Albio Sires

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank, again, Mr. Kinzinger and Mr. Keating for their work on this bill to bolster our allies in the face of Russian pressure. This is a good measure that addresses Russia's use of energy to exploit and blackmail countries around the world, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, in 2016, in Hoboken, New Jersey, my district, a New Jersey Transit commuter train ran past the end of the track and into the terminal, killing a young mother and injuring over 100 passengers and crew members. In the wake of this tragedy, it was made public that the Federal Railroad Administration had been conducting a deep audit on New Jersey Transit for months, prompted by an increase in safety violations. At that time, the safety review was not known to relevant Members of Congress or the public who relied on New Jersey Transit to take them to work and bring them home safely every day. Madam Speaker, H.R. 543 is a simple, straightforward piece of legislation. When the FRA begins a safety assessment on an intercity or commuter passenger rail system, it must notify Members of Congress and Senators on committees of jurisdiction or representing the State in which the assessment is conducted. The FRA will have 10 business days after the assessment begins to notify these parties. The FRA will also need to transmit its findings, including any safety recommendations, to the relevant parties within 90 days of completion of the assessment. Madam Speaker, this bill brings us one step closer to ensuring full transparency for Federal agencies and helps us ensure that our rail transportation infrastructure is safe.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure. In response to Ortega's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests and human rights violations, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 981, condemning the violence, persecution, and intimidation committed by the Government of Nicaragua against its citizens. As we know, the Nicaraguan people are suffering as the Ortega government continues to punish citizens for pursuing greater democratic rights. Since Ortega came into power, he has worked hard to consolidate power in the hands of his family and party loyalists at the expense of Nicaraguan citizens. The peaceful protests that began in April initially opposed the proposed government reform to social security. However, as Ortega ordered violent crackdowns by government security forces, the demonstrations gradually became a call for a more democratic Nicaragua. The Catholic Church has attempted numerous times to mediate dialogue between Ortega and opposition groups, but the Ortega regime has repeatedly failed to uphold its end of the agreement. We are seeing new reports every week on how Ortega's paramilitary forces are opening fire against sanctuaries and shooting and injuring people seeking refuge in churches across the country. It is shameful. As negotiations over dialogue have devolved, hundreds of Nicaraguan citizens are estimated to have been killed, with thousands more injured. Recently, international observers from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, and the European Union have arrived in Nicaragua to begin investigating the violence. Now, many Nicaraguans are demanding political reform and the resignation of Ortega and his wife before the scheduled elections in 2021. Mr. Speaker, the United States cannot stand idly by and ignore the demands of the Nicaraguan people while the Ortegas and his confidants push the country towards authoritarianism. That is why my colleagues, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Member Engel, Chairman Cook, and I have introduced this bipartisan resolution condemning the ongoing violence in Nicaragua. We are urging the administration to impose sanctions on individuals who qualify under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. I have also worked with my friend Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to pass the Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act, to hold the regime accountable for its misuse of international loans. This bill would direct the U.S. to not support international loans to Nicaragua until the government increases transparency and has free and fair elections. Unified pushback from the international community shows the courageous Nicaraguans on the ground that the world stands shoulder to shoulder with them. It is the only way for Ortega to see the writing on the wall. He has to give up his grip and enact long overdue and meaningful political reform that people are yearning for. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their continued bipartisanship on these important issues. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure. In response to Ortega's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests and human rights violations, H. Res. 981 condemns the violence, persecution, and intimidation committed by the Government of Nicaragua against its citizens. The Nicaragua National Police, or militias, controlled by the Nicaraguan Government have murdered, detained, and tortured innocent people peacefully standing up for their rights. Stories of Nicaraguan protesters being electrocuted and waterboarded by gangs aligned with the Ortega regime continue to horrify the international community. While the Ortegas may condemn foreign interference in their affairs, let us be clear: The United States condemns the violence, the persecution, the intimidation, and the murders of peaceful protesters by the Ortega security forces and his henchmen. We support the people of Nicaragua in their pursuit for democracy, including their call for free and fair elections overseen by credible domestic and international observers, and we demand that Nicaragua release those individuals wrongfully detained by the government. Again, I want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce and Eliot Engel. I want to take this opportunity to thank Ed Royce for his last 3 years of bipartisan work. I want to tell the gentleman that I really appreciate being on his committee and serving with him on this committee. I thank the gentleman for his service. I also want to thank both my good friend Eliot Engel as well, who is my counterpart on the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, and Chairman Paul Cook for their strong bipartisan leadership. I also want to thank my good friend from Florida, Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, whom I have worked with and admired for many, many years, for her decades of unwavering dedication to promoting democracy and human rights around the world. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I urge all Members to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5535. I would like to thank Congressman McCaul, Chairman Royce, and Ranking Member Engel for their bipartisan work on this timely issue. As it has for decades, energy will continue to play a key role in shaping United States foreign policy. But the international landscape is changing, and so are the players. Global energy demand is set to rise 30 percent by the year 2030. This reflects an expanding global economy, rapid industrialization, population growth, urbanization, and improved energy access among developing countries. For the United States to maintain a leading role on the global stage, the State Department must be positioned to protect and promote favorable energy policies abroad. The Energy Diplomacy Act of 2018 helps this effort by creating an Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources and requiring the State Department to employ sufficient personnel dedicated to international energy matters. By passing this legislation, we can prepare the State Department to engage in robust energy diplomacy and encourage strong international partnerships that promote our own political, economic, environmental, and national security concerns. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the United States has long recognized that global energy security and cooperation are necessary to advance our economic, foreign policy, and national security interests. We must work with our established friends and allies to seize the opportunities and address the challenges we face. We must also work with the emerging economies that account for an ever-increasing amount of energy consumption and production. H.R. 5535, the Energy Diplomacy Act, takes an important step toward ensuring that the State Department has the leadership and the capacity it needs to appropriately advance this critical aspect of U.S. foreign policy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the upcoming 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel and the strong bond of friendship between the United States and Israel. The United States and the State of Israel share democratic freedoms and values, and embrace those values as the cornerstones of a vibrant democratic society. Israel has continued to stand as a stalwart of democracy and a beacon of hope for Jewish immigrants from all over the world. As an immigrant myself, I value the democratic principles which are the linchpin of our nation. I have visited Israel and been fortunate enough to witness the special relationship the U.S. and Israel share. We share the common goals of peace, freedom, and the pursuit of security and prosperity for our citizens and for the region. It is my pleasure to help honor the State of Israel on its 70th birthday, and recognize the importance of the friendship between our two countries. I hope all my colleagues and fellow Americans will join me in taking pride in the unique contributions that our Israeli community has made to our nation. Again, congratulations to Israel and its people all across the world on their 70th independence day.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure. I would like to begin by thanking the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce; and the ranking member of the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee, Karen Bass, for their hard work on this legislation. The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, first passed by Congress in the year 2000, has helped to foster a more robust trade relationship between the United States and the nations of sub-Saharan Africa. AGOA has helped to create economic opportunities for thousands of people in Africa, while also benefiting U.S. farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses by providing new markets for their goods. The bill before us today will make AGOA even more effective. It requires the creation of a website to make information about AGOA benefits more readily available to both sub-Saharan partners and the American people, and it provides much-needed technical assistance to help eligible partners fully utilize the available trade benefits. The legislation also provides new authorities for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an independent agency that is charged with promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and strengthening institutions in eligible countries. Specifically, it will give MCC the ability to enter into regional compacts by simultaneously engaging several countries to fund investments that could benefit all of them. We know economies fail if they are isolated. Coordinated investments across the region will have an enormous beneficial impact on trade, development, regional stability, and international investment. There are several good opportunities for regional compacts. In west Africa, MCC currently partners with 10 countries. In southern Africa, MCC partners with three countries. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure. The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act is a critical piece of legislation that increases ties and helps foster deeper relationships with partners throughout Africa. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass), the lead cosponsor of this legislation and the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, keeping the internet open, interoperable, and secure is of critical importance to America's national security, economy, and domestic values. We must use all the diplomatic tools to develop strong international norms, bolster our cyber defenses, and promote internet freedom. H.R. 3776 is a necessary step to ensure the United States stays engaged on these critical issues. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of this measure. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank our chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce, and Ranking Member Eliot Engel, for their leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, malicious cyber activity has become a grave threat to the United States and our allies. In 2014, North Korea hacked Sony Pictures. In 2015, the Chinese stole the personal data of millions of people from the Office of Personnel Management. In 2016, Russia illegally interfered in our Presidential election, stealing election data and doing real damage to American democracy. Now, in 2018, our midterm elections are at risk. Putin and his cronies were not finished after the last election. They have hacked our allies, and they will hack our elections again and again unless we do something about it. We cannot allow foreign governments to meddle in democracy and steal data from our networks. To stand up against these threats, this bill establishes a high-level ambassador to lead the State Department's cyber diplomacy efforts. It also requires the Secretary of State to create an international cyber policy that will improve international cyber norms on security and democratic principles, including a commitment to keep the internet free, open, and interoperable. America cannot cede cyberspace to China or Russia. Now, more than ever, we need to use all the tools we have to help shape international norms, ramp up coordination with our partners, and stiffen our defenses. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure. I want to start by thanking Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their work on global health and their efforts to bring this bill to the floor. Chairman Royce has put in the time and effort to make sure the Foreign Affairs Committee is frequently thought of as the most bipartisan committee in Congress, and I thank him for his public service. I also thank the Members who have cosponsored this bill, especially Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who has graciously acted as the Republican lead. Additionally, I thank the staffers who worked hard to bring H.R. 1660 to the floor for consideration. Infectious diseases and other health conditions still claim the lives of nearly 9 million people each year. Emerging health threats, such as drug resistance, pose a serious threat to human health across the globe. New vaccines, drugs, tests, and other health tools are desperately needed, but progress cannot be made without a sustained investment in research and development. U.S. investments in global health research are central components of U.S. foreign policy to increase national security, strengthen U.S. relations around the world, and reduce infectious diseases. The U.S. has a legacy of leadership in global health research through agencies like USAID. This is why I was proud to introduce H.R. 1660, the Global Health Innovation Act. This will provide the oversight needed to gain a clearer picture of USAID's global health research and development. Over the years, research and development projects have greatly expanded at USAID, searching for advancements towards an HIV/AIDS-free generation, preventable maternal and childhood deaths, and preventable infectious diseases. This legislation is an effort to keep up with USAID's efforts and ensure their research and development activities reflect our goals and priorities. This report asks them to provide clarity on their goals and metrics to better understand their work. H.R. 1660 directs the USAID Administrator to report annually to Congress on the development and use of global health innovations in USAID programs, projects, and activities. The report must also include how the Agency measures progress towards their health-related goals. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 1660 to allow Congress to exercise its oversight powers and ensure USAID's research and development efforts reflect their priorities. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in continued opposition to the Republican tax plan. Earlier this week, the House of Representatives agreed to go to conference with the Senate on H.R. 1, which gives breaks to the wealthy and corporations at the expense of the needs of the American family. This bill eliminates deductions used by those who need it most: students, teachers, veterans, the sick, and families that are struggling to make ends meet. Yet, despite this elimination of numerous vital deductions that millions of families across this country rely on, the House and the Senate bill retained a deduction for golf course owners. If you own a golf course in America, your deductions are kept; but if you are a student and you get a scholarship, you are going to have to pay taxes on that. So if I were a student, I get it twice. We are looking at cutting the Pell grants and we are looking at taxing what students get, yet if you own a golf course where this game is played, you get a deduction. I am sorry, but I don't think that is fair.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2658, the Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act. I thank Ranking Member Eliot Engel and Chairman Royce for all their hard work and always being there for the people of Venezuela. Of course, I want to thank the dynamic duo of Eddy Acevedo and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Even though we are going miss Eddy, I am sure he will continue to fight in the defense of human rights wherever he is. The situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate. A country with the world's largest known oil reserves is spiraling into a collapsed state. We have people struggling just to survive. Journalists and citizens risk their lives every day to report what is happening inside Caracas and around the country. We see that tensions are growing and government security forces shoot first and ask questions later. It is clear that the failed Chavismo policies and the authoritarian actions of Nicolas Maduro have brought all of this pain and suffering upon the Venezuelan people. Maduro and his cronies continue to get rich as they traffic money and drugs while doing nothing to help the millions of suffering people. Multiple news reports confirm a growing health crisis as people lack access to basic medicines, and reports of infant mortality rates and preventable diseases such as malaria are on the rise. To hold the Maduro regime accountable, both the Obama and Trump administrations have sanctioned senior officials in the Venezuelan Government for their actions with narcotrafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities. There is consensus among the majority of the hemisphere--multilateral institutions such as the OAS, the United Nations, and the European Union--that Maduro is destroying democracy and violating human rights. These sanctions are not against the Venezuelan people but are carefully crafted and targeted toward the individuals who are committed to destroying the lives of millions of innocent civilians in exchange for money and power. That is why I am supporting this important and timely legislation that helps to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela and codifies President Obama's sanctions related to corrupt officials in the country. The United States needs to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Venezuelan people and be ready to assist them, while holding the corrupt regime officials accountable. Once again, I thank my colleagues for all their hard work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2658. Before I yield back, I wish Eddy good luck. I thank him for all his hard work. He will be missed. I hate to see that dynamic duo split, but I am sure it will continue to work.