Scott Perry

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Russell Berkheimer, a native of Thomasville, PA, on his upcoming retirement after more than 20 years of service to the United States of America. Master Sergeant Berkheimer currently serves as the Technical Director of the Joint Communications Integration Element, where he provides daily guidance on technical issues facing the entire command, while leading research and development projects to meet capability gaps. He entered the United States Army in 1998, and served in numerous assignments, to include Central America in support of counter-narcotics and humanitarian missions, as well as Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, respectively. His numerous commendations and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal and others, are a testament to his steadfast courage, personal integrity, tireless work ethic and impeccable character. His enduring legacy of service to our Nation truly is exceptional and sets a standard for all to follow. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate my fellow brother-in-arms, Master Sergeant Russell Berkheimer, upon his retirement and for his tireless service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for bringing this issue to light. As you can see, I am serving in this uniform. We are all citizens here tonight. No one outranks another. As a matter of fact, we all serve at the pleasure of our constituents, and we ask to earn their votes. With that, I want to join my colleagues in this call for a second special counsel to investigate the abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court. Knowing what we know now, this warrant was based off of a bogus news report which was based off of a bogus document that was commissioned much like, Mr. Speaker, someone commissions an artist for a painting and said: Well, we want this information to make the other guy look bad, so we are going to pay you. You go get the information, put it together in a nice format for us, and then we are going to act like it is real. I say that because, right now, there doesn't seem to be any evidence that says that any of it is real, no evidence after over a year of investigation. So they commissioned this dossier, which is just a fancy name for a file, to go get the other guy, and they use that to get a FISA warrant and investigate him using the power of the Federal Government, the highest power, to investigate a private citizen. Now, this begs the question, Mr. Speaker: Did these partisans intentionally mislead the FISA court? That is the question. The reason that we are asking for a second special counsel acknowledges that these things can be problematic, they can run far afield, and we want them to be focused only on what they are focused on and not looking at everything and anything. But the reason there has to be a second special counsel, Mr. Speaker, is because that is the only one who can answer this question. Because the people who potentially stand accused--and we don't know exactly who they are--are a limited group of people, because I can't get a FISA court to investigate somebody--you can't get a FISA court to investigate, and the American people can't get the FISA court to investigate somebody where they think something wrong has happened. Only the Department of Justice and the FBI folks can get this FISA warrant. If they are the only people who can get it, then they can't be investigating themselves. Nowhere else do we ask the accused to investigate himself and come up with the right answer, only in this crazy world that we live in right here. So that is why we must have the second special counsel. The standard for accountability simply must be higher. And if you don't understand, when you go to the FISA court, it is not like any other court where you say: ``Here is the prosecution's case, and here is the defense's case.'' It doesn't work like that. It is only the prosecution's case because it is secret, Mr. Speaker. The defense doesn't get to defend themselves until after the fact. That is why there has to be a higher standard and a higher level of accountability, because it is only supposed to be in the rarest of circumstances that this is used. I have said over and over again: Do I live in a free America or do I live in a place where there is a secret police like the KGB where, instead of investigating crimes, we investigate people, and we keep investigating and investigating until we find a crime? That is not what we plan for in America. Nowhere is it said that people in high positions are allowed to weaponize the instruments of Federal power to get back at their political rivals or their political enemies. American citizens deserve strict constitutional protections regardless of what court they are in and, most specifically and most especially, if they are in the FISA Court. The Founding Fathers wrote the Fourth Amendment to enshrine and ensure that the right of the people to be secure in their persons, their houses, their papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. But, Mr. Speaker, they have been violated. The Founding Fathers wrote that long before the internet was available and long before cameras and microphones were ubiquitous in our society. The time is now long overdue to reaffirm that right. I have always opposed warrantless surveillance and searches of American citizens because they violate the Constitution. Mr. Speaker, you may say: Why should I care? I am not being investigated by the FISA court. It is not happening to me. But think about that. If it can happen to the President of the United States, arguably the most powerful person in our country if not the free world, then do you think it can't happen to you? Do you think it is fair? Is it right to have one standard of justice, or is it okay to have two: one for all of us people out here and then one for the politically connected? That is why you should care, because there is a true danger in the unchecked power and authority of a faceless government bureaucrat. The American people have a right to know who is watching the watchmen, and it is our job in Congress to do that watching. That is why we are calling for this second special counsel. Mr. Speaker, it is long overdue and it is long past time. These abuses cannot continue. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for the time and for bringing this issue to light.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to my constituent, Matthew Ott, for his efforts over the last 10 years to raise donations and awareness for Veterans in need. Matthew was just 11 months old when his mother, Patricia, a Veteran, died from an illness. At age nine, Matthew started a lemonade stand business in her honor and donated the proceeds directly to local Veteran organizations. On April 21, 2018, Matthew will conduct his 10th and final Veterans charity event. Assisted by his father, John, and many local supporters, Matthew has raised more than $32,000 for Veterans in our community. He's earned countless awards and commendations for his service, including the Rotary Club of York's Charles Wolf Award. I've long appreciated the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our communities and fellow citizens. Matthew took a tragic event and turned it into an opportunity to touch the lives of countless Veterans and their families. His legacy of service to our Veterans and community truly is an inspiration. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend, thank and congratulate Matthew Ott on his volunteer service and wish him continued great success in his future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones and peers of my constituents, York City Firefighters Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony, who perished in the Line of Duty on Thursday, March 22, 2018. We grieve their passing and are forever indebted for their selfless, tireless and devoted years of service as firefighters. I've long revered the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our communities and fellow citizens. Ivan learned the importance of public service at an early age from his father, a dedicated police officer in Waterloo, Iowa who lost his life in an off- duty accident when Ivan was five years old. Ivan began his career with the York City Fire Department in 1999, where he earned the auspicious title of Firefighter of the Year in 2004. His colleagues recall his amazing and tireless work ethic, how dependable and reliable he was to all who knew him. Zachary joined the York City Fire Department in 2010, and dedicated his life to public service, gladly helping others in the community-- whether in the course of his official duties or in his private life. Zachary's colleagues recall his fantastic spirit and free will, as well as his eagerness to embrace new opportunities and experiences. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I am crestfallen at the passing of these brave Warriors, and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony on our tragic loss. While they died in service to our Commonwealth and Country, they were doing what they loved and what truly mattered to them; they set the standard for all to follow--in their lives and in their service. Ivan and Zachary will remain in my heart and prayers, and I wish them Godspeed and I'll see them on the High Ground.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I also want to join my friends in honoring National K-9 Veterans Day. Every March 13, we commemorate the United States Army's first K-9 Corps training program. While this program began in 1942, the history of our ``best friend'' engaging in training and combat with us extends well beyond that date. Today, we commemorate the iconic Sergeant Stubby. If you don't know about Stubby, Sergeant Stubby was a brindle bull terrier mutt from New Haven, Connecticut. Stubby was adopted by U.S. Army Private Robert Conroy, who stowed him away on a ship bound for France in the First World War, where his service was integral to saving American lives. Stubby was allowed to join our soldiers on the front lines after he was discovered by Private Conroy's commanding officer. Because Stubby rendered a salute to the commander, he was allowed to stay. While on the front, he was once injured during a gas strike and developed a unique sensitivity to the smell of chemical weapons used at that time. His sensitivity was used to alert sleeping troops to another gas attack. He rescued them on numerous occasions from an ill and very painful fate. Sergeant Stubby also thwarted a German spy attempting to map out the battlefield of the Allied trenches. He did that by grabbing onto the German soldier, biting him and subduing him until the American soldiers could arrive. Sergeant Stubby served in 17 separate battles during World War I. Private Conroy's grandson, Curt Deane, recalled stories about Stubby: ``My grandmother was always clear: he was a service dog. He gave the troops comfort . . . and support. He used to run through the trenches and warn them about gas attacks. He used to go outside of the trenches and into this sort of no man's land between the U.S. and the German trenches and stand by soldiers who had been injured until the medics could come and get them.'' Sergeant Stubby became a lifetime member of the American Legion and was recognized as the mascot of Georgetown University in the 1920s, where Private Conroy then studied law. In 1921, Stubby was awarded the Humane Education Society's Hero Dog gold medal and earned the honor of meeting General John ``Blackjack'' Pershing, the highest ranking servicemember since General George Washington, at that time. Sergeant Stubby died in Private Conroy's arms on March 16, 1926. Today, Sergeant Stubby is set to be immortalized in an animated film premiering next month. That will be great for us all to see. His loyalty, bravery, and selflessness is the legacy for thousands of service dogs being trained at any given time in all branches of our military, as well as our local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies. While we aren't yet able to measure the exact number of lives saved by service dogs, one thing is certain: dogs really are a man's and woman's best friend. We are forever grateful and indebted to these animals and applaud them, their handlers and caretakers for their tireless service and devotion to duty and showing us the true meaning of ``battle buddy.''

