Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee met yesterday and reported a rule, House Resolution 380, providing for consideration of H.R. 2547, the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act, under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services or their designees. The rule self-executes a manager's amendment from Chairwoman Waters, makes in order 14 amendments, provides en bloc authority for Chairwoman Waters or her designee and provides one motion to recommit. The rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, under a closed rule, which provides 1 hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Education and Labor or their designees, and provides one motion to recommit. The rule deems as passed H. Res. 379, a resolution to dismiss the election contest in Illinois' 14th Congressional District. Finally, the rule provides the majority leader or his designee the ability to en bloc requested roll call votes on suspension bills considered on May 11 or May 12. This authority lasts through May 14. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased we are here today to provide consideration of two important bills to protect and support our constituents. First is the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act, which will create protections for servicemembers, small businesses, students, and other consumers against mistreatment by debt collectors. Debt collection is consistently one of the top complaints made to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the pandemic has further exposed weaknesses in current consumer protection laws. In March, the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions, which I chair, held a hearing on protecting consumers during the pandemic. We heard expert witnesses discuss how many debt collectors have seen record profits in the pandemic, despite many families and individuals continuing to struggle. H.R. 2547 is comprehensive legislation to update consumer protections in debt collection across many different issues. For example, the bill codifies and expands protections for small and minority-owned businesses and prohibits debt collectors from threatening a servicemember with reduction in rank or other military disciplinary actions. Additionally, it protects private student loan borrowers with disabilities, would prohibit entities from collecting medical debt or reporting it to a credit reporting agency without giving the consumer notice about his or her rights, and clarifies that entities in nonjudicial foreclosure proceedings are covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This legislation is sponsored by Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters and incorporates bills from committee members, Representatives Nydia Velazquez, Madeleine Dean, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, Emanuel Cleaver, Greg Meeks, and Jake Auchincloss. The bill is supported by many consumer and civil rights organizations, including Americans for Financial Reform, Center for Responsible Lending, Color of Change, Consumer Federation of America, National Consumer Law Center, Public Citizen, U.S. PIRG, and others. This legislation will update and improve debt collection consumer protection laws, and make sure that small businesses, families, and individuals are treated fairly as we all work to come out of this pandemic stronger. The rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Claims of pregnancy discrimination have been on the rise for two decades and affect all industries and regions across the country. This bipartisan bill will strengthen workplace protections and promote the well-being of pregnant workers by creating a new right to pregnancy accommodation in the workplace. Temporary modifications at work, like regular breaks, a stool to sit on, or an exemption from heavy lifting, can be the difference between a healthy pregnancy and pregnancy complications. When pregnant workers are denied reasonable workplace accommodations, they are often left to choose between their financial stability and a healthy pregnancy. Currently, only 30 States require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, including, thankfully, my home State of Colorado. But this has created a confusing patchwork of local, State, and Federal laws, leaving many pregnant workers with few protections. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act enjoys support from both worker advocates and business groups because it is good for families, it is good for business, and it is good for the economy. The House passed this bill last Congress in a broad, bipartisan vote of 329-73, and I hope more of my colleagues join us in passing the bill this year. I urge all my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bills. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I include in the Record a letter dated May 10, 2021, from about 85 different public interest and financial organizations supporting H.R. 2547. May 10, 2021. Re H.R. 2547, the ``Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act'' (Waters), which includes: HR 2540, the ``Small Business Fairness Lending Act'' (Velazquez). HR 1491, the ``Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act'' (Dean). HR 2498, the ``Private Loan Disability Discharge Act'' (Dean). HR 2537, the ``Consumer Protection for Medical Debt Collections Act'' (Tlaib). HR 1657, the ``Ending Debt Collection Harassment Act'' (Pressley). HR 2572, the ``Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act'' (Cleaver). HR 2628, the ``Debt Collection Practices Harmonization Act'' (Meeks). HR 2458, the ``Non-Judicial Foreclosure Debt Collection Clarification Act'' (Auchincloss). Representative Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Representative Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Washington,

