Michael McCaul

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the Burmese military is using brutal violence to drag Burma back into repression and isolation. We should condemn this coup with one united voice as the United States of America through its Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, Members across the aisle share the same concerns about Burma's military coup, and the brutal human rights violations it has caused. This bill ensures that the United States of America's condemnation of this coup is a matter of record, and it asks the administration to report to Congress on this critical issue. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, on February 7th, we were forced to say goodbye to my dear friend and fellow Representative, Ronald ``Ron'' Wright. Throughout his long and distinguished career in public service, Ron inspired all with an unshakeable drive to make his community a better place. Ron was a committed Texan through and through, and among those values he held most dear were those of integrity and hard work. Ron's jobs over the years reflect this. He spent his early years milking cows--on the family dairy farm, then proceeded to 30 years in business, working in construction, media, sales, and management. But throughout his time in the private sector, Ron couldn't quite shake a deeper desire to serve. He served on a number of boards and commissions, including the Tarrant County Historical Commission, the Arlington Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, the Mansfield Education Foundation board, the Arlington Sports Authority, and the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. In 2000, Ron made the permanent switch to public service when he was elected to the Arlington City Council. In this role, Ron fought to improve the lives of his fellow citizens. After serving 8 years on the City Council, Ron accepted an appointment to become the Tax Assessor- Collector of Tarrant County. He was later elected to a full term by the voters of Tarrant County, then re-elected to a four-year term in November 2016. In 2018, Ron was elected by the constituents of Texas' 6th Congressional District to represent them in the U.S. House of Representatives. In this capacity, Ron fought to improve the lives of his fellow North Texans, and he served as a Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Education and Labor. I had the opportunity to learn from Ron last Congress during our time on the Foreign Affairs Committee. In my conversations with Ron, I was struck by his wit, charm, and readiness to solve the problems affecting all Americans. During his time in Congress--Ron, famous for his impeccable taste in bow ties, began every day with a smile on his face. He worked with everyone, looking past the bounds of party lines in his desire to find solutions for the American people. In 2019, Ron was diagnosed with lung cancer. In the face of this challenge Ron did not balk but maintained a rigorous work schedule and inspired us all with his fortitude and lasting sense of humor. Ron was a fighter, a proven conservative, and a true statesmen. The citizens of Texas' 6th District have lost a leader and we here in Congress have lost a dear friend. My heart goes out to Ron's wife, Susan, their three children, and their nine grandchildren. Ron Wright was a warrior, and someone who passionately fought for his constituents, for Texas, and for America--he will be missed.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I want to express my support for the Organization of American States Legislative Engagement Act. The Organization of American States (OAS) brings together the nations of the Western Hemisphere to promote democracy, human rights, security, and economic development. This bill directs the Department of State to develop a strategy to support efforts in the OAS to strengthen critical anti-corruption efforts and promote human rights. It also requires a report detailing the organization's progress toward advancing human rights, combating impunity, and supporting the participation of democratically elected legislators in OAS activities. Finally, this bill encourages democratically elected legislators from member states to discuss the most important issues facing the region-- including defending human rights, promoting democracy, and supporting anti-corruption efforts. As co-chair of the US-Mexico Interparliamentary Group, I recognize the important role that legislators can play in advancing shared foreign policy interests. However, the United States must take all necessary measures to ensure that any interparliamentary forum created under this legislation provides a platform for substantive discourse to address serious issues impacting the region, including countering threats to democracy and human rights, transnational crime, impunity, and systemic corruption in accordance with the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The United States must also make all efforts to ensure that interparliamentary forums are not coopted by actors who aim to undermine U.S. policy interests in the region by promoting socialism and embracing malign actors like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This legislation includes critical language ensuring that only democratically elected legislators participate in any newly-created forum. A ``democratically elected legislator'' under this legislation should be strictly defined as an individual who was elected as a result of periodic, free and fair elections. Further, any legislator who is known to be convicted for or engaged in corruption or transnational criminal activities, including trafficking of people, goods, or illicit narcotics, moneylaundering, terrorist financing, acts of terrorism, campaign finance violations, bribery, extortion, human rights violations, or undermining democracy, should be barred from participation. The U.S. must also work with the OAS to ensure that any forum or