C. Ruppersberger

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1966, and I thank the gentleman for yielding. I proudly co-led this bill when it was first introduced by our late friend, Elijah Cummings, in honor of the extraordinary life and legacy of a Baltimore native, Henrietta Lacks. Although Congressman Cummings has passed on and remains deeply missed, I am proud and grateful that Congressman Mfume has picked up the mantle on this important legislation. Without her knowledge or permission, doctors used Henrietta Lacks' cells for medical research that eventually led to some of medicine's most critical breakthroughs, including development of the polio vaccine, along with treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and Parkinson's. I can think of only a handful of Marylanders or even Americans who have contributed more to modern medicine than Henrietta Lacks. Her lifesaving contributions will continue to advance cures for debilitating diseases for generations to come. Yet more than 70 years after Henrietta Lacks' death, many communities still face glaring health disparities. For example, while cancer incidence rates are highest among non-Hispanic White females, non- Hispanic Black females have the highest rate of death. Clinical trials are a key component to advancing cancer research and treatment, but 20 percent of cancer clinical trials fail because of a lack of patient enrollment, with racial and ethnic minorities and older, rural, and lower-income Americans generally underrepresented in such trials. This bill examines access to government-funded cancer clinical trials for traditionally underrepresented groups, but it is also about much more. It is about giving credit where credit has been long overdue, it is about ensuring all Americans get the medical treatments they deserve, and it is about ensuring clinical trials succeed because they are inclusive. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Senator Paul Sarbanes, a titan of Maryland politics and a man I considered a mentor during my time as Baltimore County Executive. John, those were very warm comments that you gave about your father, to be here as a Member of Congress and to make those comments. I know your father is looking down and is very proud of you and his whole family. It is a moment that we will never forget. Anyone who values government accountability and integrity, anyone who loves or lives off of the Chesapeake Bay, is benefiting from the service of Senator Paul Sarbanes. Though his legislative style was often described as quiet and unassuming, the accomplishments of Senator Sarbanes were bold and groundbreaking. He will go down as one of the Chesapeake Bay's fiercest stewards in history. In the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, he pioneered legislation that continues to protect consumers today. From Watergate to Iran-Contra to Whitewater, he fought government corruption. He was a man of integrity and decency. He didn't have a soapbox. He had sense. He led with respect, not rhetoric. Over the course of his three decades of public service, Senator Sarbanes showed us what we can achieve when taking credit just isn't a priority. Today, we celebrate the legacy Senator Sarbanes has left for our future generations. I know Senator Sarbanes was very proud of his son John's work here in the United States Congress and also his son Michael's work on behalf of the Baltimore City Schools and his daughter, Janet Sarbanes, who is an accomplished writer. We will always remember Senator Sarbanes.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Midshipman First Class Sydney Barber, the first Black female to be selected as Brigade Commander at the United States Naval Academy, the highest leadership position within the student body. A native of Lake Forest, Illinois, Midshipman Barber graduated from Lake Forest High School in 2017. As a mechanical engineering major at the Naval Academy who has been selected to commission into the U.S. Marine Corps, Midshipman Barber has been on the Superintendent's list. She completed a 7-week internship with the Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where she was instrumental in breakthrough research on bio-electrochernical uses for carbon nanotubes. Midshipman Barber was named a 2020 Truman Scholar National Finalist, focusing her research on developing legislative strategies to address education disparities in minority communities. She has created a STEM outreach program that leveraged mentoring, literature, and service lessons to benefit middle-school aged girls of color. She also helped create the Midshipman Diversity Team, made up of more than 180 midshipmen, faculty, and alumni, to promote diversity, inclusion and equality within the brigade. Amid these efforts, Midshipman Barber served as the plebe summer 13th Company Executive Officer and currently serves as the brigade's 1st Regimental Executive Officer. She is the co-President of the Navy Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club and the Secretary for the National Society of Black Engineers Club. She belongs to the gospel choir and the Midshipman Black Studies Club. A walk-on sprinter and hurdler on the Academy's varsity track and field team, Midshipman Barber currently holds the record for the outdoor 4x400 meter relay. As Brigade Commander, Midshipman Barber will head the Academy's day- to-day activities and train approximately 4,500 midshipmen. Midshipman Barber will be just the 16th woman selected for this position in the 44 years that women have been attending the Naval Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today in honoring the achievement of Midshipman First Class Sydney Barber. Her service to our country is deserving of the utmost gratitude. On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Visitors, I offer her our sincerest congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure as Brigade Commander.