Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a call of action to make sure that the country recognizes that we have got to focus on and talk about the more than 20 million people at risk of famine in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and northeast Nigeria. This is a humanitarian crisis. Starving children and families are crying out for our help. Right now, 1.4 million children are acutely malnourished and at risk of death. Worldwide, an additional 50 million people are severely hungry, surviving day to day on only what they can find. The United Nations is calling this the largest humanitarian crisis that has faced the world since the organization was founded in 1945. Mr. Speaker, we can end this crisis if we just find the political will. That is why I am joining my colleagues in Congress and humanitarian and faith leaders around the country to mark a Global Week of Action on Hunger and Famine. Earlier this month, we were successful in securing an additional $990 million for famine relief in the fiscal year 2017 spending bill, thanks to a bipartisan coalition of Members and our passionate grassroots organizations. But this is not enough. The United Nations needs $4.4 billion by July to avert catastrophe. We need other countries to step up to the plate, and we must absolutely preserve our commitment to addressing famine. We cannot allow the Trump administration's proposed budget, which would decimate food aid, to be enacted.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Let me thank Congresswoman Jayapal for yielding and for holding this important issue on this existential threat to our democracy. Also, I just have to say that she has just hit the ground running here on behalf of the American people, on behalf of working men and women, on behalf of peace and security in the world, on behalf of our democracy. So I thank her for her leadership. The constant stream of allegations and scandals springing from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is really quite shocking. I have to admit that, after watching President Trump fire the FBI Director who was investigating him, I thought things could not get any worse. But just days later, President Trump blundered into sharing classified intelligence with Russian officials. As the Nation and the world grappled with the aftermath of this revelation, yet more shocking news was breaking. The New York Times has alleged that, before he was fired, Director Comey was pressured by President Trump to shut down an ongoing investigation into General Michael Flynn's possible collusion with the Russians. Mr. Speaker, I want to be very clear with the American people. If The New York Times report is true, President Trump's attempts to influence a Federal probe can only be described in one way, and that is obstruction of justice. And, yes, we all know obstruction of justice is an impeachable offense. Right now, one thing, though, is crystal clear: The President's abuse of power has plunged this Nation into a full-blown constitutional crisis. This crisis goes far beyond party interests. Every American, Democrat or Republican, should be concerned by these allegations. President Trump's actions have threatened national security, the rule of law, and the independence of our Nation's justice system. His actions dishonor the Office of the Presidency and place this Nation and our allies in danger. The reports of last week underscore the need to establish a bipartisan, independent commission to get to the bottom of Russian interference in our elections once and for all. It is vitally important that Director Mueller--and I am very pleased that the Department of Justice appointed him; this is one step in the right direction--be given the resources and the autonomy to conduct an investigation. Unfortunately, President Trump said that this investigation is a witch hunt. Nothing could be further from the truth. The American people deserve to know the facts about possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. Our democracy must be defended at all costs. I thank Congresswoman Jayapal for giving us a chance to speak tonight about this very dangerous moment that we are in, about Presidential abuse, and, really, about the preservation of our democracy. The Congressional Progressive Caucus continues to lead on so many issues that are important to this country and to the world.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, first, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues, to talk about restoring Congress' constitutional oversight on matters of war and peace. I invite all of my colleagues to join me in demanding that this House immediately repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. Nearly 16 years ago, Congress passed an open-ended, blank check for endless war. This authorization gives any President the authority to wage limitless war at any time, anywhere, for any reason in perpetuity. The vote to relinquish our constitutional authority occurred just 3 days after the horrific terrorist attacks on 9/11. The American people were angry and anxious to take action. Madam Speaker, I was just as outraged and devastated as every other American, but I voted against this 2001 AUMF because I believed then-- as I believe now--that it was a blank check and set the stage for perpetual war. This House rushed to pass the 60-word authorization with little debate. Sixty words, Madam Speaker, drastically altered history. In the almost 16 years since its passage, the 2001 AUMF--which was designed, mind you, to punish the perpetrators of the brutal and deadly attacks on September 11--has been used now by three Presidents to wage endless war around the globe. A recent report from the Congressional Research Service shows that this authorization has been used more than 37 times in 14 countries to justify military action. These include operations at Guantanamo Bay, warrantless wiretapping, and recent military actions in Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, and many more. This report only looks at unclassified military actions. I would like to now yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman), who has been such a leader on so many issues, especially around issues of our constitutional responsibility, issues around war and peace.

