Michael McCaul

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Estes), a member of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because we finally have the opportunity to secure our borders once and for all. Before coming to Congress, I was a counterterrorism prosecutor in the Justice Department. I saw the threats along our border firsthand. After getting elected to the House, the very first bill I introduced put an end to this catch-and-release system. Here we are in this Chamber 14 years later, and I am still fighting for it. Doing nothing should not be an option. As I have said before, it is time for Congress to act. Today, we have an historic opportunity to fix this problem once and for all with the Securing America's Future Act. Our legislation delivers on the President's four pillars, which I worked closely with him on. It secures the border by building a wall, ends chain migration and the diversity lottery, provides a rational DACA solution, and also deploys new technology and adds boots on the ground. We must move toward a moral, merit-based system and not a random system. This legislation also provides, Mr. Speaker, a legal solution that will keep families together when they cross the border illegally. Our bill brings a generational change that prevents us from revisiting these problems down the road. But this isn't just about closing loopholes and fixing broken laws. Border security is a national security issue. Violent gangs like MS-13, human traffickers and smugglers sneaking into our country infect our neighborhoods, and too many lives are at risk, and opioids come across the border. Unfortunately, the threats do not stop there. We know that international terrorists are trying to exploit our border. This was made clear from the materials found in bin Laden's compound and from propaganda outlets like Inspire magazine. The 9/11 Commission report even stated that predecessors to al-Qaida had been exploiting weaknesses in our border security since the 1990s. In April, Secretary Nielsen testified that ISIS has encouraged its followers to cross our southwest border, given the loopholes that they are also aware of. We must solve this problem, and we must solve it today. So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and give the American people the security that they have long demanded and deserve. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my committee's bill, the Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act. Dangerous narcotics and other synthetic opioids are fueling a drug epidemic that is destroying people's lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 115 people die every day from an opioid overdose. Just think about that--115 people every day. They are not just strangers. They are moms and dads, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors. Most of us know someone who has struggled with substance abuse or drug addiction. We cannot allow these numbers to climb. We have to reverse this dangerous trend. We need to act together now. I am proud to say that the Committee on Homeland Security has been taking action on this issue. Recently, President Trump signed our INTERDICT Act. This bill provides CBP with additional funds and resources to screen and detect synthetic opioids at the border. Today, we held a field hearing in Pennsylvania to review ways to strengthen coordination at the local, state, and federal levels in our fight against drugs. We are taking many positive steps, but we must do more. We can start by passing this bill that establishes a Joint Task Force at DHS to prohibit narcotics, such as fentanyl, and others from entering the United States. It also strengthens partnerships between federal agencies and the private sector. This is a unifying cause. Stopping the flow of drugs into our country will allow more Americans to follow their dreams and build a bright future. I would like to thank Congressman Langevin and Congressman Peter King for their leadership and hard work on this issue. And I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Thornberry for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, protecting U.S. Government communication networks from foreign adversaries such as China is vital to our national security. I share the concerns of FBI Director Wray, who testified before the Senate. He was deeply concerned about the risk of allowing any company or entity that is beholden to foreign governments that don't share our values to gain positions of power inside our telecommunications networks. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to see that section 880 of the NDAA of FY19 addresses this concern by prohibiting Federal departments and agencies from procuring equipment and services from foreign firms such as ZTE and Huawei. Specifically, ZTE violated U.S. sanctions and then got caught lying about it. After agreeing to discipline their employees, they lied again and, instead, gave those employees a bonus. Now it appears that we are offering them the same kind of deal. They clearly do not have a record built on trust with the United States Government. This poses significant risks to our Nation's security. However, this prohibition does not apply to State and local governments, who often rely on Federal grant dollars and play a major role in the protection of our Nations' security, and that is why I have offered this amendment. My amendment simply extends the prohibition on purchasing ZTE and Huawei products and services to Federal grant money and loans to better safeguard State and local communications networks. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to protect our Nation's communications networks from foreign adversaries and support this amendment.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend Dr. Burgess for shepherding this bill through the Energy and Commerce Committee and taking us to the point where we are today on the floor. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, the Childhood Cancer STAR Act. The bill addresses 4 major concerns facing the pediatric cancer community: survivorship, treatment, access, and research. I was proud to introduce this bill with Ms. Jackie Speier, with G.K. Butterfield, and Mr. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania. This is the most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever considered before this House. This bill passed the House in 2016, and I encourage the support of all Members today so we can finally send it to the President's desk for his signature. I am proud to say that today is the day. I know a lot of the advocates have been waiting for this day for quite some time. Childhood cancer, unfortunately, remains the deadliest killer of our children. At some point we, as a Congress and as a Nation, must say enough is enough. In short, the STAR Act elevates and prioritizes the fight against childhood cancer at the NIH. Specifically, STAR places a pediatric oncologist on the board at the National Cancer Institute, so childhood cancer will now have a voice at the table when funding decisions are made. It also expands opportunities to childhood cancer research, allowing doctors to better understand and track how cancer develops in children. Finally, we must also address the needs of the nearly 500,000 survivors of childhood cancer. Due to their treatments using chemotherapy, a World War I chemical agent, two-thirds of these survivors will face serious, lifelong medical conditions. When I think about what this means, I think of my friend Sadie Keller. She is perhaps the strongest person I know. Sadie underwent over 2 years of chemotherapy at the age of 7 after being diagnosed with leukemia. She has been, at her young age, perhaps the most relentless advocate for this cause, this bill here on Capitol Hill, and throughout the childhood cancer community. I just want to refer to this picture of little Sadie and myself when she was going through remission, on the Speaker's balcony, looking out over The Mall, with a vision towards the future, a future where children will no longer have to go through this disease, looking at the dark clouds but the sunlight coming through. That is what this bill represents is sunlight for the children who have been afflicted with this terrible disease. While now her cancer is in remission, that does not mean her medical challenges are over. We must do more as a Nation to care for these survivors. To that end, the STAR Act will improve collaboration among providers so doctors are better able to care for survivors as they age. I want to close by thanking Sadie, but I also want to thank people like Danielle Leach and the Alliance for Childhood Cancer team for their relentless advocacy on the Hill and work on this bill. I also want to thank Nancy Goodman and Kids v. Cancer and the entire childhood cancer advocacy community for standing up and getting us to the point where we are today. They are the voice of these children. They made this event possible here today. And I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart. I urge passage of this life-altering piece of legislation.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, the following cost estimate for H.R. 5099, the Enhancing DHS's Fusion Center Technical Assistance Program Act, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, May 4, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5099, the Enhancing DHS' Fusion Center Technical Assistance Program Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 5099--Enhancing DHS' Fusion Center Technical Assistance Program Act As passed by the House of Representatives on March 19, 2018. H.R. 5099 would modify current laws relating to fusion centers supported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); those centers facilitate information sharing among federal, state, and local authorities. The act would direct DHS to provide technical assistance to and share effective practices with fusion center participants. Because the department currently carries out simi1ar activities, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 5099 would have no significant effect on spending by DHS. Enacting H.R. 5099 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 5099 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029. H.R. 5099 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, the following cost estimate for H.R. 4569, the Counterterrorism Information Sharing Improvement Act of 2017, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, May 4, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4569, the Counterterrorism Information Sharing Improvement Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4569--Counterterrorism Information Sharing Improvement Act of 2017 As passed by the House of Representatives on January 9, 2018 H.R. 4569 would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that it has access to any biographical and biometric data collected by federal agencies (such as the Department of Defense) on people associated with terrorist organizations. Because DHS currently carries out similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4569 would have no significant effect on spending by DHS or other agencies. Enacting H.R. 4569 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4569 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029. H.R. 4569 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my bill to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its continued human rights violations. I introduced the Iran Human Rights and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act with Congressman Deutch, and I am grateful for Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel's support in this effort. The Iranian regime continues to perpetrate gross human rights abuses against its own people. They continue to suppress and censor their people's calls for democratic reform. They recklessly use their nation's resources to expand their destabilizing influence and support of terrorism. They continue to engage in corrupt practices, and they continue to illegally detain and imprison our citizens without just cause. This is simply unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, this bill serves as a clear signal to the people of Iran that we support their quest for freedom. It shines a light on the regime's human rights violations and targets Iranian officials guilty of corruption, censorship, and the diversion of goods intended for the Iranian people. It requires the President to work with our international partners to develop a strategy to end this inhumane behavior and sanctions those officials complicit in those crimes. Finally, it sanctions those individuals who take Americans hostage. Mr. Speaker, today, there are more than six American citizens and permanent U.S. residents held by the Iranian regime in a shameful attempt to use innocent human lives as political bargaining chips. These hostages include: Bob Levinson, Congressman Deutch's constituent, who has been missing since 2007 and remains America's longest held hostage; Siamak Namazi and his 81-year-old father, Baquer, held since 2015 and 2016, respectively; Ph.D. student, Xiyue Wang, held since 2017; internet freedom activist, Nizar Zakka, held since 2016; and others. The United States has a moral responsibility to devote resources to these hostages and make their return a priority. I sent a letter with Congressman Lieu and 46 other Members of Congress requesting that the administration keep Congress informed as to what steps they are taking to guarantee this happens. So, again, I thank the chairman and ranking member, Congressman Deutch, for their leadership on this bipartisan effort to hold Iran accountable. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the letter dated April 23, 2018. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, April 23, 2018. Hon. John J. Sullivan, Acting Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC. Dear Acting Secretary Sullivan: We write to request information regarding the Administration's efforts to secure the release of American citizens and permanent U.S. residents held hostage by the government of Iran. As you know, Iran has a long history of unjustly holding hostages in violation of international law dating back to 1979. Over the years, the Iranian regime has arrested dozens of foreigners on spurious charges and convicted them in sham trials held in secretive courts. Many of the detained American citizens and permanent residents are also held in deplorable conditions, where they experience severe health and psychological issues. Today, there are more than six American citizens and permanent U.S. residents held by the Iranian regime in a shameful attempt to use innocent human lives as political bargaining chips. These hostages include Bob Levinson, who has been missing since 2007 and remains America's longest- held hostage; Siamak Namazi and his 81-year-old father Baquer, held since 2015 and 2016, respectively; PhD student Xiyue Wang, held since 2016; internet freedom activist Nizar Zakka, held since 2016; and others. The United States has a moral responsibility to devote resources to these hostages and make their return a priority. This past month, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed H.R. 4744, the Iran Human Rights and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, to increase U.S. leverage by levying new sanctions on those responsible for detaining U.S. citizens or legal permanent respondents in Iran. But more sticks must be complemented with a coordinated diplomatic effort with our allies. According to media reports, the State Department has increased efforts in recent months to secure the release of these hostages, including outreach to the Iranian regime in December 2017 that has gone unanswered. On April 6, 2018, the Department outlined efforts that have been undertaken in a report to Congress pursuant to Section 110 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. We request that the Department provide some additional details to Congress. Specifically, please provide answers to the following questions in either written responses or a briefing: 1. How has Iran responded to the various lines of effort made by the U.S., as detailed in the April 6 report to Congress, to raise the detention cases? 2. According to a June 20, 2017, article from the Washington Post, two senior officials from the Trump administration stated a range of options were being considered, which included ``sticks more than carrots.'' What specific tools are being considered to secure the release of detained Americans and permanent U.S. residents? 3. Does the Administration require any new authorities from Congress to utilize these tools? 4. What is the Administration's strategy for disincentivizing and deterring foreign governments, particularly Iran, from taking Americans and permanent U.S. residents hostage in the future? Thank you for your attention to this important issue. Sincerely, Ted W. Lieu, Member of Congress; Michael McCaul, Member of Congress; Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Member of Congress; Ted Deutch, Member of Congress; James P. McGovern, Member of Congress; Brian Fitzpatrick, Member of Congress; Donald M. Payne, Jr., Member of Congress; Randy Hultgren, Member of Congress; Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Member of Congress; Jerrold Nadler, Member of Congress; Steve Cohen, Member of Congress; Bobby L. Rush, Member of Congress; David N. Cicilline, Member of Congress; Nita M. Lowey, Member of Congress; Jose E. Serrano, Member of Congress. Daniel W. Lipinski, Member of Congress; Joe Wilson, Member of Congress; Peter King, Member of Congress; Francis Rooney, Member of Congress; Mark Meadows, Member of Congress; Adriano Espaillat, Member of Congress; Brad Sherman, Member of Congress; Eleanor Holmes Norton, Member of Congress; Lee Zeldin, Member of Congress; Steve Chabot, Member of Congress; Paul Cook, Member of Congress; Eliot Engel, Member of Congress; Ted Poe, Member of Congress; Bradley S. Schneider, Member of Congress; Grace Meng, Member of Congress. Tom Suozzi, Member of Congress; Pete Sessions, Member of Congress; Albio Sires, Member of Congress; Frank Pallone, Jr., Member of Congress; Thomas A. Garrett, Jr., Member of Congress; John Ratcliffe, Member of Congress; Josh Gottheimer, Member of Congress; Lois Frankel, Member of Congress; Derek Kilmer, Member of Congress; Patrick Meehan, Member of Congress; Leonard Lance, Member of Congress; Randy Weber, Member of Congress; Bill Johnson, Member of Congress; David P. Joyce, Member of Congress; Adam Kinzinger, Member of Congress; Elise Stefanik, Member of Congress.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following cost estimate for H.R. 5089, Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2018, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 26, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5089, the Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2018. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 5089--Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2018 As passed by the House of Representatives on March 22, 2018

