Bonnie Watson Coleman

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. The Department of Homeland Security's mission is complex and diverse. Not only is DHS charged with preventing terrorism, but it is the lead Federal agency for emergency management, cybersecurity, and border, maritime, and transportation security. Given the breadth of DHS' responsibilities, it is essential that its limited resources be aligned with its missions to meet the ever- challenging threat landscape. As such, the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, or QHSR, which DHS is mandated to carry out every 4 years, is critical to ensuring that the Department is positioned to effectively carry out its multifaceted mission. To date, DHS has issued two such reviews, as we have heard. Unfortunately, the Department's third is 16 months overdue. This legislation seeks to make refinements to the law to address weaknesses identified by the Government Accountability Office in the prior two reviews. GAO, for example, emphasized that documentation of the review process is essential to ensuring the repeatability of the review process. Accordingly, H.R. 1892 requires that DHS retain and, when requested, provide to Congress certain documentation related to the QHSR. H.R. 1892 also seeks to ensure more robust consultation with Homeland Security stakeholders, including State and local governments and academic institutions. H.R. 1892 ensures that DHS undertakes and documents a risk analysis to inform its policy positions. This House unanimously approved this measure in both the 115th Congress and the 114th Congress; however, the Senate has, indeed, failed to act on the bill on both occasions. Enactment of this bill will help chart a thoughtful path on how to align its resources with its mission and make the Nation more secure. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 1892.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Audrey E. Willis for her 100th birthday. Audrey was born on April 9, 1919 in Trenton, New Jersey. She graduated from Trenton Central High School and completed courses at Mercer County Community College. Audrey's 100 years of life have been filled with great success. She served 34 years with General Motors before retiring; she went on to work, and retire again, for Mercer County government as a Senior Citizen Program aide. Audrey was also an active member of the Neighborhood Civic Association for the Trenton Housing Authority. Despite a busy life, Audrey has always found time to give back to her community, frequently volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Audrey continues to be an active member at my church, Shiloh Baptist in Trenton, and serves as a Trustee Aide Member and Senior Ministry Member. In 100 years, Audrey has been blessed to see her family grow and prosper. With her husband, the late Lloyd Willis, Sr., Audrey raised two sons, the late Lloyd Willis, Jr. and Forrest Willis. She also has four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. I have had the pleasure to know Audrey for more than 50 years. As an integral part of our church, she always shares her warmth and caring personality with anyone she meets. Although she has a quiet demeanor, Audrey is a social butterfly who will find a way to go everywhere. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating Audrey's 100th birthday. We wish you a wonderful and joyful birthday, and many more blessings in the year ahead.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call out a growing insidious threat to women. There are bills in at least eight State legislatures that would outlaw abortions if a heartbeat can be detected. Typically, this is at about 6 weeks of a pregnancy, though it can be earlier. Six weeks is before many women even know that they are pregnant, effectively taking away their right to choose whether or not to begin or expand their family. These laws are cruel. They are also in direct violation of the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade, a precedent that has stood for over 45 years. That is the point. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant recently signed into law one of these bills, and he did so knowing it was unconstitutional. He even admitted he was signing this bill for his own religious reasons knowing that it was likely to be challenged. He wants to see it go to the Supreme Court because he wants credit for trying to overturn Roe v. Wade. But the women of this country will not go back. We have fought tooth and nail to obtain our rights in this country. Those who believe women will give up their right to control their own bodies will quickly learn that that are sorely mistaken.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John Henry Haggins, who passed away recently at 102 years of age. John was born in Raleigh, NC on February 15, 1917 to Dorsey McAllister and William Haggins. John grew up in Raleigh with seven siblings and first moved to his eventual home, Washington, D.C, in the 1930s, following his older brothers to find work. His natural skill and ingenuity led John to a long and storied career in engineering and construction. He worked with C.W. Freitag Construction Co. and George Hyman (now Clark) Construction Co., moving to cities in West Virginia, South Carolina and New York throughout that career. While his time in West Virginia was spent doing some of the hardest work of his professional life, it was well worth the effort when he met his future wife, Lorene Epps. The pair were married on September 14, 1945 after a long courtship and remained together until John's passing, raising four children in the Northeast Washington, DC home that John would later build by hand. After more than 30 years of hard and dedicated work, John retired from Clark Construction Co. as the Concrete Superintendent in 1987. He remained a member of the Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons, America's oldest building and construction trades international union. Over the course of his 102 years, John and Lorene built a large and loving family that will continue to carry his legacy, including children Shirley, Phyllis Joann, Cynthia Jean, Pamala Francine, and John Anthony; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I send my condolences to the family and friends of John Haggins. I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating his incredible life and legacy. Rest in peace, John.