Nancy Pelosi

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank him for his extraordinary leadership as chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I thank him for bringing this important legislation to the floor. I thank Mr. Tonko for his leadership as chair of the subcommittee of jurisdiction, the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee, and I thank Mr. McKinley, the ranking member on that subcommittee. I respectfully disagree with the ranking member of the full committee, and I will tell you why. I join our colleagues in support of the PFAS Action Act to address the serious public health issue that is a threat; PFAS chemicals, which are contaminating the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the food we eat. First, I salute Representative Debbie Dingell, a crusader in our mission to protect our communities from dangerous PFAS chemicals. I thank, again, as I said, Chairman Pallone, Chairman Tonko, and Ranking Member McKinley. Mr. Speaker, PFAS are referred to as ``forever chemicals''. They are so called because they do not easily break down and even accumulate over time. Right now, they are exposing millions of Americans to health risks ranging from cancer to asthma, and liver disease to thyroid dysfunction. For babies, they can be particularly devastating with prenatal exposure potentially leading to abnormal growth in utero, low birth rate, and increased risk of childhood obesity and infections. Our distinguished chairman enumerated other threats to the health and wellbeing of the American people. When people ask me: What are the three most important issues facing the Congress, I always say the same thing: Our children, our children, our children, their health, their education, the economic security of their families, and a safe and clean environment where they can thrive in a world of peace in which they can reach their fulfillment. Mr. Speaker, PFAS chemicals are clearly and seriously harming to our children's health. A coalition of public health groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, National Medical Association, and Children's Environmental Health Network, have written: ``These ubiquitous substances pose severe health risks across the United States and represent a growing threat to public health.'' They further state: ``PFAS are particularly dangerous . . . widespread and likely present in the drinking water of tens of millions of Americans.'' Further: ``Developing infants and children are particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure. . . . ``Of concern, almost all fetuses and infants will have some degree of exposure to PFAS. . . . ``PFAS exposure before birth or in early childhood has been associated with decreased birth weight, effects on renal function and lipid serum levels, and immune system dysfunction.'' That statement was from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, National Medical Association, and the Children's Environmental Health Network. In addition to our children and young people, PFAS also poses a serious risk to America's servicemembers. There is an epidemic of contamination on military sites with more than 400 sites across the United States affected. I have had the privilege, Mr. Speaker, of hearing the concerns of many of these families. It is not just about the servicemembers, it is about their children who are affected. It is unacceptable that the men and women who sacrifice to keep us safe around the world face this danger to their health and that of their children here at home. Yet, despite these obvious and well-known risks, big corporations have for decades failed or refused to prevent their spread. A new study published last week shows that based on EPA data, an estimated 30,000 industrial sites are known or suspected of using toxic PFAS; 12 times what had been previously estimated. We cannot accept a situation where big special interests' bottom line comes before the public's lives. To address this crisis, 2 years ago, Democrats crafted strong legislation to rid our communities of PFAS. Many Democrats, and many Members here, played a key role in crafting PFAS-related bills that were included in the bipartisan NDAA agreement reached in the House that year. I thank Chairman Smith and the members of the committee. Unfortunately, the GOP Senate then refused to support full protections against PFAS chemicals and cut those key provisions from the NDAA; that is, the National Defense Authorization Act. Last year, House Democrats passed the PFAS Action Act of 2019, which passed with strong bipartisan support, but did not become law because Mitch McConnell senselessly refused to take it up in the Senate. Now the Democratic House will, once again, pass the PFAS Action Act and send it to the Senate. We are making clear that this legislation is a priority for the American people, and we will not relent until it is enacted. This legislation will clean up our communities by designating the two most-studied PFAS as a hazardous substance by the EPA and setting a deadline for the EPA to make designation decisions about all other PFAS chemicals. Next, it will create new, well-funded grants and partnerships with States to help clean up and remedy sites. It will stem the tide of further contamination with tough new testing, reporting, and monitoring requirements; strict limits on the introduction of new PFAS chemicals; limits on air pollution; banning unsafe incineration; and strong measures to hold contaminating companies accountable. I spent the time to be so specific because this is such a threat to the health and well-being of our children, our children, our children. I urge a strong vote for this legislation, which honors our first responsibility of Congress, to keep our American people safe.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his bringing this important legislation to the floor. I thank our distinguished majority leader for his clarity in presenting the case for this legislation and all of our colleagues who have come to the floor on the Democratic side in the search of truth, justice, and security for our country. Madam Speaker, I particularly thank Mr. McGovern because on the night of this insurrection, I was in the chair, the security came and pulled me out. He took the chair. He risked his life to take the chair as the assaulters of our Capitol were out to get me with a bullet in the head or to hang the Vice President of the United States, assault the lives of Members of Congress, traumatize our staff, and disrespect the workers in the Capitol. It was not an ordinary tourist day in the Capitol as the Republicans have characterized. Republicans have characterized it as a normal day in the Congress, when we have pictures of those very same people pushing furniture against the door to keep the intruders out. We are under the dome of the Capitol, a dome that was built by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War when people said to him: No, we need the steel, the this and the that to fight the war. He said: No, we need to show our determination. Madam Speaker, 1 year into the devastation of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln sent a message to Congress imploring Members to join as one to save the Union. He said: ``Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.'' Madam Speaker, today we go on record. We too have a responsibility, as was described by President Lincoln. We too cannot escape history. We have a duty to the Constitution and to the American people to find the truth of January 6 and to ensure that such an assault on our Democracy can never happen again. Rather than being frivolous with the facts, we are going to be prayerful and patriotic and honor the concerns of the American people by seeking and finding the truth to protect our country from any future or similar assault. As has been said many times, that day, January 6, was one of the darkest days of our history. For the Members, the police officers, the staff, the press, and the support workers who were there, the memory of that day remains seared in our memory: the sounds of glass shattering, officers fighting, rioters chanting, the smell of teargas and the taste of smoke in the air and the sight of people fleeing the Capitol or barricading doors as Republicans and Democrats did that night, and the sense of terror, hundreds of people fearing for their lives. In the aftermath, over 140 members of law enforcement were physically and seriously harmed, five people died, and staff, workers, press, and Members were and still remain traumatized by the experience. The sheer scale of the violence of that day is shocking. But what is just as shocking is remembering why this violence occurred: to block the certification of an election and the peaceful transfer of power that is the cornerstone of our Democracy. It was a date actually required by the Constitution. It was not just another tourist day in the Capitol. Congress returned to the Capitol that same night to accomplish our constitutional duty--that same night. Thanks to the workers, the maintenance people here, the Capitol Police, and the rest, we were able to return and send a message to the world that this Congress would honor its constitutional duties regardless of the assault that was made on it. This was important, and it was bipartisan in the decision. Mr. Hoyer and Mr. McConnell agreed that we would come back. Where others were saying: Go to an undisclosed location; we said: No, we are going to the Capitol. Congress returned to the Capitol, as I said, to honor that responsibility. We showed the insurrectionists, the country, and the world that we would not be diverted from our duty. We could do that because of the courage of the Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police, and other law enforcement, some of whom are with us today. I especially want to recognize Gladys Sicknick, the mother of Brian, who gave his life; and Sandra Garza, his friend and partner. But it is clear that January 6 was not simply an attack on the Capitol building. It was an attack on our democracy. Every Member here knows that January 6 was an attempt to subvert our democracy. But many across the aisle refuse to admit the truth. They refused to admit the truth when they voted against certifying President Biden's election that night. They refused to admit the truth when they voted against the creating of a bipartisan commission to investigate the attack. They refused to admit the truth when they called that day a ``normal tourist visit.'' And, today, when many will vote against establishing a select committee to investigate that day, they will, again, refuse to admit the truth. But they did that; 100 percent of them voted ``no'' against putting resources to ensure the security of our Capitol Police and the security of this building. 175 Republicans voted ``no'' when it came time for the commission, 35 ``yeses'' on the Republican side. I am heartbroken that we don't have the bipartisan commission. We yielded on every point. Numbers, as Mr. Hoyer said, the numbers, the process for subpoenas, the timing, and further yielded on the Senate side on timing again, as well as clarification on staffing, that was never in doubt, but they wanted further clarification. They thought--the Republican Senators thought that they could win the day over there. They thought they could. And they thought they had the votes, until the Minority Leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell, asked them to do him a personal favor and vote against the commission. Too many of them chose to do Mitch McConnell a personal favor rather than to perform their patriotic duty. And, hence, despite the fact that seven Republican Members either voted or said they would vote for the commission, it was defeated. They said: Give us another week; give us another week; give us another week; give us another week. Now it is almost--well, it is 4\1/2\ weeks, and we must go forward. It does not appear at this time that we can have a bipartisan commission, outside commission. Hopefully, that could still happen. But, in the meantime, we will have a select committee. This is not unlike what happened in 2001, at the time of the 9/11 Commission. 9/11 happened exactly then, 9/11/2001. It took more than 1 year to get the commission. It was signed into law by the President on November 27, 2002. In the meantime, there was a Congressional investigation, which was useful to the commission when they finally were formed. So perhaps we can still hope for that, but we cannot wait for it. To do that, we believe that Congress must, in the spirit of bipartisanship and patriotism, establish this commission. And it will be conducted with dignity, with patriotism, with respect for the American people so that they can know the truth. It is a funny thing about Mitch saying he wanted them to do him a personal favor. Oh, my goodness. We had a commission on this side of the Capitol. Bennie Thompson, our distinguished chair of the Homeland Security Committee, working with the ranking member of the committee, Mr. Katko, put together a bipartisan commission. Only 35 Republicans voted for it, even though we responded to every one of their concerns, except, as Mr. Hoyer said, scope. Scope. They just did not want to go to the truth, sadly. That is why there will be--and, today, we are establishing--a select committee on the January 6 insurrection. It will investigate and report upon the facts and causes of the attack. It will report on conclusions and recommendations for preventing any future assault. And it will find the truth, which, clearly, the Republicans fear; but, hopefully, not across the country. This committee is about our security, ensuring that a future attack does not happen. It is about patriotism and democracy, ensuring that Congress can continue to serve the American people. Mr. Hoyer rightfully pointed out that, as the other side likes to say, oh, the Senate did a bipartisan--they were very limited in what they were allowed to do. They were only allowed to investigate the security of the building, not the cause of it, not the fact that it was an insurrection incited by the executive branch. None of that was allowed. So don't use that as an excuse not to have a fuller investigation of the underlying causes of what happened, the underlying causes of white supremacists and anti-Semites; one man with a Camp Auschwitz shirt on: Six million are not enough. You would think they would reject that. Not just a normal day of tourism in the Capitol. In that message to the Congress that I quoted in the beginning from President Lincoln, it concluded by clearly declaring: ``We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of Earth. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just--a way which, if followed, the world will forever applaud, and God must forever bless.'' He also said: ``We know how to save the Union. The world knows we do know how to save it. We . . . hold the power, and bear the responsibility.'' Today, we, too, hold the power and bear the responsibility. Let all Members do what is right and vote for this legislation. We will be judged by future generations as to how we value our democracy. Let's be on the right side not only of history, but the right side of the future. I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye.''

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, it is with great official pride and personal pride, but some sadness, that I rise to honor the dedicated service of two departing members of the Speaker's staff: my deputy chief of staff, Diane Dewhirst; and my senior policy advisor, Patti Ross. Diane Dewhirst is a pillar of the Speaker's office and of our caucus. Indeed, there are few Members who do not know Diane, and even fewer who are unfamiliar with her skills and her contributions. Diane has dedicated decades to Democratic politics, ever since, as a college student, she borrowed her father's red Buick Skylark to drive across Illinois to campaign for the legendary Congressman Abner Mikva. And she has remained in the political arena ever since; working in the DNC and DSCC; holding positions in the Clinton administration in not one, but six agencies; serving in Senator George Mitchell's office; and then serving as a key member of my office when I was leader and now Speaker. Her interest in politics sprang from her commitment to the values of our country and her patriotic spirit. She has a trusted voice, bringing extensive experience, sound judgment, and remarkable institutional knowledge to our legislative work. I know that she takes great pride in our work for women and families, particularly in what is my proudest official moment as Speaker: The passage of the Affordable Care Act, which has delivered quality healthcare to millions of Americans. Diane has made a difference in this institution that transcends the political, the policy, and the legislative realm. Over her 15 years in my office, she has been an outstanding mentor and role model to many, particularly young women. She has dedicated her service to this truth, as I always say: ``When women succeed, America succeeds.'' Diane's love of the arts is well known. She has represented my office in our work with leading cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the National Gallery of Art. Given her passion and experience in this arena, it is fitting that she is leaving Capitol Hill for the National Endowment for the Arts. Inscribed in the marble facade of the Kennedy Center are President John F. Kennedy's powerful words: ``The life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of the nation, is very close to the center of a nation's purpose . . . and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization.'' At the NEA, Diane's passion for the ``life of the arts'' will serve this Nation's purpose well. On behalf of the House of Representatives, I thank Diane. I wish her and her husband, Bob; and her children, JoAnna, Billy, and Rob, much happiness as she begins this next phase. Thank you very much, Diane. I thank the Biden administration for taking my staff. Also departing this week is our senior policy advisor, Patti Ross. Patti is, simply, the gold standard of public service. Indeed, President Biden chose an expert of domestic policymaking in appointing Patti Ross to serve as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Patti has served in my office for over a decade, where she has been an invaluable asset to all of us; our caucus; indeed, the entire Congress. Her portfolio spans a major portion of domestic policy: agriculture, nutrition, education and labor, veterans, military families, and caregivers. Patti has earned the respect of Members and staff on both sides of the aisle for all her legislative acumen and accomplishments, but particularly for her ironclad commitment to our veterans. Coming from a long line of veterans in her family, this dedication is in her DNA. As Speaker, I have seen her commitment firsthand, including her work leading the VSO roundtables, which ensure that those who have donned the uniform have a seat at the decisionmaking table. Indeed, one of the many strengths that Patti brings is her experience as a consensus finder and a coalition builder; a leader with the courage and the character to fight to ensure that Congress and veterans have a voice at the VA. The unanimous confirmation of Patti Ross last week was, therefore, a joyous victory for America's veterans and their families and caregivers. When I spoke at Patti's confirmation hearing, I relayed an anecdote from a congressional delegation visit that she helped plan. This was to France for the 75th anniversary of the Allied D-day landings in Normandy and to Belgium and Luxembourg for the anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. During that visit, we were honored, as we often have been on those visits, to meet with World War II veterans, including one man in his nineties, whose message to us all was simply: ``Pray for peace.'' As I said at her hearing, ``It is with great confidence that I can say that Patti Ross, if confirmed, will be a powerful force for peace for our veterans, their families, and caregivers.'' On behalf of the Congress, I congratulate Patti on her well-deserved recognition. Congratulations also to her family and partner, Tim. I thank both Diane and Patti for their consequential service and wish them much success in their new capacity in the Biden administration. Amendment Offered by Mr. DeSaulnier

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, in November, the American people elected leaders committed to not only recovering from the pandemic and economic crisis, but to Building Back Better. Americans know that now is the time to act boldly with a once-in-a- century investment to rebuild our nation's infrastructure. With the INVEST in America Act, Democrats are honoring the faith placed in us, as we seize this historic opportunity to Build Back Better. Thank you to Chair Peter DeFazio, who has been masterful in putting together this strong, jobs-creating package to rebuild America. Thanks also to Chair Frank Pallone, and to members of both committees for ensuring that the priorities of all our communities are represented in this legislation.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank Madam Chair for her leadership on this very important issue. The point that she makes is interesting because, actually, in terms of the 14th Amendment, when Black Americans were given the right to vote, it was the Republicans who were the votes to make that happen, and the Democrats, to a person, voted against it. So, her point is well taken. Now, we are in a fight to protect that right to vote, but we will have that conversation another day. Today, we are here for a very specific purpose. Madam Speaker, this weekend, we observe the birth of our Nation, the Fourth of July, when Americans joyfully celebrate the birth of America's independence and the blessings of liberty. As we do so, we solemnly recognize that those blessings have been denied to so many throughout our Nation's history out of sheer bigotry and racism. This holiday, while a celebration, is also an opportunity to take steps to right the wrongs of history, starting here, right here in the U.S. Capitol. That is why, today, we are again passing legislation to remove statues of Confederate officials and other advocates of bigotry and removing them from the U.S. Capitol. As I have said before, the Halls of Congress are the very heart of our democracy. The statues that we display should embody our highest ideals as Americans, expressing who we are and who we aspire to be as a nation. Monuments to men or people who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to those ideals. They are an homage to hate, not heritage. They must be removed. I thank Leader Steny Hoyer, who has been advocating this for a long time and took charge and worked with Whip Jim Clyburn, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty, Chair Bennie Thompson, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congressman G. K. Butterfield, who we just heard from, and the Chair. Madam Speaker, I thank you and the others for your leadership. This action builds on actions taken last Juneteenth when, using my authority as House Speaker, I ordered the removal of four portraits of past Speakers from the Capitol who traitorously served in the Confederacy. Among the Confederate statues in the Capitol that we are addressing today are Jefferson Davis and Alexander Stephens, president and vice president of the Confederacy, respectively, both of whom were charged with treason against America. This legislation also removes from the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the Capitol the bust of Justice Roger Taney, a defender of slavery and the author of the 1857 Dred Scott ruling, one of the most horrific stains on our Nation and the Court's history. Mr. Hoyer has been particularly interested in removing Justice Taney. Removing these statues will not erase this stain or that of other racist acts in our history, nor will it erase the racism that exists in our country today. But it is an important and necessary step. How can we seek to end the scourge of racism--including by passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which the Chair has championed--when we allow the worst perpetrators of that racism to be lauded in the Halls of Congress? Congress has the opportunity and the obligation to make meaningful change. Let us lead by example. The Taney bust will be replaced by a tribute to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, an icon of equality and champion of justice in America. I am very proud of Justice Marshall's Baltimore roots, as a native Baltimorean, and I am happy that our Baltimore airport is named for him. Justice Thurgood Marshall's words, uttered nearly 30 years ago, must be our inspiration. He said: ``America must get to work. . . . We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred, and the mistrust.'' He went on further to say: ``We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better.'' His words were later echoed by our Baltimore brother Elijah Cummings, who said: ``We are better than this.'' Madam Speaker, we can do better, for the children. I urge a strong bipartisan vote on this important step to do better, to right the wrongs of history, and to move our Nation toward a future of justice. I do so with gratitude for all of the champions who have brought us to this important day. I urge a strong bipartisan vote.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership in bringing this important legislation, more than one piece of legislation, to the floor today. As I rise to speak in support of reversing the anti-consumer fake lender rule pushed through in the final weeks of the previous administration, I just want to take a moment to put it in perspective. Madam Speaker, in November, the people elected Democratic majorities in the Congress that would be for the people, fighting for the public interests, not the special interests. To that end, they elected majorities that would reverse the damage inflicted on their health and financial security by the last administration. That mission is why the House this week is passing legislation under the Congressional Review Act to reverse three of the past President's most egregious assaults on families' well-being. The Congressional Review Act is one of Congress' most important tools to reassert the power of the people's House to deliver for the people and to reclaim our authority under the Constitution, upholding the balance of powers that is the foundation of our American democracy. With the gentlewoman's permission, I wish to speak to the anti- consumer fake lender rule, but also speak to two other issues under the Congressional Review Act this afternoon. On the floor today is legislation, again, to reverse the anti- consumer fake lender rule pushed through in the final weeks of the previous administration. This fake lender rule greenlights rent-a-bank schemes in which predatory lenders evade bank interest rate limits to swindle vulnerable consumers. This is done by putting a bank name on loan paperwork and claiming that the bank, not the predatory lender, issued the loan. To take one example, in California, where the interest rate on a 2- year $2,000 loan is capped at 25 percent, lenders can use rent-a-bank partnerships to make loans with rates up to 225 percent. This bipartisan resolution to end the fake lender rule is supported by many: a bipartisan coalition of 25 State attorneys general; faith leaders, including the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Baptist Convention USA, hundreds of banking law and consumer finance regulation scholars, and Americans across the country and across parties, urging us to support this Congressional Review Act reversal of the anti-consumer fake lender rule. Also today, we are considering legislation to undo the antiworker, pro-discrimination rule forced through in the final week of the past administration. The EEOC was established to protect working people from discrimination and ensure that discrimination charges are resolved fairly. But this rule would impose draconian new obligations that bias the conciliation process against employees, toward employers; escalate the potential for retaliation, because retaliation claims make up half of EEOC's charges filed at the EEOC last year; siphon off scarce EEOC resources and saddle the EEOC with wasteful collateral litigation, prolonging harm to workers through delays; and contravene both the Supreme Court precedent and Congressional intent. This month, civil rights and workers' rights organizations wrote to Congress in support of S.J. Res. 13, writing: ``The EEOC must be able to conduct its work efficiently . . . to prevent and remedy workplace discrimination. ``This mission is even more critical in the middle of a global pandemic that continues to have severe economic repercussions for women, people of color, and other marginalized communities. ``The final rule will only deepen the barriers working people face coming forward to report discrimination and obtain justice.'' This Congressional Review Act legislation passed the Senate. Hopefully, it will pass the House today. Finally, tomorrow we take up bipartisan legislation that paves the way to restore the Obama-era protections against harmful methane pollution, which the most recent past President rolled back. Briefly, these safeguards are key protections for public health that will also make a serious difference in combating the climate crisis. Methane is responsible for at least one-quarter of the warming of the planet. And it is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. This resolution passed on a bipartisan basis in the Senate and in the Energy and Commerce Committee. It builds on the commitment of the President and the Democratic Congress to tackle the climate crisis. As the administration has stated, addressing methane pollution is an urgent and essential step. Madam Speaker, with that, as Speaker, I am proud to be able to use the Speaker's prerogative to speak beyond the item on the floor right now. I am proud to support these important actions to reverse the Trump damage and to deliver results that make a difference in the lives of hardworking American families. I thank all of our leaders for this legislation for the people: Chair Bobby Scott and Representative Suzanne Bonamici on the EEOC resolution; Representative Chuy Garcia for his work on the true lender resolution; Representative Diana DeGette and Chairman Frank Pallone, and many others, on the methane resolution from the Energy and Commerce Committee. I urge strong votes for S.J. Res. 13, 14, and 15. Coming back to the resolution on the floor right now, I thank the distinguished chair of the Financial Services Committee for her leadership in looking out always for the consumer, for competition, for fairness, for the people.