Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the Interior and Environment division of this bill makes many critical investments in protecting our natural resources and contains several provisions designated to stop the Trump administration from moving forward on disastrous environmental policies. This bill puts a halt on the use of funds in the next fiscal year to review approved mine plans within the watershed in the Nation's most visited wilderness, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This provision does not--does not--impact the operations of current mines that already have their plans approved and are operating. There is no iron ore mine plan under review within the watershed or anywhere in the Superior National Forest. Sulfide-ore mines are toxic. They produce acid mine drainage, which includes heavy metals like lead and cadmium. This poses a significant risk to surface waters and ground waters. The Trump administration cannot be trusted to conduct an environmental review of sulfide-ore mining that could devastate this wilderness. They have already shown a lack of transparency and a willingness not to be guided by science. Multiple Cabinet members have pledged to members of the Appropriations Committee in congressional hearings that they would complete a mineral withdrawal study within this very watershed. Instead, they abandoned this review 20 months into a 24-month plan, and they have refused to release any of the information. Mr. Speaker, I would submit the report that they did finally show me, but I have no idea how the good people who work at this front desk could put in 60 pages of redacted material, 60 blank pages of a taxpayer-funded report. This is a 1-year halt on a mine plan in a wilderness area from an administration that has shown a total lack of transparency and respect for science.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I was on my way out and I saw the beautiful white flowers that are sitting on my side of the aisle celebrating the life of John Lewis. Last night, I had the radio on and I was listening to C-SPAN, and I heard the wonderful, wonderful stories on both sides of the aisle of people celebrating John's life and what he meant to them. As I was preparing for this bill and working on this bill, working on the inequalities of years of systemic racism and how it has infected the environment made me even want to champion this bill that was before us today even more, as a remembrance of all the work that needs to be done. As people were sharing their stories of John, what came to mind for me was talking about gardening. He loved to garden and he had a few plants, and we would talk about them. He loved to fish, and the one thing I would always tease him about, Mr. Speaker, is going to Minnesota and going ice fishing. Well, John, that is going to have to wait, but I look forward to seeing you again in the heavens, and we will go ice fishing.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, last week the House Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal Year 2021 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which I proudly authored as the Chair of the Subcommittee. This bill makes many critical investments in protecting our natural resources and contains several provisions designed to stop the Trump Administration from moving forward on disastrous environmental policies. Unfortunately, one of those provisions is being grossly mischaracterized by some of my colleagues across the aisle, and I claim this time to set the record straight. I included language within the Interior Appropriations bill that prohibits funds from the bill, for the 2021 fiscal year only, from being spent on reviewing or approving a mine plan within the Rainy River Watershed in Minnesota's Superior National Forest. First, let me be perfectly clear that this language does not impact the traditional taconite mining that takes place on Minnesota's Iron Range. Mines currently operating under an approved plan would not be affected by this language. Furthermore, there is no iron ore project with a mine plan under review within the entire Superior National Forest. A search of the Federal Register and the Bureau of Land Management's National NEPA Register show that there is only one mine plan under review within the Rainy River Watershed: the Twin Metals sulfide-ore copper mine. This proposed mine would be on the doorstep of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), putting our nation's most visited wilderness at risk of toxic acid mine drainage. Anyone suggesting that taconite mining in the iron range is at risk because of this language is either misinformed or misleading their constituents. I crafted this language for one purpose: to stop the Trump Administration from rushing through a deeply flawed plan for a toxic sulfide-ore mine before they are voted out of office this November. Second, I want to emphasize again that this prohibition is for a single year of funding. Some of my colleagues have suggested that this prohibition would stop all future mine operations. That is simply untrue and suggests a misunderstanding of the way that federal appropriations bills work. This language protects the BWCA until we are able to work with a more trustworthy administration next year. Multiple Trump Cabinet Members pledged during Congressional hearings to complete the mineral withdrawal study in this watershed. Instead, they abandoned the environmental review after 20 months and have refused to release its results. So clearly, the Trump administration cannot be trusted to review the plans for a mine that could devastate the Boundary Wates wilderness. Third, some of my colleagues have claimed that