Wiley Nickel

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the highly partisan resolution criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris' work on the border. Like so many Americans, my constituents are sick and tired and they are worried that immigration and border security are being used as political talking points instead of a policy priority. I agree, but facts are facts. It has been over 100 days since congressional Republicans walked away from the table on the most comprehensive, bipartisan border security deal in decades because former President Trump wants to politicize the issue rather than to find an actual solution. Let's be clear: Trump killed the deal. Mr. Speaker, the best way to restore order at the border and fix our broken immigration system is passing a bill through Congress. That is exactly what the Biden-Harris administration wanted to do. I know we can get this done, but only if we work together, not as Democrats and Republicans, but as Americans.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, I support this bipartisan bill but also remind my Republican colleagues that we must come together to advance real solutions to the worsening housing and homelessness crisis. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7280, the HUD Transparency Act of 2024, sponsored by Representative De La Cruz, which would require the inspector general of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to testify before Congress on an annual basis. While this bill passed out of committee on, again, a bipartisan basis, House Democrats are working to put people over politics, and we urge our Republican counterparts to support real solutions to combat our Nation's housing and homelessness crisis, including the Housing Crisis Response Act, the Ending Homelessness Act, and the Downpayment Toward Equity Act offered by Ranking Member Maxine Waters earlier this Congress. This comprehensive package of bills would help spur the development of over a million affordable homes to help bring down rents, curb rising homelessness, and revive the dream of homeownership for all. These are the types of solutions our constituents are calling on us to advance as they continue to face the crushing blow of housing inflation. Mr. Speaker, I also note that I recently introduced the Keep Housing Affordable Act, which would bolster the low-income housing tax credit to incentivize developers to maintain the affordability of housing units for extended periods and boost the supply of affordable housing. Mr. Speaker, the high cost of housing is one of the main issues for my constituents in North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we were supposed to be considering another bill on the floor today, H.R. 7462, the Wildfire Insurance Coverage Study Act of 2024, sponsored by Ranking Member Waters. This bill is a commonsense measure to direct the Government Accountability Office to study the reasons why insurance companies are exiting States and refusing to provide insurance against wildfire perils. This bill passed the committee by a broad bipartisan vote of 47-2, but unfortunately, Republican leadership pulled the vote. The majority didn't think Congress should understand why folks are losing their insurance coverage or what we can do about it. Over the last week, communities across the country have been experiencing record heat waves as wildfires continue to ravage communities from California to Texas, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Virginia. I hope the Speaker will quickly reconsider this ill-advised decision to pull the bill so we can bring the bill to the floor. Again, it passed 47-2 out of committee. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2969, the Financial Technology Protection Act of 2023 sponsored by my colleague Representative Nunn from the great State of Iowa and Representative Himes. As its sponsors recognize, the benefits offered by emerging financial technologies, including digital assets, including peer-to-peer technologies and blockchain-based exchanges, can be a boon to consumers and industry, providing speedy transactions, anonymity, and lower costs. It is important that we encourage this innovation here in the United States. These same traits, however, can be abused by bad actors for laundering money and obscuring ownership and source of funds allowing traffickers, terrorists, kleptocrats, and other bad actors to move and hide their operational assets and the proceeds of their crimes. This bill establishes a public-private independent financial technology working group to combat terrorism and illicit financing to make related recommendations to Congress for new financial crime legislation and regulations. All Members of this body should support efforts to detect and defer illicit finance while encouraging responsible innovation that will propel our country and our economy into the future. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, we need to level the playing field in North Carolina to ensure that underrepresented entrepreneurs have a seat at the table. That is why I am introducing the Supporting Diverse Entrepreneurs Act alongside Congresswoman Alma Adams. This bill will broaden the scope and funding for programs that support minority-owned businesses. Our bill would expand Minority Business Development Agency business centers near historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. Doing so will help create a network of accessible business resources to help young, diverse entrepreneurs thrive. I will continue to work with every ounce of my energy to expand economic growth and opportunity, increase access to capital, and support North Carolina's small business ecosystem.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, more than 343,000 households in North Carolina spend over half of their monthly income on rent, leaving too little for other expenses like healthcare, transportation, and groceries. Access to safe and affordable housing is essential to the well-being of working families and individuals in North Carolina and throughout the country. That is why I am proud to introduce the Keep Housing Affordable Act. The Keep Housing Affordable Act is a crucial solution that incentivizes developers to maintain the affordability of homes for a long time to come. My bill will bolster and expand the low-income housing tax credit, which currently only requires affordable housing units to remain affordable for 30 years. My bill will provide incentives for units to remain affordable for decades to come. This will help boost the affordable housing supply, enhance home quality, and create long-term stability for low- and middle-income communities across North Carolina's 13th District. I will keep working to put forth commonsense ideas and solutions to lower housing costs and increase the supply of affordable housing.