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman) for that very powerful statement and also for reminding us that this should not be a partisan issue. With that, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho), who has been very diligent in his effort to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force.

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Yoho for his clear and concise statement laying out how explicit the Constitution is as it relates to matters of war and peace and how we must debate both if we are going to continue to use force. We look forward to a bipartisan effort this year to get us where we need to be, and that is to repeal this authorization. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), who is the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and whom I served with on the committee for many years, and who really has a very clear understanding of foreign and military policy and has been such a leader on so many issues and someone on whom we rely on so many fronts.

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) for that very powerful statement and for really laying out the fact that Congress is missing in action and that this resolution, this AUMF, must be repealed so that we can move forward and make some determinations as to what Congress' role will be and what we think should happen in terms of our strategy as it relates to going to war. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) for being here tonight and I thank him for his leadership and his expertise. Madam Speaker, I now yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones), who has been a friend, a supporter, who constantly is talking about why we need to protect our troops, support our troops, keep them out of harm's way, support our veterans. He is a great American, and I have the pleasure of working with him on so many issues.

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) for his statement tonight and for his leadership. I think, listening to him, listening to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho), and working with our colleagues in a bipartisan way, you know, we have to keep hope alive on this because our young men and women, our Constitution, our country, deserves it. You have been here from the beginning in terms of trying to help put Congress back into action because we have been missing in action. Madam Speaker, I now yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Khanna), my colleague from the Silicon Valley, right next door to my district, who has come to Congress and has hit the ground running. He is a true advocate on so many issues as it relates to peace and justice and security.

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Khanna) for those kind words, but also for his clarity and his vision and understanding that we must repeal this authorization to use force and put Congress back in the mix where we should have been from day one. I want to thank him again very much for being here. Madam Speaker, may I ask how much time I have left.

Ms. LEE. I will close now. Once again, I ask our Speaker a very simple question, and that is why he has not scheduled a debate on this vital issue that affects our national security. We asked over and over again for a vote to repeal this authorization. We want a debate and we want to have a new vote based on the current realities of what is taking place as it relates to the use of force by our own government. In February of 2015, Congressman Eliot Engel mentioned that President Obama sent to Congress an ISIS-specific AUMF, and it was never taken up. There were no actions, no hearings, no formal debate. Not one vote. We have a new President that is continuing to use the outdated 2001 AUMF in expanded ways, including justifying sending more troops to fight ISIS in Syria and spending more taxpayer dollars on war and putting our young men and women in harm's way. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank all of the Members who were here last night. Let's hope that this discussion will help more Members come to the floor and talk about why we need the Speaker to bring up the bill to repeal the authorization to use force. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise once again in strong opposition to H.R. 1628, which is a bill to take away health care from 24 million Americans. Whether you believe it or not, health care is a basic right. This shameful bill steals from the most vulnerable among us, including seniors, veterans, people living with HIV, children, and the disabled. And this new bill is even more dangerous and destructive than when they brought it to the Floor last time. It would, yes, rip away health care from 24 million people. It would reduce benefits, make families pay more for less, and transfer $600 billion in tax cuts to the very wealthy. This is outrageous. Access to women's health is denied by defunding Planned Parenthood. Medicaid, as we know it, will end. Healthcare costs for working families and seniors will skyrocket. It allows states to eliminate essential health benefits like maternity care, cancer screenings, and emergency care. Mr. Speaker, this is not a health bill at all. This is a massive tax giveaway to the wealthy. Let me tell you, as a woman of faith, I am appalled and I am saddened by the hypocrisy displayed in this bill by people who say they are religious. I want to remind you--in the Scriptures, the Book of Mark, chapter 12:31, we are reminded to love your neighbor as yourself. I hope Republicans remember to love their neighbor as themselves today and vote ``no'' on this mean-spirited and evil bill. Let's defeat this harmful and morally bankrupt bill. This is a matter of life and death, and the American people deserve better.