Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1. While the majority claims this bill would lower America's energy costs, this bill would directly result in policies that would add to the deficit and incur billions of dollars in environmental costs. This bill puts polluters over people by putting taxpayers on the hook for environmental cleanup of our public lands. Public lands are just that: They are public. They belong to the people, not to major corporations, not to foreign-owned mining companies who would ship mined materials over to China for smelting, or to be sold on the global market. How does that protect our national security? Let me be clear: We need to reform the permitting process to guarantee our transition to a clean, green energy economy. When it comes to leasing our public lands, local communities and Tribal Nations need to be front and center, not oil, gas, and mining interests. When companies pollute, they need to be held responsible for the cleanup, not the American taxpayer. I support people over politics. H.R. 1 should be rejected.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1, the Polluters Over People Act. While it claims to lower American energy costs, it would directly result in policies that would cost taxpayers billions in environmental costs. Congress should not pass laws that benefit oil, gas, and mining companies at the expense of our public lands and public health. I have worked diligently to conserve and protect our public resources, and ensure the federal government is a good steward of our public lands. This bill would severely cut the opportunity for communities to participate in the environmental review process of a project. It also fails to recognize tribal sovereignty; the U.S. federal government must honor its trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal nations. H.R. 1 ignores the fact that oil and gas companies have made billions in profits while Americans suffered under high prices at the pump during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill would lower royalty rates and repeal interest fees to these companies, further lining their pockets while reducing the money the government receives for use of these lands. Public lands are just that: they belong to the people--not to major corporations. Members of Congress have a responsibility to be good stewards of these resources. Additionally, many mining companies are foreign-owned, like Antofagasta, the parent company of Twin Metals. That company's proposed sulfide-ore copper mine would put our public lands and waters at great risk of toxic mining pollution. After extraction, Antofagasta would ship our American minerals overseas to China for smelting and to be sold in the global market. How is it in our national interest to re- purchase our own mined materials? The rush to pass this legislation is a national security issue. Safeguards must be put into place when minerals are harvested from public lands--they should not be used to put the integrity of those lands or our national security at risk. Our laws need to be updated, including meaningful permitting reform to facilitate the green energy transition. That is why Democrats included $1 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act for federal agencies to more quickly and efficiently process permits. But H.R. 1 does not work with agencies to address permitting backlogs. Instead, it slashes environmental regulations and imposes arbitrary time limits on reviews. Permitting reform and updated regulations must be done responsibly, with good-faith participation from local communities, as well as a strong emphasis on equity, environment impacts, and public health. I am happy to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make this happen, but H.R. 1 is not the avenue to do so. Mr. Chair, let me be clear: H.R. 1 is an attack on our public lands, which belong to Minnesotans and all Americans. It should be rejected.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5, the Politics Over Parents Act. This bill is an attempt by House Republicans to attack public education in America and restrict the free exchange of ideas that fosters critical thinking. It is part of a harmful, nationwide extreme Republican march toward censorship and book bans. For example, in the 2021-2022 School Year, the most banned book titles included `Beloved' and `The Bluest Eye' by the groundbreaking author and Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison--not unlike the way `To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee has been the subject of book bans since the 1960s. This censorship deprives students of opportunities to learn, grow, and obtain information from a variety of perspectives. Other types of censorship under this bill would deprive students of an accurate and fact-based education. The strength of America comes from its diversity. But instead of delivering the support and resources our schools need, so-called ``parents' rights'' bills like this empower extremists to impose their beliefs on all students and parents. My mother worked in a library. She taught me it is important that every child in every community has a safe place to learn and grow. Democrats are focused on improving public education, making our schools safer, and ensuring schools and students have what they need to recover from the pandemic. This legislation is irresponsible and is yet another divisive political stunt by the Republican majority. It should be rejected.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of President Biden's veto rejecting legislation to overturn a Labor Department rule related to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)--based investing strategies. On December 1, 2022, the Department of Labor issued a final rule on ``Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights.'' This rule clarifies that retirement plan fiduciaries may consider climate change and other Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in selecting retirement investments and exercising shareholder rights, when those factors are relevant to the risk and return analysis. The bill Republicans passed would have rejected that rule, instead mandating that retirement plan managers ignore this type of risk-- whether it be a company's poor corporate management, human rights violations, carbon emissions, or any of the other factors that fall under the ESG framework. When retirement plan managers are unable to fully explain all of the risks in a portfolio, those risks jeopardize the hard-earned retirement dollars of tens of millions hardworking Americans. ESG factors should be allowed to be taken into account in one's investment and retirement strategies. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s just-released report * offers a catastrophic outlook if nations like the U.S. do not take urgent action to fight the climate crisis. Clearly superstorms, severe flooding, and sea-level rise, for example, elevate risks. ESG strategies are one tool to help individuals take an action of their own in pursuit of a future on a livable planet. Should Minnesotans want to divest from fossil fuel interests, they should be allowed to do so. Their retirement plan managers should have the freedom to make fully-informed investment decisions--whether related to ESG or not. Republicans' nonsensical attempt to frame ESG investments as ``woke capitalism'' is a waste of this governing body's efforts and would put Americans' futures at risk. Vetoing this bill is just common sense. President Biden has made clear that Democrats believe we must protect hardworking Americans' life savings and retirement. The previous question was ordered.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 140, the Protecting Speech front Government Interference Act. Americans know that if they see something, they should say something. Yet Republicans are offering H.R. 140 which will prevent federal law enforcement and intelligence officers from telling social media platforms when they see something that could cause harm. For example, when Russia mounted a state-sponsored campaign to influence the 2016 presidential election, FBI agents were integral in detecting these actions. In order for our democracy to flourish, we must have the ability to stop the spread of misinformation that could cause harm. What this bill does is prohibit law enforcement and other federal employees from providing information on personal safety and consumer safety. If passed, H.R. 140 will allow the spread of harmful foreign propaganda, promote hateful and violent content online, and undermine our democracy. This bill is proof that House Republicans would rather protect debunked, right-wing conspiracy theories than the safety of our communities and our democracy. When Republicans held a markup of H.R. 140 last week, they rejected commonsense amendments, including proposals that would have created a national security exception, an amendment to help law enforcement prevent violence incited by neo-Nazi groups, and efforts to ensure that federal employees could still share essential public health and consumer safety information. Mr. Chair, H.R. 140 is yet more proof that Republicans would prefer to fan the flames of far-right conspiracy theories rather than bolster safeguards to American democracy. It should be rejected.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the history of Minnesota's African American railroad workers ahead of the new exhibit at the Minnesota Transportation Museum titled, ``Twin Tracks: African American Railroad Workers, 1919-1941'' curated by Marvin Anderson of Saint Paul, Minnesota, whose own grandfather worked as a Pullman porter. The exhibit will accurately highlight the crucial role that African American workers played in operating the early railroads by recounting the struggles and triumphs that they endured. The headquarters of three transcontinental railways constructed in the 1880s were located in the Twin Cities area. In the early 1900s, too many businesses were still refusing to hire African Americans. However, the Pullman Company, a large railway car manufacturer, quickly became the largest private employer of Black men in the nation. Working for the railroad offered young black men in St. Paul an opportunity to make a reasonable wage for the time, although it included difficult and dangerous working conditions. It also provided them with the unique opportunity to travel the country. These men were referred to as Red Caps, named for the red cap that was part of the uniform that they wore. Their job was to greet passengers and help carry luggage to the train. Working mostly for tips, the Red Caps were known for their friendliness and extensive knowledge of the city that they worked. Red Caps were largely responsible for enhancing the very positive reputation of the Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota. Today at the restored Union Depot, there is a room named in honor of the Red Caps who worked there for more than 70 years. Another job made available for black men at the time was to be a porter. They were referred to as Pullman porters, named after the owner of the rail company, George Pullman. Often these porters were expected to answer just to ``George'' regardless of their own name. This is one example of the racism and discrimination that these workers endured, a relic of slavery when slaves were called by the name of their master. Pullman porters often worked up to 20 hours a day without rest tending to the needs of passengers. These needs ranged from serving food and beverages from dining cars, tending to their clothing and bedding and shining shoes. Red Caps and Porters were an important part of their communities. They were greatly respected, and many were leaders in the historic Rondo community of Saint Paul. Make no mistake, their work was vital to the success of the railroads and to the economic development of St. Paul and greater Minnesota, even though they faced difficult conditions and often dehumanizing treatment from their employers and at times, passengers. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Marvin Anderson's work paying tribute to the African American railroad workers on display at the Minnesota Transportation Museum.