action taken under this legislation is feasible and cost effective, keeping in mind the ongoing budgetary constraints of the OAS and the importance of advancing the objectives outlined under the Organization of American States Revitalization and Reform Act of 2013, including the implementation of a results-based budgeting process in order to strategically prioritize, and where appropriate, reduce current and future mandates. The State Department should also maintain communication with the Committee on Foreign Relations in the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the House of Representatives through regular briefings on the progress of any forum that is created under Section 4 of this legislation and its implementation. With the Western Hemisphere facing serious threats from authoritarian regimes and malign actors, it has never been more important for the U.S. and our partners to promote values of freedom in the region. I commend Senator Cardin and Senator Wicker for their leadership on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 239.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also thank my good friend from Texas for his service to the Nation. The United States has a special partnership with Israel. In the past 4 years, we have strengthened this relationship while taking steps toward peace in the Middle East under the Abraham Accords with Bahrain, Sudan, and the UAE. This has made Israel and the entire Middle East safer. However, Israel still faces threats from malign actors like Iran that seek to sow chaos and spread terror. In fact, earlier today, Iranian President Rouhani directly threatened Israel by promising to support Syria's aggression in the Golan Heights. I am pleased the final bill bolsters cooperation between our countries and fully funds the security assistance to Israel. It also improves the laws on the books so that we can quickly supply Israel with precision-guided missiles to defend themselves against malign actors in the region. This bill also enhances cooperation between our two nations by establishing a defense acquisition advisory group. As an NDAA conferee, I am proud this year's bill includes provisions that support Israel and deepen our partnership. Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would like to take a moment of personal privilege to honor my colleague, my friend, my fellow Texan, Congressman Mac Thornberry. His leadership on the House Armed Services Committee has made our country stronger. I am proud to have served with him in the Congress where we have worked together on key national security issues, including the year's NDAA which bears his name. But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call him my friend. He has brought dignity and bipartisanship to this Chamber. For that, sir, we are forever grateful.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Marshall), the sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, all of us in this Chamber probably grew up with a mother telling us to eat our vegetables. As a father myself, I have very strong memories of chasing several of my children around the house, trying to get healthy food into their mouths. That is because, as we know, a child's growth and development is severely impacted when they don't have proper nutrition. Unfortunately, today, over 151 million children under the age of 5-- babies, really--suffer from chronic malnutrition. That is truly a shocking and disturbing number. Over the last three decades, there has been important progress to reduce chronic malnutrition around the world, but, clearly, much more must be done. That is why I am proud to be here today to offer my support for this resolution, introduced by the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Marshall), which calls for increased efforts to end maternal and child malnutrition. The United States has always been a leader when it comes to addressing maternal and child malnutrition. We must continue our leadership role in this important endeavor. The USAID multi-sectoral nutrition strategy is an important effort to ensure that nutrition interventions are effective in reaching the most vulnerable populations. I want to thank the chairman, and I want to thank my colleagues, Representatives Marshall and McGovern, for leading this important resolution and bringing this to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to thank organizations like Bread for the World, the Eleanor Crook Foundation, Catholic Relief Services, and many others around the world. These are the people who implement and advocate for these critical nutrition interventions. As the world grapples with the impact of COVID-19, it is more important than ever that we ramp up our fight to end chronic malnutrition. I have been proud to support this critical work, including advocating for nutrition programs in annual appropriations bills. I look forward to continuing to support these efforts. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, over the last year, the world has watched as the Chinese Communist Party has systematically destroyed the political freedoms that were guaranteed to the people of Hong Kong under the British-Sino treaty. Hong Kongers are no longer allowed to exercise their rights of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, or freedom to peacefully assemble. Many protestors in Hong Kong have been beaten in the streets; others have been arrested and thrown in jail without due process. Last week, we learned Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong was sentenced to 13 months in jail for simply demanding the freedoms he was promised. Other activists like Agnes Chow and Ivan Lam were sentenced to 10 months in jail as well. This is the Chinese Communist Party showing its true colors as enemies of freedom and brutal oppressors of its own people. I have had the privilege to speak with Joshua Wong on several occasions, including last year when he