Sydney Kamlager-Dove

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Black women who won big at the 66th Grammy Awards, which were held in the heart of my district. Best Album nominee SZA came away with awards for Best Progressive R&B Album, Best R&B Song, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Victoria Monet became the third Black woman in 4 years to take home the Grammy for Best New Artist, following Samara Joy, who won Best Jazz Performance this year, and Megan Thee Stallion. At the age of 22, Tyla became the youngest South African artist in history to win the Best African Music Performance award for her mega- hit, ``Water.'' Coco Jones came away with Best R&B Performance. Still, the biggest awards--Best Album, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year--are seldom won by Black women. As Jay Z alluded to, a Black woman has not won the top prize, Best Album, in 25 years. I mean, how much lemonade do we have to make?

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Central Avenue Farmers' Market. The Central Avenue Farmers' Market in Los Angeles is run by Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles, SEE-LA, which has been a driving force in advancing regional food sustainability in California's 37th District. SEE-LA works hard to promote regional and local food vendors that offer a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, juices, eggs, and an assortment of prepared foods. Back in August, I was fortunate to visit the Central Avenue Farmers' Market after a tour of a local WIC facility. I loved walking through the market and speaking to vendors as they discussed the importance of fresh produce and local business. The market is open to everyone, accepts CalFresh EBT, and has helped expand access to fresh produce for families on WIC and SNAP. While House Republicans continue to push for devastating cuts to programs like these, SEE-LA has been a lifeline for so many families in need. Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in celebrating the 20 years of SEE-LA's Central Avenue Farmers' Market.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 705.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of A Place Called Home, a nonprofit that has served thousands of at-risk youth and families in the South Los Angeles community. A Place Called Home provides free programs that focus on job readiness and mental health services as well as art and technology. It allows children to explore creativity through their arts programming. Earlier this year, they hosted the Latinx Theater Festival in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, where the children helped with ticketing, light, and sound design for the productions. A Place Called Home aims to increase children's likelihood of staying in school and graduating, and in the past 30 years, it has supported more than 500 first-generation students in their journey to college. They serve 2,000 meals to students every week on top of the thousands more they provide to families at home in California's 37th District. None of this would be possible without their founder, Debrah Constance, and CEO Norayma Cabot, who work tirelessly with the board and staff every day to support my district's children and families. I hope you will join me in celebrating this milestone for A Place Called Home, and I look forward to seeing all that they do in the next 30 years and beyond. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Mike Watanabe

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mike Watanabe. He passed away last month after 77 years full of life. Mike began his service to the Los Angeles community when he joined the Asian American Drug Abuse Program as a counselor in 1975. He saw the impact that drug use had on his friends and community in the wake of the Vietnam war and wanted to find a way to advocate for recovery after earning his master's degree in social work. He became the executive director in 1982 before ascending to the role of president and CEO in 2004. Through his decades of service with AADAP, he worked with community leaders to support substance abuse recovery. AADAP's efforts have served residents in California's 37th District for over 50 years. Mike is remembered for his compassion, leadership, and unwavering belief in building a supportive community. My friend Mike always kept it 100. He built a family at AADAP and throughout the Los Angeles area. Mike was a part of the Los Angeles County Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Commission for 16 years, chairing the Asian and Pacific Islander Constituent Committee and supporting several other AAPI-focused organizations all aimed at substance abuse recovery. His support of early Asian-American community organizations left a lasting impact on the success of today's nonprofits and Asian-American services. We are all the better for having been impacted by Mike's jovial spirit and passion for community service. He will be greatly missed. Please take a moment to honor the life of Mike Watanabe. My heart is with his wife, Suzanne, and their family during this time. GOP Threat to Democracy

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for a moment of truth. House Republicans pose a deep threat to our national security. It is dependent on what we do domestically and upon how we support our allies abroad, like Ukraine. Ukraine will not be able to fend off Russia on its own, and Republicans will be responsible if they refuse to act to counter war criminal Putin's anti-West, anti-democracy assault. I guess that makes sense, since the Republican Party has pledged fealty to Donald Trump, a master anarchist who is focused on government destruction, exploding democracy, and distracting and impoverishing the American people. He is someone who just 2 weeks ago called people vermin. He is using white supremacist code words. The global stage is watching us because they are all in for Ukraine and democracy, but Republican isolationism has hurt and will continue to destabilize our democracy, weaken our allies, and remove the United States from the global stage. When we leave, someone far more dangerous will take our place and hurt us more. No more distractions, conflations, or profligations. Mr. Speaker, the time to get serious about this country is right now.