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to Miss Summer Britcher of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, for a great run at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Summer represented the United States on the Olympic Luge team, and is a true champion--of which the citizens of the 4th Congressional District couldn't be more proud. Summer's career highlights thus far are remarkable. Her five World Cup career victories make her the all-time singles leader in USA Luge history. She won the 2012 Youth Olympic Games Gold medal in team relay, the Silver medal in team relay at Junior World Championships in Austria, earned the 2013 Norton Junior National Championship, and was named the 2017 U23 World Champion. Summer also finished 15th at the 2014 XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Although the end result at the 2018 Winter Olympics wasn't as she'd hoped, Summer was the epitome of true grit, character and sportsmanship. She summarized the experience with the following statement: ``I love my teammates, and I think the important thing that I feel (is) incredibly lucky to be a part of this team and to have them in my life.'' Summer set the standard--in performance, perseverance and sportsmanship--for all to follow. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate Summer Britcher on her hard work and determination that has led to these exceptional achievements. We look forward to her future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to the Cumberland Valley High School Varsity Cheerleading squad on earning 3rd Place at the 2018 National High School Cheerleading Championships, February 10-11, in Orlando, Florida. This is the third time that Cumberland Valley has earned a slot at the national championships. The Team practiced four to five days a week in preparation for this event. Their work ethic continues a standard of excellence for Cumberland Valley, who's won the District Three Championship in each of the last eight years, and won the state tournament four times. The dedication and perseverance of these students sets the standard for all to follow. I extend my congratulations to Coach Kristi Shaffner, her staff, the school officials, family and friends who supported these young women on their journey. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate the Cumberland Valley High School Varsity Cheerleading squad on this well-earned accomplishment.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones and peers of my constituent, Deputy U.S. Marshal Christopher Hill, who was killed in the Line of Duty on Thursday, January 18, 2018. We grieve his passing, and are indebted for his selfless, tireless and devoted years of service as a law enforcement officer. I've long admired the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our Nation and communities. Christopher served our Country as a U.S. Army Ranger, and over 11 years with the U.S. Marshals Service and its Special Operations Group. More importantly, though, he was best known for his devotion to his loving family. I joined throngs of compatriots at Christopher's memorial service on January 25, 2018, and saw firsthand the results of his tireless dedication, professionalism and sacrifice touched the lives of countless people. He set the standard for all others to follow, and though his legacy will endure in ways too numerous to count, his loss will continue to be felt in myriad and significant ways. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Deputy U.S. Marshal Christopher Hill's family, friends and colleagues on our tragic loss. I thank Christopher and Godspeed, Brother. He'll remain in my heart and prayers.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 72.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Voni B. Grimes, who passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018. Mr. Grimes was an amazing man who's left a legacy of service that won't soon be matched. He served our Nation in the U.S. Army during World War II, worked at Cole Steel in York, Pennsylvania, and later served as an administrator at Penn State York. Voni was deeply involved in the York community. He was a founding member of several local organizations, including the York County Department of Parks and Recreation and Access-York, and was involved in countless other volunteer activities, including the Lions Club. He was passionate about personal fitness and healthy living--even up to his passing at age 95--and the College Avenue Gym at 125 East College Avenue in the City of York was famously re-named as the Voni B. Grimes Gym. Despite the fact that he grew up in segregated schools and challenged by racism, Voni became one of the most recognizable and influential citizens in York's history--a testament to his strength, character and faith. Voni was one of the most uplifting, positive and life affirming people you'd ever have the privilege to meet. His infectious smile and his ever-present harmonica brought joy and inspiration to countless people. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I offer my prayers and God's blessings to the family, friends and admirers of Mr. Voni B. Grimes. Godspeed Voni--we're all better people for having known him

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, servicemembers in the combat zone depend on 702 to keep them safe. 702 must continue to gather information on foreign terrorists to keep us and servicemembers safe. However, Americans in uniform serve to preserve an ideal that the Constitution protects the rights of Americans. The bill, unamended, enshrines in law the abuse of the Fourth Amendment rights of American citizens, and it just cannot happen. This is not only about criminal prosecution but about political persecution. Mr. Speaker, that abuse and the associated persecution is unfolding on the front pages and on TV right before us today. Don't lower the bar any further. Vote to preserve the rights of American citizens. Vote for this amendment.