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, I had a saying when I was chair of New Jersey's appropriations committee: Show me your budget, and I will show you your priorities. So let's take a look at what the President's budget prioritizes: An additional $8.6 billion for his misguided, hate-fueled wasteful wall; A 5 percent increase in the already bloated Pentagon budget, including money for his childish space force; and Making tax cuts for the rich permanent, the same cuts that exploded the deficit. Now let's look at what he apparently does not value: Medicare, $845 billion in cuts; Medicaid, $241 billion in cuts; and SNAP--that is meals for families that have fallen on hard times--$220 billion in cuts. He also clearly doesn't prioritize: The environment, 31 percent cut from the EPA; Education, $207 billion cut from student loan programs; or Infrastructure, 22 percent cut from the Department of Transportation. Madam Speaker, any way you look at the budget, it is clear: This President needs to get his priorities in order.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1, the For the People Act. America is not a democracy if we don't protect the right to vote. We should be expanding voter rolls and making every single American voice heard at the ballot box, and that includes currently and previously incarcerated Americans. A mistake made and paid for should not strip your constitutional rights and silence you for life. I offered an amendment to this bill that would have included those Americans in our democracy, however, I have withdrawn that amendment at this time. I will continue to work with my colleagues to fight for re- enfranchisement for these Americans. Mr. Chairman, I close by noting that this bill represents a paradigm shift in our approach to voting rights, and it is a reflection of the priorities of Democratic leadership in this body. It is long overdue and exactly the type of legislation that went overlooked until Democrats retook this Chamber. Mr. Chairman, I urge all my colleagues to support our democracy by voting for its passage.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reverend Lukata Agyei Mjumbe on his appointment as Pastor of the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church of Princeton. Reverend Mjumbe has been a lifelong leader in his community. He has assumed roles as activist, grassroots community organizer, and anti- violence advocate centered in Black and Brown communities. During the aftermath of the 1992 Rodney King Rebellion, he rose to the occasion to assist as a campus and community leader in the city of Atlanta. He has been recognized as a leader for his work in organizing campaigns with organizations and formations in the Black Belt and across the Southern United States. Reverend Mjumbe currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Black Organizing Capacity Support Project of the Praxis Project and as a Member of the Coordinating Committee of the Black Alliance for Peace. On Sunday, January 27, 2019, Reverend Mjumbe will give his inaugural sermon at the historic church. I wish him many wonderful years leading his congregation and success in his new role. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Reverend Mjumbe on his appointment and I pray for God to bless him, his congregation, and the greater Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church community.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share a letter I received from a constituent last week. He writes: ``Being out of work and not knowing how many days or weeks it will take to get back to work leaves me worried. These days off are no fun. So please, make them worthwhile by standing firm against the stupid Trump wall. ``This colossal waste of government funds could be spent doing so many worthwhile projects: fix the water in Flint, Michigan; hire more people to process the paperwork of people who want to be citizens; give more people access to healthcare. ``If Democrats cave during this shutdown, it will all be wasted. ``We Federal workers are unhappy, but we've been through this before. We can stand the wait and the frustration. What we cannot stand is the racism, cruelty, and criminality of this administration. ``We are with you. Please be with us.'' Mr. Speaker, my constituents are ready to go back to work. They resent having their livelihoods being used as bargaining chips, and even in this shutdown, they are very unhappy. They just want to do their work, and they are asking us to do ours.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take a moment today to praise the work of a longtime New Jersey reporter who has announced his retirement from The Bergen Record. Herb Jackson is one of New Jersey's most cherished reporters. He has covered my state's congressional delegation in Washington for over 20 years and reported on critical issues and concerns for New Jerseyans encountered. At a time when reporters are under attack, it is essential to honor the role that journalists play--in telling stories that need to be heard and holding elected officials accountable. Herb has done that with fervor and pride, giving insight on issues that matter in New Jersey and beyond. I greatly value the work that Herb put in each day here in D.C. to keep my constituents informed of the work that we do here in Congress. The news community is losing a successful journalist who is respected by many. He will be hard to replace and we are eternally grateful for all the time that he put in with the Record. The New Jersey delegation will miss Herb, and I wish him good luck in the next chapter of his life.