Abigail Spanberger

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 4617, the SHIELD Act. Today the House is discussing and debating how we can safeguard the integrity of our elections, the bedrock of our democracy. How do we protect our electoral systems from foreign threats? And how do we prevent foreign influence over our electorate? As we stand here today, the number of countries engaged in active campaigns to mislead the electorate, the American people continues to grow. According to a new report from the University of Oxford, the number of countries engaged in disinformation campaigns has more than doubled in the last 2 years. Additionally, at least seven countries have used their intelligence or military apparatuses to deploy disinformation on social media to influence a foreign country and its people. As a former intelligence officer, I recognize the risks that these potential attacks, yes, attacks, pose as we head into the next year's Federal, State, and local elections. There is a legitimate fear across our intelligence community that foreign governments will build on Russia's extensive information warfare strategy. Foreign actors from Russia to China to North Korea to Iran are eager to undermine the foundations of our democracy. Leading up to the 2016 Presidential election Facebook disclosed that it had found more than $100,000 worth of ads on divisive issues purchased by a Russian company linked to the Kremlin, and the potential return on investment is extremely high. As we approach 2020, they have every reason to follow this playbook again and to strengthen their disinformation operations. In the context of these threats, we need to take a serious look at how we build resiliency against foreign interference on social media platforms. Digital advertising can be a far less expense and time intensive as a tool for propaganda, and it can spread disinformation, confusion, hate, and division at an alarming rate. The SHIELD Act takes real steps to require large online platforms to keep records of qualified political advertisements, and I would like to thank my colleagues for their hard work on this critical issue. The SHIELD Act would require online companies to keep publicly available records about online digital political advertisements. It would require information about the contents of a specific advertisement, its target audience, and the issue it addresses. Additionally, it would require disclosure information about those purchasing the advertisement. Disclosure sheds light on corruption. It unmasks influence. And it stops our democracy from becoming vulnerable to foreign governments, nonstate actors, and shadowy influence groups constantly working to distract and mislead the American people. My amendment would strengthen this disclosure requirement. My amendment would add that online platforms need to include a statement when the person purchasing a political advertisement is acting as the agent of a foreign principal. Not only would it include language making it clear that they are acting on behalf of a foreign entity, but it would require the online platform to identify the foreign principal involved. That principal could be a foreign government, a foreign political party or a nonstate actor. Fundamentally, my amendment to the SHIELD Act would put the power back in the hands of the American people. It would help address a critical underlying question, who is in charge of deciding American elections? Is it those abroad, working to divide and influence the American people? Or is it the American people themselves? By requiring online records of purchase requests that include public information on the foreign principal behind these advertisements, the American people will be able to see clearly who is attempting to influence their decisions. As Congress acts today to restore the trust of those we serve in our system of government, my amendment would strengthen our efforts to prevent the spread of foreign influence in our democratic system. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to H.R. 4617 to increase transparency in online advertisements, something that should not be controversial. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, the purpose of this amendment is, in fact, to ensure that the American people are aware when an agent of a foreign principal under FARA parameters purchases a political advertisement. We, as Members of Congress, have the ability to set the parameters under which the transparency and information is available to the American public. And in doing so, we need to make sure that not only do the American people know when there is a foreign individual purchasing advertisements meant to influence them, but when someone else is purchasing those advertisements on behalf of a foreign entity as described by FARA. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I also support increasing the enforcement of FARA. But this, in particular, is about transparency and the transparency that it brings as it relates to the underlying aspect of the Honest Ads Act, which is a bipartisan bill, Republicans and Democrats in equal amounts. This is about transparency. This is about allowing the American people to know who, in fact, is purchasing the ads that are meant to influence them. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the story of Markiya Simone Dickson. She was an energetic, kind, and spunky 9-year-old girl. She was a beloved daughter and an adored sister. She was in third grade, and she was preparing to sing a Justin Bieber song in her school's upcoming talent show. On May 26, 2019, Markiya and her family attended a community picnic in Richmond, Virginia. From across the park, a random gunshot went through the crowd, and this senseless, cruel act of gun violence took Markiya's life. During and since this unimaginable time, Markiya's parents, Mark Whitfield and Ciara Dickson, have demonstrated extraordinary strength, determination, and courage. They continue fighting to ensure Markiya's name and her beautiful life are never forgotten. They stand by their steadfast wish to fight back against gun violence in our communities so that other parents will never have to experience the pain that they feel following Markiya's death. Markiya was beloved by those who knew her, and the Richmond, Virginia, community stands with her family at this time. Together, we share her story; we mourn her death; and we promise to fight for safer communities for all our children.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3352, the Department of State Authorization Act. I would like to first take a moment to thank Chairman Engel and Ranking Member McCaul for their leadership on this authorization, the first in more than a decade. Truly, we are overdue. As a former intelligence officer who has served abroad, I can attest to the vital contributions of the State Department and its workforce in keeping our American families safe and secure. We need to give our diplomatic corps, civil service officers, and support staff the tools, resources, and training they deserve as they protect and uphold U.S. interests and values around the world. Among this bill's strong provisions, I am proud to see my amendment pass committee to keep the State Department workforce safe from sexual harassment and assault. Additionally, I urge my colleagues to approve my amendment to approve the security assistance coordination between the Department of State and the Department of Defense. This amendment would help Congress and the American people better understand how our military deployments support our diplomatic priorities. I encourage my colleagues to support this important bill and to recognize and reinforce our appreciation for the tireless work of our diplomatic and civil service corps.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S.J. Res. 36, a joint resolution which I am leading in the House. The evidence is clear: the Saudi Government continues to disregard the vital distinction between combatants and innocent civilians in Yemen. In February, Congress voted to end U.S. support to the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis that have left thousands of civilians dead and created one of the largest humanitarian crises in modern times. However, the President not only vetoed a resolution, but the administration is now ramping up support for Saudi Arabia's offensive actions in Yemen, while simultaneously escalating tensions with Iran. As I made clear during Foreign Affairs Committee hearings in May, not only is the administration trying to sell the Saudis more powerful weapons, but we are giving them the opportunity to build their own. With this latest proposal, the administration would be transferring sensitive technology that would allow Saudi Arabia to manufacture these high-tech weapons directly. Congress needs to reassert its authority now as a coequal branch of government. This resolution, which I have led in the House, would make sure that blatantly offensive weapons aren't sold to the Saudi military under the guise of defensive uses without congressional review. I am proud to work with my colleagues in the Senate to block the sale of precision-guided munitions, which are responsible for some of the most horrific examples of targeted attacks against civilians. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up against this misguided decision, protect innocent lives, and reassert the authority of Congress.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Chair, I am proud to introduce this amendment alongside my colleague, Congressman Hurd from Texas, who is also a former CIA case officer. Our bipartisan amendment, the Trafficking and Smuggling Intelligence Act, comes at a time of great hardship, violence, and heartbreak across Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries and at a time of crisis at our southern border. The volatility in our backyard should be cause for serious concern. Here in the United States, we have experienced the devastating effects of the drug trade on the health of our citizens. On our southwest border, we have witnessed how ongoing violence and instability in Central America is a driving factor for increased migration toward the United States. Our bipartisan amendment would require intelligence assessments of drug trafficking organizations, human trafficking organizations, and human smugglers across Mexico and the Northern Triangle. These would include reports that could be released publicly to the American people. Our amendment would direct our public servants to use their expertise to better understand the root causes of violence, instability, and migration. With these improved assessments from DNI, we would be able to strengthen our national security in the face of threats from traffickers, smugglers, and other criminal organizations. Like so many of our colleagues, Congressman Hurd and I recognize that if we are to keep Americans safe while also responsibly addressing the situation at the border, we must address the conditions at the core of the instability we are seeing in Central America. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in supporting this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, central Virginia is home to some of the most community-centered and service-minded students in the country, and yesterday I was fortunate to recognize two of these students as winners of the Congressional Award Gold Medal. Two of my constituents, Kasey Mize from Jeffersonton and Ciara Noelle Smith from Chesterfield, earned this national recognition for their respective work in community service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration of the world around them. Kasey's community service centered on organizing a sewing circle and providing more than 200 dresses a year to impoverished girls around the world, breaking down practical barriers that keep many girls from attending schools. Ciara's service to her community involved volunteer hours spent working at the Science Museum of Virginia and constructing rehabilitation structures for a central Virginia wildlife foundation. Both young people have demonstrated an ability to set goals, make a strategy, and see it through to the end. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Kasey and Ciara on their accomplishments. I look forward to seeing how these two amazing young women will continue contributing to our Seventh District communities in the future.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 3055. Across the country, insufficient rural broadband access is creating a divide between those who are connected and those who are not. That is why my amendment increases funding for the USDA's ReConnect Program by $55 million, representing a 10 percent increase over last year's funding. According to the FCC's 2019 Broadband Deployment Report, one in four rural Virginians lacks access to high-speed internet. This digital divide can lead to consequences that impact educational and economic opportunities across our rural communities. This figure is even more stark when you hear from those affected. Earlier this year, I sent out a survey to learn more about how the lack of reliable broadband internet is directly impacting the people I serve here in the House of Representatives. I received more than 100 responses in a short amount of time from families, students, and business owners across our district. Take, for example: Regina from Louisa, who says that the lack of consistent, reliable internet services hinders everything her family does, from receiving reliable emergency notifications to paying their bills in a timely fashion; Jasmine from Spotsylvania takes online classes at home, but the lack of access to broadband internet has barred her from accessing assignments that she needs to complete in order to obtain her degree; and Robyn from Amelia County, who works on her family's beef and cattle farm, says: ``When the internet is down, I can't do simple things like process payments, send liability payments, or check the radar for our guys out in the fields.'' For every Regina, Jasmine, and Robyn, there are hundreds of thousands of Americans with similar stories. To level the playing field for our rural residents, we need to make sure broadband internet is a component of our national conversation about infrastructure. That is why I believe we need to expand existing programs such as USDA's ReConnect Program. This program allows communities to apply for Federal funding to strengthen and expand their regional broadband infrastructure, but the current scope of these programs is insufficient to meet the scale of the challenge and the demand. In the first round of ReConnect Program grant applications this year, USDA saw a nearly 3-to-1 ratio in application funding requested versus the actual amount of funding available. My amendment would increase the funding for the USDA ReConnect Program from $550 to $605 million, and I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to provide greater connectivity to rural America. This extra $55 million is not the magic solution, but it demonstrates that one of our priorities here in Congress is to keep our rural communities strong; and when rural America is strong, it makes our country as a whole even stronger. By helping our rural neighbors close the broadband gap, we are allowing the rural communities to attract new businesses, spur economic growth, and give their kids an equal opportunity to succeed in a global, hyperconnected economy. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness today that I rise to honor the life of Mr. Christopher Kelly Rapp, a husband, son, musician, and public servant from Virginia's 7th Congressional District whose life was taken too early on May 31 of this year. Friends and colleagues describe Mr. Rapp as empathetic, honest, and helpful. As a public works employee for Virginia Beach, Stafford, and Powhatan, he dedicated much of his working career to improving the lives of those around him. A man of deep faith, Mr. Rapp was also a devoted volunteer. In fact, he was scheduled to volunteer at an event to help the less fortunate on June 5th--an event which he was never able to attend. In addition to his commitment to service, Mr. Rapp was known for the true and abiding love he possessed for his wife, Bessie. When they met, she was a travel agent and he wanted to travel the world. As husband and wife, they spent 24 years traveling it together. This abiding love also led to Mr. Rapp embracing his wife's culture by becoming an active member of Kultura Filipino. Through this group, he learned Filipino dances, empowered Pinoy children by teaching them about Filipino culture, and made his home a central location for all types of cultural communities from the Tidewater to Central Virginia. Chris loved the experiences of life and was a life-long learner. Whether it was buying a Tagalog dictionary on his wedding day, starting piano lessons in his mid-50s, or avidly writing short stories, he capitalized on every second of life. He was renowned for his passionate performances on the bagpipe and served as a member of Greater Richmond Pipes & Drums, as well as Tidewater Pipes & Drums. These bands remember him for his love for music and eagerness to share his sound with the community. I am heartbroken by the death of Mr. Rapp during the senseless shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. While I know that I can offer no true consolation, I offer my prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Rapp's wife, parents, family, and friends. Madam Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Mr. Christopher Kelly Rapp.