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, former President Donald Trump recently told wealthy donors and CEOs that foreign nationals who graduate from U.S. colleges and universities should automatically be given a green card. After doing nothing on immigration reform for 4 years, he is a bit late to the party. Unlike the former President, I believe that diversity is our strength. That is why I introduced the bipartisan Keep STEM Talent Act in September to provide permanent resident status to international students who have completed advanced STEM degrees from U.S. educational institutions and are interested in continuing their work in the United States. They should automatically be given a green card. To remain at the forefront of cutting-edge scientific and technological innovation, we should ensure that international students who come to North Carolina for higher education can stay in the United States once they graduate. This commonsense effort will help ensure that America retains its position as the world leader in science and technology by retaining talented workers in the STEM workforce. Let's get this done in a bipartisan way and move it through this Congress. Access to Safe and Affordable Housing

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, this week was the second anniversary of the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade in an extreme attack on women's rights in America. In North Carolina, the aftermath of the Dobbs decision has been devastating. In July 2023, North Carolina's Republican majority general assembly enacted a law prohibiting abortion after 12 weeks with few exceptions and mandated in-person, State-directed counseling 3 days before the procedure. Other States have outlawed abortion and similar reproductive health services altogether. In Alabama, a State Supreme Court ruling has effectively stopped access to in vitro fertilization, or IVF. I am pro-choice and a committed member of the House Pro-Choice Caucus. I want my daughter to grow up in a world where she has the same rights that her mother and grandmother had for the last 50 years. I will continue working in Congress to restore and protect the right to choose by codifying Roe v. Wade into Federal law. Diversity is our Strength

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, last week, I joined the All Veteran Group to raise awareness and draw attention to my bill, the FAIR MAPS Act, by skydiving from 14,000 feet in Cumberland County, North Carolina, just outside of Fort Liberty. I was proud to elevate the issue of partisan gerrymandering to new heights and call out the need for fair maps in North Carolina and across the country. My bill, the FAIR MAPS Act, combats partisan gerrymandering by establishing independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions in every State. The FAIR MAPS Act has the potential to double the number of competitive House seats. If signed into law, that is a big deal. In North Carolina and across the country, partisan gerrymandering has been used as a tool by politicians to manipulate the outcomes with surgical precision. Gerrymandering disenfranchises voters and leads to hyper-partisanship. It is the main reason we are on track to be the least productive Congress in our Nation's history. It is simple. Voters should choose their politicians, not the other way around. While my name won't be on the ballot this year, I am not giving up or going out quietly. I am going to do everything I can to fight for fair maps, end partisan gerrymandering, and protect the right to vote for every single North Carolinian. Women's Rights

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our 2024 Congressional Medalist recipient from North Carolina's 13th Congressional District, Hemharsith Sivakumar Gayathri. At such a young age, Mr. Gayathri has demonstrated tremendous leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to his community. Hemharsith has been recognized for his academic and community contributions with the Outstanding Academic Excellence Award from the President of the United States and the Community Oscar Award for Outstanding Student of the Year. In a testament to his determination and skill, Hemharsith is an FAA- certified glider pilot, who embarked on his journey in gliding at the age of 14 on August 14, 2021. He achieved a significant milestone on October 22, 2022, by completing his Glider Solo. His dedication and perseverance led to the attainment of his Glider License at the age of 16 on July 2, 2023, marking a remarkable milestone in his aviation journey. Hemharsith has showcased exceptional leadership by founding the South Garner High School Cadet Titan Corps and actively engaging in the Civil Air Patrol, where he achieved the esteemed rank of Cadet 1st Lieutenant and was honored as the recipient of The Mitchell Award. Hemharsith's dedication to community service is evident through his roles as a junior volunteer firefighter at Fairview Fire Department, a certified Red Cross lifeguard, and an active volunteer in various flying associations. Hemharsith is also a leader in academics and is ranked among the top few in his class at South Garner High School. He has committed himself to excel further in learning and is a high-achieving student in the CCP program at Wake Tech Community College. Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in extending our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Hemiharsith Sivakumar Gayathri as he accepts the Congressional Medal for 2024. His commitment to service, perseverance, and academics represents the best of our state, reminding us all of the impact one person can have on the world around us. A sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Gayathri on this well- deserved recognition.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on Thursday, June 13. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 261; NAY on Roll Call No. 262; NAY on Roll Call No. 263; NAY on Roll Call No. 264; NAY on Roll Call No. 265; NAY on Roll Call No. 266; NAY on Roll Call No. 267; NAY on Roll Call No. 268; NAY on Roll Call No. 269; NAY on Roll Call No. 270; NAY on Roll Call No. 271; NAY on Roll Call No. 272; NAY on Roll Call No. 273; NAY on Roll Call No. 274; and NAY on Roll Call No. 275.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, or FIT21, which I am proud to cosponsor. This legislation is a product of hundreds and hundreds of hours of bipartisan collaboration, and I was proud to work with Chair McHenry, Digital Assets Subcommittee Chair Hill, and members of the House Financial Services Committee to get this bill on the floor. This is a big deal. We are currently relying on 90-year-old securities laws written before the internet even existed. Congress has never voted on a regulatory structure for crypto. Roughly 20 percent of Americans have invested, traded, or used crypto. It is not going anywhere. Whether you love crypto or you hate it, you should support regulation, because the status quo just isn't working. We can't wait for the next FTX to take action. It is clear there are regulatory gaps between the SEC and the CFTC. Right now, the United States is the global leader in financial services and technology. If we still want to hold this position in 50 years, then we need to pass FIT21. Support for U.S. leadership in digital assets shouldn't be a partisan issue. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record a letter of support from the Chamber of Progress outlining how FIT21 lays out strong rules of the road, consumer protections, and supports innovation. [From Chamber of Progress] HR 4763: Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21): Strong Rules, Consumer Protections, and More Oversight Over Digital Assets We need strong, clear federal rules and oversight over the digital assets industry that embrace innovation while protecting consumers and the integrity of markets. HR 4763, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21), is the first bill regulating the digital assets industry that has received bipartisan approval from both the House Financial Services and House Agriculture Committees. It is scheduled for a floor vote this week. House Democrats Supported This Legislation A cross section of Members spanning the Democratic Caucus have recognized that this bill provides an effective and needed regulatory framework for digital assets. The legislation: Passed the House Financial Services Committee on July 26 with six Democratic votes: Reps. Himes, Gottheimer, Torres, Horsford, Nickel, Pettersen. Passed the House Agriculture Committee by voice vote on July 27. What House Dems Are Saying About HR 4763 Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY): ``For me, the lack of protection for retail investors underscores the fierce urgency around passing a market structure bill to protect the average American consumer.'' Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT): ``I'm a deep skeptic of this industry, but we deserve better than the status quo.'' Rep, Wiley Nickel (D-NC): ``I firmly believe in the SEC's mission to protect investors, but for this to be effective, Congress needs to pass legislation with a clear regulatory framework.'' Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO): ``This is not a perfect bill. But I believe that it is a good step in the right direction.'' Bill Expands the Federal Government's Role in Regulating Digital Assets Current securities laws and regulations do not account for the complexities of digital assets. This legislation expands the authority of the CFTC and SEC, giving them joint oversight over all digital assets, allowing them to issue joint rulemakings, and ensuring market safety and investor protection. HR 4763 also gives the SEC clear authority over certain digital assets that do not meet requirements to be regulated by the CFTC. This allows the SEC to allocate their limited resources to regulating solely those digital assets that fall within its jurisdiction. Additionally, the CFTC will receive an increase in funding to adequately fulfill their oversight responsibilities. HR 4763 also requires the GAO to conduct studies on the development of emerging technology in digital