stopping this mine plan from moving forward is depriving America of critical mineral resources. I can only assume that those colleagues are unaware of the fact that none of the minerals extracted at the Twin Metals mine will stay in the United States. Twin Metals is wholly owned by the foreign mining conglomerate Antofagasta, who will ship the copper they extract overseas. Earlier this month, in fact, Reuters reported that for the second year in a row Antofagasta has signed contracts to send the copper they mine to China. The Twin Metals mine will not support U.S. national security interests. The copper will be gone, and all Minnesota will be left with is millions of tons of waste rock and acid drainage. Finally, I want to address the claim that I somehow tried to ``sneak'' this language into my bill. Nothing could be further from the truth. I proudly highlighted this provision in my statements during our subcommittee and full committee markup. I have also repeatedly and publicly informed the Trump Administration during hearings in the Appropriations Committee that their refusal to release the results of the taxpayer-funded study examining the environmental impacts of sulfide-ore copper mining in the Rainy River Watershed was unacceptable, and that any mining plans should not proceed until the study results were released. If I am trying to be sneaky about this provision, I am doing a very poor job, Madam Speaker. The people of Minnesota and America deserve a president and representatives that operate with transparency, respect science, and follow our environmental laws. I have done my best to uphold those values in crafting my legislation, and I look forward to working with a new Administration that shares those values and can be trusted with our natural resources.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Marny Xiong, the chairwoman of the Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education, who passed away from COVID-19 on June 7 at the age of 31. We mourn the loss of this young woman, a rising star whose legacy was an inspiration to us all. Marny was a trailblazing activist and a proud member of Saint Paul's Hmong community. She was a dedicated advocate for young people, and she stood up for equality and racial justice. She understood the disparities that students of color face in our State, and she worked to make sure that every child had an opportunity to succeed. As chairwoman of the board, her leadership was critical to successfully resolving the district's first ever teachers' strike. When confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic, Marny helped to steer the district's unprecedented transition to distance learning for 37,000 students. It is heartbreaking that this pandemic has taken one of our community's rising leaders. Madam Speaker, please join me in extending condolences to Marny's parents, her seven siblings, her extended family, and her friends at this time of great grief.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. George Floyd and to call for systemic law enforcement reform and accountability in our nation. On May 25, 2020, Mr. George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis Police officer while three other officers stood by. This was a horrific crime that demands that the perpetrators be held fully accountable by our justice system and our society. The shocking video of Mr. Floyd's murder makes us all a witness to the brutally cruel and excessive treatment that caused Mr. Floyd's death. Now that the four officers involved in this outrageous act have been taken into custody and charged, the family of Mr. Floyd and our communities deserve to see justice done. But the tragic death of Mr. Floyd was not an isolated incident of the cruel and excessive use of force against Black Americans or other people of color in police custody. It is only the latest example of a systemic problem that has plagued every state in this nation for generations. It is the duty of police and peace officers to keep our communities safe, but protecting public safety fundamentally demands a respect for the civil rights and human rights of all residents. All too often, people of color do not get that respect from the police. Mr. Floyd should be alive today. He was a loving father and a proud older brother who looked out for his siblings. His family describes him as a kind soul and a gentle giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in their time of grief. Mr. Floyd's death was a senseless tragedy that should never have happened. What we can do now to honor his memory is to finally bring accountability to our law enforcement practices and ensure that everyone in this nation regardless of the color of their skin is treated with dignity and respect. In Congress, that means passing the Justice in Policing Act of 2020. Madam Speaker, I am proud that the House of Representatives is advancing this critical reform legislation to a vote on the floor so that every Member of Congress has the opportunity to say loud and clear--no more.