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to my constituent, Carrie Stuart, on more than 20 years of service with the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce. Carrie began her tenure at the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce as a temporary employee, but later became the full-time Office Manager. In 2008, she was named the organization's president. During her tenure, the Chamber created a dialogue with other economic organizations in Adams County to attract new businesses and grow the local economy, instituted new programs to benefit Chamber members, invested thousands of dollars back into the local community, and worked with the business and education community to identify critical workforce development needs. Carrie also has been an active member of many community service organizations, including the United Way of Adams County, Main Street Gettysburg, the Adams Economic Alliance, and many others. Carrie Stuart's tireless dedication and professionalism has touched the lives of countless people and challenges all with whom she serves to be the best. She continues to build an impressive legacy of service to our community. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate Carrie Stuart on her 20 years of service and look forward to working with her in the years ahead.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, simple things mean a lot. That is why I, too, stand in support of H. Res. 676, which sends a clear message that the United States strongly condemns the arrest of peaceful protestors by the rogue Iranian regime. Mr. Speaker, the Iranian people deserve to be free. The last administration witnessed such protests about 8 years ago and turned its back. The world saw that America turned their back on the freedom effort and movement in Iran. The current administration has noticed immediately and recognized immediately, and we are here today to say that no longer will terrorism be appeased; no longer should we help pay for the funding of Hezbollah and Hamas through payments in the Iran nuclear deal. Simple things mean a lot, and simple things like this resolution, Mr. Speaker, mean that we stand with the Iranian people who breathe and live to be free, just like we do.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend sincere congratulations to the Messiah College Men's Soccer Team for winning the NCAA Division III National Championship. This is the 11th time the Messiah Falcons earned the title, ``National Champions.'' The Falcons defeated the North Park Vikings in a 2-1 victory on December 2, 2017. The win completed a 24-2 campaign for the Falcons that matched their team record for single-season wins, while also making Messiah 11-for-11 in title game appearances. The dedication and perseverance of these student athletes should inspire everyone. I extend my congratulations as well to head coach Brad McCarty, and the school officials, family and friends who supported these young men on their incredible journey. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate the Messiah College Men's Soccer Team on the hard work and determination that led to their National Championship.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Jody B. Hice), my good friend. I thank him for bringing this issue to the attention of the Congress and for this Special Order. When I was growing up, Mr. Speaker, I believed that my government would do all it could to stop crime from happening in the community I lived in, including drug use. I have always been, my whole life, an ardent opponent of drug use. I have never used drugs, but yet I have seen the ravages and the devastation in the community I live in of this. You just knew in your heart that your government--the police, so on and so forth--were stopping those kind of things. Then years later, as I grew up and was privileged to serve in uniform, I ended up going to Iraq. I got a briefing on this new type of weapon that was being used in Iraq called an EFP, an explosively formed penetrator, for which we had very little defense. There were other kinds of IEDs, whether they were used with a cell phone or a pressure plate or whatever, but these things were particularly grave because we didn't have anything to stop them. We all knew, from the briefing, that they were coming from Iran. And, of course, we thought, wearing the uniform, that our government would do everything it could to protect the servicemembers who were in harm's way and to protect our national security. That includes making sure that we got to the bottom of these EFPs, where they were coming from, and prosecuting and persecuting those who were providing them. So imagine my surprise and my dismay just a few short days ago reading an article from a publication here in Washington, D.C., that outlined how our government, essentially, sanctioned not only the use of these EFPs from Iran in Iraq and Afghanistan, but, essentially, allowed for them to be paid for and enabled the paying for them. There was this operation ongoing called Operation Cassandra to root out drugs coming into the United States being supplied by Hezbollah, a client of Iran. While this was ongoing, this nuclear agreement concern came into being. It was, apparently, so important that all of the work that was done in Operation Cassandra to stop these drugs from coming into the United States, that had to stop because we didn't want to irritate, we didn't want to disrespect, we didn't want to insult the Iranians when they were so close to getting a nuclear deal. So we said, well, all these people have been working on this for years--this Operation Cassandra--to identify these people from Iran who were using this operation of selling drugs, illicitly moving stolen cars, and laundering money to then sell drugs into the United States and Europe, but also to use that money that they got from selling the drugs and the used cars to make these EFPs, to send them to Iraq, to send them to Afghanistan to kill American soldiers. That all had to stop because, heaven forbid, we can't offend Iran. We can't offend Iran. Now, I will tell you this, Mr. Speaker. Nuclear war is a grave issue and it is worth a lot. If we have to stop nuclear war and give up some things to do that, I get it, I get it completely. There are no second chances with nuclear war. Once the bomb goes off, it is over. So if you have to give a little bit to get something on that, that is something even I could understand, even though I find some of it objectionable. Where I come into conflict is this, Mr. Speaker. There is no question, at this point, whether Iran will have a nuclear weapon. There is no reason to be testing ballistic missiles except to deliver a nuclear weapon. They are not delivering leaflets, Mr. Speaker. They are going to deliver