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I appreciate my friend from Pennsylvania's comments, but, apparently, consumer protection is not high on the list of priorities for the other side of the aisle. I would just say, this particular piece of legislation, H.R. 2547, has many good aspects, a number of which are bipartisan in nature: It codifies the protections that currently exist under the FTC regulation for consumer loans prohibiting the use of confessions of judgment that waive due process protections, and extends those protections to commercial loans to protect small and minority-owned businesses. It prohibits debt collectors from threatening a servicemember with reduction in their rank and revoking their security clearance or prosecuting them under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and requires a GAO study on the impact of debt collection on servicemembers. It requires discharge of private student loans for both the borrower and cosigner in the case of permanent disability of the borrower, extending protections that currently exist for Federal student loans. So it assists people with serious disabilities. It requires private lenders who are notified the Federal Government has discharged the Federal student loans of a borrower to discharge the private student loans of that same borrower. It bars entities from collecting medical debt or reporting it to a consumer reporting agency without giving the consumer a notice about their rights. These are so simple, and you would expect that there would be universal acceptance of this, but apparently not. It provides a minimum 1-year delay from adverse information reported and a 2-year delay before collection attempts are made on these medical bills. We heard last night in committee even Dr. Burgess talking about the normal practices of medical professionals allowing people to have time to pay their bills, especially when we are in the middle of a pandemic or as we are coming out of a pandemic. It bans the reporting of medical debts arising from medically necessary procedures. This was something that Ralph Hall, a Republican, championed for years. It prohibits a debt collector from contacting a consumer by email or text message without a consumer's consent to be contacted electronically. It requires the CFPB to analyze and annually report on the impact of electronic communications utilized by debt collectors. The provisions of this bill are simple, consumer-oriented efforts to provide information to the consumer debtor and to take into consideration that we are in a pandemic and medical bills have piled up for so many people. This is a very simple bill. It has bipartisan provisions in it. It should be passed, as should the rule. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, as to H.R. 1065, there are at least 20, if not more, Republican cosponsors of that piece of legislation. I want the Record to reflect that. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Ross), a member of the Rules Committee.

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

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to remind my friends on the Republican side of the aisle that we passed a bill about 2 months ago called the American Rescue Plan. Not one Republican voted for that. That had money to support law enforcement and local governments and cities and States that saw their tax revenues fall off a cliff. Mr. Speaker, when my friend, Mr. Reschenthaler, says, oh, a billion dollars was cut from the funding here, or $150 million cut from there, he forgot to talk about the fact that tax revenues across the country for local governments and State governments were cut to the bone because of the pandemic. If my friends really wanted to put their money where their mouths are, then they would have supported the American Rescue Plan because it provided $350 billion to State and local governments so that they could increase funding to the police, to law enforcement, to social services, to a whole variety of agencies and needs. But, apparently, they chose not to. Instead, they choose to bring claims that Democrats want to defund the police, which couldn't be further from the truth. We put our money where our mouths are, and we said we support law enforcement. We support local government employees. We support State government employees. We provided in the American Rescue Plan, which not a single Republican voted for, hazard pay because it has been so difficult for law enforcement and for so many others to conduct their services, to be out in the community during this particular pandemic. Mr. Speaker, I just would suggest to my friends, next time they get an opportunity to actually provide funding to law enforcement, they vote for it and not just say they are supportive of it. Let's put their moneys where their mouths are. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel).