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill that will reduce the scourge of violence in America. The bill is based on a very simple concept: helping the victims of violent injury before they become repeat victims or even perpetrators themselves. We can do this by expanding hospital-based violence intervention programs around the country. I was inspired to write this bill after learning about the violence intervention program at the University of Maryland R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Maryland Shock Trauma is considered one of the top trauma centers in the world. And, by the way, it helped save my life years ago. Shock Trauma has a staggering 20 percent of patients who are the victims of violence, usually stabbings and shootings, that have occurred on the streets of Baltimore. Many of these patients are repeat customers, caught in a revolving door of violent reinjury. In fact, one of the leading risk factors for violent injury is a prior violent injury. Shock Trauma is taking advantage of the fact that these patients are a captive audience, confined to a bed and off the streets, if only for a few days. Participants in their violence intervention program, one of the 40 that now exist across the country, receive a brief intervention in the emergency room or at the hospital bedside. They get counseling and support that could include help with groceries, bus money, substance abuse treatment, job training or help finding affordable housing. This intervention is then followed by intensive community-based case management services in the months following the injury. At Shock Trauma, program participants have shown an 83 percent decrease in rehospitalization due to intentional violent injury, and a 75 percent reduction in criminal activity, and an 82 percent increase in employment. This bill that we have before us today, the Bipartisan Solution to Cyclical Violence Act, provides $10 million in Federal grants to hospitals that want to create or expand violence prevention programs. At the end of a 3-year pilot, each hospital will report its findings back to the Federal Government. Awards will range from $250,000 to $500,000. I believe, however, this bill will net cost savings to the American taxpayers by reducing violent crime, which costs more than $12 billion, from police, courts, and jails, to the medical expenses of victims, to the lost wages to both victims and perpetrators. Further, as we engage in a national conversation about reimagining public safety, I think we need to do what we can to shift social work away from police and first responders and back to the experts in mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, unemployment, and other areas that often afflict victims of violent crime. In fact, when I first introduced this bill in 2019, it was endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Resource Officers, and the National District Attorneys Association. We also received endorsements from the NAACP, American College of Surgeons, Network of Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs, and the National League of Cities. It has also been endorsed by the National Hospital Association. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, Adam Kinzinger, for coauthoring this important legislation; and Chairman Frank Pallone and Ranking Member Walden for helping us work through this bill. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for the Bipartisan Solution to Cyclical Violence Act.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Digital Coast Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill that I have put forth for consideration by this Chamber the last 10 years. I have spent a decade pushing this legislation because, while it is critical to coastal communities like mine in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we all have a stake in protecting America's shorelines. But it is not just about protecting our environment, it is about protecting our economy. Our country's 95,000 miles of shoreline are home to more than 42 percent of our country's population and millions of businesses that supply most of our gross domestic product. This bill's Republican House cosponsor, Mr. Don Young, represents Alaska, a State with 44,000 miles of coastline. The fishing industry is their largest private-sector employer. Every day, planners in our hometowns are asking questions such as: What is the storm surge in this community? Or: How much is this bluff going to erode? Or: What are the water level trends at the marina where we want to build a new dock? Unfortunately, the current coastal maps and geospatial data they are relying on for answers are woefully inaccurate, outdated, and nonexistent. The Digital Coast Act will allow professionals at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to begin a comprehensive mapping process of our Nation's fragile shorelines. Coastal communities will be able to use the data to better prepare for storms, manage floods, restore ecosystems, and plan smarter developments near America's coasts, harbors, ports, and shorelines. In Alaska, better mapping will improve search and rescue operations. Also, NOAA will train decision makers at the local and State level on how to use the data sets to answer questions about storm surge, erosion, and water level trends. The data will also be available on NOAA's website for free and easy public access so that every citizen can leverage the expertise of the Federal Government. This bill is more important now than it was a decade ago when I first introduced it. We are seeing more storms that are stronger, and sea level rise is accelerating. We can't wait any longer. In addition to Congressman Don Young, I thank Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Bishop for their work in bringing this bill to the floor. Finally, I thank Senators Tammy Baldwin and Lisa Murkowski for championing this bill in the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan, commonsense investment in our Nation's coastal communities.