Brad Schneider

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber) for yielding. I thank all of my colleagues as we join today and we remember, as we rise in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, memorializing the genocide of more than 6 million Jews, including 1\1/2\ million children. This year's observance holds special meaning, as it is the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest Nazi death camp, where more than 1.1 million people--men, women, and children--were brutally murdered. The Nazis sent many people, including political dissidents, intellectuals, Roma, and LGBTQ people to Auschwitz; but the vast majority, 90 percent of the victims, were Jewish. Last week, I had the solemn and profound honor to visit Auschwitz with a bipartisan congressional delegation led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We walked through the gas chambers. We stood before the ovens built to burn up to 1,800 bodies each day. We visited the barracks where people slept five to a rack, three racks high. We saw what seemed like infinite piles of suitcases, shoes, eyeglasses, even human hair collected from the victims by their Nazi killers. Notably, in a place representing humanity's greatest crime, where people were denied the ability to even pray to their God, we joined with our Polish hosts to honor the memories of the martyrs by reciting the Kaddish, the Jewish mourners' prayer. At Auschwitz in the days that followed, we all asked ourselves: How could the Holocaust happen? Could it happen in today's world? And how do we ensure that such evil never happens again? A key lesson of the Holocaust is that we cannot remain silent in the face of rising anti-Semitism. Right now, that lesson is more important than ever in the face of a dramatic increase in anti-Semitism around the world, including here in the United States. In 2018, a gunman walked into the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and killed 11 people. It was the worst anti-Semitic attack in our Nation's history, but it was not the last: a synagogue in Poway, California; a kosher grocery in New Jersey; a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey, New York; across the country, a staggering increase in verbal and physical assaults, vandalism, and other acts of Jewish hate. The numbers are horrifying. Globally, Jews are being told to not publicly wear a yarmulke or other outward symbols of their Jewish identity. Throughout Europe and increasingly here at home, armed guards are posted outside synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers. Entire communities are living in fear. We cannot remain silent. All of us, no matter who we are, where we live, or how we worship, all of us must speak out and condemn both anti-Semitic words and actions whenever and wherever hate raises its ugly head. In the House of Representatives, we have and will continue to take action to confront anti-Semitism. Last year, the House passed the strongest resolution in our history to clearly state we reject anti- Semitic stereotypes and considered anti-Semitic acts and statements to be hateful expressions of intolerance that are contrary to American values. We passed a bill to secure $90 million in funding to defend vulnerable houses of worship. Congress continues to help fund the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to preserve the memory, teach the lessons, and lead the work to stop future genocides. Today, this House passed legislation to increase our commitment to teaching the next generation about the Shoah. Congress isn't just focused on anti-Semitism here at home. In 2016 and 2017, the House pressured the administration to fill the long vacant position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. Finally, last year, President Trump appointed Elan Carr to this role to coordinate America's response to anti-Semitism around the world. As for our trip, after visiting Auschwitz on Tuesday, our group flew to Israel to join delegations from 49 different nations, including 41 heads of state, at a historic commemoration ceremony at Yad Vashem on Thursday. In the largest diplomatic gathering in Israel's history, flanked by Kings, Prime Ministers, and Presidents, we spoke with one common voice to honor the memories of the 6 million people lost. We celebrated the survivors and the righteous gentiles who defied the Nazis to save thousands of lives, and we renewed our commitment to fight anti-Semitism now and forever. Finally, before returning home, the group had the chance to meet with several Holocaust survivors and hear their stories. It is said that, by hearing the testimony of a living witness to the Holocaust, we are made witnesses ourselves. As the remaining survivors age, soon we will be at a point where we will have lost the last survivor's voice. We, the living, must work to preserve their stories for future generations. Only by remembering the lives lost and speaking out against intolerance in our own time can we live up to our sacred promise: Never again. We remember. We will live up to our promise: Never again.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today for our Nation's communities saddled with stranded nuclear waste stockpiles because the Federal Government has failed to meet its obligation to find a permanent repository. My constituents in Zion understand this all too well. After its nuclear plant closed in 1998, 2 million pounds of spent nuclear fuel remains. Literally sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan, the more than 50 casks severely affect the quality of life of the residents of Zion. It deters economic investment, depresses home values, drives up property taxes, and stretches the city's already-thin budget. Today, I am proud to reintroduce the STRANDED Act to, at last, provide some compensation for these affected communities. Zion is not alone. Across the country, there are more than a dozen communities with nuclear plants at various stages of decommissioning, with more to come. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the support and leadership of Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey and Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Chairwoman Marcy Kaptur in reintroducing this bill. Together, we are fighting to make the Federal Government do right for communities like Zion, and I urge my colleagues to join us.