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record two Statements of Administration Policy. One on H.R. 2547, and the other one on H.R. 1065, both in support of the bills that are under consideration. Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 2547--Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act--Rep. Waters, D-CA, and seven cosponsors The Administration supports House passage of H.R. 2547, the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act. This legislation would expand necessary safeguards to ensure working families and small businesses are protected from predatory debt collection practices. As our Nation works to recover from the worst economic and public health crises of our lifetimes, many families and small businesses are dealing with outstanding debts. In addition to providing robust relief, the government must also protect Americans from abusive and predatory practices. H.R. 2547 would extend existing consumer protections against predatory lending arrangements to small businesses, prohibit debt collectors from threatening service members with a reduction in rank, prosecution or loss of security clearance, and restrict contact to consumers by email or text messages. The legislation would require discharge of private student loans for both the borrower and cosigners in the case of permanent disability for the borrower, establishing greater parity in protections for private and Federal student loan borrowers. The bill also clarifies protections for consumers in the case of non-judicial foreclosure proceedings. The Administration applauds these steps to strengthen consumer protections for hardworking Americans and their families, and we look forward to working with the Congress further on the details of this legislation. Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 1065--Pregnant Workers Fairness Act--Rep. Nadler, D-NY, and 228 cosponsors The Administration strongly supports House passage of H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Pregnant workers are too often unable to access simple changes to their working conditions that would allow them to keep doing their jobs and do so safely. This can create risks to their health as well as economic consequences. No worker should be forced to choose between a paycheck and a healthy pregnancy. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would provide basic, long overdue protections to ensure that pregnant workers and job applicants are not fired or otherwise discriminated against, or denied reasonable accommodations that allow them to work. Such protections promote family economic security by helping women stay in the workforce, including for those, often women of color, who are the sole or primary breadwinners in their families. Approximately two million women have left the workforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic, eroding more than 30 years of progress in women's labor force participation, and this Administration is committed to ensuring that women can both care for and support themselves and their families. H.R. 1065 is a bipartisan bill that requires certain employers to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees and job applicants with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. These accommodations might include simple modifications, such as modifying a no-food-or-drink policy, providing additional break time to use the bathroom, or helping avoid the lifting of heavy objects, depending on the circumstances. The bill would require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified pregnant workers unless doing so would pose an undue hardship to the employer. It would also provide for an interactive process, where necessary, between employers and pregnant workers to determine appropriate and effective reasonable accommodations, and would protect pregnant workers from being denied employment opportunities, or from retaliation or interference, because they request or use an accommodation. The Administration encourages the House to pass this bipartisan, commonsense legislation and looks forward to working with the Congress to protect pregnant workers across the country.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my friends on the other side of the aisle trying to find a subject to talk about, since apparently they don't really have too many objections to either of the bills that are being discussed in the rule today. Obviously, it doesn't seem like there is much conversation about H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. And there isn't much discussion about the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act. Because those things are commonsense. They should be passed by this House. We thank so many Republicans for being cosponsors of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier in my opening remarks, a number of the provisions in the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act are really bipartisan, including the one Mr. Hall used to champion when he was a Member here in the Congress. So you want to go off and talk about something else. I wonder where the outrage for brutality against our police was when a rightwing mob stormed this Capitol. And the only one of the people that really is speaking of the truth today in the Republican Caucus--Ms. Cheney from Wyoming--was ousted from her leadership position because she talked about the truth and the fact there was a mob, and our police were beaten by a rightwing mob. Mr. Speaker, so I would just say to my friends on the other side of the aisle: Take a look in the mirror, and let's support our police across the board. Because I certainly support the law enforcement in Colorado. I support our Capitol Police, our FBI--particularly, the FBI. President Trump would always undercut the FBI. So I would suggest to my friends: Take a look in the mirror. Let's all support our law enforcement because they are important members of our community. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I commend my friend from Nebraska for condemning-- finally, somebody condemning the riot and the attack that occurred against all of us and against our police, the Capitol Police, on January 6. I would also like to see more members of the Republican Party stand up and do exactly that same thing. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to see them do what Ms. Cheney did, and condemn the ex-President, Donald Trump, for his role in inciting that whole mob action on January 6, and then we could start getting things back together. Instead, my friend from Pennsylvania, reading a resolution that condemns racist policing that may have existed for a very long time, and I can't believe that he supports policing that is delivered in some kind of racist fashion. We have had too many people killed across this country. I know that is not what he meant. So I just would urge us to focus on the bills that are at hand, which is the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, because those are important pieces of legislation that should be considered immediately by this House. And when we pass this rule, they will be considered. So I oppose the gentleman's suggestions that we move to a different previous question. I appreciate Mr. Bacon's comments about his bill. There are provisions in there that are really outstanding, but we are here to deal with debt collections and we are here to deal with pregnant workers' fairness. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I, too, during this week, applaud our law enforcement and our first responders, but particularly law enforcement right now for their valor, for their protection of our communities. I appreciate the gentleman for bringing up that subject at this time. But we are here on a rule dealing with the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The treatment of consumers in the collection of debts and businesses and military personnel is a very important subject, especially during this time of COVID when so many families are struggling. We have thousands and thousands of people who were laid off. In fact, where millions of people are still out of work a year and a half after COVID started. And, as a consequence, a lot of folks need assistance and need help, and they don't need to be hounded in improper ways as they go through this struggle. So the Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act is very important for the financial health of our consumers and people across the country. The provisions in the bill are bipartisan ideas to protect consumers from abusive debt collection practices. They also ensure pregnant women can receive reasonable workplace accommodations to ensure that they can stay in the workforce. According to the CFPB 2021 Annual Report, more than one in four Americans have a third-party debt collection item attached to their credit report. And, last year, the CFPB received 82,700 consumer complaints about debt collection. It is time for Congress to act. And based on the gentleman from Pennsylvania's argument, which has nothing to do with that particular bill or the facts as we have seen them develop during this pandemic, that should be an easy vote for everybody, whether they are Democrat or Republican. The Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act provides important consumer protections to stop abusive debt collection practices, and it ensures that small businesses, families, and individuals are treated fairly. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is necessary to support the more than 80 percent of women who will give birth to a child at some point during their working years. These women deserve to have reasonable accommodations, which oftentimes cost businesses little to no money to implement. So we can help pregnant women stay in the workforce. This bill passed on broad bipartisan vote last Congress, and I hope it passes with even more support again this week. Mr. Speaker, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on the rule and the previous question. The material previously referred to by Mr. Reschenthaler is as follows: Amendment to House Resolution 380 At the end of the resolution, add the following: Sec. 8. Immediately upon adoption of this resolution, the House shall proceed to the consideration in the House of the bill (H.R. 3079) to amend title 18, United States Code, to punish criminal offenses targeting law enforcement officers, and for other purposes. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary; and (2) one motion to recommit. Sec. 9. Immediately after disposition of H.R. 3079, the House shall proceed to the consideration in the House of the bill (H.R. 3080) to protect law enforcement officers, and for other purposes. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary; and (2) one motion to recommit. Sec 10. Immediately after disposition of H.R. 3080, the House shall proceed to the consideration in the House of the bill (H.R. 2137) to amend title 18, United States Code, to further protect officers and employees of the United States, and for other purposes. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary; and (2) one motion to recommit. Sec. 11. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the consideration of H.R. 3079, H.R. 3080, and H.R. 2137.