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Linda Brown Cochran, who passed away on September 29, 2018, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Linda was the daughter of Ernest and Betty Brown and grew up in Massillon, Ohio. She graduated Washington High School in 1978, and later attended Franklin University. She was the President of Cochran & Assoc. Sales and Marketing Company. She worked hard to develop new businesses and provided support to her team. Additionally, she was a true advocate who championed many causes close to her heart. Among those include the Jack and Jill of America Inc., Junior League, Cuyahoga Democratic Women's Caucus and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Lorain County. Linda fostered a loving family with her husband of 35 years, Harold L. Cochran, in Avon Lake, Ohio. She raised two wonderful daughters, Courtney and Taylor. Along with them, she leaves behind her three sisters, Saundra, Marsha, and Vicki, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. It has been a joy to work with Courtney, who currently serves as my Communications Director & Senior Advisor in my Washington Office. Linda's love, intelligence, and grace shines through her daughter every day. While this is certainly a sad occasion, it is clear that Linda's spirit carries on through the excellence of her children, and the positive impact on her loved ones and community. Mr. Speaker, I send my condolences to the family and friends of Linda. I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating her wonderful life and legacy. Rest in peace, Linda.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respect to the remarkable life of Airman Apprentice Joseph Min Naglak of Navy Station Norfolk. Airman Apprentice Naglak was born in South Korea and adopted by Kenneth M. and Jeanne Rand Naglak of West Windsor, New Jersey. He graduated from West Windsor Plainsboro High School in 2015 where he lettered in varsity football and took time to learn automotive restoration. Airman Apprentice Naglak studied homeland security at Monmouth University before enlisting in April of 2017. He lived with his fiancee, Nicole Weber, and was an active and energetic volunteer with the Special Olympics. His life was cut short in an accident last week aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. In speaking of his courage and patriotism, his sister said: ``He wanted to join the Navy to give back to a country who gave him so much. He was everything that I hoped to be one day, and he should always be remembered as a hero with a big heart.'' I send my condolences to the family and the friends of Airman Apprentice Naglak. I express my sincere gratitude for his service and his sacrifice, and I ask that my colleagues join me in a moment of silence recognizing his heroism and his sacrifice to our country. Rest in peace, Airman Naglak.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. I am.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. We are here because our Constitution provided for a body that would represent the interests of the people. There are 435 of us, and our mandate is to represent the interests of individuals from coast to coast, and beyond to our territories, ensuring that our laws help each of them work toward the American Dream. For many Americans, owning property is the pinnacle of that dream. Once they have achieved it, that is not something we, the Federal Government, should take away lightly, and that is a principle upon which I think my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would be particularly willing to agree. It is certainly not something that we should be letting companies impede upon. Yet, current law allows pipeline companies, with authorization of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, to circumvent landowner opposition and to use eminent domain to acquire people's lands so that they can build pipelines, even if the product of those pipelines ends up being used overseas. Why would we allow private companies, shipping our resources overseas for a profit, with no benefit to us here at home, to take away privately owned land from owners who don't want to lose their property? Worse still, compensation provided to the property owners is often far from fair or just, and the negotiations are rarely conducted in good faith. That is to say nothing of the polluting nature of these companies or our Nation's continued reliance on fossil fuels. When you take away all the environmental considerations and look only at the basic transaction here, we are giving away people's private land to pipeline companies for no public benefit. In fact, we are giving away people's private land so that private companies can profit from selling liquefied natural gas to customers outside of the United States. This body has fallen into a bad habit of corporate giveaways, but this is one of the worst. With the recent boom in the domestic gas production, this is happening across the United States and harming property owners in many of our districts. In my own State of New Jersey, residents, including my own constituents, are deeply concerned about the PennEast Pipeline Project, a proposed 118-mile, 36-inch gas pipeline stretching from northeast Pennsylvania to my district. More than 500 landowners, many of whom have vocally opposed the pipeline, will now have their properties cut up for construction. Preventing these private, for-profit companies from having access to the eminent domain authority in section 7h of the Natural Gas Act would immediately halt abuse of that authority by private gas pipeline companies. It would place public interests over private profit. Most importantly, it will protect our constituents' hard-earned pieces of the American Dream. This is an opportunity for each of us to show that we are for the people, that we acknowledge our job is to serve the people's interests, and that corporations shouldn't be able to take private land. It shouldn't be a difficult choice because, if you are not here for the people, then you shouldn't be here at all. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6374, the Fitness Information Transparency Act of 2018. H.R. 6374 would require the Department of Homeland Security to issue uniform standards to vet Federal contractors seeking to work for the department. Currently, there is no standard for vetting contractors to determine their fitness to access DHS facilities, IT systems, and sensitive information. Each component has different standards, different procedures, and different adjudicators for contractor fitness. Lack of a department-wide uniform standard hinders reciprocity across the department. As a result, the committee has received testimony that contractors who work for multiple DHS components are investigated over and over and over again. What a waste of time and resources. Today, DHS contractors routinely wait 3 to 4 months, if not longer, to be investigated, regardless of whether they have already been determined to be fit by another DHS component. This wait time is costly for not only the contractor, but it also hinders the ability of the Department of Homeland Security to execute its mission. Today, neither the contractor nor their employer is regularly informed of the status of their investigation. Enactment of H.R. 6374 would help ensure that Federal contractor firms can access timely information regarding the status of their employees' fitness investigations. Thanks to language that was authored by Representative Correa and accepted in committee, H.R. 6374 also recognizes that weaknesses in DHS fitness processes not only undermine the onboarding of Federal contractors in a timely way but also the onboarding of new DHS employees. Representative Correa's amendment would require the department to take steps to improve the suitability determination process for Federal applicants and appointees and to report on the degree to which components and offices are granting reciprocity to individuals who are employed by other components or offices within the DHS. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this measure. H.R. 6374 improves the Department of Homeland Security's contractor investigation process by requiring a uniform set of standards, encouraging reciprocity among components, and enhancing communication between the department and the private sector. It is our duty as Members of Congress to ensure processes are followed and that such processes are effective and efficient. H.R. 6374 seeks to do just that. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 6374, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6447, the Department of Homeland Security Chief Data Officer Authorization Act. H.R. 6447 would require the Department of Homeland Security to designate a chief data officer for the department. This official would be responsible for coordinating the organization and integration of data across the department for improved analysis and decisionmaking. DHS generates, collects, and maintains vast quantities of data, but has difficulty uniformly analyzing it because of its inconsistencies in how data is collected and maintained throughout the department. The chief data officer would serve as the lead official for coordinating internal data processes to achieve data and interoperability across DHS systems. Importantly, H.R. 6447 includes language authored by the Representative from Florida (Mrs. Demings) to delegate responsibility for overseeing the Data Quality Act to the chief data officer. Under the Data Quality Act, Federal agencies are required to issue guidelines to maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information, including statistical information they disseminate. Additionally, the law requires agencies to establish mechanisms for persons to correct data that does not comply with guidelines. At this time, when truth is under assault, it is critical that there be vigilant watchdogs to help ensure that information provided by the Department of Homeland Security is accurate. With that, I encourage my colleagues to support this measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no speakers on this bill, and I am prepared to close.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to be here with my friend, Mr. Katko, and I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, enactment of H.R. 6447 would help improve DHS' ability to integrate and analyze data and ensure the reliability of the data it disseminates. Further, it would help ensure that Congress is provided timely and accurate data to facilitate effective oversight. As such, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 6447. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6265, the PreCheck is PreCheck Act of 2018. Mr. Speaker, in 2011, the Transportation Security Administration launched the PreCheck program to expedite vetted, known travelers through airport checkpoint screening. Today, TSA PreCheck is in more than 200 airports nationwide, improving security by allowing TSA to focus resources on the passengers it knows the least about who may pose a higher risk to the aviation system. While PreCheck has generally proven popular with passengers, there is a concern that TSA has strayed from the program's original intent. In an effort to manage checkpoint wait times, TSA has pushed travelers who are not enrolled in PreCheck into expedited screening lanes. While I recognize that large crowds of passengers waiting at checkpoints could pose a security risk, the way to prevent long lines is to staff checkpoints sufficiently, not