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Ms. Marny Xiong, Chairwoman of the Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education who passed away from COVID-19 at the age of 31 on Sunday, June 7, 2020. Ms. Xiong was a trailblazing young activist, community leader, and a dedicated advocate for young people and strong public schools. Gender equity and racial justice were the core values that defined her public service. After receiving her bachelor's degree in political science and African and African-American studies, Ms. Xiong began working in the local nonprofit community. In 2017 she was elected to the Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education, demonstrating strong advocacy to improve our public schools. She played an important role in building support necessary to pass a bond referendum in 2018 that directed needed additional needed funding to Saint Paul schools. When Ms. Xiong became Chairwoman of the Board in January of this year, her leadership abilities became evident as she confronted dual crises of the district's first ever teachers' strike and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Xiong worked respectfully and collaboratively with Superintendent Joe Gothard and labor leaders to reach a successful resolution to the strike in early March. Only a short time later, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped to steer the district's unprecedented transition to distance learning for more than 37,000 students. It is heartbreaking that this pandemic has now taken one of our community's rising leaders. Ms. Xiong is survived by her parents, Mr. Zahoua Xiong and See Xiong, and her seven siblings: two sisters and five brothers, as well as two brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, four nieces and nephews. Marny will be remembered as a caring community organizer, a fierce fighter for all children and a selfless public servant. We mourn the loss of a young woman, a rising leader in our community. Her legacy is an inspiration to us all. Please join me to celebrate the life of Ms. Marny Xiong and her work to create a brighter future for all students.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, Native American communities are facing extraordinary challenges during this pandemic. Like other minority communities, they are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 with devastating loss of life and economic hardship. This pandemic has magnified the health disparities and historic lack of resources that exist within Indian Country. The HEROES Act contains many nonpartisan priorities for Native Americans, reflecting bipartisan work to meet their critical needs. I acknowledge my coworker, Mr. Cole, on the floor with me on this endeavor. Mr. Speaker, we are providing $900 million through the Bureau of Indian Affairs to assist Tribal governments to operate essential community services and provide clean water and safe housing. $2.1 billion is for Indian Health Service to purchase additional PPE and provide Tribes more telehealth. The bill includes dollars for transportation, supports education for children, and $20 billion in direct relief to Tribal governments. The Federal Government must uphold its trust and treaty obligations to Tribal nations. This bill is critical to ensure the health and safety of our Native American brothers and sisters.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748). As America responds to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, I am proud that the House and the Senate have worked together in bipartisan fashion to produce an emergency relief package that will rescue our economy from collapse and put the needs of America's working families, our hospitals, and frontline responders first. In this unprecedented crisis facing our nation, Congress has the obligation to take immediate and bold action to protect the health and economic security of all Americans. That is why Congress has already passed two emergency relief bills that provided billions of dollars for testing, vaccine development, food security for vulnerable populations, and paid sick leave for workers. This third bill before us today builds on those down payments and addresses the economic security of our nation. H.R. 748 will ensure that America's working families, our small businesses, and industries vital to our economic strength will survive this crisis and continue to thrive. This legislation will assist low and middle-income Americans by providing them immediate financial relief in the form of direct cash payments and expanded access to unemployment benefits. It will provide $349 billion in loans and grants to small businesses to ensure that they are able to pay their bills and meet their payroll obligations. And, H.R. 748 will provide $150 billion to state, local, and tribal governments to assist them with their public health response and short-term spending shortages. Additionally, I was proud to work to include $1 billion in funding for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) to assist our national network of over a thousand Community Action Agencies as they respond to this crisis. These agencies are in almost every county in America and will serve as a first line of defense for millions of Americans facing unemployment and economic hardship. H.R. 748 will also provide over $100 billion in urgently needed assistance to our hospitals, including $1 billion for the Indian Health Service. Our health care workers are risking their own safety on the frontlines of this crisis, fighting every hour of the week to save American lives. We must ensure that they have the protective personal equipment needed to keep them safe. H.R. 748 will help give them those tools. As we pass this legislation today, we know that our work on behalf of America's families is nowhere near complete. The 116th Congress will now turn to additional legislation to assist the sick, the unemployed, and the most vulnerable as we move through this period of national and global crisis. Again, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2339, the Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act. After years of declining smoking rates in the United States, the introduction of e-cigarettes has caused an alarming uptick in the rate of smoking, particularly amongst younger Americans. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 5.3 million middle school and high school students used e-cigarettes in 2019, an alarming increase of more than 3 million in two years. H.R. 2339 offers a comprehensive approach for how we can reverse the youth vaping epidemic by banning promotion and advertising targeted at kids, taxing e-cigarettes the same way we tax other forms of tobacco, and banning online sales of most tobacco products. More specifically, this bill fulfills the promise that the Trump Administration failed to follow through with by banning all flavors for e-cigarettes and e- liquids for devices that use open-tank systems. While I support the overall bill, I maintain some concerns with certain provisions within the legislation. Specifically, I am concerned with the effects this flavor ban may have for older Americans that use pipe tobacco and/or hookah. Some of my constituents who have been using the same flavored tobacco for pipes or hookah for decades should not be forced to give up their flavor of preference, especially when statistics indicate that younger Americans are not prone to use these products. Although I have these various concerns, I am still eager to take on ``Big Nicotine'' and support the passage of H.R. 2339 to curb youth tobacco usage. I look forward to fixing any issues my colleagues and I may have when this bill goes to conference with the Senate. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 3201, The Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have caused tens of thousands of deaths in recent years and Congress has an obligation to continue to offer solutions to this ongoing public health crisis. Unfortunately, the measures taken in S. 3201 go too far in expanding mandatory minimum sentencing and would place further burdens on our already-strained criminal justice system. S. 3201 extends the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) ``class- wide'' scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, causing more individuals to be prosecuted seeking burdensome and ineffective mandatory minimum sentences. This expansion of DEA authority raises civil liberty concerns and has the potential of reversing meaningful criminal justice reform. In 2018, I was proud to vote in favor of the First Step Act (P.L. 115-391), bipartisan reform that overwhelmingly passed Congress and was eventually signed into law. Among other things, this bill addressed the growing bipartisan consensus that mandatory minimums are unsustainably costly and counterproductive. Rather than building on this success, S. 3201 expands outdated mandatory minimum sentences even for those caught with trace amounts of illicit fentanyl-related substances. This issue is particularly burdensome because according to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, roughly 85 percent of individuals charged with trafficking fentanyl were unaware that that they were in fact in possession of the illegal substance. All levels of government must continue to strive towards removing illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances from our communities. However, any legislation that addresses this issue cannot simply overcorrect the problem and must instead form a sustainable drug enforcement strategy. Madam Speaker, I urged my colleagues to vote against The Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Keystone Community Services' 80th anniversary. For 80 years, this nonprofit organization has provided critical programs and services that empower youth, families, and seniors in Saint Paul and Ramsey County, Minnesota. Founded in 1939 as Saint Paul Community Services, a small, neighborhood community center, it provided youth programming and services to its neighbors. Programs included athletics, Color Guard, hobby clubs, and preschool-age programming. In 1941, volunteers contributed 60 hours per week to assist a total of 700 individuals. Today, more than 340 youth participate in Keystone programs that develop and sharpen their academic, social, and early employment skills, helping young people become successful adults. In 1971, Keystone expanded to provide food shelf services to hungry neighbors. Last year, Keystone distributed 2.3 million pounds of quality, healthy food to neighbors in need. Today, more than 26,000 people each year depend on Keystone's food shelf services. Keystone's Programming for Active Seniors started in 1972, which included education, fitness classes, and social activities for low-income older adults. Today, more than 1500 older adults participate in a variety of senior programs at Keystone's two community centers in Saint Paul. Additionally, Keystone's Meals on Wheels Program provides seniors and adults with disabilities with nutritious meals and keeps them living in their homes as long as possible. Keystone is aptly named for the essential wedge-shaped stone of an arch that locks the other pieces in place. Programs that meet basic needs, provide crisis support, build communication, and help navigate and coordinate services are the keystone of its work. Keystone Community Services has grown to serve over 30,000 people annually, in large part due to volunteers who donate 700 hours each week. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the 80th anniversary of Keystone Community Services strengthening Saint Paul and Ramsey County, Minnesota communities.