testified before our committee. He is devoted to Hong Kong, to his people, and to democracy. The Chinese Communist Party has jailed him for more than a year in what is an appalling injustice. It is no wonder that the Director of National Intelligence recently wrote that the People's Republic of China poses the greatest threat to America today, and the greatest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War II. I couldn't agree more. That is why I was proud to chair the China Task Force earlier this year. And after months of classified and unclassified briefings, the China Task Force released a report with 82 key findings and more than 400 recommendations, many of which are focused on what steps we should take to help the people of Hong Kong, including providing support to Hong Kong refugees fleeing the Chinese Communist Party persecution, which this bill does. The Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act serves as a reminder to the Chinese Communist Party that America stands with the people of Hong Kong, and it will stand for freedom. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank, also, the sponsor of this bill, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Malinowski, for bringing this bill forward here today. I urge my colleagues to join us in support of this important legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, at this point in time, I would like to take a moment of personal privilege to honor my dear friend, the gentleman from New York. This may perhaps be our last time on the floor debating together. We have become good friends over the last 2 years as chairman and ranking member. I would argue that is the way it is supposed to be. Chairman Engel often says, and I agree, that when it comes to foreign policy, that partisanship stops at the water's edge. In fact, just last year, RealClearPolitics described the Foreign Affairs Committee as an island of calm in a sea of partisanship. An island of calm in a sea of partisanship--I take that as a great compliment, and I know you should, too. No one embodies that more than our committee chairman, Eliot Engel. I am honored to call him my friend. Anyone who has ever worked with Chairman Engel, or just even had the opportunity to meet him, knows that he is truly a gentleman in every sense of the word. He always puts civility first, and he values public service and honor above everything else. But not everyone knows that the man has got a great sense of humor. He is one of the funniest guys I know. And that is why if you watch videos of us in the Foreign Affairs Committee on the dais, you will often see him lean over and whisper something to me, and I couldn't help but respond with laughter. And I have shared that sense of humor with him over the last 2 years. Perhaps one of the fondest memories I have, Mr. Speaker, is traveling to Normandy on the 75th anniversary of D-day to see our D-day veterans, ones like my father, who fought in World War II as part of the D-day air campaign, to see those brave patriots who crushed and destroyed the evils of Nazi Germany. Now, for those of you who may not know, there is a younger picture of Eliot that really looks just like one of the Beatles, and that would be John Lennon. And I was thinking about blowing it up and putting it on the floor, but I wanted to save you that. But it is not a bad looking picture. So when we were on this codel, we decided, you know what, we are going to break away from the pack and have our own private dinner at Le Meurice in Paris. And I bought this really cool pair of sunglasses. They had to be readers, but they were sunglasses, and maybe for a guy from Texas they were a little too funky, but then when I looked at Eliot and that John Lennon look, I handed the glasses to Eliot, he put them on, and he looked absolutely fantastic in those glasses. So I said, Eliot, you can have those glasses. And it always charms me when he puts those glasses on sometimes at a committee hearing. But no matter where he goes, Eliot is always the one to lighten the mood and make people feel more at ease. And that is really his way. He wants people to know that they are heard and that he is in their corner. I will never forget the trip we took to the Colombia-Venezuela border at the height of the humanitarian crisis. We saw firsthand the six million people who fled the corrupt Maduro regime and the fallout that it caused. It was truly the worst humanitarian and refugee crisis facing the Western Hemisphere. Eliot and I knew that something needed to be done, and as a result we introduced the United States-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act, which aimed to curb illegal migration, spur economic development, and combat corruption in the area. And not long after that, we introduced the bipartisan Global Fragility Act to improve the way the United States deals with fragile nations. And I am proud to say this bipartisan bill was signed into law last year. Both of these legislative achievements are aimed at helping people who need it the most because that is who Chairman Engel truly is. He sees this very large world that we live in and immediately wants to come to the aid of those who are suffering, those who are sick, and those who are needing a helping hand. Under Chairman Engel's leadership on issues like these he has played a pivotal role in shaping United States foreign policy. The world is and will continue to be a more stable and secure place because of him. In light of these accomplishments and so much more, I found it only fitting to name this year's State Department Authorization Act after the chairman, and I am proud to say the Eliot Engel State Department Act passed the House last year. You know, most people could not imagine a Democrat from the Bronx and a Republican from the heart of Texas could not only work so well together, but that we would become best of friends, especially not in a town that is so often divided by