Laurel Lee

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing support of S. 2747, a bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to extend the Administrative Fine Program for certain reporting violations. As the expiration deadline of December 31, 2023, approaches rather quickly, we, the Members of the House of Representatives, have an opportunity to continue the trend of bipartisan oversight of the Federal Election Commission. If passed, S. 2747 will mark the seventh time that lawmakers have recognized the administrative importance and financially beneficial structure of the Administrative Fine Program. As the former Florida Secretary of State, I know firsthand that voters will always seek transparency from political candidates and political campaigns. Elections officials have a saying: Elections are partisan. Elections administration is not. This bill is an example of that very principle. It is an example of the transparency and the confidence that Americans want to see in their elections. These same themes can be found in the American Confidence in Elections Act, which passed out of the Committee on House Administration in mid-July and is an example of the types of procedures and principles and laws that can be guidance for every State in America. Today, we have the opportunity to showcase the cooperation, the diligence, and the work completed by members and staff on the Committee on House Administration and the Senate Rules Committee. This bill reflects our shared values, bipartisanship, transparency, and good governance. I urge my colleagues to support S. 2747 so the Federal Election Commission can continue to ensure confidence and transparency in our elections process.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Plant City Fire Rescue's Firefighter of the Year, Devin Johnson. Mr. Johnson has the true heart of a public servant and has selflessly served our Plant City community for the past 5 years as a paramedic and firefighter. In 2021, Mr. Johnson completed the necessary certification to become a standalone paramedic and provide the highest level of lifesaving care to our community. This year alone, Mr. Johnson has provided over 1,000 hours as a field training officer in the paramedic internship program, leading and guiding students to better their community. He has also worked more than 500 hours of overtime to keep the fire rescue running operationally. Mr. Johnson's Plant City Fire Rescue colleagues recognized him for his hard work, reliability, expertise, and continued dedication to the department and to our community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Firefighter Johnson, and I thank him for his service to our community.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the American Confidence in Elections Act, the most transformative election integrity bill to be considered in the House in decades. Over the summer, the American Confidence in Elections Act, or ACE Act, passed out of the Committee on House Administration. The ACE Act equips States with election integrity tools, implements key reforms in D.C., and protects political speech. In examining history, precedent, the Framers' words, debates concerning ratification, the Supreme Court, and our Constitution, we know the division of power between States and the Federal Government provides Congress with a limited oversight of Federal elections. With this responsibility, we created the American Confidence in Elections Act to help ensure that States are best equipped with the tools they need to perform successful election administration. As Florida's former secretary of state, I oversaw elections as our State's chief election official. I know firsthand just how important efficient and effective election administration measures are in ensuring that Americans continue to cast their ballots and participate in our democracy. As chair of the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections, one of my top priorities is to share insight into the policies that lead to stronger elections across our Nation. This is exactly what the ACE Act will do. My colleagues and I have worked in collaboration with secretaries of state, local election officials, legislators, and voters across the Nation to craft this legislation--in true ``by the people, for the people'' fashion. Our ACE Act leaves the primary responsibility for administering elections to the States while recognizing the important role that Congress plays as a resource and a partner. Election officials have a saying: Elections are partisan. Election administration is not. The American Confidence in Elections Act is a strictly commonsense measure that protects our voting processes and makes it easier to vote and harder to cheat. Mr. Speaker, 90 percent of Americans agree that only Americans should vote in American elections. A majority of Americans support photo voter ID provisions. The ACE Act encourages States to adopt strong voter ID laws and provides best practices and technology standards to ensure that every State in our Nation has the tools needed to conduct secure and efficient elections. I look forward to bringing this commonsense election integrity measure forward to both strengthen and safeguard our elections. I thank Chairman Steil for his leadership on this bill, and I look forward to seeing it brought to the House floor for final passage.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I am proud to lead on H.R. 4470, Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2023. The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, or CFATS, program identifies and regulates high-risk chemical facilities to ensure they are protected from terrorist attacks. This program must be reauthorized by July 27 to ensure these standards of protection against cyber and physical risks remain in place. On July 20, the Committee on Homeland Security voted unanimously on a bipartisan basis to reauthorize CFATS. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. CFATS is a regulatory program that is broadly supported by industry. This 2-year extension will ensure continuity and security while enabling the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee to work with regulated entities to identify any needed enhancements and changes. I thank Chairman Green for moving this bill expeditiously through committee, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this legislation.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Hillsborough County Veterans Treatment Court and the volunteers who are the heart of this program. Hillsborough County is proud to be home to Florida's largest population of veterans--nearly 94,000 veterans. Hillsborough is also home to the number one Veterans Treatment Court in the country. One in five veterans has a diagnosed mental illness or cognitive impairment, and one in six veterans has a substance abuse problem. In some cases, upon returning home, these men and women commit a criminal offense that is directly attributed to a service or combat-related injury. The Hillsborough County Veterans Treatment Court, in addition to its Mentor Program run entirely by volunteers, integrates alcohol and drug treatment programs, mental health services, and justice system case processing, while focusing on the successful reintegration of veterans back into their communities. I'd like to not only recognize but extend a sincere thank you to the wonderful volunteers who have had a hand in getting our veterans the care they require and deserve.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National Police Week to recognize and honor the brave men and women in blue across the country. This week is a time to reflect on the sacrifices they make to keep us all safe. My years serving as a prosecutor and judge allowed me to see and appreciate firsthand the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make to ensure our community's safety, and I cannot thank them enough. They work around the clock to keep our friends and families safe, regardless of the circumstances. Now as the Representative for Florida's 15th District, I am proud to represent thousands of brave law enforcement officers who display great courage, bravery, patience, and diligence when called to run into danger, all to protect those who are often strangers. To the law enforcement officers that never returned home, we will never forget their sacrifice. And to the law enforcement officers of Florida's 15th District--thank you. I thank them for all that they do and their dedication to serving and protecting our community day in and day out. I will always stand with them.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which is the most comprehensive border bill to reach the House floor in modern history. The Biden administration's border policies have led to a national security and humanitarian crisis at our southern border, turning every community into a border community. This administration's failure to secure the border has led to a record amount of illegal drugs, both around the border and in our communities, and has enabled human trafficking and the exploitation of children. Recently, law enforcement in my community announced that they have seized enough fentanyl to kill every Floridian. In addition to the drugs flowing into our communities, we have seen a tragic flow of unaccompanied minors across our border, which has led many of them to fall victim to human trafficking, abuse, and mistreatment. A grand jury in Florida recently uncovered alarming details about Federal agencies losing track of more than 20,000 children, and failing to perform background checks on minors' sponsors, again, leading to incidents of trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. An open border is not humanitarian. When we fail to control our borders, the drug cartels will. House Republicans know that border security is national security, and that is why we must pass the Secure the Border Act. This legislation will increase the number of Border Patrol agents, strengthen current law to protect unaccompanied children, and bolster our border's infrastructure. We have a constitutional duty to secure our border and to ensure our communities back home are kept safe. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Florida Blue Key. As the state of Florida's oldest honors society, Florida Blue Key's history is a story of service and honor. Originally organized to put together a parent's weekend for a university football game, Florida Blue Key now sponsors the entire university's homecoming including Gator Growl, the largest student run pep rally in the country. I draw on the lessons I learned in Florida Blue Key every day, as have so many others before me in the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate. One hundred years later, Florida Blue Key remains the most prestigious leadership honorary in the Sunshine State. I am grateful for my time in Florida Blue Key and wish them continued success in the century ahead.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my constituents, Ms. Helen Mulrennan Young of Brandon, Florida, who turned 100 years old on February 27, 2023. Ms. Young is the youngest sibling of the Mulrennan pioneering family, whose roots in Eastern Hillsborough County date back more than 140 years. Carrying on her family's legacy of service, Ms. Young is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, and of Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she serves her community through crochet. For more than 23 years, Ms. Young has crocheted blankets and hats for those in need, including newborn babies, the homeless, and hospital patients. In 2022, she received the Spirit of Kiwanis Award for her incredible work. Her life is a testament to the power of faith, family, and community, and she represents the best of Florida's 15th District. That is why it is a great privilege to wish Ms. Young a very happy 100th birthday and many more to come.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. As a former Federal prosecutor and circuit court judge, I know firsthand how important it is for criminal penalties to reflect the seriousness of a crime and to ensure the safety of our communities. Despite surging crime rates, the D.C. Council seeks to reduce the maximum sentences for violent crimes such as carjackings and robberies and enact procedural changes that will overburden the courts. This will undermine law enforcement, and it is contrary to the actual needs of the residents and visitors to our Nation's Capital. Republicans are committed to data-driven criminal justice policies that will strengthen our courts and law enforcement, combat rising crime rates, and protect our communities. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important measure to put an end to these policies and make Washington safe for all Americans.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Chairman Comer's resolution disapproving of the D.C. Council's recent action to allow noncitizens, including illegal immigrants, to vote in local elections. The council's actions undermine voter confidence, faith in our elections, and, ultimately, the sovereignty of the United States. Voting is a sacred right reserved only for American citizens. That is why Federal law and the Constitution prohibit noncitizens from voting in Federal elections. In order to further promote integrity in our elections, many States have also prohibited noncitizens from voting in their State and local elections. Our Nation's Capital should be a model for the rest of the country, but for years, the District has run poor elections. Now, the council wants to take it even further by allowing noncitizens to vote. At a time when communities across our Nation are dealing with the consequences of an unprecedented number of criminals, human smugglers, and deadly fentanyl pouring across our borders, it is unthinkable that the D.C. Council wants to reward those who have broken the law. Further, this would let diplomats vote in D.C. elections, some of whom can be agents of our adversaries, like China and Russia. That is why several of my colleagues on the House Administration and Oversight and Accountability Committees last Congress, including Chairman Steil and Mr. Comer, sent a letter to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, criticizing the measure and calling on her to reject it. Congress can and should exercise its constitutional responsibility over D.C. and stop this law with this joint resolution of disapproval. I commend Chairman Comer for leading this commonsense measure and taking steps to restore voter confidence. We have seen that in States like Georgia and Florida, when you implement key election integrity tools that make it easier to vote and harder to cheat, we can boost voter confidence, which in turn boosts voter turnout.

Ms. LEE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we need more election integrity, not less. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. LEE of Florida

Ms. LEE of Florida. Section 3: ``The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State for six years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. ``Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year. ``No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen. ``The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. ``The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States. ``The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present. ``Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.'' Section 4: ``The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators. ``The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.'' Section 5: ``Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide. ``Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member. ``Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal. ``Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.'' Section 6: ``The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. ``No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.''

Ms. LEE of Florida. Article IV, Section 1: ``Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.'' Section 2: ``The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. ``A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.'' Section 3: ``New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress. ``The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.'' Section 4: ``The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive, when the Legislature cannot be convened, against domestic Violence.'' Article V: ``The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.'' Article VI: ``All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation. ``This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. ``The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.''