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize William (Bill) Francis Hoover of Aurora, Colorado who passed away May 1, 2021. Bill was born and raised on his family's farm in Topeka, Kansas as the third of five children. Bill joined the United States Air Force in 1950 and rose to the rank of Major in 1965. While stationed in Tennessee, Bill met the love of his life, Sue. They were married in 1960. Bill served with honor and distinction in the U.S. Air Force. He served in Korea, Vietnam and Cold War operations across the world. He was awarded numerous commendations, including one of the Air Force's highest awards, the Distinguished Flying Cross. He earned this medal during the Vietnam War for his actions as Aircraft Commander of an AC- 119 gunship. Under great personal risk and during terrible weather conditions in mountainous terrain, he and his crew repelled an attack, saving the lives of the troops who were at risk of being overrun by North Vietnamese Forces. He retired from the Air Force in November 1970. Following his career in the Air Force, he flew Lear Jets out of Columbus Airport, but soon realized it took him away from his family too much, and he began a second career working for the Federal Aviation Administration. He was stationed in Rawlins, Wyoming, where he was able to teach his children to hunt and fish while he kept flying as a Certified Flight Instructor. Bill and his family then moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1977. His experience and knowledge was again put to use, as he served on the FAA's Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee to develop aviation safety and operation regulations. Bill retired from the FAA after 20 years of service to the government. After retiring, Bill and Sue traveled the world, often with family and friends. They were inseparable, enjoying a life of adventure. Bill was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He and his wife Sue raised five children--Bill, David, Lori, John and Theresa. He was especially fond of his seventeen grandchildren and loved and cherished his five great-grandchildren. In addition to his career in the Air Force, Bill was a devoted member of Queen of Peace Catholic Parish. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus as a fourth-degree knight. I am deeply grateful for his lifetime of service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carl F. Eiberger II of Golden, Colorado who passed away on March 6, 2021. Carl was born in 1931 and raised during the Great Depression, growing up in extreme poverty in Denver. He was able to use his education to pull him and his family out of poverty. After graduating as valedictorian from St. Joseph's Catholic School in Denver, he turned down a full-ride scholarship to Princeton. Instead he studied at the University of Notre Dame on a much smaller scholarship, aided by his job working in the school's kitchen as a sanitation worker. Carl ultimately graduated magna cum laude with a degree in chemistry in 1952. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Notre Dame, again graduating magna cum laude. That same year, the U.S. Department of Justice named him one of 25 outstanding law graduates in the nation. Notre Dame Lawyers Committee News hailed him as ``the driving force in opening the lines of communication of Notre Dame lawyers and aspiring lawyers in Colorado.'' Carl eventually returned to Colorado and married Arvada native, Margurette Dickerson. The couple later had four children together. Carl was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hike in Golden, especially on top of South Table Mountain. His love of South Table Mountain fueled his ongoing and tireless stewardship of the area, including his decades long pro bono work to preserve the mountain top and hiking trails and prevent commercial development. In his honor, Jefferson County Open Space has named a trail on the northeast side of South Table Mountain as ``Carl's Point''. Additionally, his children fondly remember waterskiing on Sloan's Lake every weekend, and occasionally piling into the family station wagon to drive thousands of miles on road trips to see museums, memorials, and events that are cornerstones of American liberty and progress. Carl's family road trips included destinations such as the Civil War Memorial, the Liberty Bell, and even a satellite launch at Cape Canaveral. Specializing in labor and employment, Carl was a practicing lawyer in the Denver area for more than 65 years. Notable clients of his include AT&T, Proctor and Gamble, Old Bell systems, Conoco, AAA and the Denver Post. Carl was a devoted and loving partner, father, and grandfather. He is survived by three of his children, two grandchildren, and long-time companion Dr. Carol Schneider.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Pamela Lopez Arreola for earning the Top Drawing Award for her creative and unique drawing as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. As a first-time participant in the art show and student at Westminster High School, Pamela created a work of art entitled, ``Pyramid Within Women''. This artwork used acrylic paint on glass and is meant to represent the differences in how women are treated in society. Pamela spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided to her by teacher at Westminster High School. Congratulations to Pamela Lopez Arreola for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Quinne Moffat for earning the ``Best in Show'' Award and third place recognition for her creative and unique drawing as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. As a first-time participant in the art show and a student at Golden Senior High School, Quinne created a work of art entitled, ``Adoration''. This artwork used oil paint and is a hyperrealistic oil painting of man looking down at his son who is wrapped in a knitted purple blanket. Quinne spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided by her teacher at Golden Senior High School. Congratulations to Quinne Moffat for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sheea Sau for earning the ``Best in Show'' Award and second