Ann Wagner

Mrs. WAGNER

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this en bloc will ensure that we know the true consequences of this bill before it becomes effective. Payment for services rendered is a fundamental premise of our credit-based free market system. Republicans want to ensure legislation passed by this House will not limit access to credit, price large swaths of Americans out of the consumer credit market, or restrict small businesses' ability to collect payments for services provided. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise as the designee of Ranking Member McHenry, and I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this amendment replaces the underlying bill with targeted approaches to improve the debt collection and credit reporting framework. This amendment preserves options for consumers and ensures that small businesses are paid for services that they provide. This amendment will ensure our financial system remains safe and sound. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, since taking the majority in the House last Congress, Democrats have attempted to undermine the financial system through a partisan wish list that is focused on one thing: undermining the pillars of our financial system. Now with one party dominating, they are jamming through a bill that will not only hurt the very borrowers they claim they are trying to help, but it will bring down our credit markets. There is no doubt that individuals and families are hurting. There is no doubt that the pandemic brought on additional challenges. But undermining our financial system is not the way to help Americans. Our financial system needs strong underwriting practices to keep it strong and reduce risk when extending credit. This is what makes credit more available at a lower cost to more borrowers. This is not to say that the system is perfect. Republicans agree there are some improvements that can be made to the way the system operates. The gentleman's amendment would replace the underlying bill with several targeted approaches to improve the debt collection and credit reporting framework. First, this amendment requires the inclusion of a clear disclosure when a confession of judgment, or COJ, is part of a business lending contract. It also requires lenders to obtain a written affidavit containing the date and nature of a borrower's default in order to execute a confession of judgment. This will help to ensure small businesses know the full terms and conditions of their agreement and help to crack down on reported misuse of COJs while allowing these important repayment tools to remain in use. This amendment preserves the servicemember protection bill sponsored by the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania. In fact, I would remind my colleagues that we just passed this bill on suspension 3 weeks ago. We should focus on getting this bill enacted into law rather than packaging it up in a wish list of partisan policies. This amendment would allow the estate of a deceased or permanently disabled student loan borrower to request a discharge of the student loan debt. This change would codify the current practice used by private lenders to ensure that student loan borrowers are indeed protected. This amendment would also address concerns with medical debt. It would eliminate the inclusion of paid, medically necessary, nonelective medical debt in credit reports. This provision is a responsible way to address the challenges that many face in repaying medical debt. At the same time, it does not make healthcare more expensive or services less available. Finally, this amendment acknowledges the work of the CFPB. What my colleagues won't tell you is that the final debt collection rule was the culmination of more than 7 years of research and analysis. It clarified the allowable uses of modern communication technology. This amendment, unlike the underlying bill, is a commonsense approach to improve the consumer experience in debt collection and credit reporting. It will strengthen our financial system while increasing options and choices for consumers when they owe debt. I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will recognize this effort to make improvements that will benefit consumers and small businesses. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the ranking member's amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am not opposed to this en bloc. Mr. Speaker, these amendments will ensure that we know the true consequences of this bill before it is enacted into law. These amendments direct the Treasury Department and the GAO to separately study the impacts this bill will have on low-to-moderate income, minority, or thin-or no-credit-file consumers. Payment for services rendered is a fundamental premise of our free market system. Republicans understand this concept and work hard to ensure legislation does not cut off access to credit or price large swaths of Americans out of the consumer credit market. Moreover, we should not be limiting small businesses' ability to collect payments at any time, but especially when they are already hurting from the pandemic-related shutdowns. The point is, constraining debt collection will undermine the underwriting system and increase risk to the financial system. This ultimately makes extending credit more expensive for all borrowers, and may exclude the lowest income borrowers entirely. There is bipartisan consensus that a consumer who owes a debt should be treated with respect and dignity and not be subjected to abusive or harassing behavior. The law already upholds this notion. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I claim the time in opposition, and I am opposed to this en bloc. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that people are hurting. There is no doubt that many Americans continue to feel the weight of the pandemic in their daily lives. Yet Republicans know that preventing individuals and businesses from being paid for services rendered will not help those individuals and families who need it the most. This bill will not benefit consumers or businesses, particularly those small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. In fact, if enacted, this bill and the amendments will drive up the cost for all borrowers and will make credit less accessible to the borrowers who need it the most. Many of these amendments were not even considered during markup, and could result in unintended consequences and conflict with existing law and regulations. For example, this en bloc makes it harder to collect on payment for services. It creates more confusion. This en bloc requires duplicative actions and is in conflict with current CFPB rules. This results in consumers receiving varying and inconsistent information. It also imposes specific requirements on the process and content of legal actions--some in direct conflict with existing laws and court procedures. All of these have potential consequences and deserve to be debated through regular order, not in the 11th hour on the floor. Mr. Speaker, this en bloc continues the Democrats' goal of bringing all student loan borrowers under the Federal student loan portfolio, this time under the guise of COVID relief. In expanding the Federal student loan profile, this en bloc fails to address the underlying issues related to the Federal student loan debt crisis, which was already exacerbated by the Democrats' goal of nationalizing student lending in 2010. This en bloc fails to recognize the success of the private student loan market. Approximately 98 percent of student loans are repaid in the private market. This en bloc continues to ignore the work that the CFPB did when it finalized its debt collection rule last fall. This final rule reflects more than 7 years of research and analysis, and clarifies the allowable uses of modern communication technology. This en bloc prohibits debt collectors from contacting consumers by email or text message without explicit prior consent from the consumer. Under this amendment, social media messages are also prohibited. This approach ignores the fact that the final rule allows consumers to opt out of specific means of communications used by debt collectors. Republicans believe that consumers should be able to communicate about their payment options privately and using the methods that they want to communicate. This is yet another example of Democrats attempting to hamstring the ability to modernize the regulatory framework to account for modern technology and consumer preference. Finally, this en bloc requires the CFPB to produce a prescriptive report on the debt collection process. The CFPB, in consultation with the FTC, already issues an annual oversight report on debt collection, which includes data on consumer complaints and enforcement actions. The point is, constraining debt collection will undermine the underwriting system and increase risk to the financial system. This ultimately makes extending credit more expensive for all borrowers and may exclude the lowest income borrowers entirely. There are commonsense ways to update and improve the process for debt collection and credit reporting. Republicans believe that consumers who owe a debt should be treated with respect and dignity and are not subjected to abusive or harassing behaviors. While there are commonsense ways to update and improve the debt collection process, the law already upholds this notion. Mr. Speaker, this en bloc is another partisan wish list of progressive policies in search of a problem. I urge my colleagues to oppose this en bloc. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER

