Ed Royce

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, with this resolution, the House will take the important step of naming the atrocities committed against the Rohingya people in Burma for what they are. The word for that is ``genocide.'' The Rohingya people, predominantly of Burma's Rakhine State, are often called the world's most persecuted minority. The Rohingya are essentially stateless people, as the Burmese Government refuses to recognize them as citizens, despite the fact that the Rohingya people have lived in Burma for generations. Further, institutional restrictions on the Rohingya have impacted their rights to study, work, travel, access healthcare services, practice religion, and even to marry. The most recent wave of persecution began in August 2017, when Burmese security forces and civilian mobs began a horrific wave of attacks. Mass murder, rape, and destruction of villages throughout Rakhine State has been well documented. We have talked to the survivors. These atrocities have driven 700,000 Rohingya from their homes to Bangladesh, bringing the total Rohingya refugee population in that country to nearly 1 million. Bangladesh has been very generous in accepting all these refugees in the face of such dire circumstances. A year and a half later, the evidence is overwhelming. As I said at our hearing on the subject this past September, it is time that we take the next step in declaring that these crimes amount to genocide. In September, the State Department released a report on the stomach- turning, systematic, and widespread acts of violence against the Rohingya in northern Rakhine State, but failed to label these atrocities genocide. The State Department's investigation revealed countless heart- wrenching pieces of evidence, like the account of one woman who hid in bushes as she watched Burmese soldiers throw infants and toddlers into a river to drown and shot the mothers of these infants who tried to save them. The United States has a moral obligation to call these crimes genocide. Failing to do so gives the perpetrators cover and hinders efforts to bring those accountable to justice. With this resolution, the House fulfills its part of that duty. The measure also accomplishes a number of other important goals. It provides a thorough accounting of the crisis, calls out the complicit Burmese Government, urges the Secretary of State to join us in formally declaring genocide, and promotes multilateral agreement on that declaration. Importantly, the resolution also calls for the immediate pardon and release of two journalists who were framed and jailed by Burmese authorities for shining a light on some of the atrocities by government forces. Congress has a proud legacy of declaring genocide when warranted, just as we did over 2 years ago when the House voted unanimously to declare ISIS' atrocities against religious minorities in Iraq and in Syria genocide. It is time to take this sober step again. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure and fulfilling our responsibility to reinforce the universal values we hold dear. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), the chairwoman emeritus of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. He is the author of this measure.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank my colleagues on the committee for actually, again, speaking with one voice on this issue, especially the author, Representative Chabot, but also Representatives Engel, Schiff, Yoho, Sherman, Comstock, and Crowley for joining as original cosponsors. Mr. Speaker, this past September our committee convened another hearing to examine the desperate living conditions of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and again we heard the story of survivors, all describing the same methodical, unthinkable acts of terror perpetrated by the Burmese military and by the security forces. Witnesses had no doubt that, based on all the evidence, genocide had occurred. It is time Congress, the administration, and the rest of the world called these atrocities by their rightful name, and that is genocide. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1149) recognizing that the United States-Republic of Korea alliance serves as a linchpin of regional stability and bilateral security, and exemplifies the broad and deep military, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties shared between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material in the Record.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, strengthening U.S.-Korea ties has been one of my top priorities in Congress. As a southern Californian, I have seen firsthand how Korean Americans serve as pillars not only for their communities in the U.S., but also for the friendship between the U.S. and South Korea. It was an honor to see my former staff member, Young Kim, represent my Orange County neighbors and myself in the California State Assembly. She served ably and energetically. Her story is the same as so many South Koreans who have come to this country and thrived. The United States has no better partner in the Asia Pacific than the Republic of Korea. We signed the KORUS Free Trade Agreement, which went into effect in 2012. Since enactment of the KORUS Free Trade Agreement in 2012, trade has flourished, creating jobs in America and South Korea. In fact, South Korea is now our sixth largest trading partner, and, today, this partnership remains as important as ever as we look at the growing challenges across Asia. We stood by Seoul as it was wrongfully punished by China for installing the THAAD ballistic missile defense system. And we continue to lead in helping to address the grave and immediate threats North Korea poses to Seoul and poses to the United States and our neighboring partners. Despite recent diplomatic efforts, it was recently reported that North Korea has expanded a missile base along the Chinese border. A nearby second facility was also uncovered, while numerous undeclared missile bases have now been identified. And last month, North Korea's official news media reported that it successfully tested a new ``state- of-the-art weapon that has been long developed . . . significantly improving the combat power of our people's army.'' That is their quote. These provocations and developments should underscore the threat we face from North Korea. That is why it is so important that we continue to press forward together with a campaign of maximum financial and diplomatic pressure. We must remain clear-eyed that the third generation of the Kim regime poses just as significant of a threat to us, our partners, and, most acutely, the North Korean people as ever. Again, the U.S. has no better friend in Asia or anywhere else in the world than South Korea. We must continue to strengthen this partnership, particularly in the face of the threats we continue to face. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia an the Pacific.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I again recognize and thank Eliot Engel for his work on all of these measures, and I also recognize the importance of the U.S.-South Korean partnership. I have discussed the importance of that defense relationship as we stood shoulder to shoulder during the Korean war and how our economic partnership, bolstered by the enactment of the KORUS FTA, supports 400,000 American jobs. While we discuss the importance of this partnership, I want to recognize that there is no greater bridge between our countries than the Korean American community. Since first arriving in the United States in 1903, they have worked tirelessly to form closer bonds between the United States and South Korea. And looking forward, the U.S. will remain committed to this important relationship. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Tom Sheehy, staff director of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize years of outstanding service by Tom Sheehy, staff director of the Foreign Affairs committee that I chair. Tom has been working on the committee for over twenty years, serving as a staff director for two subcommittees--one being Africa, where together we greatly improved U.S.-Africa policy. During the last six years, Tom has expertly run the committee, advancing my agenda during challenging times. Tom is known as a hard worker who takes a strong interest in the well-being of his staff and is a problem solver. A first-rate communicator who helps other staffers to improve their skills, he has created a well-coordinated team of top-flight professionals. The Foreign Affairs Committee staff is widely-known and well-respected as a result. Tom takes great pride in the committee's good reputation. The committee has been extremely productive. We have turned over 60 bills into public laws, including sanctions, development, and export control legislation. This has required Tom's high level of commitment, knowledge, and negotiation skills; and his empowerment of our excellent committee staff. Under his direction, we have held hearings and performed oversight on almost every issue of importance to our foreign policy. Nearly all of our committee work has been bipartisan. Not because we don't differ over policy. But because we understand that we almost always have more in common than not. Our nation deserves this cooperation and effectiveness, and Tom has directed our many, many bipartisan accomplishments. Tom will be missed by many in Congress, but he surely will continue contributing to our nation's security and prosperity. Tom, congratulations on your career in the House. I am grateful for your service, and wish your family--wife Elizabeth, and children Emma, T.R. and Jackson--the very best.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude for the service and sacrifice of America's diplomats and to stress that a robust American diplomatic presence around the world is in our nation's interests, especially as our adversaries gain commercial, economic, and political ground. There is no substitute for brave, dedicated people in the field, and I would like to see us strengthen that key asset. We are one of the few nations on earth with a truly global diplomatic presence. Since the founding of our country, our diplomats have advanced American interests in some of the most difficult and dangerous places on earth. These professionals defend our national security, enforce our laws, and protect our fellow citizens overseas, often at great risk to themselves. Our embassies and consulates are platforms of U.S. influence and vigilance and our diplomats are often the first to spot threats to our national security. Their work abroad benefits Americans at home. Consider that an emergency investment in West Africa's health stopped cold what would have been an emerging Ebola pandemic a few years ago. Elsewhere, Foreign Service Officers work alongside the military to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists. A strong diplomatic footprint is also necessary for U.S. businesses to be able to compete successfully in challenging and complex markets. It is no surprise that the business community has written to the Secretary of State to say it counts on American diplomats around the world to compete in the global marketplace--and to urge the State Department to send more diplomats to the field with the mission of advancing America's commercial interests. I commend Secretary Pompeo for announcing his vision of putting America's diplomats in ``every corner, every stretch of the world'' and urge him to continue the work he has initiated to enhance America's diplomatic strength. But above all, I want to thank the men and women of the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development for their faithful service to our nation. I have been honored to meet so many of our nation's diplomats and their family members in every corner of the globe in my 26 years in Congress, including six years as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. I have seen firsthand the positive and lasting impact their work has on all Americans and I am personally grateful for the sacrifice they make each day in the service of our nation. Mr. Speaker, no matter the day or time, the men and women of the United States Foreign Service are promoting our interests and defending our security around the globe. Let us commit ourselves to supporting the crucial work they do on behalf of all Americans.