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Before I start, I want to acknowledge the gentlewoman's leadership position. I was sitting in my chair--I have been dealing with cyber issues for a long time--and when I heard Mr. Joyce agree with the gentlewoman, I almost fell out of my chair, but I didn't. I really applaud both Members for working together. Cyber issues are some of the most important national security issues that our country faces, internationally and also within our country, and coming together like this is how we get things done for our constituents. I hope people on both sides of the aisle observe what these Representatives are doing. That is the way we need to go. First, as a former Baltimore County executive, I am well aware of the problems that State and local governments face on a daily basis. They are where the rubber meets the road and the source of many of the critical services our constituents rely on, which includes schools, law enforcement, parks, fire, and libraries. Yet, according to the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, nearly half of all States do not have a dedicated cybersecurity line item in their budget. In fact, most State cybersecurity budgets are between 0 and 3 percent of their overall information technology budget. While some support from the Federal Government does exist already, less than 4 percent of current Homeland Security Grant Program funding has been allocated to cybersecurity needs at the State and local level. As we have seen from recent cyberattacks on many American cities and States, this is simply not enough. Last year, there were at least 24 public-sector ransomware attacks, including a ransomware attack in Baltimore, my hometown, that is expected to cost more than $18 million in remediation. A separate attack in 2018 temporarily disabled Baltimore's 911 dispatch system. This is part of a growing nationwide trend. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the threat to local governments as hackers exploit overwhelmed organizations that are increasingly dependent on digital tools. We cannot simply stand by and watch this happen. We can and must do more.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today establishes a program making grants available to State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to address cybersecurity risks and threats to their information systems. This is not a silver bullet, but it allows us to leverage Federal expertise in cyber, like that of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, to help State and local governments get their information security programs off the ground. This bill will further empower State and local governments around the country to begin assuming the funding burden in their normal budget cycles in the future by reducing the Federal share over time. I thank Chairman Thompson, Chairman Richmond, and all those involved for this bipartisan coalition.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, due to a family medical emergency, I was unable to make roll call votes 183 and 184. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: No. 183, ``yes'' on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass and No. 184, ``yes'' on Motion to suspend the Rules and Pass.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note provisions in H.R. 7617 which provide $5 million for the Maglev Deployment Program, also known as MDP, and an additional $100 million in Title V of the bill. The MDP was created in 1998 as a competitive program to encourage the development and construction of an operating maglev transportation system capable of safe use by the public at speeds in excess of 240 miles per hour. The program was not intended for the United States to deploy a new transportation system somewhere in America and not for research. America has fallen behind as countries like China and Japan have deployed magnetic levitation transportation systems. Congress directed the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to establish project selection criteria, to solicit applications for funding, to select one or more projects to receive financial assistance for preconstruction planning activities, and after completion of such activities, to select one of the projects to receive financial assistance for final design, engineering and construction. Funds were only available to States or an Authority designated by one or more States and included required State matching funds. The FRA received eleven applications for MDP funding and selected seven projects for Initial Feasibility Studies. The FRA then completed a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for the MDP. As a result of the prior rounds, the FRA further selected two projects to