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the War Powers Resolution introduced by my colleague from Michigan, Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin. Soleimani was an evil man, a terrorist, a war criminal. No one should mourn his demise. But that doesn't change the question of who has the authority to take our Nation into war. It is Congress and only Congress that is endowed with the most solemn duty to decide if, when, and where to commit our Nation to war. At the same time, as Commander in Chief, it is incumbent upon our President to ensure that the fine men and women who serve in our military are only sent into harm's way after careful deliberation and tasked with missions that protect and further America's interests and reflect the values and high moral standing of our Nation. Our country's Founders in their foresight provided us a robust and constitutional Republic and representative government. They wisely understood that taking a nation to war should not be a unilateral decision by a single person, but a considered decision by the people's elected Representatives. This administration does not have congressional authorization for use of military force or a declaration of war against Iran. Ultimately, any sustained action against Iran requires congressional approval. Today's resolution reflects the intentions of our Founders. It makes clear the President must seek authorization from Congress for any extended military engagement with Iran without restricting his ability to protect the Nation from imminent threat. I have the honor of representing Naval Station Great Lakes where every enlisted sailor receives his or her basic training. I am the proud father of a son serving in our Navy. We owe it to these Americans, each one a volunteer answering the call to serve our country, to protect this Constitution and live up to the expectations of our Founders. The American people do not want an unnecessary war with Iran. Today's resolution prevents President Trump from unilaterally or impulsively starting one. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5065, the Prison to Proprietorship for Formerly Incarcerated Act, of which I am proud to be a cosponsor. Empowering the formerly incarcerated with the skills to start their own small businesses can be a powerful benefit, both for these individuals and their communities. By creating economic opportunity, entrepreneurship also has the power to break the cycle of incarceration and reduce recidivism. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues Hakeem Jeffries and Tim Burchett for introducing this bipartisan legislation. I have long been a proponent of the Small Business Administration's SCORE program and how it helps burgeoning small businesses expand and grow. Mentorship can play a vital role in the success of entrepreneurs, and citizens returning to society after serving time face unique challenges when trying to start their own small businesses. Today's legislation would expand SCORE programming to help the formerly incarcerated specifically. I know this legislation would have a positive impact in my district. Our Small Business Development Center based out of the College of Lake County is in the process, in conjunction with the local county jail, of offering entrepreneurship training to a cohort of inmates. I am proud of the initiative of our SBDC and, in particular, its director, Mitch Bienvenue, for what he has undertaken in designing and offering this program. I look forward to hearing about the success stories of these inmates once they return to our communities. I am excited to push this bill forward because I know that SCORE would provide these individuals with valuable mentorship that could be instrumental to their success. No one starts a successful business on their own, and SCORE can be an invaluable pipeline for the help necessary to make the dream of running one's own small business a reality. Madam Speaker, I thank, again, my colleagues Mr. Burchett and Mr. Jeffries for the work each of them has done on this important bill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Congressman Mo Brooks be removed as a cosponsor from H.R. 2895, the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I want to associate myself with the remarks of my colleague from Illinois. This is a win for American workers, for their families, for their communities, and for our Nation as a whole. I want to thank Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady, the working group, and, in particular, our staff, who worked so hard, tirelessly, to bring this deal forward. The USMCA legislation before us today is the result of many months of hard-fought negotiations between Congress and the administration, and it is a true victory for working people and our country. Compared to the initial version of the agreement shared by the White House last year, the improved trade agreement before us today includes markedly stronger protections for American workers and crucially serious enforcement mechanisms that ensure all parties will follow the agreement. While I believe the agreement includes higher standards to preserve our environment, I do regret the administration was unwilling to make any commitments to address the very real and pressing issues of climate change. Nevertheless, the USMCA is a major step forward for American workers and businesses fighting to compete in an increasingly interconnected world. It also puts to rest the President's threat to pull out of NAFTA without the certainty of a replacement. A testament to the hard-fought negotiations is the backing of this agreement from stakeholders as diverse as the AFL-CIO and the United States Chamber of Commerce. I support the passage of the USMCA implementing language, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairman for recognizing me. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act. This legislation seeks to fix one of the most harmful provisions of the 2017 Republican tax law: the $10,000 limit on the State and local tax deduction. Raising this unfair, punishing cap is a top priority for the constituents I represent. Forcing Americans to pay Federal tax on the taxes they have already paid to their State and local government is double taxation and it is wrong. In my Illinois district, approximately 42 percent of filers use the SALT deduction, and the average deduction is significantly higher, nearly double the new cap. Even worse, the new $10,000 cap applies equally to married and single filers, creating a marriage penalty, further punishing joint filers. This is not fair to America's middle class. It is wrong that the burden of the tax law that overwhelmingly benefits the most fortunate Americans--indeed, 83 percent of the benefit of the 2017 law went to the top 1 percent--it is unfair that the burden should lie in a narrow range of States like Illinois. H.R. 5377 would rectify these wrongs. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise to defend the Constitution and support these Articles of Impeachment. The President abused the power of his office by corruptly putting his own political interest ahead of our Nation's security. He blocked congressionally authorized military aid to coerce Ukraine to launch a phony investigation into his political rival. In the months since, he has waged a campaign of absolute obstruction against Congress' constitutional authority, ordering all Federal officials to defy subpoenas and refusing to produce even a single document. Madam Speaker, I take no joy in today's impeachment vote or that the President's actions demand this response. This is a sad moment for our Nation. Only twice before has the House voted to impeach a President, and never before on accusations of compromising our Nation's security. I hope, in the Senate, prosecution and defense can call and cross- examine witnesses, and the Senators will hear the evidence and make their decisions without prejudice or prejudgment. This is a solemn moment, but our system of checks and balances was designed for times like these. I have faith that our Constitution will guide us on the path ahead.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with a grieving nation to honor the lives of three Navy sailors whose lives were tragically cut short in the heinous act of terrorism at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. Kaleb Watson of Coffee County, Alabama, and a recent graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy was 23 years old, and an aspiring pilot. Mohammed Sameh Haitham was an all-star athlete and always anxious to help others. His 20th birthday would have been next week. Cameron Walters of Richmond Hill, Georgia, was 21 and hoped to become an airman. According to Cameron's father, nothing made him prouder than to be able to wear the uniform of a United States sailor. When confronted with the mortal threat of an active shooter, these sailors charged the gunman, an action that is credited with saving countless lives. Mr. Speaker, Naval Station Great Lakes is in my district. Each year, more than 40,000 pass through Great Lakes to become sailors in the United States Navy. Cameron Walters and Mo Haitham were two such sailors. The men and women who hear the call to duty and volunteer to wear the cloth of our Nation are role models for all of us. Let us take this time to recognize their commitment and let us commit as a Nation to ensure the heroic sacrifices of Kaleb Watson, Cameron Walters, and Mohammed Haitham will never be forgotten.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Chair, today the House is taking long overdue action in fulfilling our promise to the American people to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Medical research has fueled lifesaving advancements in medicine, but these innovations remain out of reach for too many due to exorbitantly high costs. Tragically, 3 in 10 adults reported not taking their medicines as prescribed at some point because of the cost. Even those who can afford their prescriptions are charged prices many times higher than in other developed countries. This is simply unacceptable. H.R. 3 puts us on a path towards a more equitable healthcare system where cost is no barrier to getting the care patients need. In particular, I want to highlight my legislation, the Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries with Preexisting Conditions Act, now included in H.R. 3 as Section 801. More than 13 million beneficiaries have a supplemental insurance policy known as Medigap. Medigap helps lower out-of-pocket costs, but some 30 million more Americans are unable to buy a Medigap plan without being charged more for a preexisting condition. Specifically, disabled Americans under 65 and Medicare Advantage enrollees are not afforded the same coverage guarantees as nearly every other American. The Affordable Care Act rightly eradicated discrimination for preexisting conditions in the individual market. We need to finally right this wrong for Medicare beneficiaries as well, and that is exactly what this bill does. I look forward to this Chamber passing H.R. 3 to give more Americans peace of mind when buying their insurance and standing at the pharmacy counter. I hope all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, climate change is an immediate and existential threat to our national security, economy, and the future we leave to our children. This is a global problem that requires urgent international solutions, but the Trump administration is dangerously squandering this crucial moment. Quite simply, we are running out of time. By formally beginning withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, the President is ceding American leadership on climate and actively undermining critical efforts to curb emissions and transition to a clean energy economy. As signatory countries around the world meet this week for a conference in Madrid, I am introducing a resolution, joined by more than 100 of my House colleagues as original cosponsors, condemning the administration's actions. This resolution sends a strong message that the House opposes the President's reckless, irresponsible decision to abandon the climate agreement, and we stand ready to fulfill the commitments that our Nation made under the Paris Agreement to address the climate threat. I urge my colleagues to join me in this clear call for global action and critically needed U.S. leadership.