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Republican tax plan. As I have said many times before, this plan gives tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations, over the needs of American families, while adding a predicted $2.1 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Particularly devastating for New Jersey is the partial elimination of the State and local tax deduction. More than 25 percent of New Jerseyans would face a tax hike over the next decade due to this change. Per person, New Jersey taxpayers paid $3,478 more in Federal taxes in 2015 than they received from the government, more than any other State. Not only would the bill aggravate this disparity in New Jersey, it would also eliminate vital deductions that give relief to those burdened with high medical costs, student debt, and unexpected losses due to natural disasters. Mr. Speaker, I will not support a one-sided plan that harms New Jersey and those who are most in need of tax relief.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our chairman on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce, and our ranking member, Eliot Engel, as well as the authors of this bill, Mr. Chabot of Ohio and Ms. Kelly of Illinois. Both of these Members have worked hard on the bill to expand access to education around the world. I agree with them that this is an important priority for our foreign policy. When children are able to get basic education, it pays massive dividends down the road. Those girls and boys grow up with great opportunity, and they play a bigger role in their economies and their communities. We have seen research that, when children can learn about certain issues like nonviolent civic engagement, support for violence drops. That adds up to stronger and more stable countries and better partners for the United States. Children belong in a classroom, Mr. Speaker, no matter where they happen to be born, but in too many places, that access just doesn't exist. What happens then? We know in places like the Middle East, in north Africa, violent extremists are happy to fill in the void, to recruit and indoctrinate the next generation with their hateful and violent ideology. This problem is especially acute among refugees of displaced populations. Mr. Speaker, 3.7 million schoolchildren under the U.N. refugee agency's mandate have no school to go to. Some countries are trying to tackle this challenge, like Lebanon, where the government has taken steps to enroll Syrian refugees in schools, but the need is just too great. Out of 500,000 school-age refugees, nearly half are out of school. This bill aims to help address those really desperate situations. It calls for the USAID to ramp up access to these children, and particularly young girls. It will help us gather more data to assist government and NGOs that are also grappling with this problem, and it authorizes the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator to prioritize this issue, to work with multilateral organizations, and to seek out partners in the private sector and civil society that will bring innovative new approaches to expanding access to education. This bill will put more young girls in the classroom in places around the world where this help is badly needed. I am glad to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Frankel), my colleague on the Foreign Affairs Committee and a real champion for women and girls.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am also a former certified teacher, and expanding access to education is critical in combating terrorism. When we increase opportunities through education, we help more girls and boys by giving them the tools to think critically and resist those who mean to harm us. We are helping to give these children an alternative with the possibility of positioning them to make further positive impact on their communities and their countries. Time and time again we have seen the results of what happens when children are not provided a better path: extremism, radicalism, and terrorism. This is one of our best opportunities to provide a more safe and secure world not only for them, but also for us, too. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank Congressman Chabot and Congresswoman Kelly for their hard work. I support this bill, and I urge all Members to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez), a member of the Financial Services Committee.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 1918, the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act, also known as the NICA Act. I want to start by thanking Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, and my chairman on the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Jeff Duncan, for their efforts to bring this bill to the floor. I also would like to thank my good friend from Florida, Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, who has worked tirelessly for decades and never backs down when it comes to standing up against authoritarian regimes and human rights violators. We are here today to stand up against Daniel Ortega and his constant pursuit of gaining absolute political control over the Nicaraguan people. Daniel Ortega and his family continue to amass wealth while the Nicaraguans remain the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Ortega has spent years winning sham elections, eliminating political opposition, and now has his wife take the role of Vice President. If you need any more convincing of his intentions, Ortega continues to strongly defend Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan dictator whose regime shoots unarmed protestors in the streets, jails the opposition, dissolved Congress, and has brought what should be one of the richest countries in Latin America to the brink of collapse. Being a corrupt democracy in name only cannot go without consequences. This bipartisan legislation makes it clear that the U.S. will not stand by and watch Ortega trample the people's human rights defenders and stomp all over democracy, while getting rich at the expense of the Nicaraguan people. H.R. 1918 calls on the U.S. Government to oppose loans at international financial institutions for Nicaragua unless the Nicaraguan Government takes some effective steps to hold free, fair, and transparent elections and commits to upholding democratic principles. Congress and the administration need to work together and find ways to empower the Nicaraguan people and defend against Ortega's hostile behavior towards innocent civilians. It is my hope that this bipartisan legislation will pass the Senate and quickly be signed into law. I thank the chairman and ranking member once again and their staff for all their help in bringing the NICA Act to the floor. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill to hold the Ortega regime accountable for its actions. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, and mi hermana from Florida, my sister, Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, for their work on this bipartisan measure and for their commitment to democracy in the Western Hemisphere. They have skillfully crafted the NICA Act to hold President Ortega accountable, while ensuring that the Nicaraguan people do not suffer. I am glad that we are advancing this measure, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.