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, over this last month, my hometown of Austin, Texas, was terrorized by a serial bomber, a serial killer. Mr. Speaker, fortunately, this nightmare that my hometown of Austin has lived through has come to an end, and now is the time to heal the wounds for the victims and their families. I want to thank the 500 Federal agents who descended upon my hometown of Austin for their great work and magnificent job working with my Texas Department of Public Safety and my Austin Police Department--many of whom I have worked with when I was in the U.S. Attorney's Office down there--for their incredible work bringing this killer to his final justice. Mr. Speaker, I now ask for a moment of silence for the victims and their families of this horrible tragedy.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, the following cost estimate for H.R. 4467, the Strengthening Aviation Security Act of 2018, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 20, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4467, the Strengthening Aviation Security Act of 2018. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4467--Strengthening Aviation Security Act of 2018 As reported by the House Committee Homeland Security on March 19, 2018 The Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), part of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), promotes the safety of the U.S. aviation system, particularly by protecting airline passengers and crewmembers against the risk of criminal and terrorist violence. H.R. 4467 would require FAMS to use a risk-based strategy when allocating resources between international and domestic flights, and to report to the Congress on its compliance with that requirement. Using information from TSA, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4467 would not significantly affect the federal budget. Because the bill's requirements are consistent with existing administrative policy, CBO expects that any change in federal costs to meet them would be negligible. Such spending would be subject to appropriation. Enacting H.R. 4467 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4467 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 4467 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following cost estimate for H.R. 4176, the Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2018, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 20, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4176, the Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2018. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4176--Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2018 As passed by the House of Representatives on March 19, 2018

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following cost estimate for H.R. 5081, the Surface Transportation Security and Technology Accountability Act of 2018, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 20, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5081, the Surface Transportation Security and Technology Accountability Act of 2018. If you wish further detail on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director Enclosure. H.R. 5081--Surface Transportation Security and Technology Accountability Act of 2018 As reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security on March 19, 2018 H.R. 5081 would direct the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish a Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee. The bill would specify details related to the composition and responsibilities of that committee, and it would require TSA to consult the committee when developing the agency's plan for making investments in security-related technology. Using information from the agency about the costs of similar activities, CBO expects that any increased costs to establish and support the proposed advisory committee would not exceed $500,000 annually. Such spending would be subject to appropriation. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 5081 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficit in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 5081 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following cost estimate for H.R. 5131, the Surface Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2018, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, which was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 20, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5131, the Surface Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2018. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Megan Carroll. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 5131--Surface Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2018 As reported by the House Committee Homeland Security on March 19, 2018 H.R. 5131 would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to complete a variety of reports, analyses, and other administrative activities aimed at promoting the security of surface transportation systems. The bill also would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the status of certain existing efforts related to surface transportation security. Under current law, TSA oversees, regulates, and coordinates with operators of surface transportation systems to safeguard those systems. CBO estimates that imple1nenting H.R. 5131 would not significantly affect the federal budget. Some of the bill's provisions would require TSA to expand existing efforts, but using information from the agency, CBO expects that any increase in federal spending (including costs incurred by GAO) under the bill would total less than $500,000. Such spending would be subject to appropriation. Enacting H.R. 5131 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 5131 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 5131 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Megan Carroll. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. MCCAUL

Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following cost estimate for H.R. 4227, the Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Act of 2018, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office, was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, March 20, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4227, the Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Act of 2018. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Robert Reese. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4227--Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Act of 2018 As reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security on March 19, 2018 H.R. 4227 would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess its current activities related to supporting emergency response providers and the private sector in preventing, mitigating, and responding to vehicular terrorism. Following that assessment, DHS would be required to develop and submit to the Congress a strategy to improve its efforts. Using information from DHS on the effort required to complete the assessment and strategy, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4227 would have no significant effect on the federal budget. Enacting H.R. 4227 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4227 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 4227 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Robert Reese. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the DHS Cyber Incident Response Teams Act. Before I discuss the bill, however, I would like to say a few words about the recent bombings in my hometown of Austin. In the past month, there have been a total of four bombings that have killed two people and injured four others. These are heinous, hateful acts on innocent Americans, and they will not be tolerated. I know the people of Austin very well, and they will not be intimidated. I urge everyone back home to take caution and heed the warnings of local law enforcement. We will find whoever is responsible for these bombings and bring them to justice. Mr. Speaker, I would like to now address the bill I have introduced and the threats confronting our cybersecurity. As technology advances, more and more people are relying on their computers, iPads, and smartphones for both personal and professional use. In short, Mr. Speaker, everyone is a target. But our enemies do not just attack individuals and their devices. They also put America's critical infrastructure sectors in their crosshairs, endangering all aspects of civilian life. These sectors include our financial services, healthcare systems, dams, and our energy production, among others. All of them play a vital role in making America work, and each one is vulnerable to an attack. Last week, the FBI and DHS reported that Russian hackers had engineered a series of cyber attacks against American and European nuclear power plants and electric systems. Crippling or shutting down our power plants would have catastrophic effects. We also know that Russia tried to undermine the credibility of our democratic system in the 2016 elections and are likely to try again in 2018. Strengthening our cyber election security needs to be a bipartisan priority. Russia is not the only perpetrator of these kinds of attacks. Between 2011 and 2013, Iranian hackers attacked dozens of U.S. banks and even tried to shut down a dam in New York. In 2015, we learned that Chinese hackers gained access to the private information of 80 million members and employees of Anthem healthcare. The Chinese also stole 22 million security clearances, including my own, from OPM. This attack allowed them to obtain highly sensitive personal data, including fingerprints and Social Security numbers. These continual onslaughts are part of a greater cyber war being carried out against the United States, even as I stand here and speak. Unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. Our adversaries have weaponized technology and are using it to engage in espionage and to steal our intellectual property. This costs our economy hundreds of billions of dollars each year. In fact, former NSA Director, General Keith Alexander, described this theft as the ``greatest transfer of wealth in history.'' We must do more to stop these attacks. That is why I have prioritized the cybersecurity mission of DHS as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee. Through CISA, the previous bill which passed the House in December, we are elevating and making operational the Department's cybersecurity and infrastructure protection missions. As part of the landmark DHS reauthorization, which passed the House in July, the Department will be required to provide volunteer assistance to State and local election officials upon request. These were important bipartisan steps, but we need to do more. The legislation before us today codifies and enhances the cyber incident response times at DHS. These teams shall provide, upon request, assistance to asset owners and operators following cyber incidents, including with election infrastructure. These teams may also include cybersecurity specialists from the private sector to provide outside expertise, which is a new, innovative breakthrough. By fostering this new collaboration between government and private sector, we can harness our talent and maximize our efforts to stay one step ahead of our enemies. This innovative approach serves as a force multiplier to enhance our cybersecurity workforce. Being able to utilize a great number of experts will strengthen our efforts to protect our cyber networks. My bill provides DHS with that necessary capability. The American people deserve to know that we are making every effort to strengthen our cybersecurity. This bill helps us achieve that goal, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this is a hugely important issue. I think cyber often gets overlooked when we look at kinetic threats of nuclear missiles coming out of North Korea, which is obviously a huge threat to the United States and its allies. But in cyberspace, we are at war, as well, with countries like Russia and China and Iran and North Korea, the Russian meddling in the elections. We can't sit idly by and let that happen again in 2018. I think this is, as Mr. Thompson stated, a very bipartisan issue that we need to work together on against our foreign adversaries that every day are trying to undermine us, stealing intellectual property, espionage, or bringing down things in a cyber warfare attack. It is not the future of warfare; it is warfare here and now. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5074) to authorize cyber incident response teams at the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following cost estimate for H.R. 4581, the Screening and Vetting Passenger Exchange Act of 2017, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, February 12, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4581, the Screening and Vetting Passenger Exchange Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4581--Screening and Vetting Passenger Exchange Act of 2017 As passed by the House of Representatives on January 9, 2018 H.R. 4581 would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop effective practices for screening certain people entering the United States through the review of information provided by those travelers. The act would direct DHS to share those practices with certain other countries. DHS is currently carrying out activities similar to those that would be required by the act; thus, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4581 would not significantly affect spending by DHS. Enacting H.R. 4581 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4581 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 4581 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, the following cost estimate for H.R. 4433, the Securing Department of Homeland Security Firearms Act of 2017, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, January 26, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4433, the Securing DHS Firearms Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4433--Securing DHS Firearms Act of 2017 As passed by the House of