continue: Baltimore-Washington and Pittsburgh. Other projects in the Program, such as Atlanta-Chattanooga, could continue but without federal support. In 2008, Congress passed SAFETEA-LU providing an additional $90 million in Highway Trust Fund contract authority for the MDP. In clarifying eligible projects for the MDP Congress explained that for projects east of the Mississippi River ``the intent is to limit the eligible projects to three existing projects east of the Mississippi River: Pittsburgh, Baltimore-Washington and Atlanta-Chattanooga.'' Subsequently, the Pittsburgh project was discontinued, leaving the Atlanta-Chattanooga and the Baltimore-Washington projects as the two remaining in the competition. In 2019, the Georgia DOT determined to not pursue Atlanta-Chattanooga any further. As a result, after 20 years of work, more than $100 million of private sector investment, millions of dollars in state and federal investment, the most advanced and sophisticated of the projects has emerged as the winner. All of the participants have expended time and funds in reliance on the fact that the longstanding competitive process would ultimately end in the selection and, hopefully, construction sofa single project. It is critical that the federal commitment continue. I applaud the Committee and Congress for its continued federal commitment to the MDP. After so many years of monetary and time investment, by many participants, the good faith effort by the State of Maryland and the Maryland private sector should result in the purpose the competitive program was designed to achieve. Congressional intent has never changed. Indeed, the Baltimore-Washington Project has attracted potentially billions of dollars in nonfederal investment. I rise to make it abundantly clear, as Congress did in 2008, that funds in the MDP are available only to current participants in the program, and it is not the intent of this Congress to restart a 20 year competition to new entrants, after so much work, reliance on the process and expenditure. It is clear to this Member that FRA discretion to award funds is limited to those existing projects in the Maglev Deployment Program.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis. I first met John at a church event in Maryland 20 years ago in Anne Arundel County when I was a candidate running for Congress. And John was there to support me but also there to speak to a junior day event. At that time, I first saw John speak and talk about his relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King. He recounted many brutal beatings and arrests that he endured during the height of the civil rights movement. From that point on, I considered John a mentor. I am fortunate to have served with many inspiring people, but John stands out as one of the finest leaders I have ever known. John encouraged us to get into good trouble, to make a difference. Though not typically my style, I was proud to participate in a sit-in on the House floor, led by John, to protest gun violence in 2016. He told me that by sitting down, we were standing up for thousands of Americans who have lost their lives in mass shootings after mass shootings. And so I sat. The best way to honor John's life and legacy is by continuing the fight against gun violence, against police brutality, against veteran disenfranchisement, against systemic racism. We will carry the torch for you, John.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the life and legacy of Coach Robert Edwin ``Ed'' Novak, Sr., for his exceptional service to our country and his contributions to the education of youth in Baltimore. A native Baltimorean, Coach Novak graduated from Baltimore City College in 1944. Immediately after, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to the Pacific Theater during World War II as an Electrician's Mate First Class onboard the USS LST 582 and USS LST 72. After the war, Coach Novak resumed his education, earning his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Maryland College Park, and meeting his wife, Mrs. Phyllis Jane Shipley. Together they would have three children: Deborah Glasgow, Robert Novak, Jr., and Kevin Novak; as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Coach Novak began his coaching career as an assistant football coach for his alma matter, the City Collge Knights, where he was my swim and football coach. During his tenure, Coach Novak would lead the Knight's football program to a 6-2 record against their rival, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, six Maryland Scholastic Association championships, and a top 10 ranking in the country. In 1965, he became the first athletic director at Northwestern High School in Baltimore. Coach Novak coached four sports and led the Wildcats to two football state titles before transferring to the McDonogh School in Owings Mills in 1978, where he would work for 13 years. Coach Novak was inducted to the McDonogh School Athletic Hall of Fame, was named Maryland Athletic Director of the Year, and was inducted to the Maryland State Athletic Director's Hall of Fame. Madam Speaker, aside from the decades Coach Novak spent in school athletics and sports administration, he was perhaps best known for his service to his community. Coach Novak and his wife Phyllis facilitated reunions for his WWII ship and he was an active member of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Post 174 as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9083. He taught swimming for 21 years at the Hampton Pool in Towson, and was a co-founder of the Free State Swim League, for which he was recongized by the American Red Cross for his 30 years and 4,500 hours of volunteerism. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today to honor the life of Coach Robert Edwin ``Ed'' Novak, Sr. His compassion and dedication to our country, the Baltimore community, and his students is an inspiration to all. I humbly express my condolences to his friends and family and wish them peace and comfort in the days ahead

