Ed Royce

Mr. ROYCE

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), the author of this bill and the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. ROYCE

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

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring forward this resolution, introduced by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Sires), on the important issue of press freedom in the Western Hemisphere. Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democracy. It is our obligation to promote and protect this fundamental right, particularly here in our own hemisphere. Undoubtedly, Mr. Speaker, we have seen a troubling erosion of these rights in several parts of the Western Hemisphere at the hands of authoritarian, populist leaders, as well as violence against journalists by transnational narcotics trafficking organizations. In Ecuador, President Correa silences discourse and dissent by intimidating and censoring the media. Hefty fines are issued for any reporting unfavorable to him or his policies. In Mexico, narcotics traffickers intimidate the press and violently target journalists to silence those journalists. In Cuba, despite the administration's naive rapprochement, a lack of free expression is underscored by the continued political imprisonment of anyone who dares to speak or write against the Castro dictatorship. This resolution is an important demonstration of our support for the fundamental right to freedom of speech and our belief that regional leaders in the Organization of American States need to do more to condemn what, in some parts of the region, has become the systemic violation of press freedom. The United States must stand with brave journalists who are on the front lines of exposing corruption in government. Earlier this year, Chairman Duncan's Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere held a hearing on threats to press freedom in the Americas. One witness told the committee that there is now a growing regional trend of government persecution and harassment of journalists, as well as an increase in violent attacks carried out by state and nonstate actors with near complete immunity. I applaud Mr. Sires and the chairman emeritus of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, for introducing this resolution and all who champion freedom of expression as a fundamental part of a vibrant, democratic tradition. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 536) supporting freedom of the press in Latin America and the Caribbean and condemning violations of press freedom and violence against journalists, bloggers, and individuals exercising their right to freedom of speech, as amended.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), chair of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the primary cosponsor of this resolution.

Mr. ROYCE

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I am recently back from London, where I had an opportunity to speak to British authorities about the challenge that Europeans find themselves in at this point in time. There are literally 5,000 Europeans who have gone to fight in Syria and in Iraq and have come back. Part of the problem here is a manpower problem of managing to be able to have a handle on that. Now, we cannot have people automatically coming to the United States without being vetted. They should not be allowed to just get on a plane and fly here. This bill is going to bolster our defenses because what it is going to do is to ensure that those who have traveled to a terror hotspot, like Syria, and then come back into Europe or another Visa Waiver country will get that thorough investigation before they are being cleared to travel. That will allow our authorities to prevent that travel. It is going to give our law enforcement a new tool as well in terms of detecting fraud and stolen passports. You also saw the story in Honduras of five Syrians with stolen passports trying to get into the United States. So the Visa Waiver Program is good for America's economy and good for our leadership overseas. We can strengthen it. Let's urge our colleagues in the Senate to get this soon to the President's desk.

Mr. ROYCE

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak in support of the amendment to H.R. 8 introduced by my colleague, the Gentlewoman from New York, Representative Meng. Racism and discrimination has no place in America today. We are a nation of immigrants that is proud of its diversity. And when we get the chance, we should correct the mistakes of the past. That is what this amendment is about. The Federal Code still contains language on ethnicity that is antiquated and inappropriate. Our society has progressed a great deal in the last 100 years. It is time for us to do the same to our Federal Code. This amendment eliminates outdated, disrespectful terms from federal law and replaces them with terms, such as ``Asian American,'' ``Alaska Natives,'' and ``Hispanic,'' that are more appropriate for our times and in keeping with our values. Deleting inappropriate terms from usage in the U.S. Code is a simple means of demonstrating respect for our nation's diversity, and it will have no effect on the underlying federal laws.

