather to remember their piece of history made. In the longest mission since the Doolittle Raids on Japan, these aviators carried out their mission with honor and bravery. Madam Speaker, those who served on this mission displayed true endurance and dedication to country in their actions. It is my honor to recognize Captain Hattabaugh and the fifty-six others who took part in this critical mission.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. KINZINGER. I am in its current form.

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, this motion to recommit is very simple. It affirms this Chamber's appreciation of and support for the men and women of the United States Border Patrol. We in this Chamber know that we can debate and disagree all day long every day, and we have more than enough issues to argue about on a regular basis, but this institution makes laws. We pass the laws, and we expect those laws to be carried out faithfully. This motion to recommit today is about recognizing the men and women of our U.S. Border Patrol who carry out the very laws that we pass for their hard work and for their dedication. Without question, we are facing a crisis on our southern border. Without question, we are facing a crisis on our southern border, and our facilities are overcrowded and overwhelmed. And lacking the resources, our personnel, our CBP agents are overworked, and I can tell you this because I saw it firsthand. Now, I didn't go in a windbreaker and get a photo op. I didn't start a livestream. Mr. Speaker, I went as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard on a deployment to the mission in Arizona, to the border. And for me, going to Arizona with my unit in late February was a nice respite from the bitter cold of Illinois, but what I saw truly opened my eyes to the crisis at hand and the shortcomings that our CBP agents face with their limited resources. This, by the way, was my fourth deployment to the border, and it was only my first under President Trump. So what does that mean? Yes, that means that my three other border missions and my other deployments came under President Obama, who also saw the crisis at the border and the dire humanitarian concerns. In February, I watched from above as border agents struggled to thwart migrant groups that would systematically stagger their attempts to run and cross the open border. My fellow guardsmen shared their accounts of agents giving their last water bottles to dehydrated migrants. My fellow guardsmen shared various accounts, and one was about agents giving their last bottle of water as they came across people who were dehydrated and in a bad situation, often risking their own safety and their own health. While my mission was nice in February, today it is pretty hot out in the desert. These agents are still expected, by their oath and by the direction of the laws of this body, to walk miles through terrible terrain that, in many cases, cannot even be accessed by vehicles. They are often met with a foot chase, sometimes with multiple people or with dangerous cartel members. And sometimes this happens even at the end of their shift, so it means that later they are going to have to call home. They are going to have to tell their loved ones that they are not going to be home to tuck the kids in bed or say good night because duty calls. I listened to defeated Customs and Border Protection agents talk about the emotional and physical tolls that this crisis was taking on them and their family as they grappled with these impossible tasks, and more than once it was mentioned to me the toxic rhetoric used in describing them in many cases in terms reserved for just our enemies. I saw the compassion in a CBP agent during one of my missions as he helped a young woman we found in the desert to safety after she was left for dead by her cartel handlers because they got spooked and they ran and abandoned her. These coyotes work for the cartels, and these cartels make money on two primary products: people and drugs. Human lives are viewed as nothing more than commodities for them, and this is what I saw firsthand. This is what I experienced with the hardworking men and women of our border, who are often the first and only defense against such tragedy. And it is true, the CBP has effectuated over 3,800 migrant rescues so far this fiscal year risking their own lives to save others. If you remove CBP, you will cost lives. And maybe people don't want to believe that, maybe it doesn't fit a narrative, but it is an undeniable fact. We have placed an unprecedented burden on our agents asking them to handle some really tough things, and for that they have been villainized. The CBP's facilities were not designed as long-term or even short- term shelters for families or children, and those resources to accommodate them and handle the influx are limited. If this Congress cannot agree to provide these agents the resources they need, as this bill fails to do, the least we can do is affirm our appreciation for their work. Agreeing to this motion to recommit will not impact the passage of this bill. Voting in favor of this MTR will not kill the bill that we are voting on here today. Today what we have is an opportunity and a moment in time to make a simple statement. This institution can leave politics aside and take this time to recognize the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, the sons and daughters, the husbands and wives, our neighbors and the constituents we serve, the men and women of our U.S. Border Patrol working in these facilities every day. Let's show our support by rising above the fray of politics and vote in favor of this MTR. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, just a quick point on that. We don't like when innocent people are bombed, and when we look at Yemen, I think it is really incumbent on us to see what is happening. A legitimate government in Yemen was overthrown by Iranian-supported rebels, and Iran, who has not sent one dollar of humanitarian aid to support the people who have been killed. What we are talking about in this specific resolution is actually UAE. So, I rise in opposition to S.J. Res. 37. Since the emergency declaration to expedite arms sales to the Saudi-led coalition to defeat the Houthi rebels, Congress has debated the President's exercise of the emergency clause of the Arms Export Control Act. This joint resolution of disapproval, along with 21 other JRDs, intends to stop transfers to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. S.J. Res. 37 specifically blocks the transfer of Paveway precision- guided munitions to the United Arab Emirates. This technology converts dumb bombs, like the ones used by Russia to kill innocent men, women, and children in Syria, into precision-guided munitions, ones that are intended to avoid civilian casualties. We can debate whether shipments that aren't ready to be delivered require an emergency declaration, but at the end of the day, some of the munitions that we are discussing today have already left the shores of the United States and are en route to the UAE. In fact, the first tranche is en route now, and the second tranche will be leaving in September. Mr. Speaker, this JRD and the two up for debate today are not about timelines for shipment. We have heard my colleagues on the other side of the aisle argue that these arms could be used in Yemen to target civilians. Yet, there are reports that the UAE has already withdrawn from Yemen. The UAE serves as a bulwark against Iranian aggression, the ongoing threat of al-Qaida, and other terrorist groups wishing to harm the United States, our allies, and our interests. In contrast, the Iranian-backed Houthis, through missiles and UAE strikes, are a threat to stability in the region. Iran and the forces it supports, like the Houthis, are a threat to our national security and the security of our allies. They are the number one contributor to human suffering in Yemen. We have seen the Iranian regime threaten international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, including ships belonging to the U.K., Japan, and Norway. They have shot down an expensive military asset flying in international airspace. Prior to the President's emergency declaration, the head of Iran's Quds Force called on terror groups to prepare for a proxy war with United States and our allies. Since then, we have seen these proxies become emboldened in their actions. Yet, we are here today debating arms sales to the UAE on the basis that these arms transfers may be used by our strategic ally in Yemen. While there is no guarantee that these weapons will ever be used in Yemen--will ever not be used in Yemen either--there are facts that show exactly why we must continue to provide these arms to the UAE. As a former Air Force pilot and a current pilot in the Air National Guard, I am proud that our government would not send our Air Force to fly sorties without the munitions needed to defend themselves. Similarly, we should not have an ally flying our F-16s without the necessary tools it needs to complete its mission. The Iranians have shown that they have the capacity and ability to fire upon military aircraft with no regard for whether the platform is manned or unmanned. When our allies are in a dogfight, we can't leave them without the means to defend themselves and our shared interests. I also want to point out that there is a lot of discussion about offensive or defensive weapons. A bomb can be used defensively or offensively. I can't think of many weapons that are actually defensive in nature because they are used to destroy an enemy. So it is all about how you employ that weapon. Saying that we want to send only defensive weapons, shows our allies to be weak against an Iran that is shown that it wants to go on the offensive continually. I can name basically every country in the Middle East and show Iranian influences there. On the broader picture, we have got to debate how this went out. I fully agree with everybody on that. But we cannot leave our allies in the lurch. We cannot leave them unprotected because our big, chief enemy is Iran. I know there is broad-based agreement on that, and we cannot show weakness in the eyes of that. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), a senior member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remainder of my time. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend on the other side of the aisle. It is a good debate here. The bottom line on this is, I think if the concern is Saudi Arabia--I understand the concern, I may not share it in the same level of depth--then vote ``no'' on the last resolution or vote for the last resolution. This one is on UAE, and whether it is Saudi, UAE, or Jordan, I think it is important for us, Mr. Speaker, to constantly show that we have our allies' back, especially an ally like UAE. We know that Iran likes to go on the offensive. We know that the only thing that stops Iran from broader encroachments in the Middle East is the United States and our allies. We know that a good offensive posture is the best defensive posture to prevent a shooting war from ever happening. So, again, we can all debate the process and how this went down, but the bottom line is we must reject this resolution. This is a resolution that I think is a result of political pressure, and we must send this back to the Senate where it belongs, or if this passes then I am sure the President will veto it. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the debate, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, earlier this month, I gave opening remarks with my esteemed colleagues Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI), Rep. Keating (D-MA) and Rep. Rooney (R-FL) at an event hosted by the Free Russia Foundation discussing the Kremlin's disturbing and significant attacks on Western institutions. During the event, the Free Russia Foundation released a report, which can be found at https://www.4freerussia.orglwp-content/uploads/2019/06/ misruleoflaw-web-pages.pdf, demonstrating how the Kremlin's active measures and subversion campaigns infiltrate Western institutions to undermine the rule of law. The power of this report comes from specific instances of Russian influence and corrupt practices aimed at the United States and European Union. This includes a Kremlin-directed effort to pass legislation in European parliaments to effectively nullify the Yukos shareholder court decisions, to the benefit of the Russian Federation. I encourage others to produce thoughtful research documenting Russian abuses of the rule of law. I am glad a light is being shown on these cases, but I know other instances of abuse continue unabated within Russia. As a nation, we must stand up to Putin's disregard for the international rule of law and ensure that the world is a safe place to live and conduct business. I encourage Congress to continue to hold hearings on Russia's malign influence campaigns so the United States can defend our institutions from manipulation and misuse by the Russians.

Mr. KINZINGER

Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.