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to thank my colleagues, Congressman Keith Ellison and Congressman Raul Grijalva, for their tireless leadership of the Progressive Caucus. I would also like to thank to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congresswoman Jamie Raskin for hosting this Special Order Hour and for their work on this budget. It truly is a document we all can be proud of. Mr. Speaker, the federal budget is, at its heart, a moral document. It tells a story to the American people, and it tells the world who and what we care about. Mr. Speaker, President Trump's outrageous budget that he released last month revealed what we've long suspected: President Trump's only concern is for himself and his rich friends. His budget is both hateful and counterproductive. Faced with such boldfaced cruelty, it's more important than ever that we present our own vision for the budget. And what a vision the People's Budget is. The People's Budget is the most progressive budget ever presented to Congress. It invests in people and communities, instead of corporations, billionaires, and bombs. It forces Wall Street executives to pay their fair share by closing the tax loopholes that corporations use to send jobs overseas and give CEO millions in untaxed bonuses. Instead, it invests in small business owners and Main Street to uplift those working in their communities. Our budget invests in our communities by fixing infrastructure, including the leaded pipes in places like Flint, and bringing broadband to libraries and schools. It invests over $1 trillion in the next generation--from universal pre-school to debt-free college--so that every child, no matter what family they're born into, can get a high quality education. And it fully funds my Computer Science for All initiative, which would increase access to STEM programs for girls and students of color. Mr. Speaker, as a single mother, I know from experience that no parent working full-time should have to raise their family in poverty. The People's budget lays our plan to invest in and lift women, communities of color, and working families out of poverty. Our budget takes serious steps to end the scourge of poverty in America, including raising the wage to $15 an hour, offering universal child care, and expanding paid sick leave to all families. Finally, this budget lays out a plan to curb bloated Pentagon spending and reinvest in diplomacy and humanitarian aid. It would take long overdue action to reign in waste, fraud, and abuse at the Pentagon, and give us an audit so we can see where our taxpayer dollars are going. And it would prohibit the expansion of US combat troops into President Trump's unauthorized and illegal war in Syria. Mr. Speaker, this is a budget that we are proud to stand behind. This is a bold statement of our principles and our promise to fight for the American people. This is our Roadmap for Resistance.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my opposition to this morally bankrupt bill, and I include in the Record a letter of opposition from the National Rural Health Association. [From the National Rural Health Association] Vote NO to the American Health Care Act The National Rural Health Association urges a NO vote on the American Health Care Act (AHCA). Rural Americans are older, poorer and sicker than other populations. In fact, a January 2017 CDC report pronounced that life expectancies for rural Americans have declined and the top five chronic diseases are worse in rural America. The AHCA does nothing to improve the health care crisis in rural America, and will lead to poorer rural health outcomes, more uninsured and an increase in the rural hospital closure crisis. Though some provisions in the modified AHCA bill improve the base bill, NRHA is concerned that the bill still falls woefully short in making health care affordable and accessible to rural Americans. For example, the modified bill contains a decrease in the Medical Expense Deduction threshold from 10% to 5.8% in an attempt to assist Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 who would see their premiums skyrocket under the current plan. However, this deduction is not a credit and therefore would be of little use to low income seniors that are in very low tax brackets or do not pay income tax at all. Additionally, the new amendments to freeze Medicaid expansion enrollment as of Jan. 1, 2018, and reduce the Medicaid per-capita growth rate will disproportionately harm rural Americans. The AHCA will hurt vulnerable populations in rural Americans, leaving millions of the sickest, most underserved populations in our nation without coverage, and further escalating the rural hospital closure crisis. According to the Wall Street Journal, the ``GOP health plan would hit rural areas hard. . . . Poor, older Americans would see the largest increase in insurance-coverage costs.'' The LA Times reports ``Americans who swept President Trump to victory--lower-income, older voters in conservative, rural parts of the country--stand to lose the most in federal healthcare aid under a Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.'' Let's be clear--many provisions in the ACA failed rural America. The lack of plan competition in rural markets, exorbitant premiums, deductibles and co-pays, the co-op collapses, lack of Medicaid expansion, and devastating Medicare cuts to rural providers--all collided to create a health care crisis in rural America. However, it's beyond frustrating that an opportunity to fix these problems is squandered, and instead, a greater health care crisis will be created in rural America. Congress has long recognized the importance of the rural health care safety net and has steadfastly worked to protect it. And now, much of the protections created to maintain access to care for the 62 million who live in rural America are in jeopardy. We implore Congress to continue its fight to protect rural patients' access to care. Three improvements are critical for rural patients and providers: 1. Medicaid--Though most rural residents are in non- expansion states, a higher proportion of rural residents are covered by Medicaid (21% vs. 16%). Congress and the states have long recognized that rural is different and thus requires different programs to succeed. Rural payment programs for hospitals and providers are not `bonus' payments, but rather alternative, cost-effective and targeted payment