politics. But Mr. Engel and I decided early on from the start that we could achieve more if we focused on the things we agreed on than the things we didn't agree on. And the fact is, we agree on 95 percent of foreign policy issues and it is through our friendship that we have been able to accomplish so much. I would say that serving with Chairman Engel has truly been a highlight of my political and professional career on the Hill. I know that wherever he goes next and wherever his lovely wife, Pat, and he go next that he will continue to serve our country honorably. For his decades of service to this country, for his unwavering support for Israel and his long opposition to the Ayatollah in Iran and his long list of policy achievements, I believe that I speak for all of us here in the Chamber and all of us in the House when I say, ``Thank you, sir. Thank you for your service.'' It has been an honor. Your legacy of pursuing bipartisanship policy solutions that strengthen our country will live on for years to come, and I hope it will be a role model for future committees and chairmen and ranking members as to how to work together to get good things done for the American people because that is what most Americans care about. They don't care about our political stripes; they want to know: What are you doing for the American people? And we have shown and led by example. It is going to be hard for me to watch you, Mr. Chairman, leave this Chamber. You are my favorite chairman. But there is so much to celebrate with your time in Congress and the legacy that you will leave behind. So from the bottom of my heart to my dear friend, Chairman Engel, and to your wonderful wife Pat, who I have gotten to know over the years, who is a beautiful, precious woman, let me just say that both of you will truly be missed. We will miss you, but we know you are not going to be far away. And we know that you will be there in the future. And I look forward to working with you in your future position, which we discussed over dinner last Saturday night with Ed Royce, as well, your other dear friend, who has my utmost respect. I would say this: Sometimes you have respect for a chairman because you fear them. We have respect for you because we admire you because you are an honest, decent man, and you are a true leader. You lead by example, and people want to follow a good man like that. You are a good man, Mr. Chairman, and it has been a great experience the time we have had together. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, we can no longer deny the Chinese Communist Party is an enemy of democracy and a threat to international security and to freedom. Nowhere is that more clear than in Hong Kong. We cannot turn a blind eye to the CCP's brutal crackdown on freedom and democracy there. That is why I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act. With this legislation, we have the opportunity to assist the freedom- loving people of Hong Kong and to remind the world the United States of America stands with anyone who stands for freedom. I thank my friends and colleagues, Congressmen Malinowski and Kinzinger and, most importantly, the chairman, Chairman Engel, for their hard work on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of Martha Grace Fields. Martha is an exceptional young woman who was recently announced as a Silver Medalist for the Congressional Award, one of the highest honors presented to America's youth. The Congressional Award Foundation was created to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. Martha has demonstrated the core components of this award through her servant heart and unmatched work ethic. She gave back to her local community by completing over two-hundred hours of public service. Beyond her service to others, she put in hundreds of hours of personal development by competing on her high school swim team and enrolling in numerous leadership courses and seminars. Additionally, Martha was one of the first females to receive the highest honor in Boy Scouts, the rank of Eagle Scout. Simultaneously, she received the highest rank in the Sea Scouts, Quartermaster. Martha's continued hard work has not gone unnoticed, and I am proud to sec her receive the recognition she deserves. I would like to congratulate Martha for her impressive achievements at such a young age and I look forward to seeing her continued success and leadership.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank my friend and fellow Texan, Representative Conaway, who represents the family, for introducing this important resolution. I have engaged the highest levels of government in this case, Trevor's case, from Deputy Secretary Biegun to Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Roger Carstens. And now I am proud to join many of my colleagues and fellow Texans from both sides of the aisle in supporting this resolution and raising more awareness about Trevor's case. So to Trevor and the Reed family, I would just like to say to you that Texas is with you and America is with you. We will stand by you and with you here in the Congress every day until we finally bring Trevor home. So, again, Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend, Congressman Conaway, who sponsored the legislation. I thank Chairman Engel. Another point of personal privilege: I think that this will not be the last day we speak on the floor. I believe on Monday we will have another opportunity to be together, and I would love to deliver some special remarks about my favorite chairman. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Eliot Engel, Representatives Green, Bilirakis, French Hill, and so many of my other colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this important measure. Austin Tice dedicated his life to service. From his time in the Marine Corps to his reporting on the brutal civil war and humanitarian crisis in Syria, he lived to improve the lives of others. Think about it: Austin went to Syria to document some of the most brutal crimes against humanity so the world would see it, to expose what Assad has done to his own people to the world, and the price he had to pay for that is to be put into a Syrian prison. It is far past time that we repay Austin for his service, not only to our country, but to the world to expose these war crimes, to expose what was happening over there, and the courage he had to go over there to photograph. By bringing him home to his friends and his family, that is the way we pay him back. We have to use every tool at our disposal within the United States Government to bring him home to his family. Again, I want to thank all those involved, and in particular, Congressman Green, who represents the family, whom we have talked to extensively. This is one of those measures that is really an emotional one from the heart because we are talking about the life of a patriot who is trapped in a very bad prison in Syria overseas and cannot get out, and it has been 8 years--8 years, for God's sake, Mr. Speaker. It is time to bring Austin home. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, 3,034 days. That is how long Austin Tice, a former U.S. marine and freelance journalist, has been held captive in Syria. It is far past time that he be returned home to his family in Houston. Austin has dedicated his life to his country and to serving others. After serving 10 years in the United States Marine Corps, Austin decided to enroll in law school. He wanted to continue helping those who needed help the most. While he was attending Georgetown Law, just down the street from here, he couldn't stop thinking about what he had seen and the people he had met on his tours in the Middle East. So, before beginning his final year of law school, Austin decided to return to the Middle East. Only this time, it would be to report on the atrocities happening in Syria. The Assad regime's brutal attacks on its own people were horrifying to hear about. They were even using chemical weapons on their own people. Unfortunately, there weren't enough reporters on the ground in Syria to verify their crimes or tell the world about the suffering of the Syrian people. So, Austin did what he has always done. He stepped up to the plate and filled a much-needed void in a very dangerous place in order to help those who could not help themselves. But then, on August 14, 2012, as he was preparing to return home, Austin was captured at a checkpoint in Damascus. Now, more than 8 years later, he is still being held in Syria. Austin is now entering his ninth year of captivity. In just a matter of months, he will turn 40 years old. Mr. Speaker, that is nine birthdays that he will have missed back home, nine Thanksgiving dinners without his family. Later this month, it will be nine Christmases that his family has had to endure without him. I have met Austin's parents many times, and it is very tragic and emotional. Each time, I see the pain in their eyes as they describe their tireless efforts to bring him home. That is a pain that only parents can truly understand. It is up to us here in this Chamber to show the Tice family that we will not tolerate this for another year. Austin deserves to have his life back, and his family deserves to have him back. Mr. Speaker, with this resolution, we once again urge the administration to continue working to bring Austin home. The State Department should use all the tools at its disposal to ensure his safe and immediate return. Congress will not rest, and I will not rest, and my colleague, Congressman Green, will not rest until Austin and the other American hostages detained abroad have been safely reunited with their families. Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Al Green, for his introduction of this bill. The Tice family are his constituents. He has stood by them day in and day out over the past years. He and I, working together with other Members in this Chamber, will bring Austin home, finally. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), whose constituent is Majd Kamalmaz.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Yevgeniy Prigozhin is one of the most destructive operators within Vladimir Putin's corrupt regime. The destabilizing activity that he has directed and financed can be felt throughout the world. Mr. Prigozhin bankrolls the Russian Wagner Group, whose mercenaries have fanned the deadly flames of conflicts, propped up dictatorships, committed gruesome human rights abuses, all at the Kremlin's direction. In Ukraine, the Wagner Group supported Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the pro-Russian separatists in the country's east. They have provided military support to the murderous Bashar al-Assad regime, and they even led an assault against U.S. troops in Syria in 2018. In Libya, Russia has jeopardized efforts to bring peace to the country by supporting Haftar, as well as by sending advanced Russian aircraft and thousands of mercenaries from the Wagner Group into the country. The Wagner Group is also actively meddling in the domestic politics of numerous African countries. There, they hope to expand Russian influence on the continent while also exploiting Africa's natural resources for their own profit. The United States is not immune from the threat posed by the Wagner Group. Mr. Prigozhin financed the Internet Research Agency, a Russian troll farm that has attempted to interfere in the United States elections and sow discord among the American people. Let me be clear. Mr. Prigozhin is a direct threat to the United States. We cannot allow this behavior to go unchecked. The United States has responded forcefully, sanctioning him, the Wagner Group, the Internet Research Agency, and many more of Mr. Prigozhin's front companies and affiliates. In October, I was glad to see the EU join the United States in sanctioning Mr. Prigozhin as well. However, we must keep up the pressure. That is why I support the resolution before us today. It condemns Mr. Prigozhin's corrupt activity, and it sends a direct message to the Kremlin that the United States Congress will continue to hold Mr. Prigozhin accountable for his efforts to further the Putin regime's malign agenda. It also exposes the truth about the Kremlin's ridiculous claim that Mr. Prigozhin and the Wagner Group operate independently. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this resolution's passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, sadly, we live in a world where crimes against humanity still occur. We have seen two declared genocides in just the last 20 years--in Darfur in 2004, and by ISIS in 2016. We have seen the horrific ethnic cleanings against the Rohingya in Burma. We have seen the atrocities committed by Assad against his own people in Syria. But bringing the criminals behind these massacres to justice can be difficult. That is why 35 years ago, we enacted the State Department's Rewards program. It authorizes the Secretary of State to offer rewards for the arrest or conviction of some of the most dangerous people in the world. Originally written to be used against international terrorists, the successful program has since been expanded to include drug traffickers, war criminals, and perpetrators of genocide. As the world changes and as the international criminals evolve, we need to make sure this important program evolves with them. And that is why I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting the War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act. Mr. Speaker, the bill makes clear that these rewards are not just meant to support international tribunals. They can also be used to bring these dangerous criminals to justice here in the United States, under United States law. Mr. Speaker, I thank the author of this bill, the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), and my good friend, Chairman Engel, for considering this bill today, which deserves our support. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, the goal of U.S. foreign assistance should always be that countries graduate from our aid. Today, we move one step closer to this goal with the authorization of the US-India Gandhi-King Development Foundation. This bill further affirms a strong bilateral relationship between United States and India and will strengthen our ties to the world's largest democracy. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, after years of working with India to address certain development challenges, the United States has seen impressive results. The best results so far is that India, who was once a recipient of foreign aid, is now a donor country, but there is still a lot of work to be done. This is especially true when it comes to fighting tuberculosis, improving water sanitation, increasing education, and empowering women. That is why I urge my colleagues to support the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act. This bill, authored by the late Representative John Lewis, supports the establishment of a development fund that will continue our fight to improve these areas of concern. In addition, it will transition management of these programs from the United States to India. It is a public-private partnership powered by the Government of India and the private sector, and it is a true testament to how far India has come. This bill also honors the legacy of two men that it is named for, Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., by creating a professional exchange program to study pressing global challenges, including the struggle for civil rights, the fight to end poverty, and strategies to decrease global conflicts. Mr. Speaker, let me take a moment to honor the remarkable legacy of Representative John Lewis, who first introduced this legislation. I am proud to be here on the floor with Chairman Engel in support of his bill. The creation of this foundation is just another example of his dedication to improving the lives of so many people not only here in the United States, but around the world. I thank the late Representative John Lewis, and I thank my friend, Chairman Engel, for bringing this important bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I have said many times that Vladimir Putin is not our friend. Under his command, the Russian Government has invaded Georgia, started a war with Ukraine, assisted Bashar al-Assad's murderous campaign in Syria, and meddled in our elections. But he is not just a threat to international security. Vladimir Putin is an enemy of democracy. We know this by his brutal actions that he has taken against his own people. Over the last 20 years, under Putin's control, Moscow has chipped away at the few political freedoms once enjoyed in Russia. Media outlets have been shut down; political parties have been attacked; opposition figures have been assassinated; and activists have been thrown in jail. This is not the future that so many in Russia had hoped for when the Iron Curtain was lifted. Now, hundreds of political prisoners occupy cells in Russian jails. They aren't there because they are bad people. They aren't there because they are real criminals. They are there because Vladimir Putin is afraid of them. He doesn't want them to challenge his authority. He doesn't want them to have a voice. Today, we have a chance to provide a voice for the people Putin has tried to silence. This resolution condemns the practice of jailing individuals for political purposes and calls for the release of all political prisoners in Russia. It also urges the administration to impose sanctions on Russian officials who are complicit in human rights abuses. Once again, I want to thank my good friend, Chairman Engel, for introducing this bill. He has been a great champion for victims of tyranny his entire career. I am grateful for all of his hard work. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.