to abuse the availability of expedited screening lanes. H.R. 6265 seeks to address this issue by requiring that PreCheck lanes be used only by trusted travelers, with limited exceptions. It also requires TSA to pilot a risk-modified screening concept under which a new level of screening, somewhere between PreCheck expedited screening and standard screening, could be provided to passengers who TSA deems to pose a lower risk to security. Finally, this bill pushes TSA to grow participation in the PreCheck program by providing more innovative and convenient enrollment opportunities for passengers. This bill is a result of bipartisan work and builds upon legislation that the Committee on Homeland Security ranking member, Mr. Thompson, advanced in the last Congress; and it is my delight to work with the current sponsor of this bill, Mr. Katko, as we move forward to ensure that traveling passengers are always safe. I thank Mr. Katko for his collaboration on this bill. Mr. Speaker, in closing, Members on both sides of the aisle have been frustrated by not only TSA's use of PreCheck lanes to address wait times, but its failure to make significant progress in improving PreCheck enrollment opportunities. Enactment of H.R. 6265 should help TSA achieve its original vision for the PreCheck program. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6461, the TSA National Deployment Force Act. Mr. Speaker, the Transportation Security Administration maintains a National Deployment Force, or NDF, a volunteer force made up of transportation security officers who are deployed to various locations across the country in support of TSA's homeland security mission. Today, the TSA Administrator is able to deploy this force to respond rapidly to operational challenges at more than 440 airports where TSA conducts security operations. Maintenance of this operational capability would not be possible if TSA did not maintain a robust federalized screening workforce. TSA deploys the NDF to address hiring difficulties, seasonal demands, severe weather conditions, and periods of relief and recovery following a natural disaster or other major incident, as well as to support securing national security events, again, such as the Super Bowl and national political conventions. In particular, the NDF was critical to ensuring TSA could continue to operate fully in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy after that storm devastated my region of the country. Notably, TSA has called upon the NDF to fill staffing gaps at airports where private screening companies operating under TSA's screening partnership program are unable to hire enough officers. My bill authorizes the NDF to ensure its work continues and directs TSA to report to Congress on the NDF's activities to ensure proper oversight. Because officers serving on the NDF often go above and beyond, leaving their homes and families on short notice, my bill authorizes TSA to consider service in this force as a positive factor when evaluating applicants for promotions within TSA. The NDF is a critical component of TSA's homeland security efforts, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure. Mr. Speaker, in closing, in recent years, we have seen TSA face a wide array of challenges, including complex threat streams, lengthy wait times, and the need to reopen airports quickly after natural disasters. The NDF provides TSA with the operational flexibility it needs to maintain the security of our country's transportation systems in the face of these challenges. Mr. Speaker, I thank my partner on the Transportation and Protective Security Subcommittee, Mr. Katko, as well as my other colleagues for their support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6438, the DHS Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator Act. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6438 directs the Department of Homeland Security to have a designated official to coordinate the Department's unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, plans and policies. The countering UAS coordinator would work with Department components and offices to ensure testing, evaluation, or deployment of systems to identify, assess, or defeat a UAS threat are in compliance with applicable Federal laws. The coordinator would also serve as the principal Department official responsible for disseminating information to the private sector regarding counter-UAS technology. In homeland security circles, there is broad recognition that UAS technology enhances capabilities to, among other things, deliver disaster relief to affected areas and surveil weak spots along the southwest border. At the same time, Mr. Speaker, today, there is considerable concern regarding the security threats that UAS may pose. More and more, we hear of instances where unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones, are used for nefarious reasons, such as smuggling operations or to conduct surveillance to evade law enforcement. The threat was underscored last month when a drone was used in an unsuccessful assassination attempt on the life of the Venezuelan President as he spoke at a massive military parade. As such, I support DHS organizing itself to better address this emerging homeland security threat, as set forth in H.R. 6438. There is increasingly more concern regarding the potential threats that UAS may pose to the security of our Nation and its people. Last Congress, when I served as the ranking member of the Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee with Mr. Perry, we worked together on legislation that I drafted to address the UAS threat. Since that time, the range of threats associated with UAS has grown more complex and demand that DHS prioritize counter-UAS efforts in an unprecedented way. Designating an official to coordinate Department counter-UAS plans and policies is a step in the right direction. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry) for his work on this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6400, the United States Ports of Entry Threat and Operational Review Act. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6400 would require the Department of Homeland Security to conduct an analysis of the threats and operations at all United States air, land, and sea ports of entry. Following the completion of the threat analysis, H.R. 6400 requires the Department to produce a strategy and implementation plan to mitigate such threats. The strategy and implementation plan must include consideration of improvements needed at the ports of entry to reduce wait times and facilitate the lawful movement of trade, travel, and people. This bill is modeled after the Northern Border Security Review Act, which was signed into law in 2016. Most of what is required in this measure is already being done by the Department. What H.R. 6400 would do is bring together various mandated materials into one report. The Department should be able to carry out this new mandate in a way that is not duplicative of other efforts. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 6400, a measure that directs DHS to take a holistic approach to protecting our ports of entry, vital gateways for trade and travel. Speaking of the need for a holistic approach to homeland security, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that the Department's Quadrennial Homeland Security Review is 247 days overdue. Pursuant to section 707 of the Homeland Security Act, the Department is required to produce this overarching strategy every 4 years. As the author of the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Technical Corrections Act of 2017, a measure aimed at improving the quality of future reviews that is pending in the Senate, I strongly believe that DHS needs to do a better job of prioritizing its vast array of homeland security mission areas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Shirley Ann Byard, who passed away on August 5, 2018. Mrs. Byard was born in Scotland County, North Carolina on November 13, 1940 as one of nine daughters of Clyde and Pauline Bennett. She graduated from West Badin High School, Badin, NC in 1958. Mrs. Byard attended Barber-Scotia College and Winston Salem State University and received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in 1972. While attending Winston Salem State, Mrs. Byard participated in the Woolworth Lunch Counter protests during the Civil Rights Movement. Mrs. Byard came to Trenton in 1962 and later worked for the City of Trenton for 30 years. She retired in 2002 as the Program Coordinator for the Office on Aging. Prior to that Mrs. Byard held numerous positions in the city, state, and nonprofit sectors. Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Byard was a lifetime member of the N.A.A.C.P., member of the National Political Congress of Black Women, member of the Urban League Guild of Metropolitan Trenton and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was also a long-time member of the Bronzettes, Inc. in affiliation with the New Jersey Federation of Colored Women's Clubs. Mrs. Byard was also a devoted and faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church. While with family in Maryland, she fellowshipped at Community of Hope A.M.E. Church in Temple Hills. I am grateful for Mrs. Byard's work in the Trenton area. Not only was she a loving wife, and proud mother and grandmother, she was also a faithful and uplifting presence for her entire community--particularly seniors. I personally found her to be remarkably generous in her kindness to everyone she encountered. Mr. Speaker, frankly, we need more Shirley Ann Byards. I am happy that she leaves a shining example for future generations to emulate. It is an honor to share with the United States House of Representatives the memory of Shirley. The Trenton community, and in fact our nation as a whole, was made better through her selfless work and tireless service. With that, on behalf of my constituents in the greater Trenton area, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the wonderful life and legacy of Shirley Ann Byard.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlemen from Virginia for yielding to me and for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 50, the misleadingly named Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act, which passed out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on a strictly partisan vote. This dangerous bill is an attempt to weaken consumer protections, give private industry an unfair advantage, and erect unnecessary barriers to the regulatory process. Ultimately, this bill is designed to prioritize the interests of private businesses over the interests of the consumers these rules are designed to protect. H.R. 50 also slows the regulatory process by using litigation today to delay the approval of rules. The existing Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 prohibits courts from using the law to stay, enjoin, invalidate, or otherwise affect an agency rule. H.R. 50 would fundamentally change that law by eliminating this prohibition, giving regulated businesses the ability to abuse a gratuitously expanded judicial review and tie up rules that would otherwise protect real people in courts for years. While it has been very popular in this Congress to attack regulations as uniformly bad, the reality is that many of these rules are crucial to protecting our air and water, preventing dangerous financial practices, and ensuring the safety of food and drugs--to put it more simply, to protect Americans from corporations whose only motivation is to maximize their profit. Enacting this legislation would put these vital rules at risk. H.R. 50 is a very harmful bill. I want to urge all of my colleagues to vote against it on the House floor today.