place finish for her creative and unique drawing as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. As a first-time participant in this art show, this student from Golden Senior High School created a work of art ``Lost in the Madness of Uncertainty''. This artwork is a portrait using acrylic paint, prisma color pencil, and gel pen, marker. Sheea spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided by her teacher at Golden Senior High School. Congratulations to Sheea Sau for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Evita Carrasco for earning the First Place Award for her creative and unique digital drawing as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am thrilled that this artwork will be on display in the United States Capitol for one year. As a first-time participant in this art show, this student from Wheat Ridge High School created a work of art ``A Blinded Goat''. This artwork used a digital drawing of a red woman, blue background, lots of hands and a goat. Evita spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided by her teacher at Wheat Ridge High School. Congratulations to Carrasco for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Damion Scott for earning the Top Mixed Media Award for his creative and unique artwork as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. As a first-time participant in the art show and a student at Westminster High School, Damion created a work of art entitled, ``Extinction: A Crisis''. This artwork used mixed media including watercolor, pen and acrylic, and it depicts the Puerto Rican parrot and hibiscus running down the page hinting at their existence while also addressing the issue of extinction. Damion spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine his mixed media drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate his participation in the competition and the support provided by his teacher at Westminster High School. Congratulations to Damion Scott for his hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain he will exhibit the same dedication and character in his future accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck going forward.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lauryn Karis Jenkins for earning the Top Photography Award for her creative and unique photograph as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. As a first-time participant in the art show and a student at Wheat Ridge High School, Lauryn showcased a photograph entitled, ``In a Dream''. This artwork used traditional photography and is a black and white print of shadow puppets. Lauryn spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her photography skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided by her teacher at Wheat Ridge High School. Congratulations to Lauryn Karis Jenkins for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul M. Foster of Denver, Colorado who will turn 100 years old on May 5, 2021. Paul was born in 1921 in Waynesburg, Ohio. He served bravely in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged on July 26, 1944, after serving for more than a year as a Corporal. Paul married his first love, Lola, and they have been together for 63 years. After Lola's passing, Paul married his second love, Beverly, 15 years ago. He has two daughters, Janice and Beth. Paul is a devoted husband and loving father, and most enjoys playing the piano in his home. Even though he never learned to read music, he is very good at playing by ear and memory and particularly enjoys playing religious hymns. Celebrating 100 years of age is a tremendous milestone and should be celebrated. It is my privilege to wish Paul a very happy birthday and wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following letters of endorsement for H.R. 1996, the SAFE Banking Act of 2021. April 19, 2021. Hon. Charles E. Schumer, Majority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader, Washington, DC. Hon. Sherrod Brown, Chair, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Washington, DC. Hon. Pat Toomey, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Washington, DC. Hon. Maxine Waters, Chair, House Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC. Hon. Patrick McHenry, Ranking Member, House Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC. Dear Congressional Leaders: As our States' chief executives, we urge Congress to pass legislation allowing states with legalized medical or adult-use cannabis to operate safely under the national banking system. We strongly support the passage of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2021 (H.R. 1996/S. 910) or similar legislation that would remove the legal uncertainty and allow banks and credit unions to provide services to state-licensed cannabis- related businesses. We were pleased that the House passed similar legislation in the 116th Congress (H.R. 1595). The SAFE Banking Act of 2021 already has more than 165 bipartisan House cosponsors and more than 30 bipartisan Senate cosponsors. The legislation has also received support from more than 30 associations. Currently, 36 U.S. states, four U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of cannabis. Additionally, 18 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use by adults over 21 years of age. Despite legalization of cannabis at the state-level, our financial institutions face enormous legal risks and criminal and civil liability under the Controlled Substances Act. These barriers disincentive financial institutions from providing banking services to state-licensed and regulated cannabis businesses. Because few banks and credit unions provide these services, state-licensed cannabis businesses predominantly operate on a cash basis. Without banking services, state-licensed cannabis businesses