Susan Wild

Ms. WILD

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4981.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4981, a bill to modify certain deadlines relating to the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking. I want to thank my colleague and friend, Mr. Trone from Maryland, for authoring this bipartisan bill. Mr. Trone has been an invaluable voice in Congress for combating our country's opioid crisis. Far too many families in my community, Pennsylvania's greater Lehigh Valley, have endured indescribable heartbreak and loss as a result of this crisis. When I first started serving in Congress back in 2018, I made a solemn commitment that I would do everything within my power to end the devastation of the opioid crisis once and for all. I am dedicated to keeping that promise. Earlier this year, I was proud to see Mr. Trone elected as Democratic co-chairman of the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking. Mr. Trone, working alongside his co-chair, Senator Tom Cotton, in a bipartisan manner is developing a strategic approach to combat the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control released data indicating that the surge in overdose deaths from 2018 to 2019 was the greatest year-over-year increase. Tragically, far too many Americans have witnessed the horrific effects of this opioid crisis. Just as we must also take on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry--which has done a great deal to lead us to this point domestically when it comes to the opioid crisis writ large--most of the fentanyl consumed in the United States is manufactured outside of the country, so it is crucial that we engage closely with our international partners to address this scourge. The Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking aims to do just that. Synthetic drugs, unlike plant-based drugs such as cocaine or heroin, are not limited by climate-growing restrictions. Any country can produce synthetic drugs, and according to a January 2020 Drug Enforcement Administration report, this may lead to a rapidly diversifying list of synthetic drug-producing countries and suppliers. With such an imposing task ahead of us, strong, bipartisan cooperation is critical. We must work together to do what is right and find a solution that can help save countless American lives. This bill will amend the Fentanyl Sanctions Act to extend the amount of time granted to the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking. The commission was originally slated to start in 2020 but could not get underway until March of this year. It is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to get this right. I thank Mr. Trone again for being a strong champion for bipartisan collaboration in the fight against opioid abuse. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Trone), the author of this bill and a champion in combating the opioid crisis.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. According to the National Institutes of Health, in 2018, 128 people died each day from opioid overdoses. We must not lose sight of the devastating toll these drugs are taking on our country. We need to tackle the opioid crisis from every angle. I am hopeful that passing this bill will take us one step closer to ending this epidemic. I again thank Mr. Trone for authoring this important legislation. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4981, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4250.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4250) to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to provide for rewards for the arrest or conviction of certain foreign nationals who have committed genocide or war crimes, and for other purposes.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 4250, the War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act, authored by Representative Foxx. The bill broadens the State Department rewards program for individuals or whistleblowers who come forward with and provide information on genocide or war crimes. It clarifies that the rewards can also be provided for prosecutions that fall under domestic law, including American law or the law of another nation, in addition to international law. We have seen, time and again, that whistleblower programs are the most effective type of compliance mechanism, and the State Department rewards program itself is a proven tool for bringing the perpetrators of atrocities to justice. The United States must continue to demonstrate that we are steadfast in our commitment to holding war criminals accountable and that the mechanisms we have in place to bring about their arrest are flexible and robust. This bill is straightforward. By expanding the scope of what rewards can be paid for information, we will incentivize more individuals to come forward and gain more information with which to find and prosecute these criminals. This legislation has passed the House in previous Congresses, and we hope this bill can make it across the finish line this time around. This is an important measure. I support it, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. KIM of CALIFORNIA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the author of the bill.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. KIM of CALIFORNIA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Department of State's rewards program serves an important purpose by turning the tables on dangerous foreign terrorists and human rights violators so they face the justice they so rightly deserve. I want to thank Dr. Foxx for her work on this bill and Chairman Meeks for bringing this bill to the floor and giving us the opportunity to clarify this important authority. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, the War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act would broaden the State Department's rewards program by clarifying that rewards can also be provided for prosecutions that fall under domestic law, whether it be American law or the law of another nation. This would further incentivize individuals to come forward with valuable information, leading to the arrest and prosecution of some of the worst perpetrators of human rights abuses and war crimes. I thank Representative Foxx for authoring this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1228) to advance a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Libya and support the people of Libya, as amended.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Libya Stabilization Act, H.R. 1228, sponsored by Congressman Ted Deutch and Congressman Joe Wilson, chairman and ranking member respectively, of the Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. This important legislation responds to years of instability and violence created by the conflict in Libya, which has laid the groundwork for the proliferation and growth of violent extremist groups. As various powers converge on Libya to expand their influence in the country and across North Africa, the lives of the Libyan people are at stake. Far, far too many have seen their fundamental rights and dignity trampled as a result of the chaos unleashed on the country over the past decade. The neocolonialist mindset that treats countries as pawns on a geopolitical chess board must end. No country has the right to unleash violence and chaos on another or to seize resources that belong to the Libyan people. This bill is not yet another attempt to infringe on the sovereignty of the Libyan people; rather, it is an effort to protect that sovereignty. Today, though a nascent ceasefire facilitated by the U.N. has held and Libya continues on its path to building democratic institutions and constitutional reforms, violence and impunity for past and current human rights violations continue. Dangerous militia groups remain prevalent throughout the country. The bill addresses such threats by sanctioning outside actors who fuel the growth of the conflict or are perpetrators of human rights abuses. The bill also directs additional U.S. support to humanitarian relief and assistance efforts to help strengthen democratic governance, build a better, peaceful future for Libya, and ensure the security of the U.S. and our allies. Such assistance and important measures are even more important as Libya faces a critical moment for its transitional path with presidential and parliamentary elections approaching this December. Libya cannot be allowed to continue to spiral into lawlessness. A vacuum of leadership in Libya gives way to further extremism, which poses threats to the United States and our allies and partners. I thank Mr. Deutch and Mr. Wilson for their work on this measure, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC, September 27, 2021. Hon. Maxine Waters, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairwoman Waters: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 1228, Libya Stabilization Act. I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Financial Services under House Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on H.R. 1228 to expedite floor consideration. I further acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in the bill that fall within your jurisdiction. I also acknowledge that your Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar legislation moves forward, and will support the appointment of Committee on Financial Services conferees during any House-Senate conference convened on this legislation. Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman.