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee staff, Shellie Bressler, who is marking 28 years of Federal Government Service. Over her career, Shellie has served in the majority and minority, the House, Senate personal offices, three Committee staffs, as well as for a member of Senate leadership. I first met Shellie when she worked for a fellow member of the House Banking Committee. Although she has worked on issues ranging from the creation of the 50 States Quarters program to the passage of tax incentives for donations to food banks, Shellie is best known for her work on global health issues. She was a lead staffer establishing the framework for the PEPFAR program. This legislation helped move HIV from a death sentence to a manageable disease. Shellie authored a report addressing management issues at the multilateral Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Her recommendations were adopted by the Global Fund Board and the institution is currently in good financial shape. In working on the oversight and investigations team on my staff, Shellie has not only covered global health, but all foreign assistance programs. She has stressed the need for stronger management and evaluation criterion. By asking thorough questions, the State Department and USAID realize that the Committee is paying attention to how government funds are spent, as we demand accountability. Shellie has been a great mentor to junior Committee staff. I know she is not finished making a difference in the world. I wish Shellie much success as she moves to the next chapter of her life.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to my Assistant Staff Director, Jessica Kelch, for her six years of service on the staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Jessica has played an instrumental role in helping lead the Committee's extraordinary team of professional staff, managing and shepherding a variety of important, bipartisan bills through the legislative process to become law. Thanks to her impressive leadership, sharp instincts, and persistence, the Committee has enacted nearly two dozen legislative initiatives in this Congress alone, including bills to establish a new development finance corporation, combat food insecurity, and promote the role of women in peace negotiations and political processes. These have improved the lives of many worldwide. Time and again, Jessica has proven her ability to build consensus and craft solutions to address a diverse array of difficult issues. I am particularly grateful for her candor, humor, and professionalism, but most importantly, for her dedication to serving her country, which I know she will continue to do with distinction.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to Hunter Strupp, who has worked in my office since 2005. Hunter has excelled in various staff positions: he faithfully served in my personal office; as a staff member on the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee; on the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and most recently, as Staff Director for the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, chaired by Chairman Ted Yoho. During his service to the Committee, Hunter was an invaluable asset in crafting Committee policy on North Korea, culminating in the passage of ground-breaking sanctions legislation. He has been a key advisor on a wide range of policy issues confronting the Asian continent, from human rights in Vietnam, political crackdowns in Cambodia, and the plight of the Rohingya in Burma. He served as my staff member when I chaired the Congressional Caucus on India, and the Korea Caucus, successfully advancing important policy issues facing each partnership. Hunter is a deeply dedicated, determined, and principled foreign affairs professional. I again want to thank Hunter for his 13 years of service and for his valuable counsel. He will no doubt contribute to our nation's well- being and security for years to come.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude to Sarah Blocher, a valued member of my Foreign Affairs Committee staff. Sarah is a dedicated public servant, committed to advancing the interests of the American people abroad. Her work has stemmed from her belief that strong, positive relations with our allies in Europe also strengthen our country. I have come to value Sarah's insights into the challenges and opportunities in our transatlantic relationships, as well as her advocacy for human rights, particularly international religious freedom and combating the disturbing rise in antisemitism around the world. As the security landscape has evolved and new threats have emerged for the United States and our allies in Europe, such as the increasing aggression from Russia and its use of unconventional and hybrid attacks, countering violent extremism and thwarting terrorist attacks against our allies, cutting off sources of funding and other support for Hezbollah and advocating for action to combat the trafficking of persons for the gruesome removal of their organs--Sarah has dedicated her time to drawing attention to and combatting these challenges. As well as being a dedicated member of my staff, Sarah is also devoted to her family: her husband Paul, and their three children, Seth, Anneliese and Caroline. In all things, I have found that she has worked diligently in service to her country and her family. I wish Sarah all the best as I depart Congress.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to U.S. Foreign Service Officer Sean O'Neill for his service as a Department of State Fellow on the Committee on Foreign Affairs. I commend Sean for his many years of faithful service to our nation and his work on our Committee during the 114th and 115th Congresses. Sean has strengthened America's national security, enhanced the relationship between the Congress and the Department of State, and reflected credit upon the United States Foreign Service. Sean made substantial contributions to our efforts to address the most significant foreign policy issues facing our nation. From combatting transnational crime and terrorism to defending democracy and human rights around the world, Sean's experience and judgment have been invaluable in helping craft sound policies to promote our national security and economic prosperity. Sean has also been an effective advocate for the brave men and women of the Department of State who serve our country honorably around the world. Since the founding of our country, our diplomats have served America in some of the most difficult and dangerous places on earth. Sean has heightened the Committee's understanding of the important and difficult work our diplomats do and enhanced our oversight of the Department and its critical national security mission. Sean combines a keen eye for strategic policy and practitioner's understanding of how to effectively implement that policy. He has earned the respect of Members of Congress and staff and developed enduring working relationships across Capitol Hill. It has been a pleasure to have Sean serve on my staff and I wish him well as he continues his service to our nation.