Gregory Meeks

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I'd like to now yield 1 minute to a young man who has been a leader in this from New Jersey, the Honorable Frank Pallone.

Mr. MEEKS. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the ranking member and the fighter for small businesses throughout America, the honorable Nydia Velazquez. (Ms. VELAZQUEZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. MEEKS. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 20 seconds.

Mr. MEEKS. I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished ranking member from the Appropriations Committee and a hard fighter, the one and only Nita Lowey.

Mr. MEEKS. At this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Bill Pascrell.

Mr. MEEKS. At this time, I yield 1 minute to the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Honorable Eliot Engel from the great State of New York.

Mr. MEEKS. I have one additional speaker.

Mr. MEEKS. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. MEEKS. I now yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York on the Judiciary Committee, the Honorable Jerry Nadler.

Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey, the Honorable Mr. Sires.

Mr. MEEKS. I yield 1 minute to the ranking member of the Financial Services Committee, a fighter for the people, the gentlelady from the great State of California, the Honorable Maxine Waters.

Mr. MEEKS. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York, Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney, for his initial floor debate.

Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. MEEKS. I yield 30 seconds to the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. MEEKS. I yield myself the remaining time. It's 70 days. It is unprecedented that this region has not been treated like the other regions when they were in need of help. It's 70 days. Now we are going with this bill today, and what we are receiving is a promissory note, a promissory note that on January 15 we will be able to say to the people from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut who were victimized by this storm that their United States Congress-- their House of Representatives--is going to be by their side. So we have a promissory note. I will be concerned until we have the votes that are necessary for the people of this region and until the promissory note has been put into the bank and stamped with sufficient funds. The people have been suffering. They have suffered long enough. They need to hear from their government that their government is with them just as it has been with everybody else in this country. I, for one, wherever the disaster may be, want to say that we've got the support. To this Congress, let's make sure we put forward this promissory note because I don't think a Democrat or a Republican can go back home after January 15 and say that the promissory check has bounced. We have to come back collectively and say to the people who are suffering that they, in fact, have been helped by their government, by their people. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, last night when I came to the floor for the first time since I've been in this body, my heart was hurting. I understand politics, but this should not be about politics. This should be about leadership. The first thing I want to do is to say to the Speaker, Come walk with me, Mr. Speaker. Come walk with me. Let's walk the beaches of the Rockaway Peninsula. You will see a peninsula where every soul, no matter whether you were rich or whether you were poor, no matter whether you were black or whether you were white, every individual, no matter what your religious belief was, every individual was affected by this storm, everyone. Come walk with me, Mr. Speaker, as Steny Hoyer did, and talk to the people, look into their eyes, understand their needs. Come walk with me, Mr. Speaker. Maybe then you can have the leadership that is necessary to get this bill passed today. Come walk with me, Mr. Speaker. If you can't walk with me, Mr. Speaker, for any reason, then go walk with Michael Grimm. If it is a partisan issue for you--because it's not for me--go walk with Michael Grimm on Staten Island, Mr. Speaker. You will see the same pain that the people in the Rockaways have. It's the same pain because they're the same people. They are the American people. This is the United States of America, and this is the people's House. We make jokes all the time about the Senate. The Senate stood up and passed the bill. This is the people's House, Mr. Speaker. We are supposed to do the right thing for the American people. I'm proud of being on the Foreign Affairs Committee, going all over the world and talking about what we've got to do and how we help folks, how we help other individuals all over this world. We have Americans, Mr. Speaker, who are crying out for help, who are saying they don't know where their tomorrow is. We have Americans, Mr. Speaker, who are worried to this day right now that we may have another northeaster tomorrow. And with the sand gone and the dunes now down, we'll have another disaster. They're asking me as their Member, Will our government help us? Where are you? Mr. Speaker, we need leadership. Come walk with me, Mr. Speaker. Come walk with me, and see the American people that are suffering.