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, this week, we recognize Gun Violence Survivors Week across our country. In my district alone, there have been 331 gun-related deaths and 716 injuries, including seven mass shootings over the last 7 years. There are two sides of the coin when it comes to ending gun violence. Implementing commonsense gun safety measures that a vast majority of Americans support must be our top priority. At the same time, we have to begin addressing the root cause of gun violence in our communities, which is a revolving door phenomenon. Victims of gun violence are caught up in the drug wars, the culture of retaliation, and disrespect. In fact, the rate of violent reinjury at most of the Nation's trauma centers is as high as 45 percent. One of the leading risk factors for violent injury is prior violent injury. While these victims are recuperating in the hospital, they are a captive audience. They are confined to bed, if only for a few days. This offers us a window of opportunity where we can offer support when they most need it. I am in the process of finalizing bipartisan, bicameral legislation with my colleague Congressman Kinzinger from Illinois, and our measure creates a new grant program to provide the victims of gun violence, who often become repeat victims of predators themselves, with the resources they need to stop this vicious cycle. This might include bus money, clothes for a job interview, or some groceries. Often, victims need help finding an affordable apartment or getting off drugs. Violence intervention programs, like the ones that our bill will support, work. They reduce recidivism and hospital readmissions, jail time, and unemployment. This is why my previously introduced bill was endorsed by organizations such as the NAACP, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the American College of Surgeons. The University of Maryland's Shock Trauma Center has been rated the top trauma center in the world. They support our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. They do research as it relates to all sorts of trauma. Shock Trauma is led by Dr. Tom Scalea, with the great doctors, nurses, and aides who work in that great institution. They have implemented this program that I am talking about here today, and let me tell you, it works. I am excited to reintroduce my bill so we can work on lowering the rates of firearm deaths throughout the country.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I spent 12 years on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, including 4 as ranking member. My bipartisan cooperation with the Republican chairman was widely recognized. When it comes to national security, there is no room for bipartisan politics. All 17 witnesses--mostly Trump appointees--told the same story during the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence hearings, each testifying that our Commander in Chief jeopardized American national security for the sake of his reelection. The President held hostage military aid for the fight against a common enemy, Russia. He willfully obstructed Congress' constitutionally prescribed impeachment powers. Over the last 2 years, I resisted calls to begin impeachment proceedings, and I resent those who say this is about reversing the election. This isn't about whether or not you like Trump. It is about upholding our Constitution. Allowing this conduct to go unquestioned sets a dangerous precedent and permanently damages our system of checks and balances. No one is above the law. President Trump's actions are a clear threat to our national security and democracy. We must uphold our oath of office and support these articles.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Chair, there is a reason that the Digital Coast Act is bipartisan and bicameral: We all have a stake in protecting our shorelines. Our country's 95,000 miles of shoreline--not just our oceans, but our rivers, streams, and lakes--are home to more than 42 percent of our country's population and millions of businesses that supply most of our gross domestic product. Unfortunately, current coastal maps and geospatial data are woefully inadequate, outdated, or even nonexistent. My bill, the Digital Coast Act, which is part of this package, will allow professionals at NOAA to begin a comprehensive mapping process of our Nation's fragile shorelines. Coastal communities will be able to use the data to better prepare for storms, manage floods, restore ecosystems, and plan smarter developments near America's coasts, harbors, ports, and shorelines. NOAA will train decisionmakers at the local and State level on how to use the datasets to answer questions about storm surge, erosion, and water level trends. The data will also be available on NOAA's website for free and easy public access, so every citizen can leverage the expertise of the Federal Government. Every day, planners in our hometowns are asking questions, such as, what is the storm surge in this community, how much is the bluff going to erode, or what are the water level trends at the marina where we want to build a