assets, like non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and directs the CFTC and SEC to study the impact of digital assets on markets and investors through codified FinTech programs and Joint Advisory Committees. Protects Consumers from the Next FTX Given that roughly 20 percent of Americans have invested, traded or used cryptocurrency, the digital asset industry will continue to attract American investors for years to come. HR 4763 provides much-needed consumer protection by filling the regulatory gaps between the SEC and CFTC, creating accountability for digital asset companies through registration and disclosures, requiring companies to establish policies to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, and giving regulators increased power over bad actors. Communities of color are investing in digital assets at a higher rate than most Americans. According to Pew Research Center polls in 2021 and 2022, some 20 percent of Black, Hispanic and Asian U.S. adults have bought, traded or used cryptocurrency, compared with 13 percent of white adults. These communities are at increased risk of losing their investments if similar events like FTX, Terra/Luna and others continue to happen without regulatory safeguards for Americans. Protects America's National Security & Ensures American Oversight Over Crypto By enhancing oversight of digital assets through the CFTC and SEC, HR 4763 ensures all digital assets will be subjected to transparency and compliance metrics that would deter illicit financing, money laundering and other financial crimes. The ability for regulators to issue clear rules for the digital asset industry will prevent threats to our financial system and keep digital asset companies from relocating abroad to countries with fewer rules. There are good national security reasons to keep the industry under the Federal government's watchful eye. For example, after Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. government released economic sanctions against Russia that included instructions for American digital asset exchanges to block Russian users from handling currency through their services. While U.S.-based digital asset exchanges abided by our sanctions, international exchanges like Binance refused, continuing to serve Russian users and creating a potential loophole for Russian actors to finance war operations through their markets. Throwing away our jurisdiction over an emerging global financial industry, no matter its flaws, would jeopardize America's influence on the world stage.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, or FIT21. I am proud to have played a critical role in crafting this bipartisan legislation. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I worked with my fellow North Carolinian and Chairman Patrick McHenry and Digital Assets Subcommittee Chairman French Hill, to ensure this bill brings regulatory clarity to the digital assets market while protecting consumers, promoting innovation, and advancing U.S. national security. The FIT for the 21st Century Act represents a bipartisan effort to regulate centralized intermediaries in the digital assets markets, prevent the next FTX, safeguard consumers, cement the U.S. as a global leader in finance and technology and promote a secure, innovative, and inclusive financial future. This commonsense legislation is designed to stop another FTX from happening by giving regulators increased power over bad actors, filling regulatory gaps between the SEC Commission and CFTC, creating accountability through registration and disclosures, requiring companies to mitigate conflicts of interest, and requiring firms to segregate customer funds from their own. This legislation provides the CFTC with the resources they requested to undertake the new rulemaking required by FIT21 and authorizes the CFTC to charge fees to intermediaries seeking to register. This would be a big deal for the United States. Congress has never voted on a regulatory structure for crypto. In fact, we are operating under a 100-year-old securities law. We are the global leader in financial services and technology today. If we want to be the global leader in 50 years, then we need to pass the FIT for the 21st Century Act. The legislation will allow the digital asset ecosystem to thrive in the United States, cementing American leadership of the global financial system and the next generation of the internet. Without this, the SEC's regulation by enforcement will push the industry overseas where Americans are not protected. Additionally, I am proud to have secured an amendment to this legislation during the markup, supported by leaders in both parties on the Financial Services Committee, expressing the sense of Congress that the U.S. should seek to foster advances in this exciting new era of the internet to improve our financial system and create more fair and equitable access to Financial Services for everyday Americans. Much like the dawn of the internet, this new blockchain technology sometimes feels like uncharted territory with immense possibilities. We are responsible for ushering