Representatives on January 9, 2018 H.R. 4433 would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve the security and accountability for firearms and other sensitive assets controlled by the department (such as badges worn by certain DHS personnel). The department is currently carrying out activities similar to those that would be required by the act; thus, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4433 would not significantly affect DHS spending. Enacting H.R. 4433 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4433 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 4433 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, the following cost estimate for H.R. 4578, the Counter Terrorist Network Act, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, January 26, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4578, the Counter Terrorist Network Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4578--Counter Terrorist Network Act As passed by the House of Representatives on January 11, 2018 H.R. 4578 would authorize Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assign personnel to other agencies to support partnerships for sharing global information to enhance border security. The act also would direct DHS to collaborate with other agencies to combat foreign terrorist organizations. DHS is currently carrying out activities similar to those that would be required by the act; thus, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4578 would not significantly affect spending by DHS. Enacting H.R. 4578 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4578 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 4578 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, the following cost estimate for H.R. 4555, the DHS Interagency Counterterrorism Task Force Act of 2017, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, January 26, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4555, the DHS Interagency Counterterrorism Task Force Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4555--DHS Interagency Counterterrorism Task Force Act of 2017 As passed by the House of Representatives on January 9, 2018 H.R. 4555 would authorize Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assign personnel to participate in overseas interagency task forces to combat the threat of terrorism. DHS is currently carrying out activities similar to those that would be authorized by the act; thus, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4555 would not significantly affect spending by DHS. Enacting H.R. 4555 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4555 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 4555 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, the following cost estimate H.R. 4564, the Post-Caliphate Threat Assessment Act of 2017, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office was not made available to the Committee at the time of filing of the legislative report. Congressional Budget Office, U.S. Congress, Washington, DC, January 18, 2018. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4564, the Post- Caliphate Threat Assessment Act of 2017. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Mark Grabowicz. Sincerely, Keith Hall, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 4564--Post-Caliphate Threat Assessment Act of 2017 As passed by the House of Representatives on January 9, 2018 H.R. 4564 would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prepare a threat assessment related to the current activities of foreign terrorist fighters, including information on the travel patterns and countries of origin for such persons. The act would require DHS, within 180 days of enactment, to report to the Congress on the results of the assessment. Using information from DHS, CBO estimates that implementing the act's provisions would cost less than $500,000; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting H.R. 4564 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4564 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. H.R. 4564 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Mark Grabowicz. The estimate was approved by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

Mr. McCAUL

Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, to the United States, and to recognize the strong and growing relationship between our two countries. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan became an independent nation, and the United States was the first country to recognize it. Since then, over the last 26 years, Kazakhstan and the United States have built a strategic partnership based on mutual trust, commitment, and genuine friendship in order to advance our bilateral political, military and economic goals. Over the years, a major pillar of our strategic partnership has been built on a shared interest in nuclear non-proliferation and security. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan inherited the fourth largest nuclear stockpile in the world-roughly 1,410 nuclear warheads. Through President Nazarbayev's leadership, and in conjunction with the United States, Kazakhstan renounced its arsenal, became a non- nuclear state, and continues to be a leader in nuclear security. Further, the economic ties between our two countries continue to expand, particularly in areas such as energy and investment. This is evident through our work to implement WTO obligations and improve the investment climate. In 2016, bilateral trade with Kazakhstan grew to $1.9 billion (a 117 percent increase from 2015), supporting more than 7,000 U.S. jobs. Just last year, the USA Pavilion at Kazakhstan's International Expo showcased the successful collaboration between our two countries and paved the way for future joint projects and partnerships. Lastly, as the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, I am proud of the close partnership our two nations have forged on efforts to promote peace and stability around the world. I am particularly appreciative of the role Kazakhstan has played in support of United States counter-terrorism efforts following the unforgettable attack on our homeland on September 11, 2001. President Nazarbayev's dedication to working with the United States to defeat terrorism and extremism around the world is sincerely appreciated, and critical to our success. As a testament to our long history of friendship and advancement of mutual priorities, I look forward to increasing the collaboration between our two countries in the years to come. Kazakhstan remains one of our most reliable and trusted partners throughout the world, and I am eager to watch our relationship grow in the future.