new dock? I represent Maryland, home of the Chesapeake Bay, which provides $1 trillion to the economies of its watershed. So, protecting the shores of the bay means protecting jobs. The bill's Republican cosponsor, Mr. Don Young, represents Alaska, a State with 44,000 miles of coastline. There, they rely on their shipping channels for goods from the lower 48 States. They need mapping for search and rescue operations and to support the fishing industry, which is their largest private-sector employer. The Digital Coast Act will arm local planners and managers with the high-tech data they need to make smart decisions and investments that could save people's lives. In addition to the bill's Republican cosponsor, Congressman Young, I would like to thank Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Bishop for their hard work on this package, even though I understand Ranking Member Bishop has some issues. And I also would like to thank Senators Tammy Baldwin and Lisa Murkowski for championing the bill in the Senate. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major Jeremy Parr for his exemplary dedication to duty and service as an Army Congressional Fellow and Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller). Major Parr is transitioning from his current assignment to serve as a Battalion Operations Officer at Fort Hood, Texas. Hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas, Major Parr was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps from Army ROTC in 2007. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University and a Master's Degree in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University. Major Parr served in a broad range of assignments during his 12 years as an Army officer. He has served in one combat deployment to Iraq with Task Force 2-16 Infantry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. I had the privilege of working with Major Parr, who served as a fellow in my office, throughout 2017 and during his succeeding assignment as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the U.S. Army. Major Parr diligently coordinated with Members of Congress and their staffs to articulate the Army's budget positions to the Appropriations Committees. His professionalism, performance and commitment to the mission, as both a fellow and liaison, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and made a lasting impression on members and staff of the United States Congress. Throughout his career, Major Parr has positively impacted soldiers, peers and superiors. Our country has benefited from his leadership, judgment and passion for the Army profession. The foundation of Jeremy's success is his family. His wife, Yulia, and his children, Joshua, Evan and Alexander, are the light of his life. In addition, Jeremy's parents, Debra and Earl, exemplify the selflessness and humility that characterize the families of all of our service members. Madam Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Major Jeremy Parr since the first session of the 115th Congress. It is with great appreciation that I recognize and commend Jeremy for service to our country and wish him all the best as he continues his service in the United States Army.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a good friend, patriot, and one of the most principled, passionate men I have ever known; that is Elijah Cummings. Elijah Cummings was an individual who has done so much for his community, has done so much for his country and his state. I had the honor of serving with Elijah Cummings for over 25 years. We also went to the same high school, City College. Congressman Cummings received attention on the national stage as chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and as such he was fighting for our democracy every single day, signing subpoenas in the hours before his death. He spoke truth to power and was taking on what many of us see as dangerous threats to our system of government, divided by our forefathers into three equal branches. But even as he commanded a gavel as chairman, he never stopped fighting for Baltimore and the little guy. Chairman Cummings can rest easy knowing that he did everything he could in his time to restore the principles of our democracy and equality. His passing is a tremendous loss to me personally, the city of Baltimore, our State, and our country. My heart goes out to his family and friends and staff during this time of grief.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of my amendment to protect the energy grid from cybersecurity threats. In the 4 years since the Ukraine power grid attack, our enemies have doubled down on their effort to target cybersecurity vulnerabilities in our Nation's energy infrastructure, especially within industrial control systems. The 2015 Ukraine grid intrusion orchestrated by the Russians was a turning point in industrial cybersecurity. For the first time, hackers penetrated industrial controls of a power plant with the goal of causing widespread disruption. Both the security and economic consequences of a destructive attack on our energy grid cannot be overstated. We can no longer wait to address these threats. My amendment will ensure we continue to develop the ability to both discover vulnerabilities and keep an eye on emerging threats that could disrupt electricity generation or even cost lives. I want to thank our government partners, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, CISA, the intelligence community, the Department of Energy, and national labs. I look forward to working with