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate former Ambassador and Congresswoman Diane Watson's 90th birthday. Congresswoman Watson paved the way for the many Black female legislators, myself included, who would come after her. She is a true trailblazer, becoming the first Black female member of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board and the first Black female California State Senator. Today we recognize her remarkable contributions to Los Angeles, the State of California, and the United States. Born in Los Angeles, CA, Congresswoman Watson attended local Los Angeles public schools before earning her Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), her Master's degree in School Psychology from California State University at Los Angeles (Cal State LA), and her PhD in Educational Administration from Claremont Graduate College. Congresswoman Watson began her life of public service as an elementary school teacher and worked diligently up the ranks to become an assistant principal and a school psychologist, touching the lives of countless students. She also served as a Health Education Specialist for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), at UCLA, and at Cal State LA. In 1975, distinguished members of the Los Angeles community encouraged her to seek election to the LAUSD School Board. She won her election, and in this role, she worked to expand school integration and to raise the rigor of academic standards for all students. In 1978, Congresswoman Watson became the first Black woman elected to the California State Senate, where she served on the Senate Judiciary Committee and as Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee from 1981 through 1998. At the state level, she championed legislation for nutrition assistance programs, breast cancer research, and access to health care. In 1999, President Clinton appointed Congresswoman Watson as the Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, where she helped stop illegal toxic waste from being dumped into surrounding waters. After her election to the House of Representatives in 2001, she served California's 33rd District faithfully for a decade, representing areas of Los Angeles that are now part of the 37th District. Congresswoman Watson became a vocal leader on issues related to racism and xenophobia, supporting reparations for descendants of enslaved Americans, educational system reform, and a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's criminal justice system. She also called out the rise of Islamophobia following the 9/11 attacks. Her tenure as a legislator demonstrated a dedication to creating legislation and initiatives for the betterment of all. Throughout her career, Congresswoman Watson was a trailblazer, building a legacy of mentorship, leadership, and strength for others to emulate in their own public service careers. I am honored to commemorate her impact on communities throughout California and the United States. I hope you will join me in wishing Congresswoman Diane Watson a very happy birthday.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Ruth Lavine, who passed away at the age of 103. Ruth was born in Hamburg, Germany, but emigrated to Los Angeles as the Nazi Party was rising to power in the 1930s. Ruth became a lifelong Trojan, receiving both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Southern California. She was one of only five female students in her USC Law School class. Ruth and her husband, Dick, married in 1944, spending 50 wonderful years together. Ruth enjoyed an active role in her children's lives and maintained involvement in the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, the L.A. County Bar Association, and Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles. Ruth established a scholarship in her husband's memory to help students at USC Law School, just one of her many philanthropic efforts for her alma mater in the heart of our district, the 37th. She is survived by her children, Cathy and Raymond, and her three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I hope everyone will join me in mourning the loss of Ruth Lavine and celebrating her life of full love and learning.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary Israel Houghton, a man who has devoted his career to creating music to inspire people and transform their lives. Israel Houghton, credited as Israel & New Breed, is a faith-based singer, songwriter, producer, and worship leader. The city of Los Angeles is fortunate to welcome Israel & New Breed to perform at the Crypto.com Arena tonight alongside his fellow distinguished gospel artists Kirk Franklin, Tamela and David Mann, the Clark Sisters, and Tye Tribbett. Israel has been actively pursuing a music career since 1997. His immense contributions and dedication to Israel & New Breed have not gone unnoticed, having received six prestigious Grammy Awards. He has also received several other awards and nominations, such as recognitions from the Gospel Music,Association (GMA) Dove Awards and the Stellar Awards. Israel has embraced writing songs from the heart. In his music, he discusses the value of focusing not only on ourselves but on a higher purpose, which stems from his belief in how we should worship. That perspective continues to be a motif woven through his songs and has recently been captured in his song ``Blessing and Honor,'' featuring fellow artist Anna Sailors. Israel remains focused on igniting the soul through song and prioritizes this grounding philosophy over superficial successes. In addition to building his legacy through his music, Israel has also launched ``Faith and Familia,'' a video series with his wife, Adrienne Eliza Bailon-Houghton, discussing their journey to start their family and the role of faith during challenging times. Israel has opened up about his faith and how it helped him through difficulties in his childhood and ministry as a worship leader. As a music enthusiast grounded in my own faith. I understand the healing power of music and applaud Israel for the lives he has touched through his work. Israel continues to be a champion in music ministry and will soon be embarking on his upcoming 2024 ``Decades'' tour. I am honored to commemorate the work of Israel Houghton, a fellow Angeleno, and am excited to continue seeing the profound impact music can have on people's lives.