in this new era in a way that harnesses innovation and ensures consumers are at the forefront. Digital assets and blockchain technology have the potential to revolutionize our society. They can grow the economy, foster collaboration, enhance transparency, increase efficiency, and reduce transaction costs for working families. Given the rapid pace of digital innovation, we must ensure these advancements are not at the cost of consumer safety. FIT21 will address these challenges by establishing stricter regulatory requirements for emerging financial technologies and ensuring that these innovations are secure and transparent before they reach consumers. Here is the reality: roughly 20 percent of Americans have invested, traded, or used crypto, so it is not going anywhere. Unfortunately, the SEC's open hostility toward the digital assets industry is not serving President Biden's best interests. The SEC is turning cryptocurrency regulation into a political football and forcing President Biden to choose sides on an issue that matters to many Americans. As a result, the U.S. is falling behind jurisdictions like the EU, U.K., Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and the UAE. We can't afford to lose our status as the economic and technological powerhouse of the globe. Whether you love crypto or you hate it, you should support regulation. The status quo just isn't working, and we can't wait until the next crisis to take action. It is past time for Congress to act, and we have the opportunity to do this, this week, with the FIT for the 21st Century Act. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation to send a clear message that our priority lies in protecting consumers, cementing the U.S. as a global leader in finance and technology, and promoting an innovative and inclusive financial future.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Madam Speaker, May 18 marks 15 years since the end of Sri Lanka's almost 30-year armed conflict, a war that tragically ended hundreds of thousands of lives. This conflict shattered families and communities, leaving deep scars that are still felt to this day. This week, I am introducing a resolution that commemorates those lost and aims to protect the Tamil community from future violence and discrimination. My resolution recognizes the genocide in Sri Lanka and affirms of right of Tamils to self-determination through a democratic process. The Tamil people have a long history of distinct cultural and political identity on the island now known as Sri Lanka. Historically, they lived in sovereign Tamil kingdoms that were forcibly merged under a single administration in 1833 by the British. This erasure of autonomy set the stage for decades of strife, conflict, and suppression, culminating in war. My resolution emphasizes the need for a peaceful and democratic solution to ongoing tensions in Sri Lanka. It advocates for an independence referendum, a process that has been used successfully to resolve similar conflicts in other parts of the world. This approach echoes our commitment to democratic principles and underscores our support for human rights globally. Additionally, my resolution calls on the United States to strengthen diplomatic ties and support the Tamil people's pursuit of justice and self-determination. It highlights the ongoing challenges in the region, including the militarization of Tamil areas, the appropriation of land, and the destruction of cultural heritage, which continue to exacerbate the grievances of the Tamil community. Today, as we remember the end of a dark chapter in Sri Lanka's history, we should also look to the future, a future in which the rights and dignity of all people are upheld and respected. Let's stand together in advocating for a peaceful, democratic solution that respects the Tamil people's right to decide their own future. This resolution is not just symbolic. It is a crucial step toward healing, justice, and a lasting peace. We are seeing recognition and support grow slowly but surely for this issue. Thanks to the Tamil community's continued advocacy and partnership, Members of Congress are now discussing this issue. We have a caucus called the Ethnic and Religious Freedom in Sri Lanka Caucus, specifically to address the Federal Government's role in righting this wrong. We are making real progress, and I am proud to co- chair this caucus. We started with advocacy and legislation when I was a State senator in North Carolina, and now we are continuing the fight in the United States Congress by introducing a resolution that affirms the right of Tamils to pursue an independence referendum. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues in the House to support this important legislation. It is an opportunity for us to lead by example, to champion the values of democracy and human rights, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Tamil people.