a nuclear weapon with that, which is why they are testing it. There is no reason to have centrifuges. There is no reason to enrich to the level that Iran is except to create a nuclear weapon. We don't need that to have a nuclear power plant, which is what Iran says it wants to do. And, of course, we all know, since the Ayatollah took over and took American hostages back in the day that Iran is a known liar. That is what they do. They lie. They obfuscate. They just say one thing and do another. It is not a question of if they will have a nuclear weapon, Mr. Speaker; it is a question of when. So what we did here was we said, look, let's not offend the Iranians. Even though they are killing Americans on the battlefield, and even though they are killing Americans in your hometown by selling drugs to them--and the two are working towards each other; they are selling drugs and using that money to buy the articles of war, the implements of war that are killing Americans--it is okay. We are going to allow that to happen as long as we delay Iran from having a nuclear weapon for 15 years. That is exactly what it looks like. Now, I didn't do the investigative reporting. It is, I think, 14,000 words, so it is pretty in-depth. But I will tell you this. It is being discredited out there. These are a couple of rogue employees who just disagreed with the policy. Mr. Speaker, the Drug Enforcement Agency agent on the case, who has over 20 years of government experience tracking the financing of terror networks, said this of the leader of Hezbollah: I had no clue who he was, but this guy was sending money into Iraq to kill American soldiers. The point is he had 20 years on the job. This wasn't some piker who just showed up on the job at Treasury and said: ``Hey, track this money and see what you can find.'' This is a guy who did this for a living for 20 years, and he ran into Hezbollah. He ran into Hezbollah, based on his investigation. And then they tracked him. They tracked the money. They tracked the drugs--not just a little bit, tons--tons of drugs coming into the United States, literally at a time when we have 60,000 Americans dying, annually, of drug overdose. That is more people than we lost in Vietnam, Mr. Speaker, in the whole time of Vietnam. A year, that is how many are dying in America based on drug overdose. These people tracked it. They tracked the weapons on the other side, and they were told to stand down. They went to get these guys. They had one in custody in Prague. He was arrested. The United States wanted him extradited and prosecuted. Do you know where he is right now, Mr. Speaker? He is back on the battlefield because we let him go. So not only did Iran get to sell drugs in the United States and kill American citizens in your hometown, but they used that money to then make EFPs to kill the soldiers from your hometown who went to defend America's freedom. And, oh, by the way, in less than 15 years now, you can expect Iran to be a nuclear armed power. Mr. Speaker, if nothing else, if absolutely nothing else happens here from this, we need to have hearings on this in both the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee to make sure that this never ever can happen again, that we don't trade the safety of the lives of American servicemembers overseas and American citizens at home for a bad deal overseas of something that we are never really going to be able to reconcile with, which is a nuclear-armed Iran. We are going to have very few options at stopping them, like we do with North Korea right now. That is where we are headed. We will not only have North Korea to deal with, but we will also have a nuclear- armed Iran. That circumstance can never happen again, which is why hearings are so critical, so that we get to the truth, so that we get to the bottom of this, so that there are no skeletons in the closet, Mr. Speaker, so we understand who did what for why, so we can rationalize was this worth it or was this just political expedience. We need to know that so that we learn from that, so that we never make those mistakes again. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Jody B. Hice). I appreciate his interest in this topic, as I am, and bringing it to the floor.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to my constituent, Peddrick M. Young, Sr., upon his retirement from almost 30 years of service with the Lower Allen Township Board of Commissioners. First, I thank Mr. Young for his service to our Nation in the United States Marine Corps. I've long appreciated the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our Nation. Mr. Young also has a demonstrated record of service to our communities. He previously retired from his position as facilities manager with Commerce Bank, staff to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and staff assistant in the U.S. House to one of my predecessors, the late Congressman Bill Goodling. Mr. Young's civic service included the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners, and many others. He also served as an active member of many community service organizations. Mr. Young's tireless dedication, professionalism and sacrifice touched the lives of countless people and challenged all with whom he served to be the best. His legacy of service to our communities will endure. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate Peddrick M. Young, Sr. on his service and wish him and his family Godspeed, great happiness and success in their future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Gaetz), for bringing this issue to the floor. Mr. Speaker, this can all be cleared up, pretty quickly, with a little bit of transparency and with a little bit of sunlight. It comes down to the issue of: Do we have impartial justice in this country or don't we? We are all familiar with Lady Justice. She has a blindfold over her eyes, she is holding the scale, and the scale is straight across. It is not leaning one way or the other. But, in this case, it seems--and I am going to say that kind of tongue-in-cheek--it seems like it is, like the scale is not right across, Mr. Speaker. It is heavily on one side, and the other side is way up in the air. And let me just make a couple of points: Deputy Director McCabe refers to the Clinton email investigation as ``special.'' Why is it special? Where is it on that scale? Is it up high or is it down