Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1067, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding, and I do appreciate the gentlewoman's concerns. Mr. Speaker, I would begin my remarks by saying the United States military is a very special place. Only about 30 percent of young Americans between 17 and 24 are eligible to join the military. Others are not because of educational issues, because of health issues, and other circumstances. It is clear we have to make an investment in society. But having said that, this is a special place and we ought to cast a very broad net to encourage young Americans to serve their country in the military, especially those--I would point out, living in Gary, Indiana--in disadvantaged communities, many of which don't even know that opportunity exists. The gentlewoman is concerned about abuses, and I share that concern, and I think Mr. Calvert certainly does. We have seen abuses--setting the issue of technology aside--with recruiters making false promises. That is why we have controls in place. That is why those people are punished. That is why we have Congressional oversight. Mr. Speaker, I do understand the criticism of younger people viewing esports channels. The ArmyEsports team Twitch channel has been set to 18-plus since August of 2019. I would grant that it is difficult in many instances to verify age online, and I do find recent media reports on the ArmyEsports team in the banning of commentators concerning. It is difficult to balance a platform's churn of service and community guidelines with free speech, and I understand that ArmyEsports has taken a pause on streaming and is reviewing its internal policies and procedures. We, on the committee, certainly look forward to seeing the results of that review to allow the military to learn how to ensure that these platforms are used properly in the future. The gentlewoman rightly also points out the issue of age. I would point out to all of my colleagues in this Chamber, that our bill already funds educational programs that give children under the age of 16 exposure to military service, including Junior ROTC, Civil Air Patrol, STARBASE, National Guard Youth Challenge, Young Marines, and Sea Cadets. These programs are in high demand and enjoy great bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, the concern is well-placed. It is the reason we have to exercise great oversight and control, but I do have to oppose the gentlewoman's amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, before I begin with my remarks on the fiscal year (FY) 2021 bill, I would like to briefly discuss some concerns I have as a longtime member of the House Appropriations Committee. The Committee has a unique responsibility. It is charged with funding and oversight of the entire government, and ensuring that it is as effective and as efficient as possible. However, in some ways, the Committee is at its nadir in terms of its ability to achieve bipartisan solutions. In part, this is due to the Budget Control Act of 2011, which is an ill-fated attempt to balance the federal budget by cutting only discretionary spending. Currently, mandatory spending and interest on the debt represent 70 percent of the money spent each year by the federal government. Discretionary spending, which is an investment in the future, makes up just 30 percent of federal spending. When less than 30 percent of young Americans are qualified to join the military, it is clear we need to invest more in our nation's health, education, infrastructure, and jobs. Unfortunately, from my perspective, recent Congresses have mistakenly relied on mandatory spending to avoid making difficult decisions on discretionary spending on an annual basis. A case in point, last week the House passed a bill that will provide much needed funding to address the maintenance backlog in our public lands. But the bill utilizes mandatory funding mechanisms that further decrease the ability of Congress and the Appropriations Committee to exercise annual discretion and oversight. I implore my colleagues who serve in the next Congress to avoid repeating the mistakes of the recent past. The lasting solution to our nation's fiscal problems will only be realized by confronting the continued growth in mandatory spending while simultaneously increasing revenues. In the year 2000, the last year the federal government had a surplus, revenues, as a percentage of GDP, were 20 percent. In fiscal year 2019, revenues were 16.3 percent. We need revenue to invest in the future of our country, and every appropriated dollar is an investment. Moving onto the FY 2021 bill, I first want to thank my Ranking Member and friend, Mr. Calvert, for his continued commitment to being collegial, transparent, and bipartisan. I cannot overstate the value of his friendship and the partnership we have enjoyed over the years. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger. We would not be here without their leadership and dedication. Further, I would like to acknowledge that Chairwoman Lowey will be joining me in departing the House at the end of this year. I commend her for a dedicated life of service and commitment to leaving this world a little bit better than the way she found it. I thank her very much. It is a joy to work with her. I want to thank the Subcommittee staff, particularly, our clerks, Becky Leggieri and Johnnie Kaberle, as well as Walter Hearne, Brooke Barnard, Ariana Sarar, Jackie Ripke, David Bortnick, Matt Bower, Bill Adkins, Jennifer Chartrand, Hayden Milberg, Paul Kilbride, Shannon Richter, Sherry Young, Kyle McFarland, Kiya Batmanglidj, Jamie McCormick, Brian Potts, and Nick Vance, my personal office staff, Joe DeVooght and Stephen Cash, and those in Ranking Member Calvert's personal office, Rebecca Keightley and William Hendrickson. Having to assemble the bulk of the bill and report remotely increased the degree of difficulty substantially, as it has for all of the subcommittees. I commend them for their professionalism and acumen. The bill would provide $694.6 billion for the Department of Defense budget, which is $1.3 billion above the fiscal year 2020 enacted level and $3.7 billion below the request. The base funding recommendation is $626.2 billion, which is $3.5 billion above the fiscal year 2020 enacted level and $3.5 billion below the request. The overseas contingency operations recommendation is $68.4 billion, which is $2.2 billion below the fiscal year 2020 enacted level and $215 million below the request. This legislation recognizes the complex challenges the members of our Armed Forces and intelligence community face every day throughout the world, and it aims to ensure that they are able to continue to meet these challenges and complete their missions to the best of their abilities. To support this forward-looking posture, the bill makes major investments in operations and maintenance, procurement, and research and development. I also think it is important to highlight some investments the Committee has made with regards to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation would provide: $758 million in procurement for COVID-19 recovery for second, third and fourth tier suppliers. This has been of particular interest to Mr. Calvert, and I appreciate his advocacy of this issue; $450 million in operation and maintenance for COVID-19 recovery and resupply; and $150 million in the Defense Health Program for COVID-19 response. In addition to the funding enumerated above, the legislation places several reporting requirements on the Department specific to COVID-19. The budgetary impacts of the pandemic on the Department are still largely undetermined. Some programs will cost more. However, there will be savings obtained through delayed or cancelled events and activities. It is imperative that the Committee and Congress have as much detail as possible to properly delegate funding and to conduct oversight. And most importantly, the bill continues to focus on the well-being and morale of those in uniform and their families, as well as DoD civilians and their communities. The bill provides an additional $116 million for upgrades to childcare facilities and the report contains language directing the military services to present innovative ideas to address the serious backlog for childcare. The bill provides $1.49 billion for environmental restoration activities, which is $415 million above the request. This increased funding will help DoD address the significant and salient public health risks associated with PFOS/PFOA. The bill and report take steps to stop the Department from closing military treatment facilities and from reducing military healthcare billets, which would have cost $334.6 million this fiscal year. These plans were poorly justified to the Committee prior to the pandemic, and even harder to defend under current conditions. The bill provides $327 million to address the ongoing epidemic of sexual assault in the military and at the service academies, which is $49 million more than requested. And I must express my personal upset over this issue. The most recent report on the sexual assault rate for women has jumped a shocking 50 percent from 2016 to 2018. Despite dire warnings, the Department's budget for sexual assault prevention and response remains stagnant. And I would also say it is not just a question of money. Year after year after year, we have testimony from officials who contend that they are really committed to solving this problem. And yet we are going backwards. The Department must do a much better job. These efforts and several others within the bill will have an immediate positive impact on people's quality of life. Another area of concern for me is the Department's lack of compliance with many Congressionally directed reporting requirements. For example, last year the Committee directed the Department to submit a report on its contracts for advertising services with socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. The report was supposed to accompany the Department's FY 2021 budget submission in February, but it was transmitted to the Committee on July 14, five months late and the same day we marked up the bill. Regrettably, reporting deadlines are often missed, making it much more difficult for the Committee to make timely decisions. The bill, again, contains several provisions to rein in the Department's habitual redirection of funding and contravention of congressional intent. These actions have irreparably damaged the Department's credibility with the Committee. One DoD official, in a meeting, referred to these transfers of billions of dollars as anomalies. I refer to them as habitual abuses by the Department. In recent years, the Department leadership has not missed an opportunity to claim