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Chair, the funds in H.R. 4821, The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to decrease by $3 million and increase by the same amount the $67,942,000 designated for the Department of Interior (DOI) Office of the Secretary are intended to be used for a Work Environment Survey for the Department of the Interior and all its bureaus. They will help generate data that can be directly compared to the Work Environment Survey done at Interior and the National Park Service in 2017 by the Federal Consulting Group and the CFI Group. The survey is necessary to determine whether progress has been made after years of efforts by the Department to address sexual harassment, discrimination, and other workplace satisfaction issues, and to determine how to target resources for future efforts. According to the Office of the Inspector General Report, the 2017 Work Environment Survey cost nearly $2.4 million. Assuming inflation rates assigned by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a survey conducted now would cost $3 million.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Madam Speaker, I have to tell you, there is a virus infecting this Congress, and it is not the 'rona. It is Republican testosterone poisoning. All year long, we have heard not one peep from Republicans about Social Security or Medicare--nothing. They have been passing legislation that erodes the health protections of Americans and then high-fiving after these horrible bills pass. They won't admit that 63 million seniors will be hurt by their cuts to Social Security--so watch out, granny, because they are coming for you--or that they will cut the lifeline of millions who depend on Medicare to survive. Instead, we have been stuck in this Republican romper room. The American people don't want to hear your lies, and they don't want to watch your Republican civil warfare meltdown. They care about their healthcare, jobs, keeping the government open, growing the economy, and protecting us at home and abroad. They care about being able to put food on the table and having a home to go to. They care about having a Social Security check in the mail, one that they were promised for their years of work. They care about what is real to them, and you are not it. For this reason, I ask my colleagues to defeat the previous question so that we can bring up H.R. 178, an important piece of legislation affirming the House's commitment to protecting Social Security and Medicare.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Genevieve Ek, known as ``Jean'' by her beloved friends and family. Jean passed away last month after a life full of love, friendship, and kindness. She was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in December of 1941, growing up in Racine before moving to Two Harbors, Minnesota. She opted to stay in Two Harbors even after her family moved to Oregon because of the strong and lasting relationships she had built with her friends and the love of her life, Harold. Jean and Harold would go on to marry in 1963 and have 3 children--Adele, Lura, and John. Jean was well known during her career in medical administration, helping mentor dozens during her tenure as she worked diligently to advance from receptionist to Executive Director of Crossroads Medical Center. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Harold, their 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. While Jean will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, her legacy of leadership, kindness, and compassion remains. I am honored to commemorate the life of Jean Ek and wish her family and friends strength and peace in their grief.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of my district's own, Margaret Tate, who celebrated her 90th birthday this year. Ms. Margaret Tate was born on February 11, 1933, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was one of 13 children. She moved to Los Angeles at 8 years of age and went on to graduate from Centennial High School in Compton. She married William Tate in 1953 and shared 36 wonderful years with him before his passing. After raising four children, she went on to work as the manager of her family business for 30 years. Margaret's vitality is credited to her constant prayer and steadfast commitment to God, church, family, and community. She is well known for her love of family and is a strong and faithful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As she celebrates 90 years, Ms. Margaret maintains an active role in ministries at St. Anselm Catholic Church back home in our district, the 37th, where she has been a member for 55 years. She also participated in programming at the Inglewood Senior Center. I hope you will join me in wishing Margaret Tate a happy 90th birthday and a year full of happiness, health, and love. Marking the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the work of James Samuel Harris III, aka Jimmy Jam, and Terry Steven Lewis. This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. When I introduced my resolution honoring this golden milestone earlier this summer, I was humbled to have Jimmy Jam's support of this effort. For over 40 years, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have made a career out of giving a voice to the Black experience through music. They have worked with famous Black artists like Janet Jackson, Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Mariah Carey, among many others. Together, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wrote 41 top 10 hits in the United States. Last year, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category. I commend Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on their lifelong career in the music industry and will continue to support Black musicians through my work in Congress. Celebrating the Renaissance Tour