low? Why is it called special? Why did Secretary Clinton have a team from headquarters investigate her, as opposed to the Washington field office? Think about this: If the FBI called you, it wouldn't be for a meeting or an interview. It would be called your deposition. You would sit there with your lawyer, and you would answer questions. And it wouldn't be when it was convenient for you. It would be when it was convenient for the FBI. Secretary Clinton gets to have a meeting with the FBI for an interview on a Saturday morning of a holiday weekend. Now, contrast that on the scales of justice with Paul Manafort. Paul Manafort gets his home broken into in the middle of the night and dragged out of bed while he and his wife are sleeping. Something doesn't seem right to me. You talk about the meeting on the tarmac. The FBI, in their emails, it was revealed that they wanted to get the agent that divulged the fact that that meeting occurred out on the tarmac. They weren't interested in what the meeting was about just days before Secretary Clinton was going to be deposed before this House of Representatives and be questioned and interviewed about her role in Benghazi. Why does that happen? It seems like the scales of justice, once again, are tipped. Peter Strzok. He interviewed Heather Samuelson, Cheryl Mills, Bryan Pagliano, and Paul Combetta, and they all got immunity. They all got immunity. Who gives somebody immunity without anything in return? Okay, they got immunity. We get it. We want to know what was on the other side of that equation. I mean, this is not to apologize for, or to stick up for, Mike Flynn or for Paul Manafort. If they have committed crimes, that needs to be dealt with appropriately. Lying, period, is never appropriate. But they didn't get this deal. These folks did get the deal. And, at the same time while they got the deal, we know via their email and interviews that they actually did lie to the FBI. Some of these folks lied to the FBI, yet Michael Flynn pleads guilty, and these guys and gals get immunity. Do the scales of justice, Mr. Speaker, seem like they are a little bit askew? Mr. Combetta--if that is how you pronounce his name--we know that he was out there searching for ways on the internet about how to scrub a computer. Nothing to see here, right? That seems a little odd, doesn't it? Cheryl Mills, she got immunity, allegedly, to give up her laptop. So she got immunity; we got that. She can't be prosecuted. We got the laptop. Shouldn't the American people know what was on the laptop? Why is that information not available? Why is it that this Congress, this jurisdiction of oversight, as applied in the Constitution, has to beg and cajole the FBI and the Department of Justice to provide documents so that we can see what happened, so that we can know, so that the American people and their representatives can know how this dossier--if you want to call it that--was constructed and how it was used? Why must we beg for that information, and why can't we get it? Mr. Speaker, this can all be cleared up; just provide the information. There doesn't have to be another special prosecutor. Mr. Mueller can continue with his investigation and find the truth because we all want the truth. We want the truth that is impartial, not something that is fabricated because we now have an FBI that is pursuing individuals, as opposed to crimes. The American people need to know that this isn't a tinhorn dictatorship and that we don't have government officials using the power of the Federal Government to work against their political rivals. They need to know that they can trust their FBI, and right now it doesn't seem like they can have confidence in that. It seems like if you are on the wrong side of the scale, Mr. Speaker, it is a bad day for you. But if you are connected and you have people working for you like--oh, I don't know--Peter Strzok, Bruce Ohr, and his wife now, Andrew Weissmann, or Jeannie Rhee, I mean, as the days go on, we just keep on finding out more and more and more. And we don't find it out because they are offering it. We find it out because we have to pull it from them and just beg them and require them to come in here and force the information out of them. That is not how this is supposed to work. We need to have confidence in our FBI, and we need to have confidence in our Department of Justice. American citizens need to have confidence in their judicial system to know that the blindfold is still on Lady Justice, that the scales are even, that we are all going to be treated evenly, and that crimes are going to be investigated, not individuals. And that there is not going to be some kind of a witch hunt or a lynch mob mentality at the Federal Government level against people with whom the political ruling class disagrees. If it requires another special counsel, so be it. If not, it would be great if we could just clear all of this up by providing the information that this House of Representatives and the American people demand. There is no reason to keep it. It is not classified; it is not sensitive. It is information that all of us need to know so we know how our Federal Government is operating and who is being truthful with us. And then we can have confidence in the fidelity of our FBI and our Department of Justice.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to my constituent, Chief Wes Kahley of the York City Police Department, upon his upcoming retirement from almost 30 years in law enforcement. I've long appreciated the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our Nation and communities. After growing up in York, Mr. Kahley began his law enforcement career in 1998, where he rose through the ranks and later was named Chief of Police in 2010. Mr. Kahley has earned the respect of his peers and the residents he served for his dedication to improving relations between police and the community. His tireless dedication, professionalism and sacrifice touched the lives of countless people and challenged all with whom he served to be the best. His legacy of service to our community will endure. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate Wes Kahley on his service and wish him and his family Godspeed, great happiness and success in their future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend sincere congratulations to the Messiah College Men's Soccer Team for winning the NCAA Division III National Championship. This is the 11th time the Messiah Falcons earned the title, ``National Champions.'' The Falcons defeated the North Park Vikings in a 2-1 victory on December 2, 2018. The win completed a 24-2 campaign for the Falcons that matched their team record for single-season wins, while also making Messiah 11-for-11 in title game appearances. The dedication and perseverance of these student athletes should inspire everyone. I extend my congratulations as well to head coach Brad McCarty, and the school officials, family and friends who supported these young men on their incredible journey. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I commend and congratulate the Messiah College Men's Soccer Team on the hard work and determination that led to their National Championship.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to my constituent, Maria Wolfe, on her retirement after more than 38 years of service to the federal government. Maria began her federal career with the Federal Communications Commission in 1979 and transferred to the Navy Ships Parts Control Center in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania in 1981. Over the decades, Maria's hard work and commitment to excellence led to several promotions, culminating with her current efforts to support the Littoral Combat Ship, Outfitting Branch, and the U.S. Coast Guard Supply Support and Logistic programs. Her peers describe a true professional who has provided great support to our Nation's Sailors and the United States Navy. Maria's dedication has touched the lives of countless people, and her legacy of service to our Nation is commendable. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate Maria Wolfe on her service and wish her great happiness and success in her future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to my constituent, Cynthia Bushman, on her retirement after more than 37 years of service to the federal government. Ms. Bushman has served with the Naval Supply Systems Command, the Naval Sea Systems Command, and currently as Outfitting Team Lead for the Outfitting Support Branch at the Naval Sea Logistics Center. Her peers describe a true professional whose attention to detail and professional excellence have provided great support to our Nation's Sailors and the United States Navy. Ms. Bushman's tireless dedication has touched the lives of countless people and challenged all with whom she served to be the best. Her legacy of service to our Nation is commendable. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate Cynthia Bushman on her service and wish her great happiness and success in her future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to my constituent, Dean Trump, on his retirement after more than 17 years of service on the Board of Supervisors for Warrington Township, York County, Pennsylvania. I've long appreciated the commitment of people who devote themselves to serving our communities. Local elected officials have a direct impact on our residents by setting policy, enacting ordinances, adopting budgets and levying taxes. They're some of the hardest working and most dedicated public officials you'll find. Mr. Trump's commitment and hard work touched the lives of countless people. His legacy of service to our community is commendable. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate Dean Trump on his service and wish him great happiness and success in his future adventures

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere condolences to the family, peers and loved ones of my constituent, Detective Sean Suiter of the Baltimore City Police Department, who was killed in the Line of Duty on November 16, 2017. We are grateful for his many, dedicated years of service as a law enforcement officer and grieve his passing. I've long appreciated the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our Nation and communities. Detective Suiter served in the United States Army from 1992 to 1998, after which he began his 18-year service with the Baltimore City Police--where he ultimately earned promotion to the rank of Detective. Detective Suiter's peers describe a conscientious and dedicated officer who ``operated beyond his years.'' One colleague recalled a recent incident when a man who Suiter criminally pursued in the past, approached Suiter to say that he was now employed, and thanked Suiter for always treating him with respect. Detective Suiter's neighbors in Conewago Township, York County, recall, ``. . . a nice man who always stopped in to say hello.'' Detective Suiter's tireless dedication, professionalism and sacrifice touched the lives of countless people. His legacy of service to our Nation and communities will endure, and his loss will be felt in significant and myriad ways. On behalf of Pennsylvania's Fourth Congressional District, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Detective Suiter's family, friends and colleagues on this tragic loss. I thank him and Godspeed, brother. He will remain in my heart and prayers.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my sincere congratulations to my constituent, Detective First Class Jeff Spence of the York City Police Department, upon his retirement after almost 30 years in law enforcement. I've long appreciated the commitment of people who devote themselves selflessly to serving our Nation and communities. After graduating from William Penn Senior High School in York, Pennsylvania, Mr. Spence served our Nation in the United States Air Force. He began his law enforcement career in the patrol division of the York City Police Department, where he was later promoted to Detective and later Detective First Class. Mr. Spence has earned countless awards and commendations for his service, including Police Officer of the Year by both the City of York and York County, as well as induction to the York City School District Hall of Fame. His peers describe a true professional whose tireless dedication, professionalism and sacrifice touched the lives of countless people and challenged all with whom he served to be the best. His legacy of service to our Nation and community sets the standard for all to follow. On behalf of Pennsylvania's. Fourth Congressional District, I thank and congratulate Jeff Spence on his service and wish him and his family great happiness and success in their future adventures.