that a 3 percent to 5 percent annual growth rate in the defense budget is necessary to support the National Defense Strategy. But at the same time, those same leaders facilitated the transfer of nearly $10 billion to non-defense activities not enumerated in their own National Defense Strategy. And while this was happening, they also have the temerity to repeatedly request more flexibility from Congress for executing their budget and for reprogramming authorities. The sense of entitlement in these actions is galling, and I hope that at some point the Department will have the leadership in place to recognize Congress's constitutional prerogative and restore trust to the appropriations process. In closing, I would again thank my chair, ranking member, and all of the members, who have logged so many hours in making this bill possible. I look forward to debate on the amendments.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Ms. Sherrill).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Gabbard).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Heck).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairwoman for her very kind remarks. I also want to thank Nita for her friendship over the years. As I am going to again mention in my prepared remarks, the gentlewoman's life of service to not only her constituency, not only to this great Nation, but to the people of the world, given all of her work on the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies, and again, having a broad, long-term view of dedicating her life to make sure that the world we leave is going to be better for our children and posterity. So I appreciate that as well. As I have quipped, if the gentlewoman is not going to be back next year, I am not going to be back next year. I, first of all, do want to thank my ranking member and my friend, Mr. Calvert, for his continued commitment to being collegial, transparent, and bipartisan. I cannot overstate the value of the gentleman's friendship and the partnership we have enjoyed over the years. He is a gentleman. Further, I would again appreciate and acknowledge the work of chairwoman, Mrs. Lowey, who is also departing the House at the end of this year. Again I commend you, Nita, for your dedicated life of service and a commitment to leaving this world better. Thank you very much. I want to also thank the subcommittee staff, particularly our clerks, Becky Leggieri and Johnnie Kaberle; as well as Walter Hearne, Brooke Boyer, Ariana Sarar, Kiya Batmanglidj, Jackie Ripke, David Bortnick, Matt Bower, Bill Adkins, Jennifer Chartrand, Hayden Milberg, Paul Kilbride, Shannon Richter, Sherry Young, Kyle McFarland, Jamie McCormick, Brian Potts, and Nick Vance; those in Ranking Member Calvert's personal office, as well, Rebecca Keightley and William Hendrickson; and my personal staff, Joe DeVooght and our fellow from the Department of Defense, Major Stephen Cash. I am profoundly grateful to each for their dedicated service to the public, for their acumen, and for their generosity of spirit. The bill continues to focus on the well-being and morale of those in uniform and their families as well as DOD civilians and their communities. The bill provides an additional $116 million for upgrades to childcare facilities, and the report contains language directing the military services to present innovative ideas to address the serious backlog for childcare. It provides $1.49 billion for environmental restoration activities, which is $415 million above the request. We provide $327 million to address the ongoing epidemic of sexual assault in the military and at the service academies, which is $49 million more than requested. Despite dire warnings, the Department's budget for sexual assault prevention and response remains stagnant. The Department has got to do a much better job. Another area of deep concern for me is the Department's lack of compliance with many congressionally directed reporting requirements. For example, last year, the committee directed the Department to submit a report on its contracts for advertising services with socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. The report was supposed to accompany the Department's fiscal year 2021 budgets submission in February, but it was transmitted to the committee on July 14, 5 months late and the same day we marked up the bill. Regrettably, reporting deadlines are often missed, making it much more difficult for the committee to make timely decisions. The bill, again, contains several provisions to rein in the Department's now habitual redirection of funding and contravention of congressional intent. One DOD official in a meeting earlier this year referred to these transfers of $10 billion as anomalies. I refer to them as habitual abuses. The sense of entitlement in these actions is galling, and I hope that at some point the Department will have the leadership in place to recognize it is Congress' constitutional prerogative and restore trust to the appropriations process. Mr. Speaker, before I begin with my remarks on the fiscal year (FY) 2021 bill, I would like to briefly discuss some concerns I have as a longtime member of the House Appropriations Committee. The Committee has a unique responsibility. It is charged with funding and oversight of the entire government, and ensuring that it is as effective and as efficient as possible. However, in some ways, the