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, a mine plan of operation for a Twin Metals sulfide-ore copper mine adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and upstream of Voyageurs National Park was submitted to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on December 18, 2019, along with applications for federal mineral leases. The proposed mine site is on Superior National Forest land in Minnesota. NEPA-required environmental review is expected to commence early in 2020. The Superior National Forest and the BWCA are managed by the Forest Service. Under 16 USC Sec. 508b the Forest Service has independent consent authority for mining approvals in the Superior National Forest and thus has co-equal authority for mining decisions. For 20 months in 2017 and 2018, the Forest Service led a detailed study of environmental, economic, and social impacts of copper mining in the watershed of the BWCA. For all of these reasons, Congress expects that any NEPA-required environmental review of a Twin Metals mine plan and federal mineral leases be co-led by the Forest Service and the BLM, and not led solely by the BLM.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, the articles of impeachment introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives fulfill an obligation incumbent upon every Member of Congress to defend the Constitution, protect our national security, and ensure our democracy is not corrupted by a foreign power. For every Member of Congress, holding the President of the United States accountable to the Constitution and protecting our most fundamental democratic values is not a political decision based on loyalty or partisan affiliation. In fact, it is an inherent duty upon which we have sworn a sacred oath. The sole person responsible for precipitating this impeachment process is President Donald J. Trump. President Trump's willful, flagrant, and corrupt misconduct is a betrayal of the public trust. At this historic and sober moment, the American people understand that as a nation of laws there can be no person, not even the President of the United States, who is above the law. Let these articles of impeachment also serve as a clear and unambiguous message to all future presidents: Congress, as a co-equal branch of government, will never tolerate or appease an abusive, corrupt executive. With the power granted to the U.S. House under Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution (`The House of Representatives . . . shall have the sole Power of Impeachment'), I intend to vote in favor of the resolution to impeach President Donald J. Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the dedicated volunteers and staff of the Armed Forces Service Center at the Saint Paul- Minneapolis Airport as they prepare to dedicate a new, larger location. Since the center was opened nearly 50 years ago, more than one million active-duty military personnel, dependents and retirees have received a warm Minnesota welcome and hospitality from its volunteers. During the Vietnam War, Naval Petty Officer Scott Purdum wrote letters to his mother suggesting that dedicated space in the airport be provided for service members to rest and help boost their morale. He encouraged his mother Maggie to pursue creation of such a place. Sadly, Petty Officer Purdum was killed in a plane crash at the Da Nang Air Base in March 1970. Channeling her grief into action, Maggie started working with airport authorities to make her son's dream a reality for current and future members of the U.S. Armed Forces. She was granted 600 square feet in a corner of the main floor of the airport, and on November 22, 1970, just four days before Thanksgiving, the doors to the Servicemen's Center were opened for the first time. Those doors have never closed. The Armed Forces Service Center continues to serve traveling members of the U.S. Armed Forces, family members and veterans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With the full cooperation of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the new space is now located behind security and is double the size of the old center to allow for more bunks, a laundry room, a place to store baggage, and even a children's playroom and a place for nursing mothers. This expansion will allow the Armed Forces Service Center to enhance their mission of ``Serving Those Who Serve'' as they begin their 50th year of service. While it is supported by a small staff including Executive Director, Debra Cain, and four part-time employees, the non-profit center is run and staffed by nearly 200 volunteers--many of whom are veterans. One of the volunteers for the very first shift in 1970, Jeanne Morford, continues to serve at the center every Monday evening. Operating independently of any national organization, the center relies solely on donations from the community. It has been a privilege and honor to support the center for many years as a volunteer and as an auxiliary member of the North Saint Paul VFW Post 1350 American Legion Post 39. I have seen firsthand the impact that center volunteers make providing hospitality to our servicemen and women, veterans and their families. The success of staff and volunteers has not gone unnoticed. In 2012 the Saint Paul-Minneapolis Airport Armed Forces Service Center was named winner of the Joining Forces Community Challenge and honored at the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden as part of their Joining Forces Initiative. Madam Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to our U.S. Servicemen and women and the selfless volunteers of the Saint Paul- Minneapolis Airport Armed Forces Service Center as they enter a new era of providing excellent hospitality to U.S. servicemen and women, veterans and families.