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the triumph of Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour, and the only reason I am saying this this week is because I experienced the Renaissance. Decked in silver from head to toe, Beyonce's Renaissance tour lays bare the experience of Black womanhood and tells us to leave our insecurities at the door. We are crazy in love with the restorative power of music. The Renaissance tour has already grossed hundreds of millions of dollars, becoming Beyonce's highest grossing tour yet. This summer was dominated by female artists. Both Beyonce and Taylor Swift sold out shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where hundreds of thousands of my constituents celebrated with them and where Swifties and the BeyHive showed their power. The Renaissance and Eras tours are stimulating economies across this country, keeping businesses open, and keeping hearts healthy-- everything this Congress is not doing. Even more than that, these concerts create safe spaces for women and the LGBTQ community. We must continue to support the arts through our work in Congress, not by shutting down the government, but by ensuring that future generations of female artists can share their gifts with the world.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Meeks and Chairman McCaul for their leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1684. This timely piece of legislation, which I cosponsored, calls attention to the unprecedented humanitarian and security crisis unfolding just miles from our shores in Haiti. Despite reports that sexual violence, kidnappings, displacement, and indiscriminate killings have swept the country, the international community has in many ways left Haitians to fend for themselves again, as usual. The last thing we should do is write off Haiti's struggles as hopeless and insurmountable. The Haitian people have a long history of resilience and grit in the face of relentless man-made and natural disasters. After all, this is a country born out of the fight for dignity and human rights against colonialism, systemic racism, and slavery. Haitians are a people who have confronted every unthinkable obstacle that has come their way, and they have persevered against the odds. We must continue to support the Haitian people with concerted international action and intentional policies like this bill. I am glad that this bill takes a strong step in holding accountable the economic and political elites who are perpetuating and benefiting from the country's chronic insecurity. I know there are Members on both sides of the aisle who are deeply invested in Haiti's future and represent Haitian constituents. I worked with some of them to introduce a resolution calling for a redoubling of diplomatic efforts to help achieve a solution to the current impasse. There is more we can do, and there is more we must do in a strong bipartisan way. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues not to turn a blind eye to Haiti, not to forget the Haitian people, and to support this important legislation. Haiti is our neighbor. Haiti deserves more.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the University of Southern California (USC) Women's Beach Volleyball National Championship win. Last month's victory marked the team's third straight championship and sixth overall national title, as well as the 135th national championship for the University of Southern California. In addition, it is the 27th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) win for a USC women's athletics team. On behalf of the 37th Congressional District, I want to extend an enthusiastic congratulations to Harper Hallgren, Delaney Karl, Jenna Johnson, Mabyn Thomas, Olivia Bakos, Madison White, Colby Bennett, Tatiana Rusich, Sterling Fischer, Bailey Showalter, Ava Gallien, Ashlyn Rasnick-Pope, Megan Kraft, Delaynie Maple, Audrey Norse, Klaire VanDeusen, Caitlin Cummings, Gabby Walker, Madison Shields, and Nicole Nourse on their impressive triumph. Kudos for all their hard work. I would also like to congratulate Coach Dain Blanton, Assistant Coaches Gustavo Rocha and Emily Hansen, and Director of Operations Claire Kieffer-Wright, who all played a vital role in leading these young women to victory. Coach Blanton has accomplished the near impossible by leading his team to back-to-back-to-back wins as head coach and has enjoyed prior victories as assistant coach. Coach Blanton, Assistant Coaches Rocha and Hansen, and Director Kieffer- Wright's dedication to drawing out the best in their players and serving as encouraging voices has no doubt helped the team on their path to victory. Athletics are a celebration of the human spirit. Playing a sport at the Division 1 collegiate level is no small feat, but playing at that level and being the best requires hustle and determination. They push themselves to their limits and train hard with their teammates day after day. This team has shown us the power of unity in achieving high arching goals; their spirit of camaraderie has allowed them to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious, supporting each other along the way. Their shared goal and commitment to one another powered them through the long season and delivered them to triumph. This month, we will celebrate the 51st anniversary of Title IX. Decades ago, women wouldn't have had the opportunity to be part of a collegiate level, championship-winning team. The USC Women's Beach Volleyball team has inspired countless young girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly and are a testament to the progress that has been made in athletics. The Women of Troy secured their sixth beach volleyball national title while battling their crosstown rivals, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins. The neck-and-neck May 7th championship match all came down to the last set with senior twin sisters Audrey and Nicole Nourse on the court. After going back and forth in the tight set with the Bruins, the Nourse sisters led their team to a 15-11 win to claim victory in the match and the 2023 NCAA championship. I want to offer special recognition to the graduating students on the team. Seniors Harper Hallgren, Audrey Nourse, and Nicole Nourse and graduate students Jenna Johnson, Madison Shields, and Ashlyn Rasnick- Pope should be proud of their leadership of the team over the past few years and their incredible back-to-back-to-back wins. We will all miss watching them play, and we will never forget the indelible mark they have made. As a USC alumna, I was excited to meet the Women of Troy and congratulate them on their National Championship title. I could not be prouder to share an alma mater with these remarkable women. Fight On, Trojans.