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation for Joan O'Donnell Condon, a Senior Professional Staff Member who has served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs for more than 18 years. I first came to know Joan while I was chairing the Africa Subcommittee, during which time she helped me advance key initiatives to promote security, rule of law, and economic opportunity across the continent. She worked tirelessly to bring attention to the atrocities of the Lord's Resistance Army, genocide in Darfur, and the rise of al Qaeda-aligned terrorist organizations in East Africa and the Maghreb. In recognition for her efforts to support the peace processes in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Cote d'Ivoire, she was invited to attend the opening arguments against Liberian warlords Charles Taylor before the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and then joined me in celebrating as he was sentenced to life in prison for war crimes and crimes against humanity. As Chairman of the Committee, I knew I wanted Joan on my team. When I asked her where she would travel if she could go anywhere in the world--and she responded with a list of disaster zones--I knew I had made the right choice. She now serves as one of my trusted senior staff, covering the U.S. foreign assistance portfolio. Her diligence, commitment, and integrity have earned her the respect of her colleagues. She has helped bring nearly two dozen Public Laws across the finish line, including four bills to authorize and extend the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the first bill to authorize International Disaster Assistance in 30 years. I look forward to seeing what she does next as I depart the chairmanship. I know she will continue her excellent work.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the work of Andy Taylor, who has been the lead staffer for global economic competitiveness on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Andy has worked tirelessly to advance America's international economic interests abroad, leading bipartisan staff delegations overseas, conducting rigorous oversight of the executive branch, and advancing a robust legislative agenda. I thank Andy for his service to me and our committee and for his professionalism as a staffer. He is creative and collaborative in his approach to developing legislation and dogged in his advocacy for our committee members' bills. Andy came to Capitol Hill in 2010 and has worked on a wide range of policy issues, from biomedical research and drug development for patients with rare diseases, to energy and financial services policy, and Puerto Rico's public debt crisis. On the Foreign Affairs Committee, Andy ushered legislation to boost American leadership in cyberspace, advance women's entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, modernize our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime, and bolster U.S. energy diplomacy. In October, the President signed the BUILD Act into law, major legislation Andy was critical to creating a $60 billion U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. This new entity will mobilize private capital in support of broad-based economic growth and provide countries a robust alternative to state-directed investments by authoritarian governments. I am grateful to Andy for his service promoting American foreign policy and U.S. engagements overseas.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Foreign Affairs Committee's Communications Director, Audra McGeorge, for her nearly 13 years of service to my team. Her honesty, intelligence, dedication and humor have been tremendous assets to my office. While serving in my personal office, Audra's tireless hard work was consistently recognized and applauded by peers, constituents and congressional liaison offices. Starting as a staff associate and working her way into a senior staff position as my communications director, Audra excelled in the Hill's challenging and demanding work environment. She helped me navigate the new opportunities provided by digital media, including telephone town halls and website redesigns. It was also her creativity and hard work that started my first annual women's conference and made following conferences a success. While excelling at her demanding work duties, Audra concurrently earned a master's degree in national security. When I became Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee six years ago, I knew Audra would provide critical insight, so I had her bring her talents to the Committee. From demanding CODELs to high profile hearings to prominent foreign dignitary meetings to landmark legislation, Audra has handled her duties with expertise and a charming spirit. She has been a critical part of the Committee's many accomplishments--reforming food aid, combating the significant obstacles facing women and girls worldwide, and tackling wildlife trafficking. I cannot thank Audra enough--especially for all of the laughs we've shared over the years. It is without question that she will succeed in her future endeavors. Best wishes, Audra.

Mr. ROYCE of California

Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, the headlines are pretty clear: ``Hurricanes Bigger and Costlier than Ever Before''; ``2.3 Billion People Affected by Flooding Disasters in 20 Years''; ``Rising Sea Levels Could Cost the U.S. Trillions.'' Yet, somehow, Congress fails to act. I share with you that Mr. Duffy has articulated this problem very well. We are here again for the 40th time. Forty times since 1998 we have passed an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, but without the needed reforms. Four months have passed since the last vote. We still have nothing to show for it. No one has been a greater advocate for reform than our colleague, Mr. Blumenauer of Oregon. Together, he and I have authored a number of bills that would better prepare Americans for rising floodwaters, as had Mr. Duffy, reforms that would address the fact that fewer than 2 percent of 5 million policies have absorbed more than $80 billion in payments. So, are we here today to talk about reforms? No. We are here to support a program that tells Americans that, if you buy flood insurance from Uncle Sam, no matter how many times your house floods, we will give you money to rebuild it without requiring mitigation; a program that currently makes it more difficult for people to move than to rebuild, that fails to encourage communities to mitigate flood risk, that promotes continued construction in the highest risk areas. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this 1-week extension absent reforms, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.