Mr. ROYCE

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 524, condemning the series of terrorist attacks in France carried out by Islamist extremists last week. It was just after 9 p.m. on Friday, November 13, when a night of terror fell over Paris, France. That is when ISIS launched three waves of terrorist attacks on the French capital, killing at least 129 people and wounding more than 350 others. At least one American, Nohemi Gonzalez of El Monte, California, was killed in the attacks, while several more were injured. The first wave involved three suicide bombers at the Stade de France, where thousands, including the French President, were watching a soccer game between France and Germany. The second wave involved shooting at several restaurants, bars, and cafes in an area known for its nightlife in Paris. A suicide bomber blew himself up on a nearby street. And the third wave involved a mass shooting at the Bataclan music hall, where an American rock band was playing music. The attackers took theater attendees hostage and started to systematically shoot members of the audience. They detonated suicide vests as the police launched an assault on the theater. This is where most of the killing that night took place. In claiming responsibility for the attacks, ISIS called them ``the first storm.'' The Paris attacks came a day after ISIS carried out a double suicide bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, and 2 weeks after ISIS claimed responsibility for downing a Russian passenger jet in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Indeed, U.S. officials, including the CIA Director, have warned that these three attacks demonstrate a commitment by ISIS to conduct attacks outside of Syria and Iraq, reaching further and further from their home base. And yesterday, ISIS released a video threatening attacks here on Washington, D.C., which U.S. counterterrorism officials are taking seriously. Mr. Speaker, there are no words we can say today that will comfort the families and friends of the 129 people murdered in these terrorist attacks. The victims included Parisians from every walk of life. And there are no words strong enough to condemn these terrorists and their radical ideology. ISIS is waging war on anyone who disagrees with their violent world view. And, frankly, they view everyone else as apostates to be killed. Alarmingly, their fighting force continues to grow, thanks in part to a steady stream of foreign recruits. More than 30,000 fighters have made it to Syria and Iraq from more than 100 countries. Of those, it is estimated that more than 4,500 hold Western passports, with more than 250 Americans among them. This ``terrorist diaspora'' is a plane-ride from Europe--and even from the United States. This resolution puts the House on record as condemning in the strongest terms possible the Paris attacks and extends the sympathy of every American to those affected by this tragedy. It reaffirms our support for France, America's sister republic and oldest ally. This is a time to not just express sorrow for those killed but also a time to show resolve in this fight. Our intelligence-sharing with allies, already strong, will need to get sharper; border checks will need to be improved; online recruitment of terrorists need to be checked; and coalition efforts to destroy ISIS will need to be stepped up. I urge all Members to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this resolution.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 524) condemning in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in Paris, France, on November 13, 2015, that resulted in the loss of at least 129 lives, as amended.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho), a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr. ROYCE. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messer).

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta).

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

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Harper).

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner).

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out to the people of Paris. I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Engel, who worked to make sure that we brought this resolution to the floor today working together so that we in this Congress speak with one voice--speak with one voice--about the attack on France, the foundation, the heart of Europe, the heart of the Enlightenment, and the heart of the concept of freedom, liberty, and equality under the law which animated so much of the thinking of civilization itself. Indeed, it is an attack on that civilization. It is an attack on those freedoms, the freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, and the freedom of assembly and democracy that are so closely held by us here in the United States and by our original ally, France, in our own effort to achieve the dream of that freedom. It is that freedom that is under assault. The unfortunate reality, Mr. Speaker, is that these attacks in Paris are indicative of a resurgent terrorism that is continuing to build. I mentioned that there were some 30,000 fighters. Those fighters, my friends, came from all over the world. They came from across the globe on a virtual caliphate called the Internet in order to join Islamic State and in order to join what they call their caliphate. The intent of their caliphate is to put an end to the freedom that is enjoyed by those that they consider apostates, the freedom enjoyed by civilization itself. The great sorrow that we express here today on this floor is over the fact that, of those young people murdered and maimed in this attack, the vast majority of them were under 30 years of age. They had their whole lives ahead of them when they were targeted, civilians targeted for this kind of mayhem. Mr. Speaker, the resolve we show with our brothers and sisters in France is a resolve that freedom will be the rallying cry. Civilization will be the test. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly under democracy are the rights of civilized people. Those who bring barbarism and attack the institutions and attack civilians are the threat to that civilization. We reaffirm our support for France, and we reaffirm our support for the French Government and the words and the actions that they have taken in the wake of this attack. Yes, here in this Chamber we have Lafayette's portrait. At the end of that War for Independence--and this is why his portrait is here--he said to us, ``Humanity has now won its battle. Liberty has a country.'' And after we achieved our freedom, France went on to achieve their freedom. But now liberty is under assault. That is why today we bring this resolution to the floor of this House, to say that America must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the French in their fight against tyranny, in their fight against this terror, and in the hope that this will give an example to the rest of the world in standing up to ISIS and to make certain that our basic liberties are protected around this world. I am going to quote David Petraeus, who recently gave us these remarks. He said that Syria is a geopolitical Chernobyl. He said, ``Like a nuclear disaster, the fallout from the meltdown of Syria threatens to be with us for decades, and the longer it is permitted to continue, the more severe the damage will be.'' We have had this relationship tested many times. France has had its relationship with us tested many times. Tonight we stand together with France in our commitment to see this through and to make certain that ISIS is not merely contained, but to make certain that ISIS is ultimately destroyed. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROYCE

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the Equity in Government Compensation Act. This bill is based on legislation I authored which passed out of the House Financial Services Committee by a vote of 57 to 1 earlier this year. Similar text was approved by the Senate unanimously. This legislation will eliminate multi-million dollar salaries for the CEOs of taxpayer-bailed out and taxpayer-backed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, payouts that are an affront to the American people. To the naysayers that claim that the GSEs have already ``repaid'' the taxpayers for their bailouts, I asked Treasury Secretary Jack Lew about this very theory. He responded clearly that that ``the risk [for Fannie and Freddie] is being borne by taxpayers on an ongoing basis and the conservatorship is not over.'' The quantifiable toll taken by the financial crisis and the GSEs' actions on the American people is staggering: over 4 million Americans lost their homes; 8.8 million Americans lost their jobs; and $19 2 trillion was lost in household wealth. We have a duty and obligation to our constituents to protect them from a return to the GSEs' pre-crisis model of private gains and public losses. To those who discuss the need for GSE reform during debate of this bill, I say: I agree with you that it's time to put our housing system on a firmer foundation. I will put my record in support of reforming the GSEs up against that of any Member of Congress. The status quo of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac dominating 90% of the secondary mortgage market is unsustainable. My ultimate goal is still comprehensive housing finance reform that brings private capital into the system to eliminate the boom-and-bust cycle that wreaked havoc on the American economy; a task that takes on all the more urgency as Fannie and Freddie slip into the red and invite new taxpayer bailouts. However, this bill is about CEO pay today at the GSEs, not what we want them to look like tomorrow. Four million dollar a year salaries at the GSEs are simply symptoms of a disease. While we work on finding a cure, we should treat the patient. This bill will do just that. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for his leadership on this issue as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, the gentleman from New Jersey for his support on this bill, and the senior Senator from Louisiana for his quick action.

Mr. ROYCE

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this legislation, the Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act of 2015. In May of last year, reports emerged that the bodies of 52 veterans had remained unburied for over a year at the Los Angeles County Mortuary, located just outside of my district. Similar instances were discovered in 13 other States, demonstrating just how widespread this is. Stories of unburied veterans' bodies are deeply unsettling and the result of gaps in burial procedure policies at the VA. It has to be addressed. Our service men and women have made immense personal sacrifices on behalf of our Nation, and it is unacceptable for their remains to be treated with such a blatant lack of respect and dignity. Like the gentleman from Pennsylvania and many of my colleagues in the House and Senate, I introduced legislation in an effort to solve this issue. The Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to study the burial of veterans' unclaimed remains in national cemeteries and to report the findings of such studies to Congress. This legislation is an important step toward acknowledging and, ultimately, solving the problem. Last week, the Senate passed by unanimous consent the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act, which incorporated the House legislation, and I am happy to see that the companion legislation is now being voted on in the House of Representatives, bringing it one step closer to the President's signature. We made a commitment to take care of our veterans in both life and death, and it is crucial that we follow through on it. I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to vote in support of the Dignified Interment of Our Veterans Act. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his work on this issue and the gentleman from Florida for his continued efforts as the House Veterans' Affairs Committee chairman.