Committee is at its nadir in terms of its ability to achieve bipartisan solutions. In part, this is due to the Budget Control Act of 2011, which is an ill-fated attempt to balance the federal budget by cutting only discretionary spending. Currently, mandatory spending and interest on the debt represent 70 percent of the money spent each year by the federal government. Discretionary spending, which is an investment in the future, makes up just 30 percent of federal spending. When less than 30 percent of young Americans are qualified to join the military, it is clear we need to invest more in our nation's health, education, infrastructure, and jobs. Unfortunately, from my perspective, recent Congresses have mistakenly relied on mandatory spending to avoid making difficult decisions on discretionary spending on an annual basis. A case in point, last week the House passed a bill that will provide much needed funding to address the maintenance backlog in our public lands. But the bill utilizes mandatory funding mechanisms that further decrease the ability of Congress and the Appropriations Committee to exercise annual discretion and oversight. I implore my colleagues who serve in the next Congress to avoid repeating the mistakes of the recent past. The lasting solution to our nation's fiscal problems will only be realized by confronting the continued growth in mandatory spending while simultaneously increasing revenues. In the year 2000, the last year the federal government had a surplus, revenues, as a percentage of GDP, were 20 percent. In fiscal year 2019, revenues were 16.3 percent. We need revenue to invest in the future of our country, and every appropriated dollar is an investment. Moving onto the FY 2021 bill, I first want to thank my Ranking Member and friend, Mr. Calvert, for his continued commitment to being collegial, transparent, and bipartisan. I cannot overstate the value of his friendship and the partnership we have enjoyed over the years. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger. We would not be here without their leadership and dedication. Further, I would like to acknowledge that Chairwoman Lowey will be joining me in departing the House at the end of this year. I commend her for a dedicated life of service and commitment to leaving this world a little bit better than the way she found it. Thank you very much. It is a joy to work with you. I want to thank the Subcommittee staff, particularly, our clerks, Becky Leggieri and Johnnie Kaberle, as well as Walter Hearne, Brooke Boyer, Ariana Sarar, Jackie Ripke, David Bortnick, Matt Bower, Bill Adkins, Jennifer Chartrand, Hayden Milberg, Paul Kilbride, Shannon Richter, Sherry Young, Kyle McFarland, Kiya Batmanglidj, Jamie McCormick, Brian Potts, and Nick Vance, my personal office staff, Joe DeVooght and Stephen Cash, and those in Ranking Member Calvert's personal office, Rebecca Keightley and William Hendrickson. Having to assemble the bulk of the bill and report remotely increased the degree of difficulty substantially, as it has for all of the subcommittees. I commend them for their professionalism and acumen. The bill would provide $694.6 billion for the Department of Defense budget, which is $1.3 billion above the fiscal year 2020 enacted level and $3. 7 billion below the request. The base funding recommendation is $626.2 billion, which is $3.5 billion above the fiscal year 2020 enacted level and $3.5 billion below the request. The overseas contingency operations recommendation is $68.4 billion, which is $2.2 billion below the fiscal year 2020 enacted level and $215 million below the request. This legislation recognizes the complex challenges the members of our Armed Forces and intelligence community face every day throughout the world, and it aims to ensure that they are able to continue to meet these challenges and complete their missions to the best of their abilities. To support this forward-looking posture, the bill makes major investments in operations and maintenance, procurement, and research and development. I also think it is important to highlight some investments the Committee has made with regards to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation would provide: $758 million in procurement for COVID-19 recovery for second, third and fourth tier suppliers. This has been of particular interest to Mr. Calvert, and I appreciate his advocacy of this issue; $450 million in operation and maintenance for COVID-19 recovery and resupply; and $150 million in the Defense Health Program for COVID-19 response. In addition to the funding enumerated above, the legislation places several reporting requirements on the Department specific to COVID-19. The budgetary impacts of the pandemic on the Department are still largely undetermined. Some programs will cost more. However, there will be savings obtained through delayed or cancelled events and activities. It is imperative that the Committee and Congress have as much detail as possible to properly delegate funding and to conduct oversight. And most importantly, the bill continues to focus on the well-being and morale of those in uniform and their families, as well as DoD civilians and their communities. The bill provides an additional $116 million for upgrades to childcare facilities and the report contains language directing the military services to present innovative ideas to address the serious