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Today we have an option. We are confronted with a bill that we can vote for or vote against. We can allow us to go over the ceiling, or we can try to come together and pass something that probably on both sides of the aisle no one agrees with 100 percent. It seems to me, while I have long advocated for a big deal so we don't have to continue fighting in regards to the debt ceiling or sequestration, that we've got to make sure, though, that we do something. And this bill that will come to the floor today I will vote for with many a thing in the bill that I don't like. But I'm sure from listening to some of my colleagues, there are many things in the bill that they don't like. Generally, I find that when both sides don't like something, then maybe we are moving into the right direction and maybe we are moving forward in a positive way for the American people. So I come to the floor saying I'm not fully satisfied, but it's all right because I think we have to move forward and do the best that we can for the American people.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. I'm sitting here in shock this evening. This is supposed to be the people's House. We are the United States House of Representatives. There are Americans that are suffering because of an act of nature. It is our obligation, not as Democrats, not as Republicans, but as Americans to make sure that we come to the aid of Americans. And that's why in this issue, Democrats and Republicans have worked together in any kind of crisis. Especially when it goes to natural disasters, we've always come together. How can we, at this critical point, turn our backs on Americans? This is not supposed to happen here. It happens other places. Mr. Speaker, we cannot turn our backs on our citizens who need us. Some will not have a place to stay for a long period of time. People have suffered, and people need food. We are Americans. This is what's supposed to separate us from everyone else. I am absolutely shocked. Mr. Speaker, you have to reconsider.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, regretfully, I have to oppose H.R. 6429 although this is an important issue that needs to be addressed. There is a need for legislation that attracts and allows highly-skilled immigrants and students who graduate with advanced STEM degrees to live and work in the United States. The STEM Jobs Act of 2012, however, fails to address fundamental issues while creating additional inequities in immigration. It is increasingly necessary to American industries to keep these highly qualified individuals, whom we have educated, to help develop and grow our businesses instead of forcing them to take their talents elsewhere. The number of full-time graduate students in STEM fields who were foreign students (largely on F-1 nonimmigrant visas) grew from 91,150 in 1990 to 148,923 in 2009, with most of the increase occurring after 1999. Despite this rise in foreign student enrollment, the percentage of STEM graduate students with temporary visas in 2009 (32.7 percent) was comparable to 1990 (31.1 percent). The visas are not increasing to keep up with the talent; and according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, ``growth in STEM jobs was three times as fast as growth in non-STEM jobs'' over the past 10 years. Clearly we must create a way to incorporate this untapped potential into our own economy instead of creating a ``brain-drain'' and sending these highly-skilled immigrants overseas. Our economy needs the growth that comes with filling these jobs. If enacted, this bill would allocate immigrant visas to a select group of individuals and would eliminate the long-standing Diversity Visa program that allows individuals from countries with low rates of immigration access to visas. It places a band-aid on an issue that needs a real long-term solution, and does not allow for equal and fair access to visas. H.R. 6429, as constructed, is a poison pill that obscures the true need for comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. I want to first thank ranking member Howard Berman for his leadership on this, as well as to thank Chairwoman Ros-Lehtinen. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6156, the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012. Granting permanent normal trade relations with Russia and Moldova is long overdue; and with this vote we look to the future and put aside some longstanding vestiges of the Cold War. I strongly endorse granting permanent normal trade relations to Moldova. Since 2001, when Moldova entered the World Trade Organization, the United States has been in noncompliance with WTO rules because Congress has failed to repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment. Moldova is a Western-oriented, fully democratic country, and Moldova deserves to be treated as an economic partner so we can strengthen our ties to her further. We will hear lots today about the economic, human rights, and foreign policy implications of this bill; and Russia will be at the center of the debate. But I hope that we do not lose sight of this most basic point. At its core, today's vote on Russian PNTR is about an evolving relationship. The U.S.