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois and the gentlewoman from Florida for holding this Special Order hour. I give my deep appreciation to the Congressional Black Caucus for always using this time for us to talk about timely and relevant issues. Last week, the gasp heard around the world came after a colleague from the other side of the aisle was talking about the National Defense Authorization Act, about the military, about veterans, and decided to call Black people colored people, something you haven't heard in decades. I thought to myself, we are beyond this. Haven't we gotten beyond this? Well, I guess we have not. The response was, the person misspoke, so I am going to pause after saying that because I still don't understand how that could be. It is not an ignorant slip of the tongue. You do not misspeak. If you are going to say that, that is because it is front of mind. It is because that is how you see Black people. It is probably because that is what you have called Black people. What is also interesting is that they are not here in the Chamber to hear this, to reflect on that kind of ignorance. I know we are in a period of time where we want to be aggressive, hyper-aggressive, we want to push the envelope, we want to stoke fires, but I am here to tell you that we are not going to take the bait. Black people are not going to be used as bait in these culture wars, and we are also not going to stand by and let you demoralize us, dehumanize us. What is important to note is that the majority of the people who are in these Chambers every single day, helping us do this work, keeping us safe, running this floor, are Black. How shameful is it, while they are making sure that we are doing the people's business, to then be called that; men and women who could be our grandmothers, our parents, who fought in the civil rights movement to make sure that democracy was here in these Chambers for all of us. It is fear and cowardice and ignorance that would allow those words to come out of your mouth. It is important that you know Black people are not going anywhere. We are here. We are in these Chambers. We are in these committees. We are in your districts. We are your constituents. Show some respect. Show some respect. In my community people like to say, you need to put some respect on my name. I didn't think that we were going to have to say that in these Chambers, but I see we do. This is why we should not be banning books. This is why reading is so fundamental. This is why history is important because if we remove ourselves far enough from it, we start to make the same mistakes over again, and no one wants that to happen. We are celebrating this year the March on Washington. We are fighting against forces that want to keep us from voting, that want to take away our votes, our voice, our children, our presence, our futures. That is a lot. So on top of that, don't be disrespectful and call us out of our name. Colored is for crayons, not to name a person, not to name a race. Let's not get it twisted.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I oppose this broad reactionary and irresponsible amendment because it would harm U.S. interests and undermine scientific progress for the American people and the world. There is no question that the PRC poses real challenges to the United States and that it is engaged in technological and economic competition with us. We know that the PRC is engaged in harmful research to boost its military, that it engages in technology and IP theft. These are challenges worth tackling, and the Biden administration and Congress have taken steps to protect ourselves against these activities in effective and responsible ways. This amendment, however, goes entirely too far. When a careful and scalpel-like approach is needed to ensure we are not contributing to China's military or providing China with advanced and sensitive technology and know-how, this amendment uses a guillotine to cut off support for any form of research collaboration between the United States and China. As drafted, this amendment would prevent any U.S. funding of, contracting with, or partnership with any individual or entity connected to the PRC government. Let's be clear about what that would mean. This would prohibit collaboration with all the major public universities in China, endangering academic collaboration and research partnerships between U.S. and Chinese institutions. We should be worried about AI and supercomputing. This amendment would cut off collaboration on completely harmless and often very beneficial social science research on things such as poverty reduction and economic development. This amendment would make it harder for American academics and researchers to partner with the Chinese people, many of them who may not have any love for the CCP and would benefit from talking directly to and working with an American and learning about the freedoms and values that Americans enjoy. More critically, this amendment would cut off collaboration on medical research that could literally save lives of Americans and people around the world. Let me give you one example. Right now doctors and researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York are collaborating with the Chinese Thoracic Oncology Group to conduct shared clinical trials in hospitals in the United States and China to develop modern cancer drugs. We need to make sure this research collaboration happens in a safe and secure way, but why would we prohibit it? Why would we not want to work together to find a cure for cancer? Ultimately, we cannot and must not follow the Chinese Communist Party's example and close ourselves off to the world and the Chinese people. That is what they do. That is not what America does. Madam Chair, I oppose this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith).

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Madam Chair, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining?

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Madam Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from San Diego, California (Ms. Jacobs).

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moulton).