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan resolution I am leading with my colleague across the aisle, Congressman Mike Flood. Mr. Speaker, our Congressional Review Act resolution to disapprove of the SEC's Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 protects consumers, reinforces Congress' role in the rulemaking process, and pushes back on the SEC's hostility toward digital assets. Mr. Speaker, SAB 121 makes the digital assets industry less safe for consumers. It prevents well-regulated banks from safeguarding digital assets that are owned by their clients. SAB 121 requires banks to place custody of digital assets on their balance sheets, contrary to how traditional assets are treated. This makes it nearly impossible for a bank to provide custody of digital assets at scale, leaving investors to rely on riskier, unregulated options. Mr. Speaker, whether you love crypto or you hate it, you should want the most heavily supervised financial institutions who are experts at custodial banking to safeguard digital assets. We are also seeing this issue with SAB 121 play out in real time, the SEC's recent approval of spot bitcoin ETPs, which I pushed for, allows retail investors access to this asset class through a regulated product. However, most bitcoin ETPs are held by the same nonbank custodian. Notably, banks aren't serving as custodians for any of these products as they would with a traditional ETP. This could pose a risk to the safety and soundness of the financial system, a concentration of risk issue, for sure. To make matters worse, Gary Gensler and the SEC deliberately sidestepped the customary regulatory process, amounting to an obvious overstep of the agency's authority. Last October, the Government Accountability Office concluded that the SEC breached statutory rulemaking requirements by issuing SAB 121 as guidance rather than a rule, avoiding the notice and comment period. SABs are meant to serve as tools to interpret existing policies, not create brand-new policy like SAB 121. Additionally, the SEC issued the rule without conferring with banking regulators, which is unacceptable given the SEC's lack of prudential authority over banking institutions. It is time for Congress to take action and conduct oversight of the SEC's missteps. We shouldn't have to resort to using a CRA to fix this issue, and Gary Gensler could re- issue this accounting bulletin and work with stakeholders to find a solution, but, unfortunately, this is the only tool that we have left. As with previously successful CRAs, the SEC will be able to re-issue its rule as long as it has made changes responding to statements made by Members in the Congressional Record. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support our bipartisan CRA of SAB 121, which will protect investors and the financial system, encourage innovation, bolster American competitiveness, and restore Congress' role in administrative rulemaking.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I was ill and unable to vote on Roll Call Numbers 172-176 on April 30, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 172; YEA on Roll Call No. 173; NO on Roll Call No. 174; YEA on Roll Call No. 175; and NO on Roll Call No. 176.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I was ill and unable to vote on Roll Call Numbers 164-171 on April 30th. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 164; NAY on Roll Call No. 165; YEA on Roll Call No. 166; NAY on Roll Call No. 167; YEA on Roll Call No. 168; NAY on Roll Call No. 169; YEA on Roll Call No. 170; and NAY on Roll Call No. 171.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, in a time when public trust in government is declining, the American people deserve a fair and transparent redistricting process that ensures that every voice and every vote is heard and accounted for. The number of truly competitive districts is also declining in the U.S. Congress. We are seeing more polarization and less willingness to work across the aisle to do what is right for our country. Unfortunately, in North Carolina and across the country, partisan gerrymandering has been used as a tool by politicians of both parties to manipulate electoral outcomes with almost surgical precision. Some people in North Carolina have seen their district lines and their Representative in Congress change four times in the last 10 years because of gerrymandering by the North Carolina General Assembly. Courts threw out electoral maps drawn by Republican legislators three times in the past decade due to gerrymandering: in 2016, 2019, and 2021. We recently, though, had a brief moment of relief. In the last election, North Carolina voters sent seven Democrats and seven Republicans to the U.S. Congress under fair court-drawn maps for our 50/50 State. North Carolina's 13th District, which I am proud to represent, is a true swing district. In 2023, our constituents had to suffer through yet another unprecedented redraw, resulting in yet another partisan gerrymander for North Carolina. The maps are again being litigated in the courts. This story isn't unique to North Carolina, and the problem isn't just with the current politicians in our State legislature. History has made one thing clear: Politicians can't be trusted to fairly draw their own maps. That is why I