all these stakeholders to ensure that we are implementing grid security measures in a responsible way consistent with existing law and authorities. As a member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I fully intend to help leverage the authorization in this amendment to supplement the already great effort underway at CISA and other government agencies. Also I want to thank the many talented computer scientists, cybersecurity experts, and engineers from the private sector, especially the team at Dragos, a cybersecurity firm focused on industrial controls, located in my district in Hanover, Maryland, for all the hard work they do in this space to not only defend against threats but to educate others. Our amendment is simple and mirrors language already passed by the overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate's Intelligence Authorization Act. Senator King from Maine has been a stalwart force on this issue, and none of this would have happened without his determination and vision on this issue. The amendment sets up a 2-year pilot program to identify the classes of security vulnerabilities in the grid. It establishes a working group to evaluate the technology solutions proposed by the pilot program. The working group would include government agencies, the energy industry, and other experts. Lastly, it requires the Department of Energy to submit a report to the relevant congressional committees describing the results of the program. Finally, I want to thank Judge Carter from Texas who has led the charge on this issue with me in the House since last Congress. Judge Carter is a good friend, and I appreciate his help on this important issue. Madam Chair, this amendment will help the intelligence community and the government at large better understand the vulnerabilities to certain aspects of our energy grid. Madam Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), who is the distinguished chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Chair, I support the need to increase federal investment in quantum information science at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Within the Research and Related Activities account at NSF, I strongly support an increase of $135 million above the fiscal year 2019 level for Quantum Information Science, as authorized in the National Quantum Initiative Act. This emerging field of science promises to yield revolutionary new approaches to computing, sensing and communication. NSF should remain committed to developing and supporting systems that facilitate tremendous leaps in computational simulation, including artificial intelligence, storage, quantum computing, and data analyses that enable a broad range of scientific research. In following the intent of the National Quantum Initiative Act, I would hope the NSF would dedicate no less than $85 million for Principal Investigator-led Quantum Research and $50 million for five NSF National Quantum Initiative Centers at $10 million per center. Quantum Information Science is critical to our nation's economy and national security. With increased federal investment, we can accelerate the development of real-world applications in areas such as infrastructure, climate change, cybersecurity, medicine, communications, financial services and transportation. The country most advanced in quantum science and technology will reap huge economic gains and enjoy a national security advantage. The University of Maryland College Park, which I proudly attended, is home to a thriving, unparalleled quantum hub. With more than 175 researchers on-site, connections to government and industry laboratories, and a vast global research network, Maryland scientists are leading the charge toward a quantum future. This funding is critical to the state of Maryland, to continued U.S. leadership in this important field, and to our future. I would hope to work together to discuss a path forward to this increased investment in Quantum Information Science.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I support the need to increase federal investment for Quantum Information Science at the Department of Energy (DOE). Within the Science Account, I strongly support an additional $220 million above the fiscal year 2019 level for Quantum Information Science, as authorized in the National Quantum Initiative Act. This emerging field of science promises to yield revolutionary new approaches to computing, sensing, and communication. Accordingly, I believe DOE should dedicate $120 million toward activities authorized under section 401 of the National Quantum Initiative Act and $100 million toward National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, authorized in Section 402 of the National Quantum Initiative Act (five centers funded at $20 million each). Quantum information science is critical to our nation's economy and national security. With increased federal investment, we can accelerate the development of real-world applications in areas such as infrastructure, climate change, cyber security, medicine, communications, financial services and transportation. The country most advanced in quantum science and technology will reap huge economic gains and enjoy a national security advantage. The University of Maryland College Park, where I proudly attended, is home to a thriving, unparalleled quantum hub. With more than 175 researchers on-site, connections to government and industry laboratories, and a vast global research network, Maryland scientists are leading the charge toward a quantum future. This funding is critical to the State of Maryland, to continued U.S. leadership in this important field, and to our future. I would hope to work together to discuss a path forward to this increased investment in quantum information science.