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an extraordinary woman, Evelyn M. Virnig who passed away on November 30, 2019 at the age of 93. Evelyn Margaret Mary Theresa Brandenburger Virnig is lovingly remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, friend and community supporter by her 7 children, 19 grandchildren, 37 great- grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, 4 siblings and countless other family and friends. In fact, family and friends came to call her ``Evelyn of the Angels'' for the love she showed for all through her many good deeds. One of Evelyn's dear friends who will fondly remember her endless warmth and kindness is Mamie Singleton, a retired Sergeant in the Saint Paul Police Department and founder of Youth Initiative Mentorship Academies (YIMA). YIMA uses aviation to bring at-risk youth and adults together to foster authentic relationships and build confidence. Throughout her life, Evelyn brought people together and served as a positive role model for youth, so it's no surprise that she and Mamie became friends and partners through YIMA. This work reached soaring heights when, at the age of 90, Evelyn took controls of her first YIMA flight, realizing a lifelong dream to fly an airplane. According to Mamie, Evelyn was incredibly proud of her contributions to the lives of young people--and was thrilled by her exciting turn at the controls. Madam Speaker, thank you for rising with me to pay tribute to Evelyn ``of the Angels'' Virnig for her incredible and lasting contributions to her family and our community.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. It is the product of bipartisan negotiations that reflect compromise and a shared desire to fund the Federal Government. The Interior and Environment section provides $36 billion, which is $437 million more than last year's fiscal year 2019 enacted bill. We make critical investments in environmental protection, in Indian Country, to public land management, and the arts. Here are a few highlights: $43 million for PFAS research to set standards for clean drinking water and for cleaning up PFAS; an additional $24 million for EPA enforcement and compliance activities, the first increase in a decade; the largest increase in a decade for the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, each funded at $162 million; and the Land and Water Conservation Fund is at the highest level since 2003, with $495 million in new funding. The bill enhances the EPA's ability to protect human health and the health of our environment, providing $9.08 billion, the second-highest level ever for the agency. An all-time high for environmental justice funding is included at over $10 million. It also provides record funding for the endangered species program at a time when 1 million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction. We continue our subcommittee's nonpartisan approach to issues facing our Native American brothers and sisters by investing in programs critical to the health, safety, and well-being of Native peoples. In the bill, we are serious about addressing the climate crisis and recognize the importance of science in understanding how our planet is changing. We prioritize funding by providing $52 million for renewable energy development and $416 million for climate change research and adaptation activities, a $30 million increase. Programs in the Interior bill impact all of us, preserving our natural and cultural heritage to ensure the air we breathe and the water we drink is clean not only for today but for future generations. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill. I wholeheartedly thank staff on both sides for their help in making this happen.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order at any time without intervention of any point of order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 5430); that the bill be considered as read; that the bill be debatable for 2 hours equally divided and controlled by the majority leader and the minority leader or their respective designees; and that, pursuant to section 151 of the Trade Act of 1974, the previous question be considered as ordered on the bill to final passage without intervening motion.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to table.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 256, the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Programs Reauthorization Act. There are many critical needs in Indian Country, and the Federal Government has an obligation to fulfill our trust and Tribal responsibilities. This commitment includes reauthorizing the Esther Martinez Immersion grants so that Congress ensures Indian students have the opportunity to study, learn, and speak their Tribal languages. The National Congress of American Indians says it best: A language ``encompasses and expresses a worldview shaped by centuries, in some cases tens of thousands of years of experience, knowledge, practices, spiritual beliefs, and relationships between a people, its neighbors, and its environment, which cannot be replicated in any other tongue.'' Language is paramount to one's identity. The gift of language allows a person to carry their culture from their ancestors to the present and on to the next generation to come. Esther Martinez grants have empowered Tribes to establish immersion programs, making it possible for more Tribal communities to maintain their Native languages and pass along centuries-old cultural heritage. These grants will benefit not only Native American Tribal Nations across the country but also Native Hawaiians, Native Alaskans, and Pacific Islander communities, giving them the ability to protect and rejuvenate indigenous languages. Without urgent action to reauthorize these grants, too many communities risk losing the Native languages of their ancestors. As chair emeritus of the Native American Caucus, I have worked to increase funding for Esther Martinez programs, and I will continue to make Native languages and their preservation and education a priority. Mr. Speaker, as the 116th Congress moves forward, we must prioritize our Federal trust and treaty obligations. We must do so in a way that respects Native culture and strengthens Native communities. Reauthorizing the Esther Martinez Native American Language Preservation Act brings us one step closer to this goal. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and in the words of the Ojibwe, ``miigwech.''