introduced the FAIR MAPS Act. The FAIR MAPS Act would combat partisan gerrymandering by establishing independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions in every State. The Duke University Quantifying Gerrymandering team recently found that if we end gerrymandering, there could be 37 to 42 additional competitive House seats around the country, which would double the number of competitive seats in Congress compared to the under 40 that are available today. That is a big deal. Competitive districts are where we can have a real debate about the best ideas and elect Representatives willing to work across the aisle to get things done. My bill, the FAIR MAPS Act, would help make that a reality, and it would strengthen our democracy. By ending partisan gerrymandering, we can restore fairness and ensure that voters are the ones choosing their politicians; not the other way around. This is something that has been tried and has worked in a handful of States already. In Arizona, Colorado, and others, independent and nonpartisan redistricting commissions have drawn electoral maps that are more responsive to the will of the people than maps drawn by politicians in other States. Voters should choose their politicians; politicians shouldn't choose their voters. While my name will not be on the ballot in 2024, I am not giving up or going out quietly in the fight for fair maps and an end to partisan gerrymandering. I will continue to fight with every ounce of my energy for an end to partisan gerrymandering and to protect the right to vote for every single North Carolinian. Congratulating the UAW on Historic Contract Agreement

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the hardworking men and women of the UAW in my home State of North Carolina. UAW workers reached a historic new agreement with Daimler Trucks, which included a record wage increase, profit sharing for the first time ever, a cost- of-living increase, and much more. Right now, support for unions is near an all-time high, and we are seeing this momentum pick up in North Carolina and across the South. I am proud to stand with the new generation of workers as they exercise their collective strength and make their voices heard. Unions built our middle class, and I will always stand with the men and women of labor at the local, State, and Federal levels. Once again, I congratulate the UAW on this historic contract agreement.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, at its core, the American Dream is about owning a home. For far too many Americans, this has turned into a pipe dream. Right now, there are more than 343,000 households in North Carolina who spend over one-half of their monthly income on rent, leaving too little for other expenses like healthcare, transportation, and nutritious food. That is why I am proud to have worked on a commonsense action plan that outlines some of the work that we have done already and what we need to do to address the affordable housing crisis we are facing across the country. This plan addresses our housing supply, reforms to land use policies, improves housing financing, and much more. As a vice chair of the New Dem Affordable Housing Task Force, I will continue to put forward commonsense ideas and solutions to build more affordable housing, increase affordable housing access, and tackle this crisis.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Madam Speaker, on Saturday, President Biden signed a government funding package into law. This bipartisan slate of bills will make meaningful investments in Federal programs that North Carolinians rely on. It will help lower the cost of living, create good-paying jobs, and grow our local economy. I am particularly proud to have secured over $14 million in Federal funds for 15 community-supported projects throughout North Carolina's 13th District. This will go a long way in getting local priorities moving, and I am proud to have gotten this funding across the finish line. For transportation infrastructure, I secured nearly $1.8 million for two different projects. This funding will help GoTriangle purchase 16 zero-emission vehicles and will also allow the city of Raleigh to make streetscape improvements to enhance connectivity and public safety on Tarboro Road. For economic development, I secured $2.2 million for three different projects. This funding will help the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance complete an advanced manufacturing and biotech training center, getting North Carolinians back to work. It will help the city of Goldsboro to demolish and dispose of the Herman Park building, which was closed due to contamination issues and safety concerns. It will help the town of Garner with the partial removal of a deteriorated dam and facilitate a lake and stream restoration improvement project at Meadowbrook Park. For water infrastructure, I secured nearly $7.3 million for six different projects. This funding will help the city of Raleigh to install stormwater infrastructure within the Cottages of Idlewild Affordable Housing Project and bring the project closer to completion. It will help the town of Apex to complete a sewer interceptor project, which will improve service delivery and reduce maintenance costs for public utilities. It will allow the town of Benson to make pipe repairs and water system upgrades as part of its water system improvement plan. It will help the town of Cary to improve stormwater management and water quality in the Walnut Creek watershed. It will help the town of Fuquay- Varina purchase a new 1-million-gallon elevated water storage tank to improve water quality, quantity, and pressure. It will help the town of Holly Springs to make water infrastructure improvements, specifically a water conveyance system that is so needed in the region. For public safety, I secured $1.3 million for three different projects. This funding will help Wake County purchase body-worn cameras, radars, and other technology upgrades for the Wake County Sheriff's Office. It will help the town of Smithfield to purchase body cameras and more data storage resources. It will help the town of Selma purchase police equipment and make technology upgrades. In the fight for justice, body cameras aren't just accessories; they are tools of accountability. For agriculture, I secured nearly $1.5 million for North Carolina State University to continue corn and soybean research at the Central Crops Research Station in Clayton. Madam Speaker, I came to Congress to get things done. This funding will alleviate the burden and expense on our local cities and towns and get these projects closer to the finish line by putting our Federal dollars to good use in North Carolina. I am going to continue to work across the aisle to find solutions and deliver for the people of North Carolina's 13th District.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, when you get elected to Congress, you have a choice to make. You can work hard on legislation, you can work hard to build relationships across the aisle and get things done, or you can go join the circus. Too many of my colleagues choose the latter, to join the circus, to engage in performative politics. Mr. Speaker, last night the clown show was on full display by the House Republican Conference, continually interrupting, disrupting the President. Mr. Speaker, in my time here, I have voted for Speaker 19 times. I have voted for four continuing resolutions. I see a House Republican Conference totally incapable of governing and totally incapable of keeping the clowns in check. The yelling and screaming at the President was shameful. It was a disgrace. In 2009, Joe Wilson yelled at President Obama and said: ``You lie,'' and the cat came out of the bag. What happened last night was absolutely unacceptable. We need to do so much better. We deserve so much better for the United States of America. We need to restore civility, decency, and respect to the United States Congress.

Mr. NICKEL

Mr. NICKEL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan amendment with Mr. Huizenga. I also thank my colleagues, Congressman Steil and Congressman Auchincloss, for cosponsoring this amendment. This commonsense, probusiness amendment cuts unnecessary red tape and directs the SEC to make electronic delivery, or eDelivery, the default communication method for investment companies with their investors. The amendment aims to modernize the policy, with investors opting in to paper disclosures instead of opting out while ensuring that paper will always be an option. Consumer protection is a cornerstone of this amendment, which is why it includes a 2-year transition period. Well before any switch to eDelivery begins, consumers would be given advance notice in the form of clear and readable paper disclosures about the move to digital disclosures. On top of that, consumers will be mailed reminders for 2 years that they can opt in to paper disclosures. Paper disclosures will always be an option for those who want them. This a long overdue reform, especially when you consider that the Social Security Administration, the Federal Thrift Savings Plan, the Department of Labor, and the IRS have already advanced digital-first policies that have succeeded in providing Americans with more timely, secure, and engaging communications. This is a pro-environment amendment. Congress can save millions of trees with this legislation. With each forest we cut down to deliver a disclosure to clog up both mailboxes and trash cans, we cause devastating impacts to our air, water, and the healthy planet future generations deserve to grow up on. American financial markets are the most sophisticated in the world. While some are finding innovative ways to harness the speed and reliability of today's technology for everyday investors, the SEC's regulatory construct still uses an outdated mode of sharing information: paper. Despite the convenience and security of the internet, we are not removing paper as an option. That choice remains. I believe it is incumbent upon Congress to modernize regulations in our capital markets. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, to do the right thing for consumers, the planet, and the market.