Mr. PERRY

Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona. Mr. Speaker, we have been entreated to claims of collusion with our government, people high in our government with Russia for over a year now; since the last election happening this very day a year ago, we have been entreated to this. So I thought I would bring some sense to this confusion about what we know as the Uranium One deal. Even I didn't know a whole lot about it, so I did a little research to understand the timeline and what exactly happened here. I want to talk to you about that this evening. On June 8 of 2010, the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation, also known as Rosatom--the Russian state, not some private organization. It belongs to Vladimir Putin. Make no mistake about it--announced plans to purchase a 51.4 percent stake in the Canadian company Uranium One. Now, why do we care? Well, we care because this announcement had significant strategic implications for the United States since Uranium One's international assets included 20 percent of the United States' uranium reserves. Now, due to uranium status as a strategic commodity, the $1.3 billion deal was subject to the approval of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS; CFIUS, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. And they care because uranium is important. Do you know why? We make nuclear bombs out of it--that is why it is important--and so do other countries. And maybe so do terrorists if they get their hands on it. So we care. Now, the CFIUS panel is made up of nine department heads and agencies, including, at that time, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Okay, fair enough. Now, CFIUS went through the approval process at what we would consider an unusually rapid pace, approving the sale of one- fifth of our uranium reserves, the United States' reserves, to a Russian, Vladimir Putin, state-owned enterprise in less than 5 months. Five months. I mean, they did that in 5 months. We have been investigating allegations of President Trump and Russia for about 12 months now. In earnest, less than 12 months, but, certainly, the claims have been made since the night of the election, yet they got this done in 5 months. Okay, that is good. CFIUS proceeded at this pace despite national security concerns raised by Congress--people right here said: Hey, 20 percent of our uranium shouldn't go to Vladimir Putin. That doesn't make sense to us. The FBI had extensive concerns, tying Rosatom's main executive to a U.S. racketeering scheme. My colleague has already talked about bribery, extortion, racketeering. Right. Both Secretary of State Clinton and Attorney General Eric Holder--whose FBI, by the way, produced the evidence--voted in favor of the deal. Interestingly enough, who was in charge of the FBI at the time? Our friend, Robert Mueller. It just is a little too coincidental for me. I am sorry, it is just a little too coincidental. After the sale, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, assured both Congress and the public that the uranium sold could not be exported because neither Uranium One nor Rosatom, Vladimir Putin's organization, had an NRC export license. So even though we had control of 20 percent, he could never do anything with the 20 percent except leave it in the United States. And, by the way, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission still hasn't granted a license to export any of that material to Rosatom or to Uranium One to this day. But despite the public statements, somehow it got exported because an NRC memo showed the agency approved the shipment of yellowcake uranium from the Uranium One mines in the United States to Canada through a third party. Additional shipments of the uranium were made to Europe, and they were authorized as well by the NRC. And where they went from Europe, who knows. The NRC doesn't know. At least if they know, they aren't telling us. We have asked. We certainly don't know. Maybe Rosatom knows. The question you should have is: Why? Why would the United States do this? What was in our interest to sell 20 percent of our uranium? Was it that we needed $1.3 billion? I suspect not. In an attempt to avoid congressional scrutiny, the NRC did not provide a direct export license to Uranium One, but, instead, it amended an existing license for a logistics company to allow it to export Uranium One's uranium, which was, in effect, the United States' uranium, our uranium. The NRC was able to amend this export license because of two policy changes resulting from the Russian reset orchestrated by Secretary Clinton. Again, look, it might be innocent. It might be completely innocent, but it deserves more scrutiny, certainly. The two things--the two policy changes were: the Obama administration reinstated the U.S.-Russian civilian nuclear energy cooperation agreement in May of 2010. Shortly thereafter, in 2011, the Commerce Department removed Rosatom from a list of restricted companies that could not export nuclear or other sensitive materials or technologies. They still didn't have a license, but they were removed from the list. Nine months after the Commerce Department did that, the removal of Rosatom from the list, the NRC issued the license amendment to the third party allowing for uranium of the United States to be exported from Uranium One mines through Canada, and eventually on to Europe, and who knows where from there. The license amendment stipulated that the exported uranium must be returned to the U.S. Now, this did not occur. Instead, the Department of Energy approved the movement of uranium from Canada to Europe, and that was it. It is gone, folks. It is just gone. It is now clear that the previous administration took every conceivable action to clear the path for Rosatom to purchase Uranium One and to enable the export of that uranium. The Russians got it. Vladimir Putin got the uranium. In taking these extraordinary measures in support of Russian state- owned enterprise, the Obama administration, with the aid of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Attorney General Eric Holder, put our national security at risk. Mr. Speaker, it is far past time to thoroughly--marginally, how about to marginally investigate this deal--the Obama administration's actions and the Clinton family's role and their foundation's role. You only need to ask one question about all this: Why? Why would we do this? Why would the United States agree to this? Why did this deal happen the way it did happen? No other deals happened that way. Why did this one happen this way? Why is there no independent investigation into these matters at this point? Why? And why is there no special counsel? We are here tonight to call for a special counsel so that we know the truth, so if there is Russian involvement in the United States' national security, whether it is our election, or whether it is our uranium that they could use to make an atomic bomb, the American people need to know. They should know. They should have all of the evidence. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.