backlog for childcare. The bill provides $1.49 billion for environmental restoration activities, which is $415 million above the request. This increased funding will help DoD address the significant and salient public health risks associated with PFOS/PFOA. The bill and report take steps to stop the Department from closing military treatment facilities and from reducing military healthcare billets, which would have cost $334.6 million this fiscal year. These plans were poorly justified to the Committee prior to the pandemic, and even harder to defend under current conditions. The bill provides $327 million to address the ongoing epidemic of sexual assault in the military and at the service academies, which is $49 million more than requested. And I must express my personal upset over this issue. The most recent report on the sexual assault rate for women has jumped a shocking 50 percent from 2016 to 2018. Despite dire warnings, the Department's budget for sexual assault prevention and response remains stagnant. And I would also say it is not just a question of money. Year after year after year, we have testimony from officials who contend that they are really committed to solving this problem. And yet we are going backwards. The Department must do a much better job. These efforts and several others within the bill will have an immediate positive impact on people's quality of life. Another area of concern for me is the Department's lack of compliance with many Congressionally directed reporting requirements. For example, last year the Committee directed the Department to submit a report on its contracts for advertising services with socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. The report was supposed to accompany the Department's FY 2021 budget submission in February, but it was transmitted to the Committee on July 14, five months late and the same day we marked up the bill. Regrettably, reporting deadlines are often missed, making it much more difficult for the Committee to make timely decisions. The bill, again, contains several provisions to rein in the Department's habitual redirection of funding and contravention of congressional intent. These actions have irreparably damaged the Department's credibility with the Committee. One DoD official, in a meeting, referred to these transfers of billions of dollars as anomalies. I refer to them as habitual abuses by the Department. In recent years, the Department leadership has not missed an opportunity to claim that a 3 percent to 5 percent annual growth rate in the defense budget is necessary to support the National Defense Strategy. But at the same time, those same leaders facilitated the transfer of nearly $10 billion to non-defense activities not enumerated in their own National Defense Strategy. And while this was happening, they also have the temerity to repeatedly request more flexibility from Congress for executing their budget and for reprogramming authorities. The sense of entitlement in these actions is galling, and I hope that at some point the Department will have the leadership in place to recognize Congress's constitutional prerogative and restore trust to the appropriations process. In closing, I would again thank my chair, ranking member, and all of the members, who have logged so many hours in making this bill possible. I look forward to debate on the amendments.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Stevens).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas).

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

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1067, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I ask for support of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), the chair of the Committee on Education and Labor.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to Major Christie Papilla Cunningham for her exemplary dedication to duty and service as she transitions from her previous position as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller). A native of Los Angeles, California, Major Cunningham was commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer upon her graduation from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She has also earned a Master's degree in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University. For the past 13 years, Major Cunningham has honorably served in command and staff positions in the California Army National Guard, U.S. Army Forces Command, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, U.S. Army Cyber Command, and the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command. She has been assigned to Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and Fort Meade, Maryland. Christie deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, first as the Executive Officer for the Bagram Theater Joint Interrogation Facility and then as the Joint Intelligence Officer for Joint Task Force Paladin South, a Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force in Kandahar, Afghanistan. In 2018, Major Cunningham was assigned as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the U.S. Army's Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller. In this role, Christie effectively managed the Army's Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation portfolio and worked tirelessly with Members of Congress and their staffs