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership in bringing this important and overdue legislation to the floor. Congratulations to you, Mr. Chairman, for being the chair of the committee and, as your ranking member has said, striving to act in a very bipartisan way. That doesn't hold for today necessarily; but, nonetheless, where there is a will, there is a way. Madam Speaker, nearly 20 years have passed since the Congress passed the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force, and 10 years have passed since the formal end of U.S. military operations: Operation Iraqi Freedom. Yet, today, 10 years later, our Nation is still operating under an outdated Authorization for Use of Military Force, which risks being used, and in some cases has been used, as a blank check to conduct unrelated military operations. Let me be clear. Repealing the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force in no way precludes us, our country, from defending our military and diplomatic personnel in Iraq. Article II of the Constitution, the 2001 AUMF, and the bilateral agreements with Iraq permit this. But it will prevent a situation in which U.S. military personnel are deployed or military operations are conducted, without the approval of Congress or the country, for purposes that are unconnected to the AUMF's original purpose. We are here because of the courage of Congresswoman Barbara Lee. No one has been fiercer or more relentless or more principled on this issue. I thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee and others who have worked with her over the years. I thank also our Foreign Affairs chair, Gregory Meeks, who has moved this bipartisan priority with both urgency and unity through the committee. We are pleased that this legislation, which has previously passed the House twice, has over 130 cosponsors. Thank you, also, to Senator Tim Kaine, a longtime leader on AUMF repeal and reform in the Senate, who has introduced a companion bill in the Senate. Repealing the 2002 AUMF will defend Congress' constitutional authorities and our American democracy's system of separation of powers. Under the Constitution, it is the Congress that has the sole duty to declare war. We must reassert that authority to decide if and when our country goes to war. This repeal is also possible because of the leadership of President Joe Biden, who understands and has respect for Congress' constitutional authorities. He understands the need for this action to keep our troops and the American people safe. Again, that is our first responsibility: to protect and defend. The Congress stands in agreement with the Biden-Harris administration, which has stated that ``the President is committed to working with the Congress to ensure that outdated authorizations for the use of military force are replaced with a narrow and specific framework appropriate to ensure that we can continue to protect Americans from terrorist threats.'' Why has that been elusive, for us to come up with a better, more focused plan? Madam Speaker, just for public information, when we have tried to come up with a newer, fresher, more appropriate AUMF, we have three challenges. What is the scope? What is the Authorization for Use of Military Force for? Is it for boots on the ground? Is it for air? What is it for? What is the scope that we are giving the authority to the executive branch to use? What is the geography? How far does that extend? Is this global? Is it specific to a region? These are important decisions because some of the threats are, shall we say, unpredictable. But that doesn't mean what we do here should be unpredictable. The third is the timing. How long does it last? What is it for? How far in geography does it extend? And how long does that authority last? Over time, as we have tried to replace this outdated Authorization for Use of Military Force, we have run into those disagreements internally as well as with the White House. But the more the public knows about our commitment to honoring our constitutional responsibility--and we will work with a President who is not here to undermine that--hopefully, we will have that authorization, as necessary, as we go forward. As Members of Congress, the first duty we have is to keep the American people safe. That includes our courageous men and women in uniform, who sacrifice every day for our freedoms. To do this, we must pursue a National Security Strategy and a defense policy that are smart, strong, and strategic. And we look forward to working with the administration on this vital mission. With that, I again salute our distinguished colleague from California, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, for her persistence and her leadership; our distinguished chairman, Mr. Gregory Meeks. Again, I am grateful for the courteous consideration of this legislation today, although we may not be in complete agreement. Madam Speaker, I urge a strong vote for H.R. 256, to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force, and hope that we will have a strong bipartisan vote.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I commend our distinguished chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and the Congress, for bringing this important legislation to the floor within 24 hours of it passing the Senate. It is a pretty exciting historic day. I thank Congresswoman Jackson Lee for her sponsorship of this legislation for such a long time. Madam Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in the spirit of joy and pride as the Congress passes this legislation to declare Juneteenth a national holiday. With this step, Congress is ensuring that one of the most momentous events in our history--which has been celebrated by millions, particularly Black Americans for 150 years now--is officially recognized; that it is enshrined in our history books, and it takes its place of honor in our Nation. Juneteenth is a beautiful and proud celebration of freedom for Black Americans. It marks the day, 2 years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, when Major General Gordon Granger and Union soldiers delivered the news of liberation in Galveston, Texas, not far from the district the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) represents. That day, General Granger conveyed the declaration that all are free with ``an absolute equality of rights and rights of property.'' I know that Texas' special place in our Nation's history is cherished by its delegation, especially, as I mentioned, the Chair, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, representing Houston. Thank you for being the author of the legislation, the House companion of S. 475. Thank you to the Congressional Black Caucus and its distinguished chair, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty from Ohio, and the Texas delegation and all Members who have worked for this official recognition over many years, including Representative Danny Davis. Thank you, also, to Committee on Oversight and Reform chair, Carolyn Maloney. We salute Senators Ed Markey and John Cornyn, leading in the Senate, and congratulate them on yesterday's passage of S. 475 without objection. And let me salute the activists and leaders who carried this fight to this day, including the late Dr. Ronald Myers. For decades, until his passing, Doc Myers led the campaign to make Juneteenth a national day of observance. Over the past century and a half, Juneteenth has evolved into a day not only of celebration but of reflection. This day reminds us of a history much stained by brutality and injustice, and it reminds us of our responsibility to build a future of progress for all, honoring the ideal of equality that is America's heritage and America's hope. I feel very honored to be here with the Congressional Black Caucus, as I mentioned already, to speak on behalf of this legislation. I thank them for making this day possible. I also had the honor of traveling with them to Ghana almost 2 years ago at the end of July as we observed the 400th anniversary of the first slaves coming to America. John Lewis was with us on that trip to go to the Door of No Return, which is now the Door of Return, as it urges people to come back. Almost 402 years ago, the first slaves were pushed from Africa into dungeons, which were deadly, and onto slave ships, which were death ships, to come across the ocean to a place where they would be enslaved for hundreds of years. It challenges the conscience of the world, and certainly of America, to even think about what happened to people in our country over that period of time. But to be there with the Congressional Black Caucus was a very, very special honor, and to see the connection between that Door of No Return and Ghana and the connection to our Members of Congress on the floor of this House today serving with such dignity and pride. Madam Speaker, we know that the fight against racism and toward equality has far to go, but it is a fight that continues with a renewed sense of urgency all the time, now sparked by the murder of George Floyd and so many others. We salute Congresswoman Karen Bass as she continues negotiations on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which now must become law. As we fight for its passage, the Democratic House remains committed to real, effective action to advance justice, fairness, and opportunity for all. That is the purpose of our Congressional Black Caucus in this Congress. The Congressional Black Caucus is the conscience of the House of Representatives. Madam Speaker, I urge a bipartisan vote on this important legislation and thank all Members who have led this effort which strengthens America. I hope we can have, again, a strong bipartisan vote.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership and recognition on this important issue. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation. I am so proud of Representative Jackie Speier, with whom I have the privilege of corepresenting San Francisco. Jackie Speier has been our champion on San Francisco Bay, and this San Francisco Bay Restoration Act is a vital step to restoring our cherished bay. It is an honor to be joined in this legislation with other bay area colleagues, Jared Huffman, John Garamendi, Mike Thompson, Jerry McNerney, Mark DeSaulnier, Barbara Lee, Ro Khanna, Anna Eshoo, and Zoe Lofgren. I also thank Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, who have introduced a Senate companion bill. Madam Speaker, Members may not know, but the San Francisco Bay is an icon of California and a national treasure: inspiring us with its beauty and its might, enriching our lives with world-class recreation, tourism, and jobs. The bay area delta, of which it is a part, is also the economic lifeblood of our coast, contributing over $370 billion to our economy each year and supporting more than four million jobs. As part of the bay-delta estuary, it is a vital part of public health, providing drinking water for millions of Californians, a key force in combating the climate crisis. But, for centuries, this magnificent estuary has been overexploited and underprotected. Today, 90 percent of the bay area's wetlands have been destroyed, undermining the strength of our coastal economies and communities. The San Francisco Bay Restoration Act--sponsored and championed by Congresswoman Jackie Speier over many years--would make a long overdue $125 million investment in restoration efforts. It improves coordination from San Francisco to Washington, as it revives our wetlands to protect our coastal communities, improves our water quality, strengthens our climate resilience, including by combating sea level rise. In 2018, the GAO concluded that a centralized initiative providing improved coordination and communication across efforts, along with dedicated Federal funding, would be the best chance for long-term restoration and protection of this vital geographic area on the West Coast. And this bill introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Speier provides exactly that. Californians have fought to increase appropriations for the bay area for years, and we are grateful for the support of then-chair Nita Lowey of the Appropriations Committee and the chair of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Betty McCollum. We secured an increase of $3 million in funding for the bay. Last year, with the support of Transportation and Infrastructure chair Peter DeFazio and, hence, the committee of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee chair Grace Napolitano, the House passed this Bay Restoration Act by a voice vote, and then again as part of our infrastructure bill, H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. Now we want to make it the law of the land. Our communities and our lives are heavily enriched by the bay-delta estuary. This investment is an economic, health, environmental, and moral imperative. I urge Members to support it with strong bipartisan support, and I hope that it will be bipartisan on the part of our colleagues on the West Coast, who know the value of the quality of life that the bay estuary project brings to us. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for leading the effort on the floor today to pass this important legislation. I commend her and the ranking member, Mr. McHenry, for his good words about this legislation and his reference to the bravery of our Capitol Police. Madam Speaker, over 5 months have passed since the January 6 insurrection was waged against our Capitol and our democracy. For most of us, the horror of January 6 has not faded. The memory of Members, staff, and workers fleeing for their lives, the sound of screams and shots fired, the agony of over 140 law enforcement officers physically harmed and those killed all remain very raw. January 6 was unquestionably one of the darkest days in the history of our democracy, but because of the courage of the Capitol Police and other law enforcement officers, it will also be etched in history as a day of heroism. That day the Capitol Police Force put themselves between the violence and us. They risked their safety and their lives for others with the utmost selflessness. Some died, becoming martyrs for our democracy. They did so because they were patriots, the type of Americans who heard the call to serve and answered it, putting country above self. They enabled us to return to the Capitol, to that podium that night to show the world that our democracy had prevailed and that it had succeeded because of them. In March, as you recall, we came together and we passed legislation to award these patriots the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award, as has been mentioned, that this body can offer. Doing so was a high honor and privilege for each of us, and it was also our responsibility to ensure that we always remember those heroes and their sacrifice. As I said on the floor then: ``May the courage of these heroes always remain an inspiration to us. And may we always remember the valor of the fallen.'' This gold medal will be proudly displayed, as the distinguished gentleman referenced, for years to come, ensuring that their valor and the sacrifice of the fallen are always remembered. But 2 weeks after we passed that gold medal legislation, as you know, Madam Speaker, under your leadership, Congress honored one of the fallen, Officer Brian Sicknick, with a lying-in-state ceremony to convey the grief and gratitude felt for all Americans by his sacrifice. That respect was reflected in the presence of distinguished leaders, military leaders, and leaders of institutions of government who came to pay their respects, including President Biden. Sadly, just weeks later, we returned to the Capitol rotunda for a lying-in-honor ceremony for Officer Billy Evans, as the distinguished ranking member mentioned, killed in the line of duty in April on Good Friday. Officer Evans was a distinguished member of the first responders unit and an 18-year veteran of the United States Capitol Police. Everyone who knew him knew he was a hero. We hope that it was a comfort to his children Logan and Abigail that so many learned that day what a hero their father was. We hope by adding Billy's name to the pantheon of patriots honored with this gold medal, the memory of his sacrifice will always endure. So here we are once again on the floor of the House honoring our heroes. As we pass this legislation, we, as Members of Congress, have a responsibility to do more than simply laud these officers as heroes. We must respect them and we must support them with resources and funding. We must keep them safe. And we must ensure that a January 6th attack can never happen again. This is about our respect for their service and our responsibility to honor their sacrifice. Any chance we get, we want to praise our Capitol Police. Sadly, we are doing this in a time when we are honoring some who have lost their lives and some were severely injured, but every day we know that they are making a sacrifice, and that is what we respect. I urge a strong bipartisan vote for this legislation. I am pleased to hear both our distinguished chair, Maxine Waters, and the distinguished ranking member both support the legislation. I urge all members to join us in honoring our law enforcement heroes with real action with a gold medal.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, the chair of the Committee on Appropriations. I thank her for bringing this important legislation to the floor. It is the product of great, intense review of what is needed to go forward, and it is lean. There are many other suggestions that people have. This is what is urgent for us to do now. I thank the Committee on Appropriations, which is one of the committees of jurisdiction, having a series of hearings on the subject, all of the subcommittees of jurisdiction--I think there are six on there--and then even the Legislative Branch Committee, which has the most responsibility, had maybe seven hearings. In addition to that, let's start on that horrible day. Springing right from that, I called upon General Honore to review what has happened. I saw the work that he did in Katrina. That is how I got to know his work, and I knew that he would be an objective reviewer of what we needed. He put together a very blue ribbon committee of law enforcement and national security advisers--national security at the general level, generals in the military--and they put forth their recommendations of what we needed to do in the short term and in the long term. And many of those suggestions, in the short term, are in this legislation. There are those who say, well, we can't wait till we do the commission report--when they vote against the commission report--until we do this, like next year or the end of the year. No, the need is immediate, and it is now. So I thank Madam Chair DeLauro of the Committee on Appropriations, these subcommittee chairs for the multiple hearings that they have had on this subject, and I thank the chair of the House Administration Committee for the hearings that they have had in that committee as well to hone in on what is urgently needed now. I also salute the chair of the Committee on Homeland Security, Chairman Bennie Thompson, working in a bipartisan way with Mr. Katko, to bring the legislation--so important--in a bipartisan way to the floor yesterday. And I salute the work that they did. Madam Speaker, here we are, we have specific needs, honed to how we listened to the Architect of the Capitol as to what we need to harden the Capitol, the windows and doors. There are Members who have said, ``Why are we doing that?'' It was just a normal day of tourism in the Capitol, while that same person who said that is pictured in the news pushing furniture up against the door to keep the brawlers out of this Chamber. Normal day in the Capitol? Not so. So we know what is possible now. Who could have imagined that the President of the United States would incite an insurrection? Should we have been prepared for that? Who would have imagined that? But could we have been prepared better? Yes. And we know what we must do now. This has been an important week in the House as a revised gold medal legislation is being submitted. It is bipartisan. I am pleased to hear that the Republican leader, Mr. McCarthy, supports adding those who were attacked, assaulted, in fact, killed--the one killed, Billy Evans--on Good Friday. So that is in the works and we will take that up as soon as we come back. Yesterday, we had a big, strong bipartisan vote on the commission. Today, we are saying this is what we need to do now. We may need to do more as the commission does its work, as the committees of jurisdiction continue their hearings. So today, we continue to defend the Constitution and the Capitol with an emergency supplemental bill. Now much of what is happening in the Capitol in terms of restriction of visitors and the rest relates to COVID. And as that unfolds more favorably, we need to be sure that when we have children come and families enjoy and legislators passing laws and the press covering it all, and people coming to see the people's House in action, that they will be safe. Madam Speaker, the legislation, again, builds on the action that happened yesterday, and hopefully, we can move quickly through the Senate and make the necessary appointments so that the product of that will be respected by the American people. General Honore's report--I mentioned General Honore--he said, ``The breach of the Capitol on January 6 brought into stark relief the need to immediately improve the security of the Capitol complex and the security of Congressional Members and staff, and the workers who make our lives possible here. Immediate action is therefore required.'' Immediate action is therefore required: General Honore. This supplemental, again, protects Members of Congress, of course, the Capitol, employees, visitors, including bolstering the physical security of the complex, creating a new reaction force for cases of emergency. It responds to the direct costs of the attack on the Capitol. There were direct costs, including related to response and presence of the National Guard--that has to be paid for--District of Columbia and other Federal agencies, and to the prosecution of the insurrectionists. Proudly, it recognizes the sacrifices of the Capitol Police; supporting them with overtime pay, bonuses, and trauma support, as well as specialized training and equipment. And it honors the late Officer Howie Liebengood by creating the ``Howard C. `Howie' Liebengood Center for Wellness.'' We are very pleased and proud of that, and we thank the Liebengood family for their involvement in that creation, and my colleague, Congresswoman Wexton of Virginia for her role in this. Protecting the security of the Capitol so we can do our constitutional work on behalf of the American people should not be controversial. Four months ago, multiple lives were lost. Over 140 law enforcement officers were physically harmed. Trauma and terror were inflicted on our colleagues, our staff, and ourselves. Today, in passing this legislation, the House is taking a strong step forward to bring healing to our congressional community and to ensure that this horror can never happen again. Let me close again by quoting General Honore's report: ``As you consider the recommendations of this task force, we must not forget it was the riotous actions of an angry mob that laid bare the vulnerabilities of the Capitol complex. ``We must not long endure any discourse that prevents or delays efforts necessary to strengthen the security of the U.S. Capitol complex and enhance the safety of those who serve the American people in Congress.'' Madam Speaker, I urge a strong bipartisan vote on this emergency security supplemental to respond. And as the gentlewoman from Washington pointed out, there are many more things that we need to do, but we have to prioritize. We have to sequence. We can't wait until we know every answer before we start with the solutions that we are well- aware and that we know of. Again, some of this will depend on the resources in this legislation that will enable us to find out what it does cost to protect the Capitol in a way that is the least offensive to all of us, that says that this Capitol sits confidently, but assured that we will be protected when necessary, but that we don't need all of that protection outside, the fences and the rest, all the time. If we need it, we will have it when we need it. Again, those are decisions that have to be made from a technical standpoint, as well as a security and safety standpoint, and this legislation enables that to happen. There are those who say: Well, it didn't work then, so why is it going to work? You know what, let's have confidence. There is one word that I would say we need to rely on in all of this, and that is the word ``trust.'' Let us trust in each other that our purpose is the same; that we relied on the expert advice of generals and law enforcement and the rest, as to what we need immediately--to use their word, ``immediately.'' Let us trust that we can have the review that is necessary. We must have a review of the hierarchy of authority here. What is this police board? How is that graded? Why can't we do that in a different way? We have a search committee looking for a new chief of police. Our current chief of police may be in that mix, I don't know, because this is an objective search for a police chief. So we look forward to working in a bipartisan way because that cannot be anything but nonpartisan. The House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, honor our responsibility, our housekeeping responsibilities, to keep this place safe, and to have a chain of command that is clear. Where is the responsibility for this? Is it in that police board, of which the police chief is not a member? I agree with the gentlewoman, those kinds of issues are not resolved, but that should not hold up getting what we need in place right now. As the virus is relaxing some of the restrictions, we will be able, again, to function this summer as the U.S. Capitol, the welcoming beacon of democracy that it has always been, but with the assurance that it will be safe. Madam Speaker, hopefully we will have a strong bipartisan vote on this. And I am very proud of what happened yesterday. I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership in that regard. Madam Speaker, I praise the Appropriations Committee for bringing this to the floor. I thank the Homeland Security Committee for their great work and also as the authorizer. I also thank the House Administration Committee for the piece of this that they have.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. After the bipartisan agreement on this commission was reached, the respected bipartisan chairs of the 9/11 Commission, Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton, endorsed it, as was mentioned by the chairman and as I referenced earlier. I want to repeat it because I think it bears repetition: We very strongly urge House Members to support H.R. 3233, the bipartisan National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex bill that would create a 9/11-style commission to investigate the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol. That was a dark day in American history, one of the darkest. As chairman and vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission, unity of purpose was key to the effectiveness of the group. We put country above party, without bias, the events before, during, and after the attack. We sought to understand our vulnerabilities in order to prevent future acts of terrorism. The chair and vice chair went on to say: Today, democracy faces a new threat. The January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was one of the darkest days in the history of our country. Americans deserve an objective and accurate account of what happened. Mr. Hamilton and Governor Kean said: As we did in the wake of 9/11, it is time to set aside partisan politics and come together as Americans in common pursuit of truth and justice. As I said earlier, Mr. Speaker, the Capitol of the United States has always been a glorious beacon of democracy for the American people and for the world. This legislation is about something larger even than the commission, vital as the commission is. This legislation is about our democracy, about ensuring that the Capitol dome remains a symbol of freedom and about preserving America's role as an emblem of resilience, determination, and hope to the world. Indeed, creating this commission sends a resounding message to terrorists both at home and abroad: The commitment of the United States Congress to the Constitution and to the American people is unshakeable. In establishing the truth of January 6, this commission will protect our temple of democracy and our democracy itself. It will ensure that such an attack shall never happen again. Can we just not wait, Mr. Speaker, for a time very soon when children come here to learn, where the press can cover in a more open way, and where the American people can come into the people's House? That is what this Chamber has been called, the people's House. They come to witness the debate that affects their lives. And whatever our disagreement about policy, they are assured that we are unified in our commitment in honoring our Constitution and respecting the institution in which we serve. Mr. Speaker, I urge a strong bipartisan vote for H.R. 3233 to establish the national commission to investigate the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol complex. I do so with the greatest appreciation and respect to Chairman Bennie Thompson and to Ranking Member Katko, and I hope, again, that the spirit of bipartisanship that they engendered in bringing this legislation to the floor will only grow as we go forward with the commission and with its recommendations.

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also thank him for his great leadership working with Ranking Member Katko on bringing this bipartisan legislation to the floor for a bipartisan commission. Let's talk about where we are. Here we are in the Capitol of the United States. The dome of the U.S. Capitol has always been a beacon of democracy and hope to America and to the world. Under this dome, our Nation has abolished slavery; secured equal protections for all; ended a civil war; enfranchised women; established Medicare and Medicaid, voting rights and civil rights; and met the needs of the American people. Under this dome, schoolchildren learn about their country's history and what we are doing to advance their future. They come here and see us honor those who have contributed to the success of our country: Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, et cetera. But they know that our Founders, those patriots, wanted us to be working for a better future as we honor our history. Under this dome, when children learn about our country's history, they also learn about what we are doing for their futures. Legislators pass laws. The press engages with our democracy, reporting on it. Staff and workers enable all of this to happen. This dome is a symbol of the determination of America. But this was not always so. Let us recall that the dome of the Capitol was built during the Civil War as our country was riven by brutal conflict. At the time, many said the iron and steel used for construction were needed for the war effort. They urged the President not to continue the work on the dome. President Lincoln said no. He knew that our country needed a symbol of strength and unity, a reminder of the shared ideals and common purpose that built our Nation. It was a beacon of hope to guide us through times of darkness, and he knew that the work must continue as a sign of our strength and the unity of our country. Mr. Speaker, on January 6, and in the days, weeks, and months after, the Capitol dome was, once again, such a beacon. Would we prevail? January 6 was the day called for in the Constitution to validate the Presidential election. It was not just another day in the life of Congress. That day, one of the darkest days in our history, our temple of democracy was under assault by insurrectionists. The gleeful desecration of our Capitol resulted in multiple deaths and physical harm to over 140 members of law enforcement and terror and trauma among staff, workers, and even Members. The insurrection was called for to impede our constitutional mandate, but the Congress returned to the Capitol that night to accomplish our purpose. We agreed in a bipartisan way that day that we would return to the Capitol, and that sent an important signal to the world. The insurrection called for people to impede our constitutional mandate, but we returned to the Capitol. Thanks to the courage of the Capitol Police, Members, and support workers, we showed the country and, indeed, the world that we would not be diverted from our duty and that we would respect our responsibility to the Constitution of the United States. We take that oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Again, in a bipartisan way, we agreed to come back to the Capitol. Today, over 4 months later, many questions regarding the circumstances of this assault on our democracy and response to it remain. It is imperative that we seek the truth of what happened on January 6. To do that, Congress must, in a spirit, I believe, of bipartisanship and patriotism, establish an independent and bipartisan 9/11-type commission. Today, thanks to the leadership of Chairman Bennie Thompson and Ranking Member John Katko, legislation to create such a commission is on the House floor. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that this is happening 4\1/2\ months after the January 6 insurrection. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues know, but many were not here at the time, legislation establishing the 9/11 Commission, 9/11/2001, was not signed into law until the end of November 2002, over 14 months after the attacks. So, people have been saying: How come we don't have a commission? It takes time to build bipartisanship and come to agreement. Let us hope that the leadership that Mr. Thompson and Mr. Katko have demonstrated will be leadership that we will follow and that we will continue in the most bipartisan way in order to seek the truth. Today, 4 months later, many questions regarding the circumstances still exist. This commission is designed to be impartial and experienced. The legislation requires that the commissioners be ``prominent United States citizens with national recognition and significant depth of experience.'' It also indicates that they should not be Members of Congress or elected in another capacity. Commissioners will be appointed from the highest echelons of government service; law enforcement; civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy; Armed Forces; intelligence; counterterrorism; cybersecurity; technology; and law. The commission will be, again, bipartisan and bicameral, with commissioners appointed by the majority and minority leadership in the House and Senate. It will be actionable and effective, culminating in a final report on the facts and causes of January 6, along with recommendations to prevent further attacks on our democratic institutions. I heard earlier Chairman Thompson acknowledge the support and endorsement of the previous chairs of the 9/11 Commission, Governor Kean and Chairman Lee Hamilton from Congress, the co-chairs of the 9/11 Commission. They had written to us earlier about the need for such a bipartisan commission, but they also wanted not only to find out the truth so this doesn't happen again, but also to reinforce our commitment to democracy and take us on a path that is better and more unifying. That is a responsibility we have, and that is a hope that I have emerging from this debate and this vote today, that we will be able to have a strong bipartisan vote that takes us down a path more unifying for our country. We have this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, the press says to me: Why don't you just go do your own task force and your own select committee to investigate this? You have the votes, you have subpoena power, and you have this or that. I said: I don't want to do that. We want this to be as it is shaped, bipartisan with shared responsibility and shared staff in a way that the public will have respect for the outcome. To that end, 140 national security leaders have called for such a commission. This is what they have said: ``The events of January 6 exposed severe vulnerabilities in the Nation's preparedness for preventing and responding to domestic terrorist attacks. The immediate security failings that permitted a lethal breach of the Capitol complex by armed extremists raise serious questions and demand immediate solutions. . . . A failure to deploy the full suite of tools available to fully understand January 6 and address its causes will leave the Capitol, and the Nation, vulnerable to future attacks.'' This list is nonpartisan, 140 Democrats and Republicans. I don't even know what party some of them are. I include their statement in the Record, Mr. Speaker. Letter From Former Senior National Security, Military, and Elected Officials Calling On Congress To Create a Bipartisan 1/6 Commission Dear Members of Congress: We are former senior national security, military, and elected officials who have represented or served Democrats, Republicans, or administrations of both parties. We write to encourage this Congress to establish an independent and bipartisan national commission to investigate the January 6th assault of the U.S. Capitol Complex and its direct causes, and to make recommendations to prevent future assaults and strengthen the resilience of our democratic institutions. We also write to you with great urgency in light of what we collectively see as an exigent and growing threat. The events of January 6th exposed severe vulnerabilities in the nation's preparedness for preventing and responding to domestic terrorist attacks. The immediate security failings that permitted a lethal breach of the Capitol Complex by armed extremists raise serious questions and demand immediate solutions. But January 6th was also the result of complex national security threats. These include coordinated disinformation campaigns, nontransparent financing of extremist networks, potential foreign influences, and white supremacist violent extremism, which the Department of Homeland Security identified in an October 2020 report as among ``the most persistent and lethal threat[s] in the Homeland.'' As FBI Director Christopher Wray testified to you recently, ``January 6th was not an isolated event. The problem of domestic terrorism has been metastasizing across the country for a long time now and it's not going away anytime soon.'' Understanding how these forces culminated in an attack on the infrastructure of our democracy is critical to preventing future attacks. In the wake of September 11th, the administration and Congress jointly acknowledged that the attack's causes were complex and that an independent and well-equipped national commission was an essential tool to aid the federal government. Congressional inquiries, law enforcement activities, and a national commission not only worked in parallel, but critically complemented each other's necessary work. An independent commission should not supplant the ongoing work by the legislative and executive branches, but it can uniquely support them by providing comprehensive and expert recommendations for Congress to act upon. Commissions--properly empowered, resourced, and led--can establish a full picture of events and an analysis of their causes, from which nonpartisan recommendations can authoritatively flow. With dedicated time, resources, and expert staffing, they can also exclusively focus on the matter at hand over an appropriate time horizon. Given the gravity of January 6th as a national security matter--the violent disruption to the transition of power and the continuing threat of future attacks--a national commission examining the lead up to the January 6th assault, and the attendant security lapses, is not only appropriate, but a critical component of the national response. A failure to deploy the full suite of tools available to fully understand January 6th and address its causes will leave the Capitol, and the nation, vulnerable to future attacks. In bipartisan fashion, we have successfully marshaled these tools before, and we implore you to do so once again. Sincerely, (Note: All titles are former positions or military ranks held prior to retirement.) Javed Ali, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, National Security Council. Thad Allen, Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard; Commandant of the Coast Guard. Wendy R. Anderson, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Defense. Daniel Baer, U.S. Ambassador; Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. Brian Baird, U.S. Representative, 1999-2011. Daniella Ballou-Aares, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State. Rand Beers, Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Deputy Homeland Security Advisor. John Bellinger, Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State; Legal Advisor, National Security Council. Tatyana Bolton, Cyber Policy Lead--Senior Policy Analyst, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Charles Boustany, U.S. Representative, 2005-2017. Steven Browning, U.S. Ambassador; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. Todd F. Buchwald, U.S. Ambassador, Office of Global Criminal Justice, U.S. Department of State. Sharon Burke, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy. Daniel Byman, Professional Staff Member, 9/11 Commission. Piper Campbell, U.S. Ambassador; Head U.S. Mission to

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor. It really is representative of his lifetime of service to our country for liberty and justice for all, the term that our distinguished leader mentioned in his comments--liberty and justice for all. I want to spring from that and talk about e pluribus unum. When our Founders established that as a principle, as a guide, e pluribus unum, from many, one, they could never have imagined how many we would be or how different we would be from each other, but they knew we had to be one, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madam Speaker, I thank the leader for framing it in that way, and I thank the chairman for bringing us together around this legislation put forth by Representative Grace Meng, a real champion in Congress, who has long led the charge against anti-AAPI bigotry, and all forms of bigotry and violence, and who sees this impact firsthand in her district in Queens. I have visited her there, seeing the beautiful diversity of her community, even diversity within the Asian-American community, as diverse as it is, and the trust that they place in her, well-placed. And I salute CAPAC chair, Judy Chu, an historic leader, who every day is ensuring that the AAPI community has a powerful voice and strong representation in the United States Congress. Madam Speaker, I was listening to the gentleman's comments, and I was recalling when this resolution came to the floor last year, and the leader on the other side said: Nobody in the kitchen tables of America is talking about this. Another Member said that I was wasting the Congress' time, as Speaker, to be addressing this AAPI violence, or any of the hate COVID initiatives. It was ridiculous to say we were wasting time. It is important, it is the work of the Congress. This is an issue for us, it is a value. It is a value that is reaffirmed by overwhelming vote in a bipartisan way in the United States Senate. I know that Representative Meng considered it a happy day when we were on the Senate side, in the leadership of Chuck Schumer, with Senator Mazie Hirono, Senator Tammy Duckworth, our colleague, Andy Kim, and, of course, our lead sponsor, Grace Meng, as that bill was being brought forward on the Senate side, which, as we all know, received very strong, overwhelming bipartisan support. So, today, in the House, we see representation in action as we bring to the House floor important legislation to address a grave and growing crisis to the AAPI community and our entire country, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. And, again, I will salute Mazie Hirono and Tammy Duckworth, our leaders in the Senate, where the legislation passed almost unanimously, a clear sign of the Congress' unity on this priority. I, too, am blessed to represent a district that is blessed with a large AAPI population. And I have seen, as have some of our other colleagues, firsthand, the hate crimes exacted against them, intensified since last year. Over 6,600 incidences of anti-AAPI discrimination and violence from March of last year to March of this year, in all 50 States, have been reported: businesses vandalized, seniors attacked, families living in fear, and hundreds more occur unreported in the shadows. This is what we know. These attacks are even more shameful in light of the heroism of our AAPI community during the pandemic, against which 2 million Asian- Americans and Pacific Islanders are fighting on the front lines as healthcare providers, as first responders, our police and fire, and other essential workers. As a Californian, again, I have seen firsthand the pain in my community at an AAPI-serving healthcare clinic in Chinatown last month, and in conversations with the AAPI groups. We have these regular conversations at this time, sadly, taking this form. This epidemic of anti-AAPI bigotry is a challenge really, Madam Speaker, to the conscience of our country, which demands bold, effective, and immediate action. As the House prepares to pass this legislation today, I also join my colleagues in support of Chair Judy Chu's resolution condemning the deadly attack targeting the AAPI community in Georgia last month. These shootings were a vicious and vile act that compound the terror and pain that Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders face each day. This bill that we have on the floor today, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, will strengthen our defenses against any anti-AAPI violence, speeding our response to hate crimes, supporting State and local governments as they improve reporting, and ensuring that hate crimes information is more accessible to the Asia-American communities. This legislation also includes bipartisan measures to further improve hate crimes reporting and promote a better response to those hate crimes of any kind. Madam Speaker, it is really important if we are going to address the matter, if we are going to help solve the problem, we have to have an accounting of what it is. As I said, 6,600 in the past year, a lot of it intensified toward the end of that year. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Don Beyer for his leadership in the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, now as an amendment to this bill. This bill also builds on steps taken by President Biden, including his day one executive order to marshal Federal resources to combat xenophobia against Asian-Pacific and Pacific Islanders, and his March 30 announcement of additional steps to combat anti-AAPI bigotry. Together, these steps would make a significant difference to address hate crimes in America, not only during this pandemic, but for years to come. This month, May, is AAPI Heritage Month, and in this month we celebrate the many blessings that the AAPI community has bestowed on our Nation over the generations. As we do so, let us honor those contributions with action: ensuring that every Asian-American and Pacific Islander and their families and loved ones can live with safety, dignity, and pride. Madam Speaker, I urge a strong bipartisan vote for the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, and ask for the Chu resolution condemning the shootings of Georgia, when that comes up. I look forward to seeing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act go directly to the President's desk, as it has already passed the Senate, and be swiftly signed into law in a strong, bipartisan way. Madam Speaker, I urge a strong ``aye'' vote.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, with great solemnity and prayerfulness, I rise to join my colleagues in recognition of National Police Week: observed by this Congress and Country for nearly sixty years. Thank you, Rep. Val Demings, former Orlando Police Department Chief, a police officer for nearly 30 years, for providing us with this opportunity. This week, we honor the thousands of heroes who don the uniform each day, as they honor their patriotic pledge to defend our Democracy. They do so often in the face of grave danger--including the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced many to risk their lives as they work to save the lives of others. We especially salute our U.S. Capitol Police heroes, including those who lost their lives in defense of the Capitol. Following the January 6 assault, they have met horror with heroism; agony with action. We are awed by their resilience and grateful for their courage. As President Biden wrote in his Proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week: ``Every morning, our Nation's law enforcement officers pin on a badge and go to work, not knowing what the day will bring, and hoping to come home safely.'' Solemnly, we honor the sacrifice of those who did not ``come home safely.'' Today--and always--we pay tribute to our fallen officers, including the 394 officers added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this past year. Fourteen Californians received this sad recognition. The service of each of these heroes reminds us of our duty: to build a future worthy of their sacrifice. May the memories of the fallen live always in our hearts, as a reminder of that responsibility. And may it be a comfort to the families of the fallen that so many mourn with and pray for them.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the recognition and for his leadership, and that of the committee in bringing this important bipartisan legislation to the floor. I salute the gentleman; I salute Jerry Nadler, an author of this legislation, the chair of the Committee on the Judiciary; Mr. Katko for his lead cosponsorship; among other Republican members, to make this strongly bipartisan. Mr. Speaker, I am excited about this legislation as a mother of five children--four daughters, one son--nine grandchildren. This is about a recognition of being family-friendly in our legislation, as more women are a part of the economic success of our country. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a strong bipartisan step to ensure that women are no longer forced to choose between maintaining a healthy pregnancy and paycheck--a choice that, for many, has serious health consequences. This landmark legislation advances the health of women and children, the financial security of families, and, really, the dynamism of our American economy. And its passage--while long overdue--is particularly urgent, as the lives and livelihood of so many are under threat from the coronavirus. Again, I thank the chairman and Mr. Katko, Mr. Nadler, and so many others for their leadership in passing this bill. And I thank all the cosponsors. Again, as a mother of five, I am especially proud to support the bill. And I want to salute all the mothers and women who have spoken out, often risking professional retaliation, to end pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. This is what this means: It means that too often when a pregnant worker asks for a temporary job-related accomodation, she will be fired or pushed onto unpaid leave, deprived of her paycheck and health insurance when she needs them most. This is particularly true in many physically taxing jobs, which tend to be low wage and traditionally dominated by women. And that is why we must pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, putting in place a clear, explicit pregnancy accommodation framework, similar to the standard that has been in place for decades for workers with disabilities, which I was proud to be part of. Our distinguished leader, Mr. Hoyer, has been a major leader in that regard. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is also a matter of justice. As nearly 300 groups from the ACLU to Zero To Three recently wrote to Congress-- from A to Z--``Discrimination affects pregnant workers across race and ethnicity, but women of color and immigrants may be at particular risk. ``Latinas, Black women and immigrant women are more likely to hold certain inflexible and physically demanding jobs that can present specific challenges for pregnant workers. . . . This can make reasonable accommodations on the job even more important, and loss of wages and health insurance due to pregnancy discrimination especially challenging.'' I think it is important to note that this legislation is important also from the standpoint of hiring. We want to make sure that employers who are hiring someone know there is a level playing field should the woman of childbearing age--or even already blessed with a pregnancy-- that this is a positive initiative for their workplace and their treating that person with respect is not placing them at any disadvantage if the playing field is level. This comes at a time when--I mentioned about the pandemic--around 2 million women were pushed out of the labor force. One out of four women report they are still worse off financially than a year ago. Studies show it will take 18 months longer for the women's employment to rebound from the pandemic than for men's. And the reduction of women's work hours and labor force participation is said to erase tens of billions of dollars from our economy. American women are part of the engine of America's economy and the key to building back better after this crisis. And again, as we all say: When women succeed, America succeeds. And we can apply that to say: When women of childbearing age succeed, America certainly succeeds. And for mothers and women who are pregnant, the challenges are even graver because our Nation still lacks sufficient workplace protections against pregnancy discrimination. Mr. Speaker, that is why this legislation is so very important and is consistent with what we pledge--liberty and justice for all women. I am very excited about this because, as we all know, pregnancy is a blessing to any family, and we do not want any intervention that can be avoided in terms of accommodating the needs of women who are pregnant. Mr. Speaker, I salute all of you. I am very excited about this legislation and I am so glad it will have strong bipartisan support.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and some emotion that I rise to honor an outstanding and longstanding member of my staff who has been a pillar of my office for nearly 15 years, my Senior Advisor and Director of Member Services, Michael Long. To Members of Congress and all who work and serve in this Chamber, the name Michael Long is synonymous with excellence. Michael is a coalition-builder and a communicator, a liaison and a leader with an extraordinary talent for forging enduring, effective connections, both within and outside the Capitol. I have watched him with great pride over the years as he welcomed young people to the Capitol, including the Boy Scouts, as an Eagle Scout himself, showing his leadership from early on, whether it is his communication with his many friends and admirers in the Congressional Black Caucus or with the Members across the Congress on both sides of the aisle. We all know and are grateful for his unwavering patience and perseverance and his remarkable ability to anticipate and meet the needs of Members. Michael comes from a family that is committed to the civil rights movement. He has it in his DNA, although he is younger than the movement. For this and other reasons, many of us were privileged that Michael came with us, under the leadership of Karen Bass and the Congressional Black Caucus, to Ghana. Mr. Whip, you were a leader in that delegation, and you know how moving it was. But Michael brought, in his DNA, the spirit of his father, Isaac, who was watching down from Heaven and saw Michael be part of that historic trip. The whole time, he wore Isaac's cufflinks as Isaac looked down with pride, and his mother, Naomi, and sister, Veronica, looked on with love from here, taking great pride in Michael. Mr. Whip, it is such an honor that you are in the Chair as I pay tribute to Michael, a real tribute to him and his work. Michael has been a tremendous asset to the Speaker's Office and my leadership team over the years, and to the entire Democratic Caucus and the entire Congress, ensuring that we can deliver progress For the People. He can take pride, as I do, in knowing the key role that he has played in our passing legislation to lift up working families across America. That happened because of his leadership. While Michael's trusted presence on this floor and on Capitol Hill will be missed, we are grateful for his service, as well as for his work as a mentor and leader to forge a path for others to follow. Indeed, his tenure has been both historic and impactful. On behalf of the House of Representatives, I thank Michael Long and wish him the best in the next stages of his journey. With great admiration and appreciation, thank you, Michael Long.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the authorities vested in the Speaker of the House by law and the Rules of the House of Representatives, commencing at 5:00 PM on April 28, 2021 and ending at 11:59 PM on April 28, 2021, the corridors and passages of the Capitol under control of the House shall be restricted to those Members and staff who have an office in the House wing of the Capitol, invited Members, and individuals who possess the appropriate credentials for presence in the Capitol as issued by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, and those who are issued a credential in support of the joint ceremonial session. The Office of the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives and the United States Capitol Police shall deny admittance to the Capitol except to those listed above.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Madam Chairwoman Maloney for yielding, and I salute her for her leadership in bringing this historic legislation to the floor. All of us join in saluting Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has been the patron saint of D.C. statehood since she came to Congress. She has been tireless, persistent, and dissatisfied as she has built historical support for this bill, which passed in the previous Congress with 235 votes. I rise as Speaker of the House to join my colleagues on this momentous day for American democracy as we right a historic injustice by passing legislation to finally grant Washington, D.C., statehood. Statehood for the District of Columbia is about showing respect for our democracy, for the American people, and for our Constitution. That Constitution begins with our preamble, ``We the people,'' setting out our Founders' vision of a government of, by, and for the people. Yet, for more than two centuries, the people of Washington, D.C., have been denied their right to fully participate in their democracy. D.C., as Congresswoman Norton mentioned, pays more Federal taxes per capita than any other State. Its budget is larger than 12 States. Its population is larger than two States. Its people have fought in every American war since the Revolution. D.C. residents have been fighting for voting rights and autonomy for 220 years, with a full 86 percent recently voting for statehood. It is well past the time to grant them the rights that they have been fighting for and that they deserve. As I said, Mr. Speaker, I rise as Speaker of the House on this momentous occasion. It is an official honor to do so, but it is also a personal privilege to join Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton; the distinguished chair of the committee of jurisdiction, Congresswoman Maloney; many of my colleagues; and the distinguished majority leader, Mr. Hoyer, who has made this part of his life's work in the Congress to join in this fight for statehood. It is a personal privilege because when I was born, my father was a Member of Congress from Baltimore, Maryland, Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr. He served as chairman of the District of Columbia Appropriations Subcommittee. That position made him the unofficial mayor of Washington because of the authority that the committee had over the District of Columbia and their every decision. However, my father did not agree with that. He was a proponent for what was then called ``home rule.'' They often say that statehood for the District of Columbia is in my DNA. It went from home rule, then to finally having a mayor, and now we want statehood. We have always wanted statehood, but now we finally are able to pass it in the Congress. There is nothing theoretical or abstract about statehood. For example, last summer, the country watched in horror as Federal agents and out-of-State National Guard troops were deployed against peaceful protesters in the District without residents' approval. Then, on January 6, as our Capitol was being defiled, our Capitol Police assaulted and killed, and our Members and staff terrorized, D.C. leaders did not have the authority to call the National Guard to protect its people. Granting D.C. statehood means ensuring that its leaders have the tools they need to keep people safe. The Governor of any one of our States has the authority to call in the National Guard. That is not an authority that is afforded to the Mayor of Washington, D.C. If that were the case, we would have had protection much sooner. Statehood is also a matter of civil rights. The residents of the District have a right to self-governance and control over their lives and futures. It is particularly meaningful that we pass this legislation just days after the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln signing the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, freeing enslaved people in the District. Today, by passing H.R. 51 to admit the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the Union, the House will finally address this unjust, unequal, and undemocratic situation. We look forward to a swift vote in the Senate on this essential legislation so that we can send this important legislation to the President's desk. At the same time, House Democrats will continue our work to protect every American's right to be heard at the ballot box. I urge a strong vote for D.C. statehood, H.R. 51--the 51st State, easy to remember--and for its citizens' civil liberties, security, and right to have a say in our democracy. I want to once again commend Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton for her long dedication to justice for every person in our country, starting with the people she represents in the District of Columbia, hopefully soon to be the 51st State of the Union. I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding and for his leadership. What a busy time in the Committee on the Judiciary, bringing two bills to the floor today, with all the work that went into them under Chairman Nadler's leadership. Madam Speaker, here we are, under the gaze of our patriarch, George Washington, right there in this Chamber. Madam Speaker, 230 years ago, our patriarch, George Washington, who watches over us in this Chamber, famously wrote to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island. In that letter, he made a promise that would be our Nation's guide for centuries to come. He wrote: All possess ``liberty of conscience. . . . It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights.'' He went on to say: ``For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens.'' Today, by passing the NO BAN Act, the House is upholding that fundamental promise--``to bigotry no sanction''--by taking action to ensure that no President or administration can ever again abuse its authority by waging discrimination on the basis of religion. Madam Speaker, thank you to Chair Judy Chu of CAPAC, our sponsor of this legislation and a national champion in combating discrimination and xenophobia, who has helped lead the Congress' response to recent anti-AAPI attacks. The NO BAN Act strengthens the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, and it restores the separation of powers by limiting overly broad executive action to issue future religious bans, which are fundamentally un-American. As Justice Sotomayor wrote, echoing President Washington, in her dissent in the shameful Trump v. Hawaii Supreme Court case upholding the last administration's Muslim ban: ``The United States of America is a Nation built upon the promise of religious liberty. Our Founders honored that core promise by embedding the principle of religious neutrality in the First Amendment. The Court's decision today'' to uphold the Muslim ban ``fails to safeguard that fundamental principle.'' Madam Speaker, I want to mention that when this happened 4 years ago, and the President came and did his Muslim ban legislation, we had a hearing. It wasn't an official hearing because we weren't in the majority, and the majority wasn't interested in having it, but we had a hearing on it. What we saw in that hearing were leaders of the security community saying that if this stays in place, it is going to hurt our national security because we will not be able to keep promises that we made to those who helped us in Afghanistan and Iraq. We won't be able to because many of them are Muslim. Madam Speaker, a thousand diplomats from the State Department--and this is highly unusual--signed on in opposition to what this did to us diplomatically in the world. Our rank-and-file men and women spoke directly to the problem that this would create, the danger it created, in people trusting our word when we asked them to help us and that we would help keep them safe. Madam Speaker, you have heard me quote, and Pramila has heard me quote, again and again in that same hearing because many of the people who come here for asylum and refugee status because of religious persecution where they are from, the National Association of Evangelicals testified the following: ``The United States' refugee resettlement program is the crown jewel of American humanitarianism.'' They were speaking in terms of religious refugees. Again, we cannot allow any President to abuse the power of his or her office in this regard. Madam Speaker, if I may, I would like to also address another piece of legislation, and I thank the chairman for bringing it to the floor, the Access to Counsel Act, protecting the civil liberties of those who face prolonged detention as they seek legal entry into the United States. Some of them are little children. This is a commonsense step to close a serious and dangerous gap in our immigration law that too often prevents the vulnerable from accessing not only legal counsel but also medical attention or contact with their families. I am always proud to salute Representative Pramila Jayapal, the sponsor of the Access to Counsel Act and a champion for the dignity and rights of all newcomers to our Nation--in fact, everyone in our Nation; and I thank her for her efforts. Passage of these bills, the NO BAN Act and the Access to Counsel Act, should not be controversial. Over 400 immigrants' rights bills organizations, faith-based organizations, business groups, and civil rights organizations support the NO BAN Act, and many more support the Access to Counsel Act. These bills are about honoring our Nation's promise that, as President Washington said, we will give ``to bigotry no sanction; to persecution no assistance.'' Madam Speaker, I urge a strong vote for both of these bills honoring the vision of our Founders, and the aspirations of so many people in our country.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his very moving and profound statement on democracy and democratic freedoms in Hong Kong. I thank the chairman for his leadership for bringing this important legislation to the floor. I thank the ranking member, Mr. McCaul, for his leadership, as well, on an ongoing basis on this important issue and for his courtesy for yielding back. It is always an honor to be with Chris Smith, we have been working on these issues together for 30 years--a very long time--to demonstrate the bipartisan nature of the support that we have for democratic freedoms in Hong Kong, in the House, and in the Senate, bicameral and bipartisan. Mr. Speaker, Friday was a sad day and a disturbing day for the people of Hong Kong and for all freedom-loving people as sentences were handed down to Martin Lee, a global champion of human rights, and to other pro-democracy leaders for engaging in peaceful protests. This afternoon, 3 days after that distressing development, I had the privilege to speak with activists from the Hong Kong Democracy Council. It was an inspiration to hear how they and the people of Hong Kong are responding to China's crackdown with great courage; how the dream of real autonomy cannot be extinguished by injustice or intimidation. In our conversation earlier today--and in all my communications with Hong Kongers--they asked that the United States Congress continue to speak out to support their aspirations for the freedoms that they were promised. We were there when they promised them. Today, with this resolution, Congress is honoring that call. I thank Chairman Meeks, Ranking Member McCaul, again, Representatives Bera and Malinowski, and the distinguished chair of the China Executive Commission, Mr. McGovern, for their work on this important legislation. H. Res. 130 condemns the continued violation of rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It states that Communist China continues to ``disregard its international legal obligations under the joint declaration'' which mandates, among other pledges, that ``Hong Kong would enjoy a high degree of autonomy'' and ``the personal rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong would be protected by law.'' This resolution today makes clear that China has trampled on its promises, including its draconian so-called national security law used to target and round up peaceful protesters under the guise of terrorism; disqualification of pro-democracy candidates from participating in the September 6 legislative council elections; the indictments and arrests for six Hong Kong activists living overseas--as the distinguished chairman pointed out, including here in the United States--and the arrests and sentencing of dozens of pro-democracy activists, including, as was mentioned, Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow, and Ivan Lam--and opposition leaders, the Hong Kong 12, of this past December and January. Again, I mention Martin Lee. The United States Congress has always supported Hong Kong on a bipartisan and bicameral basis, and we remain laser-focused on efforts to support Hong Kong's efforts to maintain and grow the rule of law and freedom of speech in their home, and we are determined to hold China accountable. Our response must include further strengthening our work with international coalitions--this has to be multilateral--passing legislation in addition to this resolution, to support Hong Kong, building on the passage of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in 2019. Our legislative response must also address the plight of the Uighurs and Tibetans and the violation of their rights in China; and we must continue to use our platform to speak out about Beijing's crackdown on the global stage and ensure that the voices that the Chinese Government are trying to silence are heard. In response, our focus must be on human rights. As I always say, if we do not speak out for human rights in China because of commercial interests, then we lose all moral authority to speak out on human rights anywhere in the world. That is what I have been stating and fighting for--as we have together--since 1991 when I went to Tiananmen Square and unfurled a black-and-white banner reading: To those who died for democracy. Ever since, many of us have fought to ensure that human rights and trade are firmly linked, from sponsoring the U.S.-China Act in 1993 and in 1994 urging Congress to deny China most-favored nation status to goods made by the PLA in the prisons. Mr. Smith and Mr. Frank Wolf went there and saw the evidence of prison labor goods being sent to the U.S. and corporate America just ignoring the whole thing. Then in 2000 we fought efforts to give China a blank check when it failed to comply with its market commitment under the WTO, and they still continue to do that. We cannot allow economic interests to blind us to moral injustices committed by China. On Friday in a speech to court, the storied Hong Kong attorney, Margaret Ng, quoted Sir Thomas More, the patron saint of the legal profession, who was tried for treason because he would not bend the law to the king's will. Margaret Ng ended her statement by paraphrasing his final, famous words: I stand the law's good servant, but the people's first. For the law must serve the people, not the people the law. With that, I support an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote for this resolution and for the Congress' continued bipartisan and bicameral work to support the people of Hong Kong in the face of Beijing's exploitation of and assault on the law. It is a very important piece of legislation, and I am so glad it is going to have bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I thank the chair and the ranking member of the committee for their leadership.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor of the House. This is about building back better with women, not stifling innovation and entrepreneurship, but reaping the benefits of all that women have to offer in our country. Mr. Speaker, nearly 60 years ago, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, lauding it as ``a measure that adds to our laws another structure basic to democracy.'' Today, I rise in support of a similarly momentous measure for our democracy, the Paycheck Fairness Act, which will strengthen that law and reaffirm this pledge: equal work deserves equal pay. We all salute Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro, the guardian angel of this legislation, and so much of what Democrats' work on behalf of women and families. Chairwoman DeLauro is relentless, introducing this bill in each of the last 13 Congresses and securing bipartisan support and the support of the entire House Democratic Caucus. And now, because of her leadership, we have a chance for it to become law. Many of us, with Chair DeLauro at the helm, have helped lead the charge for equal pay for many years now. Twelve years ago, House Democrats passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to protect women's right to challenge unfair pay in the courts. We are proud that President Obama made this bill the first bill he signed into law. You talked about it earlier, Mr. Chairman. Exactly 10 years later, when Democrats retook the majority, we were honored to stand with Lilly Ledbetter, that courageous woman, as we took another step forward for pay equity by again introducing Congresswoman DeLauro's bill, the Paycheck Fairness Act. Today, a Democratic Congress led by over 120 women in the House; with an administration led by President Biden, a longtime champion of women; and the first woman Vice President, Kamala Harris; and with a record number of women in the Cabinet, those are great advances for women. We will pass this landmark bill once more, send it to the Senate, and then, hopefully, to President Biden to sign into law. I am the mother of four daughters. I don't know anybody who has a daughter, a wife, a sister, a mother who can say to them, You are not worth it; your time is not worth the time of your brother, your father, your whoever else. What father, brother or son would not want the women in their lives to have equal pay? Sadly, equal pay is not yet a reality in America. Nearly six decades after the passage of the Equal Pay Act, women working full time year round are paid only 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. And for women of color, the disparity is even greater. It is almost sinful. For Black women, it is 63 cents; Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native women, 60 cents; and a Latina is making just 55 cents for every dollar for the same work as men. Equal work, equal hours, equal efforts, but not equal pay. And this is not just about cents on a dollar. This pay gap can add up to about $400,000 in lost wages over a career. What does that mean to a woman's pension? At the same time, the need for action has been accelerated by the pandemic, which has worsened economic disparities for women. Last year, women lost a net 5.4 million jobs during the recession, with losses disproportionately experienced by women of color. This unjust, uneven toll on women is expected to widen the wage gap by up to 5 percentage points. Widen the gap by 5 percentage points, even as the economy recovers. As the House passes this landmark legislation, let us stand proudly, unapologetically for what this does for the economy of our country. We continue to work to advance progress for women and families. With the strong support of President Biden, the House Democrats are proud to have passed and sent to the Senate our bipartisan VAWA reauthorization led by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; legislation to remove the arbitrary deadline for ERA ratification led by Congresswoman Jackie Speier; and to have enacted the American Rescue Plan, which is helping many women to return to the workforce. And we will continue this drumbeat of action ensuring that the Senate passes the Paycheck Fairness Act and advancing legislation to strengthen women's access to childcare, healthcare, workplace safety, and more. And as we move forward to ``build back better,'' President Biden's alliterative phrase for how we have job creation in our country, we can only build back better if women are central to that effort. Advancing an economy in a country that works for all of the people in America is very important to America's families and America's children. I urge a strong and, hopefully, bipartisan vote on H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act. Fairness is an all-American quality. Fairness for women is essential because we know that when women succeed, America succeeds. I thank Congresswoman DeLauro and Chairman Scott for their leadership.