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the centennial anniversary of the Stillwater, Minnesota Rotary Club. Since its founding in 1919, Stillwater Rotary Club has actively advanced the mission of Rotary International by providing service to others, promoting integrity, and fostering world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Stillwater Rotary Club was begun just 14 years after Rotary International was founded by Chicago attorney Paul Harris in 1905. Community leaders in Stillwater shared a desire to serve their community in fellowship with one another, and so joined together to begin the Stillwater Rotary Club. At the time, most Rotary Clubs were located in larger cities, but following World War I, as smaller communities like Stillwater returned to normal, they sought to refocus to improve their communities. Stillwater's club charter was sponsored by the St. Paul and Minneapolis clubs, and was formally presented to the Stillwater club on September 26, 1919. Today the club has over 60 members from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and are a part of the larger community of 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide. Throughout their 100 years, the Stillwater Rotary Club has become a prominent community organization as it has chartered new clubs in the area, supported numerous local and international charities, and completed many community service projects. From its earliest years, the club made great contributions to the community, demonstrating the Rotary motto of ``Service Above Self''. The Stillwater Club sponsored the creation of a bathhouse at Lily Lake Beach, a barge terminal in Stillwater, a tourist camp on the Saint Croix River, and a Scout cabin on Big Marine Lake. In 1927 their seven-year project of lighting Main Street in Stillwater came to fruition; a major accomplishment for the club. They also sponsored the founding of the Washington County Historical Society in 1934, a non-profit educational institution that remains active today with the mission to collect, preserve, and disseminate the vibrant history of Washington County and the greater State of Minnesota. Today, Kathleen Elbert leads the Stillwater Rotary Club and the organization continues to be a leader in service. Their annual Taste of the Valley event raises funds for non-profit organizations like the American Cancer Society and the Boy Scouts of America, as well as local groups including Stillwater Area High School and the St. Croix Valley Learning Center. The club also takes on international service endeavors through their sponsorship of a hospital in Tanzania, construction of roads in Guatemala, and support of Rotary International's efforts to eradicate polio worldwide among other initiatives. Rotarians worldwide utilize an ethical guide called the Four-Way Test which asks the following questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? These questions are especially prescient today. Stillwater Rotarians have served their community for a century in agreement with these principles, setting an example for all of us to remember to be truthful, to be fair, to build goodwill and grow in our friendships, and to live our lives in service for others. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the members of the Stillwater Rotary Club on its 100 years of serving the community.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart today that I rise to pay tribute to three brave soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard who lost their lives yesterday in a helicopter accident. To the families and friends who have lost loved ones, this is a terrible, terrible tragedy. Their loved ones answered the call to serve the Minnesota National Guard. Those who answer that call do so because they are committed to making our Nation safer and stronger. They defend our Nation abroad, and they serve their friends and family at home by digging us out of snowstorms and shielding us from rising floodwaters. We recognize that their loved ones were not just citizen soldiers; they were cherished members of their family. To the Minnesota National Guard who have lost a fellow servicemember, Governor Walz, the congressional delegation, the whole State of Minnesota, and our Nation stand with them at this time of great sadness. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to keep these citizen soldiers and their families in our thoughts.