formulas that maintain access to care for millions of rural patients and financial stability for thousands of rural providers across the country. Any federal health care reform must protect a state's ability to protect its rural safety net providers. The federal government must not abdicate its moral, legal, and financial responsibilities to rural, Medicaid eligible populations by ensuring access to care. Any federal health care reform proposal must protect access to care in Rural America, and must provide an option to a state to receive an enhanced reimbursement included in a matching rate or a per capita cap, specifically targeted to create stability among rural providers to maintain access to care for rural communities. Enhancements must be equivalent to the cost of providing care for rural safety net providers, a safeguard that ensures the enhanced reimbursement is provided to the safety net provider to allow for continued access to care. Rural safety net providers include, but not limited to, Critical Access Hospitals, Rural Prospective Payment Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, Indian Health Service providers, and individual rural providers. 2. Market Reform--Forty-one percent of rural marketplace enrollees have only a single option of insurer, representing 70 percent of counties that have only one option. This lack of competition in the marketplace means higher premiums. Rural residents average per month cost exceeds urban ($569.34 for small town rural vs. $415.85 for metropolitan). Rural Americans are more likely to have obesity, diabetes, cancer, and traumatic injury; they are more likely to participate in high risk health behaviors including smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and substance abuse. Rural Americans are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured and less likely to receive employer sponsored health insurance. Rural communities have fewer health care providers for insurers to contract, with to provide an adequate network to serve the community. Any federal health care reform proposal must address the fact that insurance providers are withdrawing from rural markets. Despite record profit levels, insurance companies are permitted to cherry pick profitable markets for participation and are currently not obliged to provide service to markets with less advantageous risk pools. Demographic realities of the rural population make the market less profitable, and thus less desirable for an insurance company with no incentive to take on such exposure. In the same way that financial service institutions are required to provide services to underserved neighborhoods, profitable insurance companies should be required to provide services in underserved communities. 3. Stop Bad Debt Cuts to Rural Hospitals--Rural hospitals serve more Medicare patients (46% rural vs. 40.9% urban), thus across-the-board Medicare cuts do not have across the board impacts. A goal of the ACA was to have hospital bad debt decrease significantly. However, because of unaffordable health plans in rural areas, rural patients still cannot afford health care. Bad debt among rural hospitals has actually increased 50% since the ACA was passed. According to MedPAC ``Average Medicare margins are negative, and under current law they are expected to decline in 2016'' has led to 7% gains in median profit margins for urban providers while rural providers have experienced a median loss of 6%. If Congress does not act, all the decades of efforts to protect rural patients' access to care, could rapidly be undone. The National Rural Health Association implores Congress to act now to protect rural health care across the nation.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the Service Employees International Union's letter voicing strong opposition to the deadly American Health Care Act for their 2 million Members.

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise once again in strong opposition to H.R. 1628, which is a bill to take away health care from 24 million Americans. Whether you believe it or not, health care is a basic right. This shameful bill steals from the most vulnerable among us, including seniors, veterans, people living with HIV, children, and the disabled. And this new bill is even more dangerous and destructive than when they brought it to the Floor last time. It would, yes, rip away health care from 24 million people. It would reduce benefits, make families pay more for less, and transfer $600 billion in tax cuts to the very wealthy. This is outrageous. Access to women's health is denied by defunding Planned Parenthood. Medicaid, as we know it, will end. Healthcare costs for working families and seniors will skyrocket. It allows states to eliminate essential health benefits like maternity care, cancer screenings, and emergency care. Mr. Speaker, this is not a health bill at all. This is a massive tax giveaway to the wealthy. Let me tell you, as a woman of faith, I am appalled and I am saddened by the hypocrisy displayed in this bill by people who say they are religious. I want to remind you--in the Scriptures, the Book of Mark, chapter 12:31, we are reminded to love your neighbor as yourself. I hope Republicans remember to love their neighbor as themselves today and vote ``no'' on this mean-spirited, evil and morally bankrupt bill. This is a matter of life and death, and the American people deserve better.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, thank you, Congressman Veasey, Congressman McEachin and Congresswoman Plaskett, for organizing tonight's special order hour on environmental justice and Trump's 100 days: ``What do we have to lose?'' I'd also like to thank Chair Richmond for his tireless leadership as the CBC continues to be the conscience of the Congress. Mr. Speaker, we have a lot to lose under this administration--who at every turn--wants to roll back protections for our communities and for our environment. And make no mistake: communities of color are most impacted by these decisions and often bear the brunt of climate change and pollution. In my home district, West Oakland residents are disproportionately exposed to dirty air pollution that is 90 times higher than the average Californian. 