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the creative accomplishments of our local municipalities who have gone above and beyond to serve our communities. Innovation is alive and well in the cities, towns and villages of Illinois's Tenth Congressional District. Some of these local achievements were recently recognized by the Lake County Municipal League highlighting the commitment, vision and ingenuity of our civic leaders. The Village of Mundelein, Illinois won top honors for the ``Mayor's Cup STEM Challenge'', established by Mayor Steve Lentz. The program encourages Mundelein students' interest in fields such as mathematics and engineering, while promoting access to higher education. More than 1,000 students have participated, and 31 businesses have donated more than $80,000 to the program. Since the Mayor's Cup STEM Challenge was established in 2014, the program has grown significantly and serves as a model for how municipal governments can partner with local schools, students, and businesses for the greater good. The Village of Bannockburn was also honored for the creation of the Last Mile shuttle pilot program, which sought to solve the Village's transportation problem. The program's goal was to connect Bannockburn Lakes Office Complex with four Metra stations nearby and allow commuters a subsidized Lyft ride to and from the Office complex and station. Since the creation of the project, more than 900 rides have been provided, and the program continues to see growth. The improvement earned an Honorable Mention at the awards dinner. Other Lake County municipalities made significant strides in the past year to bolster their local small businesses, improve public safety and beautify their communities. The Village of Beach Park earned an Honorable Mention at the awards dinner for their work with neighboring communities to create the Northern Lakeshore Trail Connectivity Plan, which would improve walking and bicycling connections between five northern lakeshore communities. We all strive to live in vibrant, healthy and dynamic communities. The work of these, and other, municipalities are helping to realize that dream. I proudly applaud these municipalities and the dedicated civil servants for their commendable efforts to serve our communities. I look forward to learning more about these innovative efforts, and to continuing to work closely together in the months ahead.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Melvin Mathias, a resident of Illinois who will celebrate his 90th birthday on November 23rd. I came to know Melvin's story through his cousin and my friend, Sidney Mathias of Buffalo Grove, and I wish to share it today because it embodies so much of the opportunity, perseverance, and immigrant heritage that makes our nation special. Mr. Mathias was born in Fulda, Germany, to Erich and Kathinka in 1929. A Holocaust survivor, he immigrated to the United States in October 1936 with his parents and maternal grandparents, to escape religious persecution by the Nazis. Mr. Mathias and his family eventually settled on Chicago's South Side. He became a United States citizen on July 7, 1943. In 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War until 1953. After he was discharged from the military, he began working for his uncle Ernest at Quality Sheet Metal Works. He worked hard at the company and eventually became the co-owner with his cousin Sidney. He led the company until it closed in 1992. Mr. Mathias built his first house in Chicago after marrying Joanne Decker in 1955. Soon after, they had two children, Linda and Larry. The family relocated to Homewood in 1970, where Joanne passed away in 1990. Mr. Mathias later remarried Adrienne Cohen in 1993, and the couple remained together until her passing in 2012. Presently, Mr. Mathias is active and engaged member of his local community. He is involved in several veterans groups including the Homewood VFW 807 and the Pvt. Sam Veivelt Post of the Jewish War Veterans of America, where he serves as Quartermaster and Corresponding Secretary. In recognition of his service in the Korean War, he participated in the Chicago Honor Flight in 2016 to visit the Memorial in Washington, D.C. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with family. I heartily congratulate Mr. Mathias on his 90th birthday, and thank him for his service to our community and nation.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3537) to amend the Small Business Act to codify the Boots to Business Program, and for other purposes.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 3537, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2019, and I thank Mr. Spano for joining me in introducing this legislation and helping lead this effort to improve the program to ensure veterans can continue to take advantage of the Boots to Business Program. It is an honor to be here today to celebrate and honor our Nation's veteran entrepreneurs. Just this week we celebrated Veterans Day and last week we marked National Veterans Small Business Week. Every member of the military has already demonstrated their love of country by committing everything, including potentially their lives, in the service of our Nation. When their service in uniform is completed, many veterans direct their passion to starting a business. Such dedication to Nation and community should be recognized every day. This is patriotism and not a partisan issue. That is why I am pleased that the Small Business Committee can once again highlight how we put aside the differences we may have in some areas and now bring these bipartisan bills to the floor today. Entrepreneurship has always been a bedrock of the American economy, particularly for our returning vets. That is why our committee is focused on bipartisan solutions to repay our veterans through policies designed to ease the risk of starting and running a business. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member Chabot, as well as the committee staff, for working with us to increase the opportunities and resources for veteran entrepreneurs. H.R. 3537 bolsters the Small Business Administration's Boots to Business Program to enhance our ability to ensure that it is effectively serving aspiring veteran businessowners. There are approximately 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses generating $1 trillion in receipts. Such successes are a draw for many of the men and women leaving the service today to become their own bosses. Entrepreneurship provides a promising opportunity to continue serving their country, creating jobs in their local communities, while supporting their families. Empowering vets to succeed as entrepreneurs should be a viable option for people trained to lead, inspire, and achieve remarkable things. Their success spurs local economic development and demonstrates our commitment to their aspirations of entrepreneurship. But starting a business can be complex and sometimes daunting. The process can seem overwhelming, but programs like Boots to Business offer resources and assistance from experts, giving aspiring entrepreneurs the lessons of others' previous experience. Initially launched in 2012, the Boots to Business Program offers transitioning servicemembers and military spouses insights into self- employment and business ownership. The Veterans Business Outreach Centers are trained and empowered to deliver these services to over 180 military installations nationwide. In 2018, over 17,000 veterans, servicemembers, and military spouses participated in the 2-day course. Research has shown that servicemembers are distinctly qualified to start and run their own businesses. While serving in the military, they learn how to make good decisions in chaotic environments and are natural, confident, and driven leaders. Each year, more than 200,000 servicemembers make the transition from military to civilian life. Transition assistance is critical to ensure that those who serve in the military have opportunities for meaningful employment. H.R. 3537 addresses the many issues we have heard from veterans by updating many aspects of the program and also offering certainty by codifying it for the next 5 years. Mr. Speaker, I again thank Mr. Spano and the committee for their work on this important bill. I urge Members to support this bipartisan piece of legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Again, I want to thank my colleague, the ranking member, from Ohio. By developing new products, advancing research, and creating new markets, entrepreneurs are a vital force in our economy. Over the years, we have repeatedly seen the important role veterans play in this process. Due to their leadership, training, perseverance, knowledge of procurement processes, and other skills acquired in the military, veterans are often exceptionally well qualified to launch and manage their own business. In fact, veterans own one in ten small firms in our country and support more than 5 million jobs. Despite being positioned to succeed as entrepreneurs, servicemembers transitioning into civilian life face obstacles starting their own small business. The Boots to Business Program is designed to alleviate these challenges by providing a path to entrepreneurship for veterans without compelling them to attend business school, which could mean more time away from their families. Boots to Business is unlike any other entrepreneurial development program offered by the SBA, because its curriculum focuses on educating servicemembers about the basic concepts of business, SBA resources, real world insight, and how to manage expectations, and it is directly tied in to their transition programming. The Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act not only codifies the program for the next 5 years, but also ensures that the information is accessible and readily available to all servicemembers wishing to test the waters of entrepreneurship. At our hearing on the bill, Retired Army Captain Scott Davidson perhaps put it best when he described Boots to Business as helping servicemembers take a ``step in the direction of entrepreneurship and foster and channel the warrior ethos that had them succeed in the military to boost success in the boardroom.'' H.R. 3537 is a commonsense move and one supported by The American Legion. I, again, thank my colleague Mr. Spano for joining me in introducing this legislation. We all duly and respectfully observed Veterans Day on Monday. Every day, we must reinforce our obligation to servicemembers by giving them the education and tools to seize the opportunity of entrepreneurship. Again, I thank the chairwoman and ranking member for their support, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3661) to support entrepreneurs serving in the National Guard and Reserve, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3661, the Patriotic Employer Protection Act of 2019. Mr. Speaker, this commonsense legislation recognizes the service of our reservists and the companies they work at by broadening the ability of small business employers to access loans when a reservist is deployed. Across the country, small business owners are doing the right thing by actively employing military reservists. Congress recognized the strain a small business can be under when key employees are deployed on missions. That is why this distinguished body created the SBA's military reservist programs, which are the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and the Repayment Deferral for Active Duty Reservists program. These two programs provide emergency working capital and loan flexibility to small business owners who have an essential employee who is an Active Duty reservist called into action. Over the past decade, our Reserve Forces have experienced a shift from a strategic reserve to an operational reserve. This bill addresses that shift by expanding the pool of eligible reservists through a restructuring of the programs so they are not limited to periods of conflict. This seemingly minor modification, in addition to increased coordination between the SBA and the National Guard Bureau and State Adjutants General, will lead to targeted outreach and education about the programs while also modernizing them to meet the needs of today's small employers. I thank Congressman Kim and Congressman Burchett for working with me to improve access to affordable capital for small businesses, especially those owned by or who employ reservists. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bipartisan piece of legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, it is now my privilege to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kim), my friend and colleague who is a sponsor of this bill.

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