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding service of the Reading Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, Joe Novotny, as he prepares for his retirement. Mr. Speaker, as Reading Clerk, Joe Novotny has served as the voice of the House, and his trusted leadership and valued presence on this floor will be missed by Members and staff on both sides of the aisle. Joe Novotny has dedicated his entire career to the people's House. First serving as a congressional page at age 16, Joe returned to the House after college, where he worked for the House Education and Labor Committee for 15 years, rising to become chief clerk. His service was respected by all, including my friend, Chairman George Miller, who lauded Joe as ``an incredibly valuable asset to my staff whose unparalleled integrity and dedication helped our committee advance major policies that are making a difference in the lives of working families.'' Mr. Speaker, I just learned from our colleague Dan Kildee that his uncle, Dale Kildee, a leading member of the Education and Labor Committee, was also a good friend and benefited from the service and leadership of Joe Novotny. In 2010, it was my great and proud honor as Speaker of the House to name Joe Novotny Reading Clerk, the first openly gay man to hold this position. I am proud of that. His historic service has made our Congress more inclusive, diverse, and representative of the people we serve. As the child of immigrants, Novotny's ascendance in the halls of the U.S. Capitol is, as he has proudly said, the story of the American Dream. As Reading Clerk, Novotny has been vital in engaging the people of our country with their democracy. Each day, he ensures that measures debated in this House are clearly articulated not only to Members but to the American people and to people around the world. His commitment to making Congress more accessible and efficient has been particularly important during this time of pandemic, as our institution has adjusted to remote and virtual operations. Since day one, Joe has brought his steady presence, professionalism, and institutional expertise to the House floor. In doing so, he has helped advance the ability of the people's House to do the people's work. I am taking this additional time, Mr. Speaker, because so many Members have told me what Joe means to them, and I wanted to express some of that in my remarks. While Joe Novotny's service will be missed, his great love for the House and his dedication to our democracy stand as an inspiration for all who will follow in the path that he has blazed. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I wish him the best in the next stages of his journey, and I thank Joe for his patriotic service. Thank you, Joe Novotny.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and once again, I salute him for his leadership. This is the third bill in 2 days that he has brought to the floor, yesterday for the ERA and Violence Against Women Act, and today, here we are with this legislation for the Dreamers. Madam Speaker, this issue is near and dear to my heart but, more importantly, to my head. This is so important for our country. Three years ago, I came to the floor and spoke about our Dreamers for 8 hours and 6 minutes. Have no fear, I will not use my Speaker's minute to that extent today. But I wish I could because I have so much to say about what Dreamers mean to America. I rise with tremendous pride, joy, and hope this day as the House prepares to take this momentous step forward for our democracy by passing H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act. I want to salute some of our leaders in Congress. As I acknowledged Mr. Nadler, the distinguished chair of the committee, let us also acknowledge Lucille Roybal-Allard, the godmother of this legislation, who carries forth a commitment to the newcomers to our country in her DNA, the same commitment of her father, the late Chairman Ed Roybal, as he championed newcomers to our Nation. She has been with this legislation for 20 years that I know of, and it was she and Howard Berman who introduced it initially a generation ago. Ten years ago, she authored this legislation, and we were successful on the floor. We were successful in passing it in the House because of the leadership of Congresswoman Roybal-Allard but also Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez, who at the time was the chair of the Hispanic Caucus. The Hispanic Caucus really led the way and taught the Congress about what Dreamers mean to America, in case that had not been within the experience of our Members. In this legislation today, Nydia Velazquez has the ``promise.'' This is Dreamers and promise. She has the promise, TPS and DED--again, very important to our country. Yvette Clarke, from the Congressional Black Caucus, who is very much a part of all of this today, has the TPS piece of this. I was so pleased to hear this morning CAPAC, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, have Congresswoman Strickland, of African- American and Korean descent, speak in terms of what this means to the Asian Pacific American community, something that Chair Judy Chu reminds us of every day. This has now gone beyond the Hispanic Caucus, the Black Caucus, the Asian Pacific Caucus, and to all of us in the Congress. This legislation is protecting Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients and honors the truth that immigrants are the constant reinvigoration of our country. When they come here with their hopes and dreams and aspirations, these parents bringing their children, their hopes and dreams and aspirations for a better future for their children, that courage, that determination, those aspirations are American traits. They all make America more American with all of that. Indeed, they are true and legitimate heirs, these Dreamers are, of our Founders. E pluribus unum, from many, one, we talk about that all the time. Many in this Chamber have been part of the fight to protect our patriotic Dreamers for years. As I said, when I stood here for 8 hours and 6 minutes, the longest speech on record in the House in history, I was reading letters that Members were handing me about the story of the Dreamers. As Mr. Stanton mentioned, they are teachers, professionals, CEOs, entrepreneurs. They contribute to our community in every way. I was so pleased to hear him talk about that because one of the first meetings I ever went to about Dreamers was under the leadership of one of the predecessors of our Members from Arizona, Congressman Ed Pastor. Chairman Pastor, Mr. Grijalva, and Harry Mitchell, all three, had a meeting at Arizona State University about helping these young people. That was in 2007. So, this has been going on for a while. Next month, as I mentioned, marks the 20th year since the Dream Act was introduced by Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, and it was on a bipartisan basis. When we passed it 10 years ago, it was on a bipartisan basis. Sadly, we couldn't prevail with 60 votes in the Senate. But since then, millions of Americans have come together to organize and mobilize for Dreamers: labor leaders, the business community, faith organizations, national security officials, law enforcement, and more. We often talk about Dreamers having the support of the three Bs: badges, in terms of law enforcement; Bible, in terms of faith-based; and the business community. The true VIPs of the moment are the Dreamers and immigrants who have spoken out with great dignity and eloquence, refusing to be forced back into the shadows. This determination has made a difference. It is their courage that is sending this legislation to the Senate and then to the President's desk. Before I close, I want to acknowledge the work of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, the chair of the Immigration Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee. Zoe Lofgren is also the chair of House Administration, so I call her Madam Chair-Madam Chair. She has taught immigration law. She has been an immigration lawyer, and she chairs the Immigration Subcommittee. We could not be better served than by her intricate knowledge of immigration law, both on this legislation and legislation we will take up later, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. I thank Zoe Lofgren for that. Again, Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients are American in every way. They have lived and worked in our country for decades, if not their entire lives. They are an integral thread in the fabric of our Nation. For the Dreamers, it is less time, for others more. Dreamers power our businesses, our economy, and are CEOs and taxpayers, all of them. They advance innovation and America's technological edge as entrepreneurs and researchers. They protect our national security, military might, and servicemembers and civilian experts. That is why I am so grateful to Chair Roybal-Allard, Chair Velazquez, Chair Judy Chu, and Congresswoman Strickland for advancing this legislation to help Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients. So many on the front lines of the pandemic are frontline healthcare workers and first responders; transportation, sanitation, and food workers; and teachers. They give so much to our country. These immigrant communities strengthen, enrich, and ennoble our Nation, and they must be allowed to stay. There is nothing partisan about protecting Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients. The Dream Act has long had bipartisan support in both Chambers. Support for TPS and DED recipients is also bipartisan in the country. Nearly three-quarters of the public support a path to citizenship. I always love to quote President Reagan. In his last speech as President of the United States, this was his last message as President to the American people. He said: ``Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity, we are a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas, and always on the cutting edge, always leading the world to the next frontier. This quality is vital to our future as a nation. If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.'' I urge a bipartisan vote.

Ms. PELOSI

Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I salute the gentleman for the excellent work of his committee, bringing this important legislation, H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to the floor. I thank the chairman for this critical victory for farmworkers and growers, who have come together in support of this legislation, this legislation which ensures that America can continue to feed the world. Thank you to Chair Zoe Lofgren, chair of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship, for her years of relentless leadership on behalf of farmworkers, without which this bill would not be possible. I sang her praises earlier as a former teacher of immigration, immigration lawyer, and chair of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship. She knows of what she legislates. I think that it is clear to see there are a number of Californians involved in this. I want to salute Mr. Costa and Mr. Carbajal, who are an important part of this. They represent farmland in California. They know the needs of the workers. They respect the involvement of the growers. This, again, is a wonderful bill. We salute many Members, representing every corner of the country, whose vision and values have strengthened this bill that has truly been a caucus- and Congress-wide effort. Thank you to the United Farm Workers for their outstanding organizing which made this possible. In addition to our work internally, their outside mobilization is so important. We are also inspired by the immortal words of our beloved Dolores Huerta: ``Yes, we can,'' ``Si, se puede.'' Yes, we can; yes, we will; and, yes, we are doing it. It was an honor last year at this time to celebrate her 90th birthday in the Rayburn Room, the last event we had before COVID took over. So here we are a year later. This is probably a better celebration. Passing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and doing so on a bipartisan basis was a source of pride in the last Congress, and it is now. With a Democratic majority in the Senate and President Biden in the White House, when we pass it again, it is with better assurance that it will become law. The bill honors the millions of farmworkers who are the backbone of our economy, quietly persevering through harsh working conditions and low wages as they power the farm economy and put food on our tables. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has written: Recognizing the dignity of work of farmworkers and their families is a central concern. Farmworkers produce the food that we eat and contribute to the care of our community. This legislation, while long overdue, is urgently needed now, in light of the coronavirus crisis, which is forcing our essential farmworkers to live and work under a cloud of fear and uncertainty about their health and their jobs. At the same time, the pandemic has accelerated a labor crisis in the farm economy that endangers farmers and producers and requires action. This action today is an agreement between the growers and the farmworkers. This legislation supports workers and the farm economy with strong, smart reforms. This bill provides a path to legalization for more than one million currently undocumented farmworkers. No one who works to feed our country should be condemned to permanent second-class status. This bill establishes the agricultural workforce of the future by modernizing the H-2A initiative to ensure that farms have stable, secure workforces. Critically, it demands fair, humane treatment for farmworkers by securing fairness in pay, improving access to quality housing, and ensuring robust safety and heat illness protections. Any of us who have visited farmworkers in the fields--and some of our Members have been farmworkers themselves or children of farmworkers-- know the environment, the heat, the chemicals, and the rest, are a challenge. This legislation is a critical step forward for our workers, for our growers, and the farm economy, but our work is not done. Congress will continue to stabilize the farm economy, protect workers and families, and maintain America's agricultural preeminence in the world. Under the leadership of President Biden, we will continue our work to fundamentally, fully fix our broken immigration system so that we can honor America's proud immigrant heritage and advance a better future for all. Earlier, I quoted President Reagan. I want to do so again more fully. Earlier, when I spoke on the floor about Dreamers, I did so for 8 hours and 6 minutes. I promised earlier today to be shorter, and so I didn't give as much of President Reagan's speech. This is what he said: ``And since this is the last speech that I will give as President, I think it's fitting to leave one final thought, an observation about a country which I love.'' He went on to talk about the Statue of Liberty, Madam Speaker. He said: ``The torch of Lady Liberty symbolizes our freedom and represents our heritage, the compact with our parents, our grandparents, and our ancestors. It is that lady who gives us our great and special place in the world. For it's the great life force of each generation of new Americans that guarantees that America's triumph shall continue unsurpassed into the next century and beyond. Other countries may seek to compete with us; but in one vital area, as a beacon of freedom and opportunity that draws the people of the world, no country on Earth comes close.'' As I said earlier, he said: ``This, I believe, is one of the most important sources of America's greatness. We lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people--our strength--from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our Nation. While other countries cling to the stale past, here in America we breathe life into dreams. We create the future, and the world follows us into tomorrow. Thanks to each wave''-- President Reagan said--``Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity, we're a Nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas, and always on the cutting edge, always leading the world to the next frontier. This quality is vital to our future as a Nation. If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.'' This being the last speech that I will give as President, President Reagan said, ``I think it's fitting to leave one final thought, an observation about a country which I love.'' As we remember the words of President Reagan, I also recall the words of the late Cesar Chavez, whose birthday we celebrate later this month. He said: ``To make a great dream come true, the first requirement is a great capacity to dream; the second is persistence.'' Thanks to all of our bipartisan Members for their persistence on this legislation for which I urge a strong bipartisan ``aye'' vote.