90 times. As a result, many West Oakland residents experience more asthma attacks, heart failures and strokes. On average, West Oakland residents have a higher death rate than other Californians just because of where they live. This is a shame and a disgrace. But these inequalities are not new. In 2013, the American Academy of Allergy and Asthma found that one in six African American children and one in nine Latino children suffered from asthma compared to just 1 in 15 white children. These numbers are unacceptable and they should be a wake-up call to all of us to do more to fight for environmental justice. But with the current administration we must be ready for an uphill battle. Last weekend marked President Trump's 100 days in office--which is really just 100 days of chaos, corruption, and dysfunction. In fact, the Trump administration has shown in the past 100 days that they are more committed to padding their pockets than protecting our planet. In three months, they have: Approved the Keystone pipeline Approved the Dakota Access Pipeline Proposed devastating cuts to the EPA And allowed dumping of coal mining waste into our streams. And with every executive order rolling back President Obama's progress on climate change issues, the current administration lives up to its belief that saving our planet is ``a waste of [America's] money.'' But I stand here today to say ``Not on our watch.'' Our children's air, drinking water and futures depend on our ability to hold corporations accountable for their emissions and waste. For some in our country, this is literally a matter of life and death, as communities of color are more likely to live near polluting facilities or be ignored when they notice high levels of lead in their water systems. We are all connected to our environment. It impacts everyone. It is time we recognize that an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Mr. Speaker, the past 100 days have shown us that this will be a long and arduous battle. But we cannot afford to get tired--our very existence is at stake. We must continue to build a movement that can fight back against the constant attacks on our communities and on our planet. That's why we're here today as members of the Congressional Black Caucus: to show unified resistance by fighting for our communities, our environment, and especially our planet.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, let me thank Congresswoman Frankel for being such an exemplary chair, and also our vice chair, Brenda Lawrence. You have put together quite a team and really are raising the issues that really don't get raised oftentimes on behalf of our women. Also, to Congresswoman Jackie Speier, who I believe is in a hearing right now dealing with this very, very important issue, I want to thank her and all of our women in the Democratic Women's Working Group for organizing this very important Special Order to address the nonconsensual sharing of sexual images in the United States military. I just have to say a couple of things. First of all, as a member of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee and as a woman, I am appalled by the sharing of these private photos. It is really disgraceful. It is disgraceful that our military continues to uphold a culture of sexual harassment and disrespect toward women servicemembers. Now, let me be clear. The attitudes towards women exposed by websites like the Facebook group Marines United are troubling and dangerous. Not only do such actions threaten our mission, they strip our brave servicemembers who are women of their dignity. No woman should have her private photos exposed on the internet, especially not by her fellow servicemembers. I was pleased to see the recent Navy and Marine Corps decisions to make the distribution of intimate photos a criminal offense. That is a good thing. We really must do more. Now, when questioning members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines at a subcommittee hearing, it became clear to me, based on their responses, that the culture of the military must change. Members of the Democratic Women's Working Group continue to try to help change this culture and are committed to ensuring that that type of activity is prohibited in all branches of our military. That is why I am pleased to cosponsor Congresswomen Speier's and McSally's bill, H.R. 2052, the PRIVATE Act, which is a bipartisan bill that would make it illegal within the Uniform Code of Military Justice to distribute intimate images of a person if that person had a reasonable expectation of privacy. Now, let me be clear. The Department of Defense must expand its efforts to foster a culture of dignity and respect that the military service demands. And, Congresswoman Frankel, I just have to mention a conversation I overheard. I was on a plane flying from point A to point B, and there were two marines sitting next to me, and they were talking very loudly to each other. That entire time that we were on the flight, their conversation was about degrading women who were serving with them in the military. It was quite shocking. This was just their conversation in the normal course of conversation on an airplane. I was, quite frankly, shocked and disgusted. Today's report from the Pentagon shows promising progress, though. Sexual assaults are on the decline, and servicemembers are now more likely to report attacks. But the data also reveals that two-thirds of women who do report assaults face backlash in their unit. It comes as no surprise, then, that many victims choose to suffer in silence. That should not be. We know that tech firms like Facebook have a role to play in helping address this kind of unacceptable behavior. Facebook's recent announcement to help prevent nonconsensual pornography is a huge advancement in combatting this epidemic--and that is what it is, an epidemic--and addressing these heinous acts. While the new feature takes down images that are reported, this depends on users being vigilant and submitting reports. Too often people do not report such behavior. We must be clear that we do not condone this type of behavior and ensure that those with the courage to speak up do not face retaliation. I want to make it clear. Exploiting sexual images of fellow servicemembers online is unacceptable, and it should be a crime. Rest assured, as a woman, as a mother, grandmother, daughter of a veteran, and a member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I will work day and night to address the threats to our country and to our women servicemembers. Women in the military are critical to our national security. They should have a safe workplace free from sexual assault and harassment and intimidation. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Frankel and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence and also Congresswoman Speier for their leadership and for keeping this issue alive and for making sure the public understands that there are Members of Congress who have said: enough is enough.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Congresswoman Bass, for bringing forth this critical resolution. I am proud to join my colleagues today in support of H. Res. 187, Relating to efforts to respond to the famine in South Sudan. Mr. Speaker, as many of us know, the famine in South Sudan is one of the worst humanitarian crises since World War II. Fighting and violence has forced over 3 million people from their homes, driven the South Sudanese people into famine, and threatens the country's independence. As we approach South Sudan's winter season, communities facing famine will become inaccessible to humanitarian groups as roads become flooded, proving a dire need for our support and relief. Our responsibilities as elected officials extend much farther than the boundaries of our districts. It is our congressional responsibility to support U.S. Agency for International Development in its efforts to provide aid for those facing this devastating crisis and collaborate with relief organizations to ensure that families are receiving essential resources. If we do not act now, we jeopardize the millions of lives, put the long term security of South Sudan on the line, and threaten our goal for global peace. While a resolution and aid alone cannot solve this problem, it can save lives. We must continue our bipartisan efforts, and move forward to allocate $1 billion in aid to ensure that all people have access to fundamental needs.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay final tribute to Robert A.D. Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz died on February 18, 2017 in his Oakland, California home, at the age of 92. He was a businessman, philanthropist, patron of the arts, and jazz musician. Mr. Schwartz was born in 1925 in Chicago, and received his B.S. in June 1944 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, he joined the Navy and was sent to the Pacific. Bob moved to Oakland in 1951, where he founded Schwartz & Lindheim and later Keysource International, which develops and manufactures specialized keyboards for industry. He later earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Golden Gate University Law School, becoming a member of the California State Bar in 1974. In 1979, Mr. Schwartz founded the Robert A.D. Schwartz Foundation. The foundation's mission is to develop vocational, musical and citizenship educational programs. His philanthropic work also led him to serve as chairman of Urban Strategies Council, a non-profit organization, which works to eliminate persistent poverty in the Bay Area. He also founded Peer Tutoring Resources Center, which works to support the development of caring and collaborative citizens by enhancing the use, expansion and sustainability of peer tutoring--a model engaging students as instructors and leaders in classrooms and across schools. In recognition of his contributions to the Oakland community, Bob was named Oakland Citizen of the Year in 1996, and December 14 2016 was proclaimed ``Robert Schwartz Day'' in Oakland. An avid musician, Mr. Schwartz was instrumental in reviving the Oakland Symphony, and started his own jazz band which played for seniors at local retirement homes. As chairman of the Northern California Democratic Party, Bob worked tirelessly on many campaigns, including my own campaigns for Congress. On a personal note, Bob was a trusted confidant, a brilliant strategist, and most important, a loyal friend who I loved very much. I invite my colleagues to join me as I offer condolences to his loving family, and his loving wife Debbra Wood Schwartz. Robert A.D. Schwartz will be greatly missed but his legacy as a creative spirit and a trailblazer community activist will live on as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a civil rights champion: Secretary William T. Coleman. I had the privilege to know while working as a congressional staffer for another civil rights hero, Congressman Ron Dellums. Secretary Coleman served this country with character and conviction. He served in World War II and graduated first in his 1946 Harvard Law School Class. He also broke through racial barriers to become the first African American Supreme Court Clerk and the second African-American in U.S. history to lead a Cabinet-level department. Secretary Coleman believed deeply in the Constitution and fought to defend civil rights at all costs. It was his commitment to that belief that led Thurgood Marshall to recruit Secretary Coleman to coauthor the legal brief in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. I was honored to work in a bipartisan fashion alongside Secretary Coleman's Special Assistant, Elaine Jones during his tenure as Secretary of Transportation in the Ford Administration. Together we were able to include language on affirmative action in the Airport and Airway Development Act. Secretary Coleman's determination in the face of discrimination has served as an inspiration for me throughout my career. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and family during this trying time. I am confident that his legacy will live on through the lives of those he touched. May his soul rest in peace.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a civil rights champion: Secretary William T. Coleman, who I had the privilege to know while working as a congressional staffer for another civil rights hero, Congressman Ron Dellums. Secretary Coleman served this country with character and conviction. He served in World War II and graduated first in his 1946 Harvard Law School Class. He also broke through racial barriers to become the first African American Supreme Court Clerk and the second African-American in U.S. History to lead a Cabinet-level department. Secretary Coleman believed deeply in the Constitution and fought to defend civil rights at all costs. It was his commitment to that belief that led Thurgood Marshall to recruit Secretary Coleman to coauthor the legal brief in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. I was honored to work in a bipartisan fashion alongside Secretary Coleman's Special Assistant, Elaine Jones during his tenure as Secretary of Transportation in the Ford Administration. Together we were able to include language on affirmative action in the Airport and Airway Development Act. Secretary Coleman's determination in the face of discrimination has served as an inspiration for me throughout my career. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's wife and family during this trying time. I am confident that his legacy will live on through the lives of those he touched. May his soul rest in peace.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, each year during Women's History Month, we pause to commemorate the contributions women have made to this country, but we should really commemorate women every day. So I am here today in April to amplify the contributions of women of color, particularly African-American women. Far too often, the blood, sweat, and tears sown by women of color goes unrecognized. So many are truly hidden figures. Mr. Speaker, this morning, I want to honor the sacrifices African- American women made for this country during World War II. Sadly, to this day, their sacrifices have gone unacknowledged, and as the daughter of a World War II veteran and a Korean veteran, I am honored to shed light on a few of the tremendous contributions of African- American women during World War II. I want to rise to highlight the courageous efforts of more than 800 African-American women from the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, which was the first all- women, all-Black unit deployed in World War II. The 6888th, its nickname ``Six Triple Eight'', was an all-women, all- Black unit that helped boost morale among Allied troops by working through major mail backlogs in Europe during World War II. To sort through the major backlog of mail in Europe, the women were divided into three subunits that allowed them to run the postal service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, processing 65,000 pieces of mail per 8- hour shift. The battalion endured the harsh winter of Europe, dimly lit rooms, and rat-infested headquarters to carry out their mission. Adding insult to injury, these courageous women also faced segregation and discrimination from the very country they were working to defend. The women were forced to run their own mess halls, hair salon, refreshment bar, and other facilities because of segregationist Department of Defense policies. Yet despite the harsh conditions of war and unequal treatment, the women of the 6888th Battalion cleared a 6-month backlog of mail in just 3 months while posted in Britain. In France, they cleared a 3-year mail backlog in just 6 months. Thanks to their tireless efforts, United States soldiers were finally able to receive lost letters from loved ones during the war. The courage exhibited by the 6888th proved once again that senseless acts of cruelty are no match for the will and determination of African- American women. But in July 1945, tragedy struck Private First Class Mary J. Barlow, Private First Class Mary H. Bankston, and Sergeant Dolores M. Browne, who lost their lives in a Jeep accident. Recognizing their fellow comrades' sacrifices, the women of the 6888th pooled their personal resources to properly bury these women. These women who tragically lost their lives while serving in Europe are buried at the Normandy American Cemetery, which I was privileged to visit a couple of years ago. Their contributions and sacrifices deserve to be celebrated. These Black women proudly sacrificed their lives for a country that did not value them due to racial discrimination and bigotry. So it is with great pride that I speak their names today, hoping that more people will come to acknowledge their sacrifice and the sacrifices of their fellow sisters during World War II. I want to thank our Military Construction, Veteran Affairs Appropriations Chair Congressman Charlie Dent, then-Ranking Member Sanford Bishop, as well as our full committee Chair Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey for their support in the Appropriations Committee to help us uncover this great history, and also the American Battle Monuments Commission. These great sheroes need to be brought to the attention of the American people so that they can properly be recognized for their sacrifices and their legacies. It is my hope that the United States will no longer be shy about recognizing the value, accomplishments, and sacrifices of Black women in history. I am hopeful that we will come to know the many nameless sheroes of the Black community. These hidden figures have fought many battles, have sacrificed so much, and have paved the way for Black women to move forward in spite of the barriers which we are still trying to break. On today, Equal Pay Day, I am reminded that African-American women earn 63 cents on the dollar. We are still at the bottom of the economic ladder. I urge my colleagues to fight for pay equality and gender equality as we continue to honor the lives and legacies of so many African-American women who truly are hidden figures but who have done so much to make this a better country.