Mr. ROYCE

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Chairman, I would explain to my colleagues at the outset that I, frankly, think we should voice vote this amendment without objection. I think it is misguided to oppose it because this amendment is not part of this fight over Ex-Im. What this fight is over, what this amendment is over, is my experience in terms of the President using waivers. I will explain to you my worry if we don't close this loophole, which I frankly think it would be very easy to close because I think the Senate would agree with us. But Export-Import Bank loans and guarantees obviously would be absolutely off limits to state sponsors of terrorism if we write the law correctly. The worst of the worst--Iran, Syria, Sudan--should have the Bank door slammed shut, period. That is what this amendment does. No administration wiggle room, none at all. One country where the Ex-Im has not operated in recent years is Iran. This is because of our sanctions. But, of course, much of this sanctions regime is going to be suspended, misguidedly, as part of the President's nuclear deal. So what does that mean? For one, the administration is committed to making it possible for Iran to purchase commercial aircraft. I think we can all agree, Ex-Im supporters and opponents alike, that Iran should not be entitled to American taxpayer-financed aircraft deals. Iran has a long history of using its commercial airlines to support its terrorist proxies. Its commercial flights are now flying military personnel to Syria. When I say ``now,'' I mean right now. Iran is on a roll in the region undermining our partners and backing the murderous Assad regime in Syria. Now, some parts of U.S. law, most notably in the Foreign Assistance Act, do prevent Ex-Im from engaging with state sponsors of terrorism. But these commonsense prohibitions are subject to Presidential waivers, and we have seen the President abuse waivers to pursue his agenda over and over again on Iran, no matter what Congress thinks. Without consulting Congress, the administration signed us up for an agreement that will waive sanctions year after year until Iran has nuclear breakout capability. That is the way I think this ends. So, Mr. Chairman, the Foreign Affairs Committee that I chair is continuing to examine the Iran agreement in great detail. We understand how this administration has abused its authority to force a deal that allows the Ayatollah to keep a path to a nuclear weapon, in my view, with little regard for the views of the American people or their Representatives in Congress. This is not just about Iran. The administration is unilaterally bending, ignoring, and rewriting law to advance his agenda here at home toward Cuba and elsewhere. So this amendment protects against executive overreach. It would strengthen existing law by prohibiting any bank activities in connection with the purchase or lease of any product by a country that is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, to include any agency or national of that government, and it prohibits the waivers that are currently exercised by the President. That means that anyone who is a national of Iran or an appendage of that state sponsor of terrorism cannot benefit from the Bank. The Iranian Government and its Revolutionary Guards--which is increasingly involved in transportation, in energy, in construction, and in telecommunications--are set to profit from the President's nuclear agreement. Now, that is bad enough. But they shouldn't be getting Ex-Im backing on top of that. Mr. Chairman, given my experience with this President with the waivers he has already given, I want that loophole closed. I don't think there is a reason for a debate on this. I think it should be voice-voted, and I think the Senate will concur in that. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding that, with or without passage of this amendment, the transportation bill with the Ex-Im language is going to conference with the Senate. That is the next step in this procedure. I understand some believe this, and I understand some have been told that this in some way affects that conference. I don't think so. It is going to go to conference. I do not understand the reason to object to this because I think, frankly, whether you are for Ex-Im or against Ex- Im, at the end of the day, you don't want the President to have this particular waiver. I don't think Members here want that. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROYCE

Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 354) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the safety and security of Jewish communities in Europe.