-Russia relationship has been at the top of our foreign policy agenda for more than half a century. The fact that the House has deliberated for so long to bring H.R. 6156 to the floor is an indication that this is still an important relationship. In 1974, when the Jackson-Vanik amendment was enacted, there was a Soviet Union, and the purpose of the amendment was to end the Soviet Union's policy that prevented the immigration of Jews. The objective has long since been met, and since 1991, Russia terminated fees on Russian immigrants. This is why, since 1992, the United States has certified that Russia complies with Jackson-Vanik and we have normal trade relations with Russia. The bill before us today simply makes that policy permanent. It also replaces the human rights policy of a bygone era with a more appropriate one for the issues in Russia today. In so doing, we allow U.S. businesses to take advantage of the many rules-based market opening and tariff reducing commitments that were part of the Russians' WTO accession package, and we uphold our longstanding commitment to protecting human rights and human dignity. Madam Speaker, we are nearly 3 months behind our biggest global competitors. The U.S. is the only one of the over 150 WTO members that did not immediately benefit from Russia joining the WTO. We are the only one. Only until we repeal Jackson-Vanik, Russia has a right to suspend all agreed upon WTO trade concessions with regard to the U.S. We're talking about losing out on hundreds of millions of dollars in just tariff cuts alone. Passage of this bill will expand our engagement with Russia and better facilitate the exporting of our goods. But trade is never just about the movement of goods and services. It is also about the transformative flow of people, ideas, best practices, and values. Increased trade may be the most efficient way yet to promote rule of law, fight corruption, support human rights, and inspire a civil society in Russia. With passage of H.R. 6156, we get beyond the Jackson-Vanik amendment, a Cold War relic, and level the playing field for American businesses and provide encouragement for whistleblowers. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in favor of H. Res. 526. The House consideration of H. Res. 526 this week coincides with the final weeks of preparation for the October 1st Parliamentary elections in Georgia. The international community is watching the election closely, and I would like to commend the Georgian government for facilitating both long and short term international election observers to ensure that both the pre-election environment and the election itself is conducted in accordance with international standards. It is critical that all political parties in Georgia participate constructively in the election process, and that campaign and election laws are followed and applied fairly and transparently. I call on all political forces to accept the election results as legitimate, if deemed so by credible, international election observers. I believe more must be done to ensure that smaller political parties have access to the main televised media platforms of both the ruling party and opposition. The `must offer, must carry' provisions passed by the Georgian Parliament are a step in the right direction, and I urge the Parliament to consider making these provisions permanent. I would like to commend the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute and the OSCE for their work with both the Georgian government and opposition to ensure that peaceful, credible elections take place. It is crucial that the Georgian electorate and the international community has confidence in this process, in order for Georgia to continue on its path towards democratic and economic reforms, and continued Euro-Atlantic integration. Georgia remains a critical ally, and one of the strongest pro-western countries which has proven itself immensely capable in Afghanistan and other conflict zones, currently as the largest non-NATO troop contributing nation to ISAF. NATO allies agreed at the recent summit in Chicago to enhance Georgia's connectivity with the Alliance. Georgia's ability to build on reforms made to date to foster greater political competition, labor rights and judicial independence will be an opportunity for Georgia to prove itself when measured by international standards. Georgia's NATO aspirations will be facilitated by the ability to meet those standards and conduct free, fair and inclusive elections in 2012 and 2013. I commend the Georgian government's progress on transparency and the fight against corruption, as well as political, economic and judicial reforms, and encourage Georgia to continue this modernization process regardless of the election results. I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 526 in order to strengthen U.S. engagement with the Republic of Georgia by helping Georgia to enhance its security and restore its territorial integrity through peaceful means, and supporting the Government of Georgia's commitment to a policy of peaceful and constructive engagement with the authorities in control of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of my colleagues an important matter for the U.S. economy: Services. I am pleased that there have been several important discussions this week on the topic of the U.S. services sector. This week the Coalition of Service Industries hosted the Global Services Summit, the Global Services Coalition met, and House Ways and Means held a hearing on the benefits of expanding U.S. services trade through an International Services Agreement. As co-chair of the Congressional Services Caucus, I hope my colleagues will join me and the 63 members of the caucus as we continue to push for greater awareness of the importance of the services industry to our nation's economic wellbeing. Services make up the majority of the workforce in every congressional district. Services jobs accounted for over 83 percent of U.S. private sector employment, and U.S. services exports in 2011 reached $588 billion with a surplus of $193.5 billion--a new annual record. We have a good story to tell. Congress must be on the forefront in the