to accurately articulate the Army's budget position to the Appropriations Committees. Christie's professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the mission are unmatched. Christie cherishes family. Her husband, Patrick, also an active duty Major in the U.S. Army, and her children, Esai, Kai, Kaleo, and Kira, are the foundation of Christie's success. As we know, military families share in the sacrifices made by our servicemembers. The Cunninghams' selfless service to the U.S. Army and to their community is a shining example of what makes our military the best in the world. Throughout her career, Major Cunningham has positively impacted countless soldiers of all ranks. Our country has benefited tremendously from her extraordinary leadership, intelligence, and passion. I join my colleagues today in honoring her dedication to our nation and her invaluable service to the U.S. Congress as a Congressional Budget Liaison. I must also note that, as a Defense Legislative Fellow in my office, Major Cunningham consistently provided me with sage advice and quickly became a trusted source of counsel to me, my personal staff, and the House Appropriations Committee. Christie's sterling intellect, versatility, and team-first disposition proved indispensable in addressing the number of challenging tasks placed before her. Further, her incomparable work ethic, poise under pressure, and generosity will be sorely missed. To put it simply, Major Cunningham's performance as a Defense Legislative Fellow was outstanding and reflects great credit upon the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. I am deeply appreciative of her contributions to my office and the U.S. Congress. Madam Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Major Cunningham. On behalf of a grateful nation, I recognize and commend Christie for her service to our country and I wish her all the best as she continues her service in the U.S. Army.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, today, April 23, 2020, I missed roll call votes 103 and 104. Had I been present for roll call 103, on Agreeing to H. Res. 938, Providing for the adoption of the resolution (H. Res. 935) establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, I would have voted ``Yes.'' Had I been present for roll call 104, on Agreeing to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, I would have voted ``Yes.''

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate fifty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on March 13, 2020. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. On March 13, 2020, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Esmeralda Vega, Ghada Ramadan, Paulette Doreen Shaw, Sara Padilla, Javier Garcia, Markus Jaewon Lee, Antonia Martinez, Consuelo Murguia de Hernandez, Rocelle Clavero Grabarek, Abier Abdulhak, Ana Gligorov, Jovelyn Socobos Manilag, Noemy Alejandra Cotrez Pavon, Maggie L. Dobrodt, Ayad Shakir Mahmood Al Mahdawi, Natasha Lynn Rizzotti, Zurizadai Luna Williams, Milan Zubic, Rosa Elvira Chacon Guerrero, Araceli Flores Santillan, Maha F. Abdulqader, Zainab Usman Sheikh, Alexandru Colta, Maria R. Palacios, Chandan Sevanti Sharma, Marlen del Rosario Carmona Villodas, Maria Guadalupe Hernandez, Wissel Joseph, Martin Diaz, Maria Gonzalez Herrejon, Mauricio Hinojosa, Liliana Patricia Ruiz Tenorio, Naila Tauseef Khan, Reyna Canlas Roldan, Oyata Monono Mwanza, Kayode S. Shittu, Lorenzo Aleman Escobedo, Hongping Ren, Panteleimon Maillis, Martin Miranda, Susana Maria Fernandez, Chante Sarah Latrice Rizzotti, Rosa Fernandez, Edgar Maciel, Harry Vasilopoulos, Imran Khan, Elsa Patricia Mota, Mika Francine Estacio, Nika Markos, and Morella Rivas. Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . .of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on March 13, 2020. They, too, will be American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today in observance of Women's History Month and its 2020 theme--Valiant Women of the Vote. Each year, the National Women's History Project selects a unifying theme to recognize and promote Women's History Month. This year's theme recognizes the centennial of the 19th Amendment and honors the stories of women from the original suffrage movement. In the United States, women of every race, class, and ethnic background have played a critical role with ensuring that women's voices are heard. For generations, women have contributed to resolving conflicts and have worked to promote equality in the workplace, schools, homes, communities, and government. Women have insisted upon and continue to fight for respect, justice, and equality for all of humanity. Throughout the years, women from diverse backgrounds have contributed to the courageous movement that would secure a woman's right to vote. Among these remarkable leaders being recognized this month are passionate activists, including Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Theresa Kumar, founder of Voto Latino, Terry Ao Minnis, Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and Edith Mayo, curator at the Smithsonian Museum and historian of women's suffrage. Also honored are Lucy Burns, a Silent Sentinel who protested at the White House, and Carrie Chapman Catt, a suffrage activist from Iowa who served as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). Wilhelmina Kekelaokalaninui Widemann Dowsett, a NAWSA member and founder of a suffrage organization in Hawaii, Ana Roque de Duprey, a Puerto Rican suffrage organizer, and Elizabeth Piper Ensley, a reporter for the ``Women's Era'' and member of the National Association of Colored Women, are also remembered for their contributions to the movement. We also recall the passionate efforts of Marie Foster, a civil rights leader who marched from Selma to Montgomery and attempted to register to vote eight times before being allowed to vote, Dr. Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, a New York suffragist who earned a PhD in economics, and Virginia Louisa Minor, the Missouri woman who appealed to the Supreme Court in 1874 for her right to vote. Finally, we salute Anna Howard Shaw, who earned a Distinguished Service Medal during World War I and played a critical role in the leadership of NAWSA. For their leadership and outstanding dedication to women's rights, unity, and peace, these courageous women are well deserving of our respect and admiration. I commend them and the many others who fought alongside them for women of every creed, class, and ethnic background. These fearless and strong women serve as remarkable role models who reflect the 2020 theme, Valiant Women of the Vote. Madam Speaker, I am honored to join in celebrating Women's History Month and recognizing the dedication, perseverance, contributions, and advances great American women from all cultures and classes have made to bettering our communities and the entire country. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating these extraordinary women who have improved American society and whose stories are woven into the fabric of our nation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2020 theme--African Americans and the Vote. 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. This year's theme reflects on the extraordinary contributions of African Americans throughout the history of our democracy as we reflect on the ongoing efforts to ensure equality for all Americans. As we reflect on the past, this year's theme focuses on the fight to ensure that African American voices and votes mattered in America. The year 2020 commemorates the 115th anniversary of the 15th Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote. When the amendment was first introduced, it did not mention black men. After the conclusion of the civil war, however, abolitionist Frederick Douglas spoke before the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society advocating for the right for black men to vote. While the debate continued, in 1869, 150 African American men from seventeen states gathered for the first national meeting of African Americans in the history of the United States. The year 2020 also marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. During this time, the Women's Rights Movement was intertwined with the Antislavery Movement. African American women played a prominent role in the movement by organizing, attending, and speaking out at political and religious events, thus leading to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. We honor these brave and dedicated women who contributed to the foundation of African American liberty including Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Maria W. Stewart, Henrietta Purvis, Harriet Forten Purvis, and Sarah Redmon, among many others. As we pay tribute to these heroes of American history, let us remember their profound perseverance, sacrifice, and struggle in the fight for freedom and equality and the remarkable impact their contributions have had in shaping our great nation. This month and always, it is important that we honor and celebrate America's greatest advocates for equal rights and civil liberties. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating Black History Month and honoring those who fought, and continue to fight, for civil rights and justice. We honor the African American men and women who have played such a crucial role in changing the landscape of American society for the better.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to take this moment to recognize Lithuanian Independence Day. The Lithuanian American Community, Inc., East Chicago Chapter, will be commemorating this special occasion with a celebratory event on Sunday, February 16, 2020, at the Chesterton Moose Lodge 1623 in Chesterton, Indiana. On February 16, 1918, an Act of Independence was signed by the Council of Lithuania, which gave the country its independence from Germany. This day is proudly celebrated as State Independence Day. Lithuania maintained its independence until 1940 when it was annexed by Russia. The country remained under Soviet rule for almost fifty years before regaining its freedom in 1990. Independence Restoration Day is celebrated on March 11 each year in honor of Lithuania's reestablished independence. Lithuanians in Northwest Indiana and all over the world celebrate these days of independence with great enthusiasm and pride. The members and leaders of the Lithuanian American Community, Inc., East Chicago Chapter, are to be honored, not only for their commitment to preserving tradition, but also for their dedication to civic, cultural, educational, and social programs. For their significant contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, the members and leaders of the Lithuanian American Community, Inc., East Chicago Chapter, are worthy of the highest praise. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Lithuanian Independence Day and honoring the members and leaders of the Lithuanian American Community, Inc., East Chicago Chapter, for their loyalty and dedication to their culture and traditions. The Lithuanian community has played a key role in enriching the quality of life and diversity of Northwest Indiana, and we are truly grateful for the organization's service to Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. Dr. King's life and, unfortunately, his untimely death, remind us that we must continually work to secure and protect our freedoms. In his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, Dr. King embodied all that is good and true in the battle for liberty. The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens of communities throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country into the future. I am honored to rise today to recognize several individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District who will be recognized during the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers Service Club, which was founded in 1952, sponsors this annual breakfast. The Gary Frontiers Service Club will pay tribute to local individuals who have for decades selflessly contributed to improving the quality of life for the people of Gary. This year, Mark Spencer will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award. Additionally, Lieutenant Derrick Cannon, James Harris, Suzette Raggs, Verlie Suggs, and Mildred Guthrie will be recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast. Though very different in nature, the achievements of each of these individuals reflect many of the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these individuals saw challenges and faced them with unwavering strength and determination. Each one of the honored guests' greatness has been found in their willingness to serve with ``a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.'' They set goals and work selflessly to make them a reality. Madam Speaker, I invite you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these honorees, as well as the Gary Frontiers Service Club officers, President Oliver Gilliam, who also served as the MLK Breakfast Chairman, Vice President Charles Jackson, Secretary Linnal Ford, Financial Secretary Valerie Tate, and Treasurer Floyd Donaldson, and all members of the service club for their initiative, determination, and dedication to serving the people of Northwest Indiana.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I deeply appreciate Mr. Rush yielding time to me. I also thank him for organizing this Special Order. I thank my colleague from Chicago, Mr. Davis, for participating, and earlier today, Andre Carson, a Member from Indianapolis, for also expressing deep regard for Mayor Hatcher. Mr. Speaker, I also appreciate the gentleman's eloquence in describing the incredible contribution that Richard Gordon Hatcher made to our world and, in particular, those most in need. He is absolutely correct: it certainly transcended the city of Gary and his immediate responsibilities. Everyone here knows the vast and immeasurable contributions that Mayor Hatcher has provided to advance the cause of civil rights and racial equality in all of our communities and throughout our Nation. On a personal level, I would note that my father, John Visclosky, also was mayor of Gary. While the mayors may not have always agreed on every issue, Mayor Hatcher always treated my father with respect and grace, and for that, I will always be grateful. Everyone he met and worked with was treated with similar dignity and respect. Mayor Hatcher's value of respect is one we should all strive to emulate. It was through this value that he became a trailblazer for the city of Gary and our Nation. It was also through his selfless leadership and desire to bring other people along that led to countless other trailblazers for civil rights. One of those trailblazers who was inspired by Richard Gordon Hatcher, as Mr. Rush pointed out so eloquently, was my predecessor from the First Congressional District of Indiana, Representative Katie Hall. When Mrs. Hall was sworn into office as U.S. Congressperson from the First District, she became the first Black woman from Indiana to serve in the United States House of Representatives. Again, as Mr. Rush pointed out, there are many more African Americans in this Chamber today. Representative Hall was also the Member of Congress who sponsored the legislation that was signed into law that established Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday as a Federal holiday. As we take time honoring Dr. King this month, let us remember that that legislation's sponsor was mentored by Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher. As a resident of Gary, I would conclude by saying that I knew Richard first and foremost as a dedicated husband and a proud and loving father and grandfather. In his three beloved daughters and six grandchildren, it is plainly evident that he has instilled his exemplary dedication to hard work, the value of education, and a commitment to public service. Again, I appreciate that this time was organized. Let us never lose sight of the example that Mayor Hatcher provided for all of us to follow. I thank the gentleman for yielding.