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, my amendment to H.R. 2740 increases funding toward colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Right now, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This year alone, more than 50,000 people across the country are expected to die from this disease. One out of 20 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer during their lifetime. When I hear these statistics, I think of more than just the numbers. I think of the families and the lives that are impacted. I think of my own mother-in-law who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer years ago and remains cancer-free to this day. I think of my dear friend Peg--a teacher, an advocate, and a fighter--who, when faced with her own devastating diagnosis, committed herself to educating others about this disease and the benefit of screenings. With so many Americans like Peg and my mother-in-law diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, Congress needs to support prevention efforts. Over the last few years, funding for the groundbreaking Colorectal Cancer Control Program has remained the same. This year, I thank the Appropriations Committee for recognizing this problem. By bringing attention to the increasing rate of colorectal cancer among younger adults, we are sharing the gift of research and promoting the spread of 21st-century prevention. My amendment would strengthen the Appropriations Committee's efforts by providing $3 million in additional funding for colorectal cancer research under the Coordinated Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program. In Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health significantly benefits from this program and uses these funds to provide early screenings across the Commonwealth. If this critical amendment passes, the House would provide a major increase and much-needed funding for colorectal cancer screening and control under the CDC. This increased support means more necessary screenings, more evidence-based interventions, and a path toward more lives saved, especially among some of our country's most vulnerable patients. Studies indicate that as many as 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screening, but the number of colorectal cancer screenings has remained level since 2010. Clearly, we are overdue for progress in this fight. By making a vigorous effort to increase the numbers of screenings, we will be able to catch abnormal growths before they turn into cancer, and we can catch colorectal cancer early when treatment is more effective. As we fight for additional vital funding for the CRCCP, we are allowing prevention and education initiatives to reach more Americans. That gives more families the opportunity to live cancer-free. We have a rare opportunity to build a coalition in this battle. Across the country, more than 1,700 organizations have committed to defeating colorectal cancer as a public health crisis. Together, they have committed to the goal of 80 percent screened in the coming years. Congress needs to join this effort, and my amendment can and should be part of that fight. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I have trouble with that argument from my colleague across the aisle when, last night, he voted for a 14 percent cut across the board to this pot of money, which he refers to as a ``magical'' pot of money. I think it is incredibly important that when we are looking at priorities, priorities such as prevention, priorities such as early detection related to such a disease that kills so many Americans, where prevention and early screenings are vital to survival levels, it is incredibly important that we prioritize screenings and invest. This amendment stipulates $3 million toward this vital, vital effort. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Chair, I would like to note, for the Record, that I am new to Congress, elected in November, so I was not here last year or last Congress during the tax bill cycle. Given that my colleague across the aisle was, I find the lectures about fiscal discipline to be very challenging to take when we are discussing Monopoly money, fantasy land money, and taking money from the next generation. I know a great deal about the challenges that ride on the fact that we have increased our debt year after year, and I find it very difficult to listen to lectures about this from a colleague who, in fact, voted to balloon the deficit. This is about prevention and screening. This is about the health of Americans. This is about being proactive in our spending. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairwoman for including my amendment in this en bloc. As a co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition's National Security Task Force and as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I rise to express my serious concern over the continued high-level vacancies across the State Department. U.S. Foreign Service officers work to promote U.S. interests, values, and economic interests abroad, and these dedicated public servants keep American families safe. But their mission could be jeopardized by persistent vacancies in the Foreign Service and senior leadership positions. According to a report from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office, 13 percent of Foreign Service positions were vacant as of March 2018. At a time when we are engaged in constant competition with powerful adversaries, our servicemembers remain engaged in seemingly endless conflicts, and we face the threat of terrorism, these staffing shortages are deeply concerning. Our transfer amendment urges the State Department to make every effort to fill critical positions and encourages the GAO to expand its study to consider the impact of vacancies in career and political- appointed positions on U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, aid, and national security priorities.