are unable to write checks, make and receive electronic payments, utilize a payroll provider, or accept credit and debit cards. Cash only businesses pose a significant public safety risk to customers and employees. The cash-only environment also burdens state and local government agencies that must collect tax and fee payments in person and in cash, which creates additional public expenses and employee safety risks. State and federal governments have a shared interest in upholding the rule of law, protecting public safety, and transitioning markets out of the shadows and into our transparent and regulated banking system. Many of our states have implemented laws and regulations to reduce these risks while ensuring financial accountability of the cannabis industry. These public safety risks can be further mitigated on the federal level by passing the SAFE Banking Act to provide state-licensed cannabis businesses with access to banking service providers. We urge you to pass the SAFE Banking Act of 2021 or similar legislation that would provide a safe harbor for depository institutions that provide a financial product or service to a state-licensed cannabis business in states that have legalized cannabis. We look forward to working with you as legislation progresses to address this urgent public policy and safety concern. Sincerely, Governor Jared Polis, State of Colorado; Governor Gavin Newsom, State of California; Governor Ned Lamont, State of Connecticut; Governor JB Pritzker, State of Illinois; Governor John Bel Edwards, State of Louisiana; Governor Janet Mills, State of Maine; Governor Charlie Baker, State of Massachusetts; Governor Gretchen Whitmer, State of Michigan; Governor Steve Sisolak, State of Nevada; Governor Phil Murphy, State of New Jersey; Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, State of New Mexico; Governor Andrew Cuomo, State of New York; Governor Doug Burgum, State of North Dakota; Governor Kate Brown, State of Oregon; Governor Tom Wolf, State of Pennsylvania; Governor Spencer Cox, State of Utah; Governor Albert Bryan, Territory of U.S. Virgin Islands; Governor Ralph Northam, State of Virginia; Governor Jay Inslee, State of Washington; Governor Jim Justice, State of West Virginia; Governor Tony Evers, State of Wisconsin.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following letters of endorsement for H.R. 1996, the SAFE Banking Act of 2021. American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, April 19, 2021. Re Support For SAFE Banking Act Legislation. Hon. Charles Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and House Minority Leader McCarthy: We write to you today in support of the SAFE Banking Act, legislation that will permit banks to provide services to state regulated marijuana businesses, employees, and ancillary businesses. Unfortunately, under current federal law and regulations, state licensed and compliant cannabis businesses are unable to access banking services and are forced to operate primarily in cash. This creates an unnecessary risk to public safety for store operators, employees, and customers. As we continue to see more states and territories move forward with the regulation of some form of adult-use marijuana, medical marijuana, or hemp derived CBD, it is essential to address the crisis the industry faces to access banking. The threats faced by financial institutions of potential criminal prosecution for working with marijuana businesses as a result of the Controlled Substances Act are unacceptable and outdated. We strongly support the passage of the SAFE Banking Act and it is our hope that Congress will act swiftly. Sincerely, American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, Missouri Medical Cannabis, Georgia Cannabis Trade Association, Washington Cannabusiness Association, Alaska Marijuana Industry Association, MTCIA. New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association, PCC, MICIA, Colorado Leads, HICIA, Southern California Coalition. Maryland Wholesale Medical Cannabis Trade Association, Commonwealth Dispensary Association, DC Cannabis Trade Association, Cannabiz, Nevada Dispensary Association. American Bankers Association, Washington, DC, April 19, 2021. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy: On behalf of the American Bankers Association (ABA), I am writing to express our strong support for H.R. 1996, the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act (SAFE Banking Act) of 2021 introduced by Representatives Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Steve Stivers (R- OH), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) and over 150 bipartisan cosponsors. This legislation, scheduled for consideration on this week's suspension calendar, addresses the conflict between federal and state law and whether banks can serve cannabis and cannabis related businesses. This issue has become a challenge for so many of our nation's communities and the banks that serve them. We were pleased to see this legislation passed the House of Representatives last Congress with over 300 bipartisan votes. With more states legalizing some form of cannabis use, we are hopeful that H.R. 1996 will once again receive a favorable and strong bipartisan vote. Since 1996, voters across the country have determined that it is appropriate to allow their citizens to use cannabis for medical purposes and, since 2012, for adult use. Currently, 36 states have legalized cannabis for medical or adult use and that number continues to grow. Nevertheless, current federal law prevents banks from safely banking cannabis businesses, as well as the ancillary businesses that provide them with goods and services. As a result, a majority of states are struggling to address the significant challenges to public safety, as well as regulatory and tax compliance that