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 27, which would overturn a recent Biden Administration regulation clarifying protection of America's waters under the Clean Water Act. Communities in Minnesota and across our Nation need reliable access to clean water. Without clean water our communities don't have access to safe drinking water, farmers can't grow the food we eat, and our nurses and doctors can't clean their hands before a procedure. Clean water touches every facet of our daily lives, and our communities cannot thrive without it. If passed, H.J. Res. 27 would block the latest waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers. The rule that the Biden Administration is proposing would broaden definitions of waterways subject to protection under the Clean Water Act to include connected waterways such as wetlands. The new rule also seeks to provide clarity and predictability for famers and developers while protecting our nation's water quality and supply. H.J. Res. 27 would block this clarified rule. For over 50 years, Republicans and Democrats have worked together to protect and restore America's waters using the authorities granted in the Clean Water Act. Members of Congress today have a responsibility to protect this important legacy. Preserving the health of America's wetlands and streams is essential to Minnesota, a state with more than 10,000 lakes and over 69,000 miles of river. Clean water touches every aspect of our daily lives, and Americans cannot survive without it. Mr. Speaker, let me be clear, H.J. Res. 27 is an attack on clean water in communities all around the country. It should be rejected.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 347, the REIN IN Act. House Republicans are claiming this bill will require the administration to publish the inflationary impact of executive actions before enacting them, but if Republicans had taken the time to hold a hearing on this bill, they would have discovered that the bill merely requires the President to ``prepare and consider'' the inflationary impact--not publish it. This is yet another misleading political stunt from the new Republican majority. For two years, House Republicans blamed President Biden and Congressional Democrats for inflation and promised they would fix it. Yet, they passed on the opportunity to work with Democrats to fight inflation by passing the Inflation Reduction Act to rebuild American manufacturing and lower the costs of prescription drugs, health care, energy, and other goods and services. Since 2020, inflation has risen worldwide, exacerbated by supply chain delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the outbreak of the pandemic, Democrats worked swiftly to pass relief packages, helping American families and businesses survive while preventing economic collapse. Recent figures have shown that these programs worked: inflation is lower in the U.S. than in the U.K., Canada, and 20 European Union member states. Today, while Republicans offer this thoughtless bill, 432,000 Minnesotans and millions of other Americans who have benefited from the emergency SNAP funding are seeing their extra benefits run out. This bill does nothing to reduce everyday costs for these and other Americans. Madam Chair, H.R. 347 is yet more proof that Republicans would rather blame President Biden and Democrats for inflation than take steps to address it. It should be rejected.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise to provide remarks on H.R. 185, a bill House Republicans have brought to the Floor to revoke vaccine requirements for global travelers entering the United States. This legislation puts American health care at risk, flies in the face of settled science surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and hinders America's ability to adapt and respond to emerging variants. The decision to revise or revoke our country's public health guidance concerning COVID-19 vaccine requirements should rest in the hands of our public health experts--not Congress. Since the beginning of the pandemic, numerous variants of the virus originating in other countries have spread to the United States. The potential for new variants is a public health concern that is only elevated with increased travel of unvaccinated individuals. With this bill, House Republicans have made themselves clear: they would prefer to play political games by misleading the American people about the efficacy of the vaccine instead of focusing on alleviating the stress on our hospitals, health care providers, and public health resources.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 24 and H.J. Res. 26 which would nullify legislation enacted by the D.C. Council. Our constituents did not elect us to get involved in the local politics of our nation's capital city. Yet, House Republicans think it's appropriate to waste Congress's time to weigh in on D.C. politics instead of getting to work for the American people to cap insulin costs for everyone, make the wealthiest and the biggest corporations pay their fair share in taxes, or strengthen Social Security and Medicare. The topic of H.J. Res. 26 is a dispute between the Mayor of D.C. and the D.C. Council, and Congress should not be involved. Congress does not have the authority to pass such a resolution for Minnesota or any other state--a power it would not have over D.C. and its 700,000 residents if it was rightly granted statehood. Mr. Speaker, it is telling that a month into the 118th Congress, House Republicans have nothing to offer the American public but to waste their time with political stunts like this. It should be rejected.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Con. Res. 9, Denouncing the horrors of socialism. Mr. Speaker, let's be clear about what this resolution is. A complete waste of time. This resolution is not about Stalin. It is not about Mao. It is not about Castro. It is not even about condemning the human rights abuses that many communist dictators throughout history have committed. Instead, the Republican majority has thrown together a poorly written, ill-conceived resolution so sloppy that it condemns socialism in all its forms. That includes important allies and friends of the United States that have mainstream socialist political parties like Albania, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. With this resolution, House Republicans are sending a message to these nations that we condemn the domestic political process within their nations. That is outrageous. At a time of crisis for the world when Vladimir Putin is waging the largest war in Europe in over seventy years, Congress should be working to strengthen the relationships with our fellow democracies, not passing poorly written messaging bills that will alienate our friends and allies. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I know just how crucial it is to maintain relationships with our NATO allies. This weekend I will join the Minnesota National Guard in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange--the longest-running military partnership between 2 nations. Make no mistake, this resolution is not just an insult to the Norwegian government, but an insult to the Norwegian Home Guard and Norwegian Armed Forces who sacrifice to defend their nation from the Russian threat. The Republican majority was even offered the opportunity to soften this resolution before bringing it to the floor. House Democrats offered amendments in the Rules Committee that would clarify the resolution's intent, including language stating that nothing in the resolution should be seen to condemn long-time Federal programs like Medicare, Social Security or VA Healthcare that impact all our constituencies. Another amendment included language condemning fascism and the mass murder of 6 million Jewish people by the Nazi regime. Unfortunately, all these amendments were rejected by Republicans. Mr. Speaker, it is telling that a month into the 118th Congress, House Republicans have nothing to offer the American public but to waste their time with political stunts like this.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a Representative from Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District in support of my colleague, Representative Ilhan Omar, of Minnesota's Fifth Congressional District. Together, we are the Twin Cities. Representative Omar, alongside of our colleagues, Representatives Schiff and Swalwell, have been unfairly targeted for removal from committees, despite their valuable experience, their expertise, and their perspectives. The American people elected us to solve problems, to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, and lower everyday costs. But, instead, there is prioritizing of issues that the Republicans are engaged in as a political stunt--no better than their extreme MAGA members who traffic in hate and violent threats. My fellow Minnesotans and I see this for what it is: a petty vendetta that not only undermines our democracy, but it puts the safety of those Members at risk. Minnesotans and all Americans deserve better. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support Representative Omar and vote ``no'' on H. Res. 76.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th annual Norwegian Reciprocal Troops Exchange between the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard. Known as NOREX, this annual exchange between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Norway is the world's longest-running military partnership, an enduring tradition which continues to strengthen the bonds between our two countries. Not only is this anniversary a cause for celebration, but it is particularly fitting that it occur as the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard prepare to formalize this friendship as official partners in the National Guard State Partnership Program. This month, more than one hundred Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard will travel to Norway and conduct winter operations training with the Norwegian Home Guard, known as Heimevernet. This unique training opportunity takes place over five days in Norway's countryside and includes skiing techniques, avalanche training, emergency food rationing, bivouac routines, constructing a lean-to, and building and lighting a fire. Meanwhile, members of the Norwegian Home Guard will travel to Camp Ripley in Minnesota, to learn joint domestic response exercises with local law enforcement. In addition to military training, our Soldiers and Airmen will participate in cultural exchanges by spending a weekend with Norwegian host families and visiting cultural sites. Similarly, the visiting Norwegian troops will enjoy American cultural experiences such as attending a Minnesota Wild hockey game, visiting the Mall of America, enjoying walleye at a local VFW fish fry, and being the guests of honor at an official dinner hosted by the Saint Paul-based civic organization Serving Our Troops. Of course, it is especially fitting that the Minnesota National Guard participate in this exchange. Thousands of immigrants from Norway came to Minnesota during the 1800s. Today, over 850,000 Minnesotans claim Norwegian ancestry--myself included. Minnesota has more Norwegian- Americans than any other state and these Minnesotans keep alive many proud traditions passed down from their Nordic ancestors. In Congress, I have been proud to honor Norwegian-American heritage as a co-chair of the Friends of Norway Caucus. Additionally, as Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense in the 117th Congress, I had the incredible privilege last year to travel to Norway to meet with senior leadership of the Norwegian Armed Forces and conduct oversight on prepositioned stocks of U.S. military equipment in country. As Vladimir Putin continues his unprovoked, unjust, and illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is more important than ever that the United States stand in support of our democratic allies. That includes those with geographic vulnerabilities to Russian aggression, like Norway. Formalizing the Minnesota National Guard's relationship with Norway through the State Partnership Program will serve to strengthen Norway's military readiness in the face of the Russian threat. And the continuation of NOREX will enhance our own military readiness and further cooperation between the United States and a key NATO ally, all while promoting goodwill and mutual respect between our nations. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 50th anniversary of this special military and cultural partnership with a traditional Nordic salute: Skol.