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank Congresswoman Jayapal and Congressman Raskin for their tireless work to protect our democracy. I also want to thank the fearless leaders of the CPC, Congressman Keith Ellison and Congressman Raul Grijalva for organizing this Special Order Hour and for leading the fight for the integrity of our republic. Mr. Speaker, we're here today to shine a light on the deceit and corruption taking place at the White House. For months, we've known that Russia meddled in our election to benefit Donald Trump's campaign. In fact, even before the election, 17 intelligence agencies all concluded that the influence came from the highest levels of the Kremlin. The reality of this unprecedented interference is outrageous and appalling. But even more disturbing than the fact of foreign actors meddling, has been the response of our Commander-in-Chief. President Trump stacked his campaign, and then his Administration, with officials who benefited both financially and personally from Russian ties. Now, instead of calling for a bipartisan independent investigation into Russia's influence, President Trump has heaped praise on Vladimir Putin and undermined the ongoing investigations. Amid all of the evidence pointing to Russian interference to benefit President Trump, one question remains. Why has the President not taken this national security issue seriously? Over the past 60 days we have learned the answer to that question. A steady stream of revelations has shown what we've suspected all along. President Trump's cozy relationship with Russia warrants a bipartisan independent investigation. Nearly every week, the ties and lies that exist between President Trump and the Russians have led the news cycle. Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort stepped down during the campaign after reports of his murky financial dealings with Russia became public. Michael Flynn was forced to resign after news reports confirmed he lied about contacts with the Russians during and after the campaign. Attorney General Jeff Sessions lied under oath to conceal meetings he had with Russian officials while on the campaign. And, just this week, we learned that President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner had questionable financial links to Russia that warrant a Senate investigation. The web of ties and lies gets murkier by the day. As these improprieties come to light, President Trump peddles increasingly desperate conspiracy theories in an attempt to distract from the truth. Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. The American people are demanding that the truth about this Administration be exposed. They deserve to know every last detail concerning Putin's involvement in our election; ties that exist between Trump allies and Putin officials; and exactly what knowledge President Trump had of Russian actions during the campaign. Clearly, Republicans have proved that they are incapable of leading such an investigation. Just this week, we've watched the Chairman of the Intelligence Committee be caught up in this cloud of corruption. Congressman Devin Nunes, a former executive board member on Trump's transition team, is too compromised by the Trump Administration to lead this investigation. Congressman Nunes' conflicts of interest clearly demonstrate he cannot be trusted to conduct the investigation. Mr. Speaker, the list is endless. He has withheld information from Members of the Intel Committee; shared critical information with the President, the subject of the investigation, without alerting his counterparts on the committee, including the Ranking Member, Adam Schiff. Mislead the American people with scant details of his sources. Not to mention, he helped develop President Trump's national security plan on the campaign. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Devin Nunes has lost the confidence of the American people. He needs to step down immediately from Chair of the Intelligence Committee. Mr. Speaker, the corruption shrouding this Administration undermines our national security and makes us less safe. So the only solution here is an independent investigation to reveal the extent of President Trump's personal, political and financial ties to Russia. I urge my colleagues to support this commission. This has gone far beyond partisan politics. This is about the character of our nation and the independence of our democracy. The American people deserve to know the truth about the troubling links that exist between President Trump and Putin's Russia.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1628, which is a bill to take away health care from 24 million Americans. Whether you believe it or not, health care is a basic right. This shameful bill steals from those who can least afford it, including seniors, veterans, people living with HIV, children, and the disabled. It would, yes, rip away health care from 24 million people. It would reduce benefits, make families pay more for less, and transfer $600 billion in tax cuts to the very wealthy. This is outrageous. Access to women's health is denied by defunding Planned Parenthood. Medicaid, as we know it, will end. Healthcare costs for working families and seniors will skyrocket. And now it eliminates essential health benefits like maternity, mental health, and emergency care. This is not a health bill. It is a tax giveaway to the wealthy. Let me tell you, as a woman of faith, I am appalled and I am saddened by the hypocrisy displayed in this bill by people who say they are religious. I want to remind you--in the Scriptures, the Book of Mark, chapter 12:31, we are reminded to love your neighbor as yourself. This bill shows disdain for the most vulnerable and would lead to death and destruction and disease for millions of Americans. I hope Republicans remember to love their neighbor as themselves today and vote ``no'' on this mean-spirited bill. Let's defeat this harmful and morally bankrupt bill. This is a matter of life and death, and the American people deserve better.