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Elvin Cosby on his retirement from Henrico County Government after 73 years of service. Mr. Cosby began serving the Henrico Department of Public Works in April of 1946. He began his career in public service carrying water to county work crews and has also served as a truck driver, equipment operator, and county foreman. Most recently, Mr. Cosby acted as a maintenance supervisor and cleared debris from Henrico's roads. Mr. Cosby has diligently served the public through each and every one of his functions within Henrico County Govemment. In addition to his tireless work ethic, members of the community have also praised Mr. Cosby for promoting diversity and symbolizing selflessness. As a fellow public servant, I am humbled and moved by his dedication to serve Virginia's 7th District. Although I know he will be dearly missed by mentees, colleagues, and friends at the Department of Public Works, I hope Mr. Cosby will enjoy getting to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren. After seven decades of working on others' behalves, I cannot think of many more deserving of a blissful and relaxing retirement. Madam Speaker, please join me in commending Mr. Cosby for his unwavering commitment to improving our community.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate my friend, my constituent, and my role model, Peg Myrick. I celebrate Peg here on the floor of the House of Representatives because her life and her example is one I would like to share with you, my colleagues. Peg began her career as a teacher, reaching kids, impacting lives, but on Halloween 2016, Peg was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. With a life-changing terminal diagnosis, Peg committed herself to continuing her role as an educator, now acting as an ambassador for Fight Colorectal Cancer and educating others on the importance of screenings and understanding this disease. As she has battled for her life, she shares her exuberant positivity with everyone, and she demonstrates in her daily life what it is to live for the minute, what it is to show life and love to those around you--to her family, to her friends--and she demonstrates a lesson I think we should all learn from, which is that we are all in this together. Through her positivity and her friendship, she endeavors to lift up everyone around her.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 119 greater Richmond area high school seniors enlisting in the United States Armed Services after graduation. These students have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to academic excellence and public service. I am honored to offer my sincerest congratulations on this achievement and offer my best wishes for the years to come. I commend the following graduates on their selflessness and bravery for choosing to serve their fellow Americans in the United States Armed Services: Caleb Alford, Jamaiya Allen, Nya Banks, Ryan Beggs, David Benfield Jr., Andreas Biggers, Rosemary Brett, Kylie Cargill, Cayne Chartrand, Alexsis Creighton, Tania Dawson, Jack Dewalt, Samantha Edwards, Jillian Engels, Keaton Fields, Joseph Franklin, Andrew Fulkerson, Jacob Gecsey, Maria Guevara, Tayauna Hargrove, Dylan Hicks, Kiara Holloway, Michael Humphrey, Precious King, Elijah Knipp, Rogelio Macuno III, Michael Mays, Teshawn McDaniel, Jaeshaunda McIver, Christopher Meadows, Maurice Miles, Tatianna Montero, Perrion Neal, Jacob Parker, Ethan Parsons, Tristan Philyaw, Robert Post, Eric Rice, Jonathan Simpson, Yahsean Singleton, Marlon Spence, Trey Staub, Alexandra Stone, Larry Sutton Jr., Joshua Thomas, Matthew Vanderwerff, Nicholas Waldruff, Latrell Warren, Naziah Watson, Lianna Williams, Andrew Wood, Mark Wood Jr., Damen Banberger, William Barker, William Bizzell, Austin Bowen, Robert Brandon, Benjamin Brown, Emmanuel Cann, Alexus Costello, William Cunningham, Nicholas Curran, Robert Daniels, Probus Das, Kioana Edwards, Jackson Erley, Marcus Fuller-Collins, Sefan Garner, Patrick Goole, Ashley Gothreau, Gabriel Groseclosedurand, George Hall, Darius Harris, Arshina Hull, Ciera Johns, Connor Johnson, Francisco Johnson, Luis Kercy, Daiquan Lewis, Michael McCoy, Avery McKay, Shaqee Mills, Dylan Moore, David Price, Samuel Price, Duncan Proffit, Forrest Rohde, Terrion Rollins, Derric Skinner, Nikolas Smith, Dante Staves, Trevor Sterrett, Timothy Thompson, Davion Tribbey, Seth Wassenberg, Austin Williams, Hunter Williams, Marcanthony Williams, Patrick Wilson, Jones Zion, Trevor Campbell, James Cappiello, Miguel Castillo-Padilla, Secoiya Davis, Michael Edwards, Abigail Ford, Joseph Kamanda, Adam Lambert, Enrique Lopez, Sean McCracken, Lily Nicholson, Gabriel Reillyscheidt, Tylica Singleton, Ryan Snider, Roy Terrell, Adboul Bah, Zane Mangrum, Ethan Oliva, and John Smetek. These students will be honored at the 4th Annual Greater Richmond area Our Community Salutes Ceremony on May 30th at Hermitage High School in Henrico, Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young women and men for courageously deciding to serve their country. We are safer and stronger because of their choice to protect the values that make us uniquely American.