effort to break down barriers and increase market access for the services sector. We cannot relent until this sector gets the respect it deserves at the WTO, in bilateral and multilateral agreements and beyond. I know that in my hometown, New York City, services are the lifeblood of the economy. Services in our city account for the bulk of private sector employment, and financial services are particularly critical. The strength of New York's services industry isn't just a benefit to New York. There is a multiplier effect in the U.S., and globally. We know that other sectors like manufacturing and agriculture benefit when the services industry is strong. We also know that nations with whom we are interdependent benefit when the services industry is strong. One of the best champions for U.S. services is Bob Vastine. Bob Vastine was president of the Coalition of Service Industries for 16 years. This week marked the passing of the torch from Bob to Peter Allgeier who has been a champion for U.S. trade in his own right. Peter and the team at CSI are great partners in the Congressional Services Caucus' mission to raise awareness about the critical issues that impact the services sector. The work of CSI was on display this week during the Global Services Summit. The entire lineup was on the pulse of the issues we are considering in Congress. TPP, the EU-US high level working group, cross border trade, restrictions on services trade--India--China--all right on the pulse. I commend CSI, the Global Services Coalition, and my colleagues on Ways and Means for making this a great week for U.S. services. I wish my friend Bob Vastine best of luck in his future endeavors. I'm confident that whatever they may be, they will encompass his passion and commitment to advancing the U.S. services sector and in so doing advance us all. Godspeed.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank my friend from California (Mr. Dreier). And he's correct. This is a bipartisan bill that makes common sense, just common sense that we get this done. So, as I stand here today, I say to you, it is the right thing for America, it is the right thing for businesses in America, and it's the right thing for us to create jobs in America, passing PNTR for Russia. Mr. Dreier said Russia is the ninth largest market in the world and wants the United States-manufactured goods and services, and U.S. companies are eager to supply Russia's rapidly expanding consumer market. So why are we waiting to make this happen? While we wait, the failure of the United States Congress to grant permanent normal trade relations to Russia has compromised the competitiveness of United States businesses, hindered the increase of export of goods and services, and stood in the way of growth for United States domestic jobs. On August 22, the Russian Federation joined the World Trade Organization, concluding nearly 20 years of negotiations and discussions with the United States and about 150 other WTO members. And during these years, it wasn't easy, but Russia did complete numerous reforms of its businesses and trade practices and of its legal system to conform to the norms of the international community and to the WTO rules. These reforms will benefit--not hurt, benefit--U.S. companies. It puts them in a rules-based system. Now, since August 22, Russia has significantly opened its markets to more than 150 WTO trading partners, with the sole exception--the sole exception--the United States of America. That means that, since August 22, businesses from more than 150 WTO member countries with, again, the sole exception of those of the United States, have conducted trade with Russian counterparts protected by the WTO dispute resolution mechanisms. And while we wait to act, U.S. businesses are at a competitive disadvantage. Business analysts say that the U.S. exporters currently underperform with respect to Russia. They predict that with PNTR, U.S. trade with Russia could admittedly double over the next 5 years. Now, I'm from New York, and I just look at what it means for New York, just a small piece. In New York, where exports to Russia nearly reached a half a billion dollars in 2001, half a billion dollars, now, that's a big deal. But when you consider the transportation, the shipping, the customs brokers, the airport personnel jobs involved, the potential economic impact is tremendous. Clearly, increased trade is good for New York, but it's also good for every State in the United States and stands to benefit every State. Every State, I repeat, stands to benefit from the new opportunity to sell more American goods and services to Russia through PNTR. So, I say we've got to get it right. Let me just conclude by saying this. I also am the ranking Democrat on Europe, and as I go and talk to a number of the nations who used to be part of the USSR, some who still have some conflicts with Russia, one of the things that I want to talk to them about, well, what do you think? A, are you happy to be in the WTO? They all said yes. B, should we get rid of Jackson-Vanik and make sure that we're able to trade? They all said yes, that it sends the right message and it compels Russia to play by some rules, and we then have a referee in which to make sure they do that. So I'm hopeful that we get this together and, before we leave here, we pass PNTR for Russia, because every single day that we don't, we're losing out on creating jobs here in America. I look forward to working with you, and hopefully we'll get this done.

Mr. MEEKS

Mr. MEEKS. Having no further speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.