Mrs. WAGNER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 965, the Young African Leaders Initiative Act, led by Representative Bass and Representative Smith. YALI provides fellowship opportunities at U.S. universities and other training programs at Regional Leadership Centers throughout sub-Saharan Africa on leadership skills, entrepreneurship, and effective public administration. Not only is this an investment in future generations of African leaders, but this is also effective diplomacy. At a time when the Chinese Communist Party is ramping up exchange programs across the continent and establishing Confucius Institutes, programs like YALI are critical to providing alternate opportunities. I urge my colleagues to support this important measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER

Mrs. WAGNER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Meeks and Representative Connolly for working on this compromise text for the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act that strikes an important balance. The bill we are voting on today shows that we can strongly advocate for human rights in Saudi Arabia and for its nationals abroad without leaving Saudi Arabia and Americans in the region vulnerable to threats from Iran and other malign actors. This bill shows we can protect our values and our security interests at the same time. I urge all Members to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER

Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1083, the Southeast Asia Strategy Act, important legislation that I introduced to ensure the United States engages proactively and meaningfully in a critical region of the world. This powerhouse region joins the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean regions and serves as a conduit for global trade. The Southeast Asian states are increasingly vital to the prosperity of the U.S. economy, generating hundreds of thousands of American jobs. The People's Republic of China, eager to undermine U.S. interests in this key region, is aggressively working to expand its influence in Southeast Asia. It seeks to exploit its predatory investment, development, and trade policies; illegal military installations in the South China Sea; and disinformation campaigns to coerce countries to accept its agenda. The United States has long enjoyed strong relations with Southeast Asia, and it must now fully realize this strategic partnership. The Southeast Asia Strategic Act will ensure the United States develops and communicates a coherent regional strategy that addresses all aspects of the relationship, from trade and humanitarian goals to diplomatic and security arrangements. We have a national interest in sustaining U.S. leadership in Southeast Asia, supporting human rights and respect for democratic freedoms, and articulating our strategic priorities. We will find willing partners in our many friends and allies in the region that share our grave concerns regarding China's belligerence and growing power. I thank Representative Castro, with whom I co-chair the Congressional Caucus on ASEAN, for working with me on this legislation. Congress' strong bipartisan support for U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia sends an unmistakable message of American resolve and leadership to the region. Madam Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1083, the Southeast Asia Strategy Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER

Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to implore my colleagues to join me in the fight to protect the most vulnerable in our society, infants who survive abortions. Again and again, more than 75 times, Democrats have refused to even allow a vote on my legislation, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This, Mr. Speaker, is shameful. Every child should be welcomed with joy and wonder, no matter the circumstances of their birth. I will not stop working until this legislation is passed and signed into law, so all newborns have a chance at life. Just 2 hours ago, Representative Kat Cammack filed a discharge petition so that Democrats can't continue to block the Born-Alive Act. It is my sincerest hope that every Member of Congress, Democrat or Republican, finds the courage to add their name to this petition. This is the simplest decision that any of us can make. Do you support babies receiving lifesaving care after they are born, or would you deny these children that care and murder them or leave them to die in front of you? I am challenging Congress to stand up and do the right thing. I urge my colleagues to sign the discharge petition to ensure no American child is denied medical care.

Mrs. WAGNER

Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the incredible work and service of Dr. Jeffrey Bonner. On March 24, 2021, Dr. Bonner announced that he planned to retire as the President and CEO of the St. Louis Zoo after 19 years of steadfast leadership. As any St. Louisan will tell you, the Zoo is one of our city's most treasured attractions. Home to over 12,000 animals, 500 different species, and free admission for all, the St. Louis Zoo brings in families from throughout the region to witness the amazing beauty of wildlife from all over the world. Over the course of Dr. Bonner's tenure, 56 million people have had the privilege of visiting the St. Louis Zoo and seeing its world-class exhibits. Since joining the Zoo in 2002, Dr. Bonner coordinated and oversaw multiple campaigns to modernize the century-old campus, create scholarships and educational programs, and pioneer innovative animal conservation initiatives. Dr. Bonner's dedication to the Zoo, the animals, and our city played a pivotal role in making our Zoo one of the best in the nation and a local landmark. I want to thank Dr. Bonner for his hard work and devotion, and I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.

Mrs. WAGNER

Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 81

Mrs. WAGNER

Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer my amendment No. 40 to H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I believe we have a sacred responsibility to protect and empower women, end abuse and assault, and hold perpetrators of violence against women accountable for their crimes. However, we need to be sure that our efforts are effective. The Department of Justice inspector general has consistently revealed fraudulent and wasteful uses of VAWA grant funds. Congress should demand accountability so that every dollar marked for helping victims and preventing violence against women actually goes to help the most vulnerable. My commonsense amendment would prevent those who commit fraud and misuse from receiving VAWA funds. Madam Speaker, they are stealing from the victims that they are supposed to be helping by these efforts and should face the consequences. Democrats and Republicans should agree that this amendment will advance prevention efforts and victim services. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support my amendment. Madam Speaker, however, I want to take this opportunity to touch on something that is even more important. I am ashamed that Democrats would bring this legislation to the floor without my amendment that would allow sex trafficking victims to receive grant funding through the Creating Hope Through Outreach, Options, Services, and Education for Children and Youth program. My amendment was removed, stripped in a partisan fashion from VAWA this Congress, stripping vital sex trafficking funding for victims and children. Also not allowed, Madam Speaker, was my amendment that bans the horrors of sex-selection abortions that have killed millions of girls around the world and right here in the United States. It is an unthinkable tragedy that little girls are targeted for death even before they are born solely because of their sex, and I am grieved that Democrats would not allow a vote on this basis to protect unborn girls. These two amendments are at the very core of what it means to protect women and girls, and I am outraged that Democrats have chosen to move forward in a partisan manner without these critical provisions. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, this amendment will improve the underlying bill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, and join me, along with the Department of Justice and the inspector general, to make sure that we are preventing fraud and abuse in these grant programs and making sure that every dollar marked for helping victims and preventing violence against women actually goes to help the most vulnerable. Nevertheless, Madam Speaker, the underlying bill neglects to give trafficking victims and children the resources they need and was purposefully stripped from this partisan piece of legislation. Madam Speaker, I oppose H.R. 1620, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. WAGNER

Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 81.