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, as a co-sponsor of H. Res. 326 as introduced on April 25, 2019, I support Representative Lowenthal's determination to advance U.S. leadership in seeking a diplomatic resolution to achieve a ``two-state solution'' to end the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Unfortunately, amendments to the resolution mean I can no longer vote in favor of H. Res. 326 and I will be voting ``present.'' For years, I have heard colleagues say, ``It's only a resolution. It really doesn't mean anything.'' At a time when the Trump administration is actively taking policy actions to inflict pain on the Palestinian people while giving a green light to Israel's annexation of Palestinian lands, a statement by the House of Representatives to Israelis and Palestinians does mean something. Is there any doubt Israel and the security of the Israeli people have the strong support of Congress? There is zero doubt. But millions of Palestinians working to build a peaceful future feel that they have been abandoned by Congress and attacked by the White House. The U.S. is no longer an honest broker in any diplomatic peace initiative between Israelis and Palestinians. The language added to H. Res. 326 stating an ``ironclad commitment'' to $38 billion in foreign military aid only highlights the contrast that there is no ironclad U.S. commitment to human rights or even providing the most basic life-saving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. This House vote today does not reflect the reality on the ground. This is the time to unequivocally support both the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, justice, equality, and human rights as well as Israel's right to live in peace and security. U.S. aid must never be an ``ironclad'' blank check to any nation. I believe if U.S. military aid to Israel is being used to enable or support the military detention and torture of Palestinian children, the demolition of Palestinian homes, or the annexation of Palestinian lands there should be conditions on that aid--not cuts to aid, but conditions--as has been done to aid to the Palestinians. Striving for an Israeli state and a Palestinian state living side-by- side in peace and security is worth the effort of every Member of Congress. But that means Congress will need to support the legitimate rights, needs, and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. In my opinion, H. Res. 326 maintains the status quo and fails to move us towards achieving peace. A peace that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve and need. [From Noa Landau, Lisbon, Dec. 5, 2019] Netanyahu Says `Our Full Right' to Annex Jordan Valley, Despite ICC Prosecutor Report AFP Lisbon--Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Haaretz Thursday that it's Israel's full right to annex the Jordan Valley if it chooses to do so. PM says political deadlock hinders controversial move, adding: `Exactly because of that we should form a government now and do it' Earlier Thursday, International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda expressed concern over Israeli proposals to annex this West Bank region. Asked on the matter by reports in Lisbon, the premier said ``It's our full right to do so if we decide,'' despite the ICC prosecutor's report. Asked about a timeline for the proposed annexation, Netanyahu said ``there are some questions about what can be done in a transition government. Exactly because of that we should form a government now and do it.'' When asked whether he would agree to renounce serving first as prime minister in a rotation agreement if Kahol Lavan agrees to annex the Jordan Valley and to a defense treaty with the United States, Netanyahu said ``those things will be achieved when I'm prime minister. I have thousands of hours on American prime-time TV and that has a certain influence on the United States, especially now. I won't be able [to influence] if I'm not prime minister.'' Netanyahu refused to tell the press whether he intends to seek immunity from the Knesset in his three pending corruption cases and cancel Likud's primary election, arguing he wouldn't address personal matters in the briefing. ``I intend to invest every effort, despite Kahol Lavan's objection, to reach an agreement and prevent this truly unnecessary election. Benny Gantz can [prevent it] if he manages to overcome Yair Lapid and if [Avigdor] Lieberman overcomes himself,'' Netanyahu said, referring to Kahal Lavan co-leader and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman, who said he has no intention to have his party join a narrow, right-wing government headed by Netanyahu. ``I hope that a minority government with the Joint List is not an option,'' the premier said, reiterating a claim that his political rivals are backed by Arab lawmakers. When asked why he refuses to resign, the prime minister said that ``the public has chosen me. Let the public decide.'' Responding on the option of holding a direct election for the prime minister between him and Gantz, Netanyahu said: ``First, let's try to avoid another election, but this that's an option that's becoming interesting.'' Earlier today, Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after his phone call conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, when they also discussed the annexation of the Jordan Valley, which Netanyahu told voters in September he would achieve. Before taking off from Tel Aviv, Netanyahu told reporters his meeting with Pompeo would be focused on ``Iran, first of all,'' a mutual defense treaty and a ``future'' American recognition of Israel's annexation of the Jordan Valley.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in gratitude to thank the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association for their endorsement of H.R. 2407, the Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Military Occupation Act. This endorsement by more than 300 respected rabbis sends a strong signal by people of all faiths that every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and that includes Palestinian children. No longer can we ignore the countless cases of mistreatment and abuse of Palestinian children by the Israeli military. As a nation, we should no longer condone the detention of these children with the support of our tax dollars. So, again, I thank leaders of all faiths, but especially these rabbis for their commitment to human rights and the rights of children and for standing up and saying no more abuse of Palestinian children.