go hand-in-hand with businesses forced to operate in an all-cash environment. Providing a mechanism for the cannabis industry to access the banking system would help those communities reduce cash- motivated crimes, increase the efficiency of tax collections, and improve the financial transparency of the cannabis industry. Since bank accounts are monitored in accordance with existing anti-money laundering and Bank Secrecy Act requirements, bringing cannabis-related legitimate businesses into the mainstream banking sector would also help law enforcement to identify suspicious transactions--an opportunity that is not available in an all-cash environment. ABA does not take a position on the legalization of cannabis. Nevertheless, our member banks find themselves in a difficult situation due to the conflict between state and federal law, with local communities encouraging them to bank cannabis businesses and federal law prohibiting it. Congress must act to resolve this conflict between state and federal law. The Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 801 et seq.) classifies cannabis as an illegal drug and prohibits its use for any purpose. For banks, that means that all proceeds generated by a cannabis-related business, even when it is operating in compliance with state law, are unlawful proceeds under federal law, and so any attempt to conduct a financial transaction with that money (including simply accepting a deposit) can be considered money-laundering. All banks, whether state or federally chartered, are subject to federal anti-money laundering laws. And, all banks must have access to the federal payment system to operate, which is under the purview of federal authority. Thus, banking entities related to the cannabis business can pose significant regulatory sanction risk, loss of access to the payments system, and the potential loss of the bank charter itself. This places banks in an untenable position in dealing with these state- authorized businesses. Currently, the only direction available to financial institutions in connection with cannabis-related accounts comes from guidance issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in 2014. That guidance, which references a now rescinded memorandum from the U.S. Department of Justice (the ``Cole Memo''), describes how financial institutions can report cannabis-related business activity consistent with their Bank Secrecy Act obligations. It does not create a safe harbor or otherwise modify federal law to protect banks from criminal and civil liability for money laundering. It merely creates a system for reporting activity that is illegal under federal law but otherwise legal under state law. Although some financial institutions have weighed the prevailing climate of non-enforcement and have decided to shoulder the risk in order to serve the needs of their communities, the majority of financial institutions will not take the legal, regulatory, or reputational risk associated with banking cannabis-related businesses without congressional action. As a result, state-legal businesses are being excluded from the mainstream financial system. The problems, though, are not limited to those businesses that have direct contact with the marijuana plant, such as growers and dispensaries. The impact of the divide between state and federal law extends to any person or business that derives revenue from a cannabis firm--including real estate owners, security firms, utilities, vendors and employees of cannabis businesses, as well as investors. As the legal state-cannabis industry continues to grow, the indirect connections to cannabis revenues will also continue to expand. Without greater clarity, that entire portion of economic activity in legal cannabis states will continue to be marginalized from the banking system. The bipartisan SAFE Banking Act would be an important step toward enabling financial services for cannabis-related businesses. The bill specifies that proceeds from a legitimate cannabis business would not be considered unlawful under federal money laundering statutes or any other federal law, which is necessary to allow the provision of financial services to cannabis-related legitimate businesses as well as any ancillary businesses that derive some portion of their income from those businesses. The bill would also direct FinCEN, and the federal banking regulators through the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, to issue guidance and exam procedures for banks doing business with cannabis-related legitimate businesses. Explicit, consistent direction from federal financial regulators will provide needed clarity for banks and help them better evaluate the risks and supervisory expectations for cannabis-related customers. The SAFE Banking Act is not a cure all for the cannabis banking challenge, but it is a measure that helps clarify many issues for the banking industry and regulators. ABA is pleased to support the SAFE Banking Act and urges members of the House of Representatives to vote in favor of this legislation when it is brought up on this week's suspension calendar. Sincerely, Rob Nichols.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Landin Jeffrey for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Landin Jeffrey is an 11th grader at Eagle Ridge Academy and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Landin Jeffrey is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Landin Jeffrey for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sierra Lopez for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Sierra Lopez is an 11th grader at Mountain Range HS and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Sierra Lopez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Sierra Lopez for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.