Peter Meijer

Mr. MEIJER

Mr. MEIJER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 124, a resolution to support the people of Belarus in their efforts against corruption and kleptocracy. On August 9, 2020, Belarus held a presidential election marred by credible reports of widespread election manipulation. Not surprisingly, the Belarusian dictator, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who has ruled with an iron fist for nearly three decades, commanded an authoritarian 80 percent of the vote. Since August, Belarusians have taken to the streets peacefully to express their desire for self-determination. Instead of heeding their calls, the regime has responded with extreme violence, arbitrary detention, torture, and other systematic violations of human rights. This resolution sends a clear message that we in Congress support the Belarusian people and their aspirations for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote from all of my colleagues. Passage of this resolution will send a message that we in Congress stand against the violent crackdown of the Lukashenka regime and stand with the people of Belarus.

Mr. MEIJER

Mr. MEIJER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1392, the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act. Saudi Arabia is one of our strongest partners in the Middle East. That does not mean, however, that we should cast a blind eye to the Kingdom's most brutal human rights violations, including the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a U.S. resident. This bill, which passed out of the Foreign Affairs Committee with unanimous support, would prohibit arms sales to Saudi Arabia's security services until the President certifies the Saudi government is not conducting flagrant human rights violations such as torture, the intimidation and assassination of dissidents, and the unjust imprisonment of U.S. citizens. America is a beacon throughout the world because of our commitment to democratic values and our commitment to human rights. Our actions must match our convictions. We can and should leverage our close relationship to promote human rights in Saudi Arabia. This bill would do exactly that--sending a message to our ally that if it continues to engage in such actions, there will be consequences. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. MEIJER

Mr. MEIJER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2430 to extend the DEA's temporary authority to schedule fentanyl-related substances for 1 year. Fentanyl is a deadly opioid that kills thousands of Americans annually. When the chemical formula of fentanyl is even slightly modified, creating a fentanyl analogue, these substances can become exponentially more lethal. These analogues have been a driving force behind the opioid epidemic that continues to plague our local communities. The authority for the DEA to classify these analogues as schedule I substances is critical to law enforcement's ability to keep these drugs off our streets. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I recently joined my colleagues on a trip to assess the ongoing crisis on our southern border. Fentanyl has continued to move into our country through our ports of entry, mainly through our border with Mexico. On the trip, we spoke with law enforcement officials who detailed the challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations, including drug traffickers, who are attempting to take advantage of the current crisis. With already limited border security resources being diverted to deal with the humanitarian crisis, drug smugglers are continuing their attempts to push dangerous substances, including fentanyl, into the United States. In the first quarter of 2021, the seizure of fentanyl at our southwestern border by CBP has increased by a staggering 233 percent from the first quarter of 2020. At a time when our country is experiencing a border crisis and an opioid crisis, we need to be enacting policies that strengthen law enforcement and enhance public safety instead of empowering bad actors who are continuing to put our communities at risk. If we fail to act on this commonsense extension before the upcoming May 6 deadline, we will be taking away a major tool that law enforcement needs to keep our communities safe. With fentanyl analogues no longer properly scheduled, drug smugglers will continue and remain emboldened and even expand their attempts to move fentanyl into the United States. This would exacerbate two already unsustainable crises: the ongoing surge at our southern border and the opioid epidemic that has devastated lives of Americans across the country. Madam Speaker, for that reason, I urge defeat of the previous question.

Mr. MEIJER

Mr. MEIJER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career and service of long-time Michigan resident, Mrs. Karen McCarthy. After 37 years, Mrs. McCarthy begins a well-deserved retirement after decades of public service to our local communities, and she will certainly be missed by the countless West Michiganders that she has helped and worked alongside over these many years. Mrs. McCarthy worked in community affairs for Consumers Energy and she most recently served as Community Affairs Manager in Kent County, based in Grand Rapids. In that role, she was responsible for local government and community relations, charitable giving, and economic development throughout Kent County. It is difficult to overstate Mrs. McCarthy's connection to our community. Along with her work at Consumers Energy, she has served on numerous local committees and spent her personal time volunteering with organizations dedicated to combatting poverty and empowering women and girls. Her compassionate spirit, service to the public, and strong work ethic have made her an essential piece of West Michigan society. Mrs. McCarthy's passion for serving others and dedication to her community have left a lasting impact, and we hope that her example will inspire younger generations to feel a similar call to public service. We wish her a joyful and peaceful retirement with her family and friends, and we remain grateful for her contributions that have improved the lives of so many of her fellow West Michiganders. Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in commending Mrs. McCarthy for her service and her long career helping the people of the great state of Michigan.