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, due to my attendance at an event off the Capitol Hill campus, I was unable to make roll call votes 263 and 296. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: No. 263 YES on Agreeing to the Amendment, and No. 296 YES on Agreeing to the Amendment.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the exemplary service of Major Shane Briones as an Army Congressional Fellow and Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller). Major Briones is transitioning from his current assignment to serve as a Plans Officer for U.S. Army Europe. A native of Pearl City, Hawaii, Major Briones was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps from Officer Candidate School in 2006. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Public Policy from The George Washington University (GWU), a Master's degree in IT Management from Webster University, and a Master's degree in Legislative Affairs from GWU. Major Briones has served in a broad range of assignments during his 12 years as an Army officer, including Platoon Leader and Battalion Signal Officer at Fort Lewis, WA; Company Commander at Schofield Barracks, HI; and Legislative Liaison in Washington, D.C. He also has served two combat deployments in Iraq with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. I have had the privilege of working directly with Major Briones, first as a fellow in my Capitol Hill office throughout 2016 and, then, during his succeeding assignment as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the U.S. Army. His professionalism, performance, and commitment to the mission, as both a fellow and liaison, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and made a lasting impression to both Members and staff of the United States Congress. Throughout his career, Major Briones has positively impacted soldiers, peers, and superiors. On a personal level, I have had the honor of also meeting Major Briones' family, who, as with all American military families, share his selfless commitment to our country. I thank his wife, Ilana, as well as his parents, Daniel and Roberta, for their sacrifices made in supporting his service to our country. Mr. Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Major Shane Briones since the second session of the 114th Congress. Our country has benefited from his extraordinary leadership, judgment, and passion for the Army profession. It is with great appreciation that I recognize and commend Major Briones for his service to our country and wish him all the best as he continues his service in the United States Army.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the 25th Anniversary of the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) at the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Maryland. As one of its first public museums, the NCM became the intelligence community's gateway to the American people when it opened its doors in December 1993 and its collection of stories and artifacts continue to tell the intriguing and exciting history of American cryptology. The NCM's first curator, Earl ``Jerry'' Coates, laid the framework for what would become the nation's primary educational facility in cryptology. Stocked with artifacts once stored in offices, warehouses and private collections in garages and attics, the museum tells the little-known history of code-making and code-breaking. It brings to life the people who made that history and the state-of-the-art tools and technologies they created. Over the last two-and-a-half decades, the museum's research library holdings have grown into one of the nation's richest cryptologic resources. The museum, under the current leadership of Robert Simpson, continues to grow and modernize, demonstrating the amazing evolution of technology from the American Revolution to present day. Artifacts include the German Enigma machines, the never-compromised Sigaba machine and one of the first super computers. Today, the museum averages 70,000 students, educators, researchers, scholars, historians, and other visitors annually. During special events, Civil War and World War II reenactors bring to life accounts of signal intelligence and American cryptology. The NCM hosts festivals and celebrations that bring people of all ages to the museum to experience cryptologic challenges, learn the value of language skills, and gain a greater appreciation for the military men and women who have served throughout our history, protecting us and our way of life through cryptology. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today in honoring the 25th Anniversary of the National Cryptologic Museum. I am proud that my district--the Second Congressional District of Maryland--is home to this impressive resource that has served my constituency well over the years. I congratulate all of the museum's staff on this milestone and wish them another 25 years of success and stewardship.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, due to my attendance at an event off the Capitol Hill campus, I was unable to make roll call votes No. 423 through 425. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: No. 423, NO on agreeing to the Resolution; No. 424, YES on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass; and No. 425, YES on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended