Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Swalwell).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have remaining?

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act. On January 6, the world watched Americans storm the Capitol and engage in violence to try and intimidate and prevent Congress from carrying out its constitutional duty to certify a Presidential election, a solemn process central to the peaceful transfer of power in our democracy. Many of us sitting here today were rushed out of this very Chamber by Capitol Police to safety as violent attackers roamed the halls, hunting for our colleagues and the Vice President. I was in the gallery that day watching the debate when this temple of our democracy was desecrated and debased. At least one Capitol Police officer died because of the violence that day. Others died, too. And there were extensive injuries associated with the attacks, not the least of which was the body blow to Americans' confidence that the reforms undertaken after the 9/11 terrorist attacks would make us more secure. Like the 9/11 attacks, the events of January 6 have cast a long shadow on our country. And like the 9/11 attacks, the January 6 attack raises fundamental questions about information sharing, coordination, preparedness, and response at all levels of government. We need a bipartisan commission made up of experts to come together to give us an unvarnished view of what happened that day, examine why our systems failed, and develop bipartisan recommendations for reform to address any identified gaps. I am proud to be here with my partner on the Homeland Security Committee, the gentleman from New York, John Katko, to debate a bill that establishes a 10-member commission that mirrors the 9/11 Commission, the gold standard for bipartisan commissions. The January 6 commission would be required to investigate and report on the facts and causes of the attack, including relevant contributing factors. A commission of this nature, in some form, has been talked about by Members of Congress, national security experts, and others for some time now. Over the past 4 months, discussion drafts have been circulated, pros and cons have been weighed, and obstacles have been overcome to get us to this day. Given how politically charged the events of January 6 have become, we need to come together in a patriotic, bipartisan way and approve this independent body just as we created the 9/11 Commission. The 9/11 Commission acted, not out of partisanship, but out of patriotism. We need that same sense of duty today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), a member of the Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 409, I call up the bill (H.R. 3233) to establish the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, let me just say to the ranking member, this won't be the last time that we put together legislation for the good of this country, I assure you of that. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Torres), the vice chair of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Miss Rice).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries), chair of the Democratic Caucus.

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from Protect Democracy, Ian Bassin, Executive Director. Protect Democracy, Washington, DC, May 19, 2021. Protect Democracy Urges Representatives to Support H.R. 3233, the National Commission To Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act Dear Representative: On January 6th the very foundations of our democracy--and our Congress and Capitol that lie at its heart--came under attack. More than 130 days later, Members of Congress, their staff, and their constituents are still struggling to come together to understand what happened and how to prevent it from ever happening again. We strongly urge you to vote in favor of H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would establish an independent national commission to comprehensively investigate the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol Complex. This bipartisan bill is a measured and thoughtful response to the attack. It will bring together a bipartisan group of experts to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the January 6th attack. The Commission is structured to ensure it is a bipartisan endeavor: all reports must be agreed to by a majority of Commission members and the Commission may only issue subpoenas upon an agreement between the Chair and the Vice Chair or a vote by a majority of Commission members. The Commission will build on the work that has begun in various congressional committees to gather information and hold hearings on the attack. It will not intefere with those ongoing efforts nor will it delay immediate security fixes to the Capitol Complex. By creating this Commission, Congress can assure the American people, and all who work in the Capitol Complex, that these events and the circumstances leading up to them are thoroughly investigated outside of the pressured and partisan environment of Congress itself. We are grateful to Chairman Bennie Thompson and Ranking Member John Katko for their leadership in advancing this critical legislation, and we urge continued bipartisan support for the bill. Today marks an important milestone toward seeking a shared understanding, protecting our cherished freedoms, and restoring faith in government. Sincerely, Ian Bassin, Executive Director, Protect Democracy.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a joint statement from Governor Tom Kean and former Congressman Lee Hamilton in support of this commission. [From Issue One] Joint Statement from Governor Tom Kean and Congressman Lee Hamilton, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the 9/11 Commission ``We very strongly urge House Members to support H.R. 3233, the bipartisan National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex. That bill would create a 9/11 style commission to investigate the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol. That was a dark day in American history, one of the darkest. ``As Chairman and Vice Chairman of the 9/11 Commission, unity of purpose was key to the effectiveness of the group. We put country above party, without bias, the events before, during and after the attack. We sought to understand our vulnerabilities in order to prevent future attacks or future acts of terrorism. Today, democracy faces a new threat. The January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was one of the darkest days in the history of our country. Americans deserve an objective and an accurate account of what happened. As we did in the wake of September 11, it's time to set aside partisan politics and come together as Americans in common pursuit of truth and justice.''

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the majority leader of the Democratic Party.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am not going to argue with the previous speaker. I just say: Read the bill. And if you read the bill, you will understand it is a bipartisan bill. It is not a partisan bill; it is absolutely bipartisan. The staff will be picked just like the staff was picked for the 9/11 Commission. It is just like the earlier bill the ranking member talked about, the Rodney Davis bill. We looked, Mr. Speaker, at this issue because the world saw what happened on January 6, and it is clear that we put together a bipartisan bill for the good of the country. It is in that spirit that we are here today. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a listing of national security, military, and elected officials, former Members of Congress, U.S. Attorneys, diplomats, all who have specific expertise in this matter before the body today. Letter From Former Senior National Security, Military, and Elected Officials Calling On Congress To Create A Bipartisan 1/6 Commission Dear Members of Congress: We are former senior national security, military, and elected officials who have represented or served Democrats, Republicans, or administrations of both parties. We write to encourage this Congress to establish an independent and bipartisan national commission to investigate the January 6th assault of the U.S. Capitol Complex and its direct causes, and to make recommendations to prevent future assaults and strengthen the resilience of our democratic institutions. We also write to you with great urgency in light of what we collectively see as an exigent and growing threat. The events of January 6th exposed severe vulnerabilities in the nation's preparedness for preventing and responding to domestic terrorist attacks. The immediate security failings that permitted a lethal breach of the Capitol Complex by armed extremists raise serious questions and demand immediate solutions. But January 6th was also the result of complex national security threats. These include coordinated disinformation campaigns, nontransparent financing of extremist networks, potential foreign influences, and white supremacist violent extremism, which the Department of Homeland Security identified in an October 2020 report as among ``the most persistent and lethal threat[s] in the Homeland.'' As FBI Director Christopher Wray testified to you recently, ``January 6th was not an isolated event. The problem of domestic terrorism has been metastasizing across the country for a long time now and it's not going away anytime soon.'' Understanding how these forces culminated in an attack on the infrastructure of our democracy is critical to preventing future attacks. In the wake of September 11th, the administration and Congress jointly acknowledged that the attack's causes were complex and that an independent and well-equipped national commission was an essential tool to aid the federal government. Congressional inquiries, law enforcement activities, and a national commission not only worked in parallel, but critically complemented each other's necessary work. An independent commission should not supplant the ongoing work by the legislative and executive branches, but it can uniquely support them by providing comprehensive and expert recommendations for Congress to act upon. Commissions--properly empowered, resourced, and led--can establish a full picture of events and an analysis of their causes, from which nonpartisan recommendations can authoritatively flow. With dedicated time, resources, and expert staffing, they can also exclusively focus on the matter at hand over an appropriate time horizon. Given the gravity of January 6th as a national security matter--the violent disruption to the transition of power and the continuing threat of future attacks--a national commission examining the lead up to the January 6th assault, and the attendant security lapses, is not only appropriate, but a critical component of the national response. A failure to deploy the full suite of tools available to fully understand January 6th and address its causes will leave the Capitol, and the nation, vulnerable to future attacks. In bipartisan fashion, we have successfully marshaled these tools before, and we implore you to do so once again. Sincerely, (Note: All titles are former positions or military ranks held prior to retirement.) Javed Ali, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, National Security Council. Thad Allen, Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard; Commandant of the Coast Guard. Wendy R. Anderson, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Defense. Daniel Baer, U.S. Ambassador; Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. Brian Baird, U.S. Representative, 1999-2011. Daniella Ballou-Aares, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State. Rand Beers, Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Deputy Homeland Security Advisor. John Bellinger, Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State; Legal Advisor, National Security Council. Tatyana Bolton, Cyber Policy Lead--Senior Policy Analyst, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Charles Boustany, U.S. Representative, 2005-2017. Steven Browning, U.S. Ambassador; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. Todd F. Buchwald, U.S. Ambassador, Office of Global Criminal Justice, U.S. Department of State. Sharon Burke, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy. Daniel Byman, Professional Staff Member, 9/11 Commission. Piper Campbell, U.S. Ambassador; Head U.S. Mission to

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), the chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 409, which allows for the debate on H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act. After months of negotiations, last week I was pleased to introduce this measure with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko). Back in 2007, I was proud to be the lead sponsor of legislation to implement the unfulfilled recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. I can say with certainty, at that time, I could never have imagined that I would be standing here today, almost 15 years later, advocating for the establishment of a 9/11-style commission to investigate a violent domestic attack on the United States Capitol. On January 6, the world watched Americans storm the Capitol and engage in violence to try to intimidate and prevent Congress from carrying out its constitutional duty to certify a Presidential election, a solemn process central to the peaceful transfer of power in our democracy. Like the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the events of January 6 have cast a long shadow on our country. Like the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it has raised fundamental questions about information-sharing, coordination, preparedness, and response at all levels of government. When the defenses around the citadel of our democracy fail as profoundly as they did on January 6, then attention must be paid. At least one Capitol Police Officer died because of the cause of the violence that day. Others died too, and injuries were extensive also-- not the least of which is the body blow of Americans' confidence that the reforms undertaken after 9/11 would deliver better information- sharing and coordination to keep us secure. H.R. 3233 authorizes the establishment of a 10-member commission that mirrors the 9/11 Commission, the gold standard for bipartisan commissions. The January 6 Commission would be required to investigate and report on all the facts and causes of the attack including relevant influencing factors that may have contributed to the attack. Given how politically charged the events of January 6 have become, we need to come together in a patriotic, bipartisan way and approve this independent body, just as we did when we approved the creation of the 9/11 Commission. The 9/11 Commission acted not out of partisanship, but out of patriotism. We need that same sense of duty today. Apathy is not a security strategy, and neither are ignorance or willful disregard. After such a shocking attack, nothing short of a full accounting of what took place will put us on the path to improving our homeland security.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University. Alcorn University, now referred to as Alcorn State University, was founded on May 13, 1871, in Lorman, Mississippi, resulting from Mississippi's efforts to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved individuals. The university is named after James L. Alcorn, who was the governor of Mississippi at the time of its founding. Alcorn is celebrating its 150th year as our nation's first Historically Black Land Grant University and the second-oldest state- supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi. Alcorn continues to provide a valuable education in agriculture, arts, sciences, business, education, and offers the only nursing program available at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the state of Mississippi. Not to mention, the institution consistently ranks among the top 25 HBCUs in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. During Reconstruction, Hiram Revels served as the first president of Alcorn. He resigned his seat as our nation's first African American United States Senator to lead the university. One of the residential options on campus, the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village, is dedicated to Evers who was a prominent civil rights activist and 1952 alumnus of the university. In addition to notable alumni, Steve McNair, led a decorated career in the National Football League and was drafted third overall during the 1995 National Football League draft. This is the highest draft selection for an offensive player, from an HBCU, in National Football League history. The successes of Alcorn State University are tied to the dedicated leadership and faculty who have devoted their careers to preparing future generations for excellence in academics as well as athletics. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University and the invaluable contributions of our country's first Historically Black Land Grant University in higher learning.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alcorn State University on their 150th anniversary. Founded in 1871, Alcorn State University is the oldest historically Black land-grant institution in the United States and the second-oldest supported institution of higher learning in the State of Mississippi. Alcorn State University is one of the most important institutions to nurture and develop African Americans. Alcorn has laid the foundation for many professionals by giving them a valued education. Their mission is to intellectually develop young Americans, produce graduates to be lifelong learners, prepare them to be well-rounded leaders of high character, while equipping them with the necessary skills to be successful in a global marketplace. Alcorn's vision is to develop diverse students into globally competitive leaders that will benefit communities, States, nations, and the world. I know Alcorn State University will continue to provide students with the tools they need to claim success. As Alcorn celebrates its 150th anniversary, their reservation is well-suited for many more successful years.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity today to recognize the importance of the bilateral relationship between the United States and Kazakhstan. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the United States, on December 25, 1991, was the first country to recognize Kazakhstan's independence. Thereafter, the Clinton Administration facilitated the entry of Kazakh oil to the world market via the CPC export pipeline. American companies were the first to enter the Kazakh economy but were soon pushed aside from the most attractive projects, such as Chinese companies which have invariably won international tenders for privatized assets. I rise today to express my growing concern over an article published by author Tom Burgis. The article contains information surrounding leaked documents that indicate the former Kazakh president's son-in- law, Timur Kulibayev, designed a scheme that would result in him receiving tens of millions of dollars from contracts related to a multibillion-dollar gas pipeline between Central Asia and China. The Asia Gas Pipeline project was to accelerate a shift of economic power from the West to the East. Built jointly by Kazakhstan and China, these pipelines would stretch around 2000 miles and be funded by Chinese loans. ``The first two lines would cost $7.5bn, with a third to follow for some $3bn and a fourth after that.'' Author Tom Burgis states, ``Mr. Kulibayev, who has served on the Russian energy giant's board since 2011, is the son-in-law of the former Kazakh president and has wide-ranging business interests, from banking to mining and real estate. As one of the most powerful officials in the country, he oversaw the state companies that awarded contracts to build the pipelines across Kazakhstan. Emails sent between 2008 and 2014 and leaked by a whistleblower contain detailed descriptions of a set-up that it appears would allow Mr. Kulibayev to receive a share of the profits from pipeline contracts granted to ETK, a company owned by Russian businessman Alexander Karmanov.'' This is not Timur Kulibayev's first time coming to the attention of the West. In 2007, it was revealed that he was the mystery buyer of a multimillion-dollar Sunninghill Park estate that the Queen had given Prince Andrew as a wedding present. He also has faced money-laundering allegations in a Swiss case, which was eventually dropped. The United States currently spends about $115 million a year on global anti-corruption programs. Unfortunately, many of the funds we put toward anti-corruption efforts get trapped in multi-year technical programs that are unable to respond nimbly to sudden opportunities for governance reform. If the United States does intervene, authoritarian kleptocrats will gain ground. The United States needs to be proactive in developing strategic relationships and agile programs that will keep us relevant in moments of historic opportunity. Recently, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), incoming Chair of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and Co-Chair, respectively, introduced the Countering Russian and Other Overseas Kleptocracy (CROOK) Act to upgrade America's anti-corruption efforts by targeting kleptocracy at the source. The CROOK Act would create an anticorruption action fund to help activists leverage public sentiment to achieve lasting reform, without any additional cost to taxpayers. The fund would be financed through a $5 million surcharge on entities found liable for $50 million or more in criminal fines and penalties under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Based on data from the last 10 years, this bill would put an additional $16 million per year toward global anti-corruption work. Funds would continue to accrue until a historic window of opportunity opens, at which point funds would be rapidly deployed to help establish the rule of law. Fighting corruption is an imperative for the United States. As a beacon of liberty and the rule of law, it is our duty and the purest expression of our values. It is also a highly practical form of soft power that advances our national security. As Kazakhstan is aspiring to be a strategic partner of the United States, I call on my colleagues to join me in urging the Biden Administration to review this case of kleptocracy and corrupt officials from Kazakhstan and assure that it will be included in our Government's discussions regarding this important part of the world.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable individual, Mrs. Eula V. Polk, on her 109th Birthday. Eula was one of ten children, born to Richard and Frankie Owens-Brown in Terry, MS, on May 24, 1912. She grew up working on her family farm where they grew their own food. They had cattle, chicken, turkeys, geese, hogs and various vegetables. They would use spring water for drinking and cooking and rainwater for bathing and washing clothes. Her family washed clothes on a wooden washboard and boiled the white clothes on a potbelly stove until they were ready to hang outside on their picket fence to dry. On Christmas, as a little girl, she would receive grass dolls, apples, oranges, sticks of candy, and raisins. She was always thankful and happy for her gifts. Whether it was raining, hot, or cold, she walked to church and school. On Saturdays, she would go to the local store to buy a stick of candy for 1 cent and ice cream for 5 cents. If she was walking on the sidewalk, in town, and met a white person, she would have to get off to let them pass by before continuing on her way. Around five o'clock every evening, a bell would ring notifying black people they'd have to leave town. Upon hearing the bell, she would head home. Life was good to Eula until she grew older and learned that there was a grave distinction between the races. She attended Terry Grove Church School, Pilgrim Rest Church School, and Lanier High School where she completed her education. In 1921, She united with Little Bethel CME Church in Terry, MS where she remains a member. The older she got she began to understand the meaning of service within the church. Eula proudly served as a Sunday school teacher, secretary, treasurer, usher, and choir member for twenty-five years. She also served as a stewardess and a missionary president. Eula served her community district as a treasurer, zone leader, stewardess, and worship leader. She has served countless times as a conference delegate for her church. In 1940, she was united in holy matrimony to Eddie Lee Polk. Together they raised two children, Willie James and Moses Lee. Since 1949, she has been a member of the Heroines of Jericho, Grand Lodge 353. In May 2012, she received an honorary doctorate from Mt. Eva Foundation Theological Seminary in Terry, MS. On her 100th birthday, she received birthday greetings from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Eula is blessed that God has allowed her to see fourteen grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren and eleven great-great grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Eula V. Polk on her 109th Birthday.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable hero, Lin Jeffrey Riley, Sr. Raised in Senatobia, Mississippi (Tate County), Lin Jeffrey Riley, became the seventh child of Daisy Mae Riley and L.V. Coppage, born July 29, 1966. He found his calling late in life as the founder and organizer of the Marks Youth Outreach, Inc. Season after season, he lends his muscle to the Marks 49ers Athletic Programs. ``Coach Riley'', as he is known, has always been athletic, lively, outgoing, and creative. He was an outstanding student/athlete during his high school years. Coach Riley currently holds the top record for ``Most Quarterback Sacks'' in a single game at Senatobia High School. For three years consecutively, he received the Hawks Award for most forced and recovered fumbles, quarterback sacks, and pass interceptions. After relocating to Quitman County in 1997, Riley worked several jobs. He operated Riley's Hand Car Wash and Detail Shop and coached football at the Quitman County Middle School and Madison Shannon Palmer High School. It was during those times when he got an eyeful and earful of recreational activities needed for the youth of this area. Because of Riley's initiative, enthusiasm, willingness and time for these youth, the Marks Youth Outreach Program, Inc. was founded and organized. Having healthy, educated youth with Christian values is very vital for this county. Likewise, Coach Riley is at the top of the game working daily to ensure that these values are instilled in the youth of this community. But make no mistake he says, ``Success was anything but instant''. A community baseball team was the initial beginning and from that other sports programs emerged--football, basketball, tee ball, cheerleading, and now kickball and flag football have been added. Riley credits the program's success to God and lives by the scripture: ``With God all things are possible . . .'' (Mathew 19:26). Surviving 3 major strokes, Riley stills coaches and mentors countless of youth and has no plans on stopping anytime soon. On November 7, 2020, a field dedication ceremony was held in his honor. The football field is named Lin Riley Field, located in Marks, MS. On February 28, 2015, Lin married his wife Tracey Hankins-Riley and is the father of Lindez Wright, Terrell Wright, Travis McAdory, Kevon Taylor, Trinity Taylor, Lance Johnson, King Lin Jeffery Riley, Jr., Lakendrick Ware and Tommy Ware. He is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Marks, MS. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lin Jeffrey Riley for he is the epitome of an unsung hero.