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 21, the Strategic Production Response Act. Republicans brought H.R. 21 to the House Floor today to prohibit the Department of Energy from releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) until it expands oil and gas drilling on federal lands by the same percentage that it releases oil from the SPR. House Republicans are once again doing the bidding of their Big Oil friends at Americans' expense, while threatening the President's ability to take timely action to lower prices for American consumers. When Putin invaded Ukraine and the oil prices soared worldwide, President Biden acted quickly to release oil from the SPR helping to lower gas prices for American families by $1.69 per gallon since their peak. Restricting the federal government's best tool in the middle of a global energy crisis--with no benefit other than increasing the profits of the fossil fuel industry--is a disservice and will harm working families who will bear the brunt of this decision. The fossil fuel industry is already sitting on approximately 9,000 approved but unused permits for drilling on public lands because they are more concerned with keeping supply artificially low so that prices can stay artificially high to line their own pockets. This legislation could result in giving the fossil fuel industry an additional over 30 million acres of public lands for new oil and gas drilling--that is over 5 times the size of Minnesota, and 8 times the amount of public lands and waters currently available for oil and gas development. This bill will only make us more dependent on fossil fuels. The growing threat of climate change is real, and in order to protect our planet, we must reduce carbon emissions and embrace a sustainable energy future. Congress should use its power to invest in developing alternative energy sources and expanding federal incentives making them more affordable for American consumers.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide remarks on H.R. 22. Republicans brought H.R. 22, the Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act, to the House Floor today to prohibit selling oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China. This legislation would not be necessary if the previous Republican majority hadn't lifted a ban on crude oil exports, in place since 1975, at the urging of their Big Oil friends in 2015. China has now exploited this harmful Republican policy change by purchasing and stockpiling American crude oil. U.S. exports of crude oil to China increased nearly 100-fold under President Trump. During the Trump administration, U.S. oil companies sent over 391 million barrels of crude oil to China. House Democrats had legislation (the Buy low and Sell High Act) that would go further to protect American interests by not only banning the export of Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil to China, but also to adversaries such as North Korea, Russia, Iran, and any other country under U.S. sanctions. If Republicans really wanted to tackle this issue, they would have worked with us in a bipartisan manner to pass this legislation last Congress. Republicans passed this legislation to fix a political problem they created for themselves, which in the end, doesn't solve the problem.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, l rise in opposition to H.R. 26 and H. Con. Res 3, two pieces of legislation that yet again seek to limit access to reproductive health care and insert politics into personal reproductive health care decisions. H.R. 26 is a deliberately misleading bill that effectively politicizes abortion care and criminalizes doctors. This bill is offensive to those who face pregnancy complications and opens the door to political interference when families are making difficult, complicated, and often heartbreaking medical decisions. This legislation is based on false claims; it vilifies families and the doctors who care for them, and carelessly misleads the public about these rare and complicated scenarios. When a family is dealing with the unthinkable, an infant that will not survive, they should be able to hold and comfort their child and peacefully say goodbye. If this bill were to become law, forced medical intervention would cut short parents' final moments with their child, and doctors across the country would face extreme penalties simply for doing what is best for their patients. H. Con. Res. 3 is nothing but a political move by the extreme Republican House majority that is both disingenuous and puts actual health care clinics at risk. Let me be clear: I condemn violence in all its forms. However, this resolution only focuses on protecting ``pro- life pregnancy centers'' and ``faith-based women's health clinics''-- not medical facilities. Here's a fact: attacks on abortion providers and clinics are on the rise, increasing 128 percent in just one year. The resolution before us falls short of fully condemning political violence, and I encourage my colleagues to stand together and condemn all violence, so that everyone can have the freedom to access reproductive health care without fear.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express opposition to H. Con. Res. 3. The resolution is nothing but a political move by extreme Republicans that is both disingenuous and actually puts healthcare clinics at risk. This resolution only focuses on protecting pro-life pregnancy centers and faith-based women's health clinics, which are not medical facilities. Let me be clear: I condemn violence in all of its forms. In fact, here is a fact: At clinics that provide abortion services, attacks are on the rise, increasing 128 percent in just 1 year. This source is from the National Abortion Federation report. The resolution before us today falls short of condemning violence. The Pro-Choice Caucus resolution that I support condemns all acts of violence on healthcare personnel, patients, and facilities and affirms that everyone has the freedom to access reproductive healthcare services without fear of violence. Let us all stand together and condemn all acts of political violence.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Bill Harper, my long time Chief of Staff, as he retires after 22 years in my office on January 6, 2023. It has been a privilege to work the past 22 years with Bill. He exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. Bill has dedicated his life to making a positive impact for Minnesota families, communities, and businesses. For more than 2 decades he has been responsible for building and leading my congressional team. Bill's knowledge, vision, and leadership have helped shape everything my office has accomplished, particularly my work on the House Appropriations Committee. Prior to serving in Congress, Bill managed my first election to the House of Representatives in 2000, but his commitment to public service began much earlier. For 5 years he was an outstanding Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala and Malawi where he worked with local villagers to improve their lives and livelihoods. His work as Chief of Staff to former Hennepin County Board Chair Mark Andrew, and as a personal assistant to former Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey, III, prepared him with the necessary skills to successfully manage a congressional office. A significant aspect of Bill's public service is his success in nurturing the next generations of leaders and public servants. He has assembled a staff that I am exceptionally proud of--a dedicated team of public servants who bring nearly 130 years of combined service in their work on behalf of Minnesotans. In addition, numerous former staff and interns have gone on to further service in the executive branch, state government, nonprofit organizations, and elected office. Bill has always put the people we serve first, making a remarkable difference in lives across the country and around the world. That is the essence of Bill's dedication to others. I know that Bill will continue to make important contributions to Minnesota and our nation well into the future. On New Year's Day, the Star Tribune published a profile on Bill Harper's distinguished service in my office. In the article, he noted, ``as powerful as Washington and Congress may be, we are a direct extension of the people. And it needs to stay that way.'' His words ring true, and it is my pleasure to enter that article into the Record. As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, I wish him and his family--Roberta, Jonas, Lucia and Tiwonge--all the best. It has been an honor to have Bill serve as my Chief of Staff, and I'm grateful that he'll remain as a friend and political advisor. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to his remarkable career of service to our nation and our community. [From the Star Tribune, Dec. 31, 2022] After More Than Two Decades, Chief of Staff Set To Leave Rep. Betty McCollum's Office Bill Harper has been a congressional chief of staff during a crucial span in U.S. history. His long tenure working for Democratic U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum began after the controversial 2000 presidential election and continued on past the Sept. 11 attacks, the Iraq War, the Great Recession, the outbreak of COVID-19 and the U.S. Capitol insurrection. As he prepares to leave the job in January, Harper is aware that he was part of a transformative historical period. But he said in a recent interview about his more than two decades on the job that it all comes back ``to serving the people and trying to make our democracy, and trying to make Congress, work for the people despite these enormous challenges that we faced.'' Harper noted that he was part of the Peace Corps and spent time as an HIV/AIDS volunteer in Malawi before running McCollum's 2000 congressional campaign. Said McCollum: ``If anybody would have told us when we first met working on the campaign that 23 years later we would still be working together, we both would have just laughed out loud.'' She said Harper is someone who does his homework, knows what he's talking about and has a very reassuring presence. ``When he says he's going to do something, he's going to do it, and he's a man of his word. And so that's how he's earned so much respect over the years,'' McCollum said. During their time working together, McCollum has gone from freshman lawmaker to dean of Minnesota's congressional delegation. In November, she won a 12th term while Democrats narrowly lost control of the U.S. House. McCollum has wielded major influence in the past two years while leading the House Appropriations subcommittee handling defense spending. ``When you're at this level, you take the partisanship out of the equation and you focus on, `This is about America; this is about our country,' '' Harper said. Democratic U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips called Harper ``one of the most connected, principled, honorable and effective Capitol Hill staffers that I know of.'' Looking back, Harper said the accomplishment that makes him proudest is his work with McCollum on President George W. Bush's emergency plan for AIDS relief in 2003. ``We secured language for orphans and vulnerable children,'' he said. McCollum's office said in a news release when Harper's exit was announced that he will continue to work as a political adviser for the longtime Democratic lawmaker. Harper said he's interested in using his experience and skills to ``work with nonprofits and businesses to help them advance their missions, particularly in the federal space.'' As he prepares to leave Congress behind, Harper said that ``as powerful as Washington and Congress may be, we are a direct extension of the people. And it needs to stay that way.''

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the United States Sepak Takraw Team on winning gold medals at the 2022 International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup in Daejeon, South Korea. The team overcame many challenges and exceeded expectations when they won gold in Division 1 of the 3x3 and 4x4 tournaments. The 2022 ISTAF World Cup hosted 13 participating countries and was held from November 25-29, 2022 after originally being scheduled for 2019 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States team is coached by Jeremy Nathan Mirken, and was made up of 6 athletes of Hmong, Karen and Karenni descent: Ker Cha; Christ Blu Moo; Oo Reh; Jim Thao; John Thao and Yan Naing Soe. The team hails from 6 states across the country, and includes athletes from Saint Paul, Minnesota in the Fourth Congressional District. Sepak Takraw also known as `Kick Volleyball', is a team sport originated in Malaysia and commonly played with 2 or 4 players on a court similar to a badminton court. A popular sport in Southeast Asian countries, Sepak Takraw has slowly spread around the world and has gained popularity in Minnesota where we are proud to have a large Hmong and Karen community. The main objective of the game is to kick the ball to the other side of the net within the boundary of the opponent's team, similar to volleyball, but players are only allowed to use their feet, knees, shoulders, chest or head to get the ball over the net. Game play is described in the very name of the sport--sepak is Malay for ``kick'' while takraw is Thai for ``woven rattan ball'' which is the type of ball used in the game. United States team manager, Gao Chang, released a statement following the team's victory where he stated his hopes that the continued success of Team USA would inspire younger generations of Sepak Takraw players. While today I celebrate the athletes that brought home victory for the United States in 2022, I share in the same hope that younger generations will continue to participate in this unique sport and represent the United States into the future. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the victory of the United States Sepak Takraw Team.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition of H.R. 23, the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act. Hard-working families pay 99 percent of the taxes they owe, while the uber wealthy, the 1 percent, has the ability to hide more than 20 percent of their income from the IRS each year. Tonight, the first bill I will vote on is designed to help the 1 percent avoid paying their fair share. House Republicans are protecting sophisticated tax cheats and greedy corporations, and they do so under the guise of cutting the budget of the Internal Revenue Service. My office has been working with many families who have experienced financial hardship while waiting months for the IRS to process their tax refunds--which are often thousands of dollars. Why? Because the agency has less auditors than in 1954 and tax returns are processed on computer systems designed more than 40 years ago. This is a direct result of years of attacks and budget cuts by Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration. Last year, Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act which includes investments to replace retiring taxpayer service workers and update aging technology to increase efficiencies so hardworking taxpayers can receive prompt refunds and service. Republicans should be helping the Americans waiting on hold for hours to get their tax refunds instead of making it easier for tax cheats to skip out on paying their fair share.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the day is finally here. Today, we are going to vote to make sure that our government is working for the American people. I would especially like to thank chair of the Appropriations Committee, Rosa DeLauro, for her amazing patience and her steadfast work to make this day happen, as well as Speaker Pelosi and Mr. Schumer in the Senate. Members, this bill will not only keep the government open so that our constituents don't find themselves in a lot more distress with the economic hard times that we are facing during the holiday season, but it is also going to guarantee that children have access to healthcare, schools remain open, hospitals can treat flu patients; so many things that are all important to the constituents we serve. I am especially proud of the work that I do as the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee chair to make sure that our troops receive the pay that they deserve, the support that their families need, the work that I was able to do in PFAS remediation, research in healthcare, and to work on climate change. Because all those are important to our national security. I will have more remarks provided in the Record.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare of Saint Paul, Minnesota on its 125th anniversary of providing world class, compassionate care for children and their families. Founders Jessie Haskins and Dr. Arthur Gillette recognized the need for a place where children with disabilities could receive state-of- the-art care made specifically for their needs. In 1897, the Minnesota legislature created what would later become Gillette Children's Hospital, the first institution in the United States to focus exclusively on treating children with disabilities. Today, Gillette is celebrating 125 years of outstanding, groundbreaking treatment of children in our community and from around the world. Gillette Children's serves an important calling in our state and nation. By focusing on what a child is capable of, rather than the ways they are limited, Gillette Children's makes the difference in how a child will recover and grow after receiving care. In its 125 years of existence, Gillette Children's has improved the lives of countless children and their families from around the world. Gillette Children's is not just a hospital. It is a special place that fosters a healing environment for its patients and their families. By providing care through adulthood, Gillette Children's creates deep and meaningful bonds between the children, physicians, staff, and volunteers that last a lifetime. This unique approach to treatment is one of the many reasons why Gillette Children's stands out as an extraordinary example of excellence in care and community stewardship. Gillette Children's provides modern care in an ever-changing world. By remaining on the cutting edge of technology, Gillette Children's stands alone in its ability to treat young patients who experience the most complex, traumatic, and rare conditions. When a child is referred to Gillette Children's, it is because they require specialized care by top experts in the field, and each patient receives nothing less. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Gillette Children's remained steadfast in their commitment to treating patients in a safe environment, pausing procedures when necessary and now proudly offering vaccines for the youngest and most vulnerable Minnesotans. Since its founding, Gillette Children's has structured its care model around each child's specific needs, bringing together experts from many areas to address these needs at once--sometimes even in one visit. Each child's emotional wellbeing remains at the core of Gillette Children's approach to care, and we are so fortunate to have a committed, compassionate care center in our backyard. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the 125th anniversary of Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare for all that it does to improve the lives of children.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mr. Thomas Kayser, of Saint Paul, Minnesota, who passed away on November 15, 2022. Tom was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. After graduating from Lawrence University, he served on active duty for eight years and as a reserve officer for 16 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He met his wife, Marlene Kayser, on a blind date, they married in 1959 and had three children, Carol, Tom and David. In 1966 they moved to Saint Paul when Tom joined the law firm, Robins, Davis and Lyons, where he worked for over 50 years and went on to become the managing partner. During his time at the law firm, which eventually became Robins, Kaplan, Miller, and Ciresi, he often served as a volunteer attorney, including for the Minnesota ACLU, and received many honors, including being named Volunteer of the Year by the Volunteer Lawyers Network in 2007. Tom and his wife, Marlene, who passed away in 2018, were both dedicated activists and volunteers in the community, supporting organizations like Planned Parenthood and the Advocates for Human Rights. They were also founding donors of Admission Possible, now known as College Possible, which is a national organization working to increase access to higher education for low-income students. At the Kayser family home the door was always open to generously give back to their neighbors. They were known for hosting fundraising events in their home and even in their backyard for nonprofit organizations, candidates and elected officials ranging from United States presidents to school board members. Tom and Marlene served as a host family to many international students and connected countless community leaders, and Tom also served as a board member and advisor for the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, and as an appointed representative on the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission, where he also served as vice chair and committee chair. It was an honor to call Tom a friend and neighbor for many years. My deepest condolences are with his beloved family and many friends. Madam Speaker, please join me in tribute to Thomas Kayser for his remarkable life of service to our nation and our community.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8025, which designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 100 South Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the ``Martin Olav Sabo Post Office.'' Congressman Martin Sabo's public life began 45 years ago when he was elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives at the young age of 22. He went on to serve with distinction as both House Speaker and minority leader until his election to Congress in 1978. Congressman Sabo served the people of Minnesota for 28 years in the house, retiring in 2006. His Chairmanship of the House Budget Committee in the 1990s set the country on a course that resulted in a federal budget surplus. While serving on the esteemed House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Sabo's astute ability to direct federal funds to key infrastructure projects, like light rail transit, transformed Minneapolis, positioning the Twin Cities for the 21st Century. It was my profound honor to serve with Martin Sabo as a colleague in the U.S. House. Congressman Sabo was liberal, smart, and his values reflected the very best of Minnesota's traditions and heritage. Congressman Sabo was reserved and quiet Norwegian, but when he spoke the room went silent because everyone knew something worth hearing was about to be said. This made him a giant as a legislator and public servant in both the Minnesota Legislature and Congress. I will always remember Martin as the kindest of souls and one of the most effective and wise public servants I've ever known. I want to thank Rep. Ilhan Omar for sponsoring this piece of legislation that pays tribute to a dedicated public servant, wonderful human being, and dear friend and mentor.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 110 and H.J. Res. 119 which adopts the Tentative Railway Labor Agreement forged by months of hard-fought negotiations between railway workers and railroad companies and provides paid sick leave for workers. These votes put rail workers' rights over corporate profits. I am proud to support the Tentative Agreement which will provide important advances for freight rail workers. These advances include a 24 percent pay raise, a $5,000 bonus, no changes in copays, deductibles, or coinsurance, and seven days of paid medical leave. Additionally, my votes for these resolutions are to avert a devastating rail shutdown that would slam the brakes on our economy and impact the lives of nearly every American. Communities in Minnesota and across our nation need reliable access to safe drinking water. A rail shutdown would disrupt deliveries of essential products like chlorine, that are necessary to keep our water supplies safe and clean. Further, a rail stoppage would prevent timely deliveries of groceries, medications, and other vital goods. Some families would be hit even harder as it is estimated that as many as 765,000 Americans, many of them union workers, would lose their jobs within weeks. My votes for H.J. Res. 110 and H.J. Res. 119 are to put workers' rights, the safety of our communities, and Americans' economic security over corporate profits. Railroad workers deserve fair compensation, benefits, and sick leave, and I will continue to fight for their rights.