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1228, as amended.

Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch), the author of this bill and chairman of the Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee.

Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. It is vital that Libya's path toward rebuilding democratic institutions, after years of conflict, is not upended by those who seek to fuel violence and instability. H.R. 1228 sanctions outside actors responsible for human rights abuses and creating conflict as well as directing additional United States' assistance efforts to strengthen Libya's democratic governance. I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) for this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD

Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4686) to promote free and fair elections, political freedoms, and human rights in Cambodia, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4686, as amended.

Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4686, Cambodia Democracy Act of 2021, introduced by Representative Steve Chabot, ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation. The situation in Cambodia has been alarming for several years now. We have witnessed the widespread suppression of democracy and human rights in the country, as the Cambodian Government places severe limits on fundamental freedoms of the press, speech, and association. In 2017 the president of the opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party, CNRP, Kem Sokha, was arrested and indefinitely imprisoned on spurious and politically-motivated charges. Kem's arrest was followed by a government decision to dissolve the opposition party on fictitious claims that it was colluding with the United States Government to overthrow the Cambodian Government. The unprecedented move crippled the only viable opposition ahead of nationwide elections. The ruling Cambodian People's Party, under the leadership of Hun Sen, continues to erode Cambodia's democracy by ordering the arrest and harassment of hundreds of CNRP leaders, civil society leaders, prodemocracy activists, and government critics. We must demonstrate our support to the Cambodian people as they fight against the growing authoritarianism in their country and struggle for the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights. With the passage of this legislation, the House sends a strong, bipartisan message raising the costs on Cambodian officials who continue to suppress freedoms and undermine democracy of Cambodia. Congress must take concrete steps to hold the Cambodian Government accountable for its backsliding of democracy and human rights and steer the country back on the path towards free and fair elections. This is an important measure. I support it, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC, September 27, 2021. Hon. Jerrold Nadler, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Nadler: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 4686, the Cambodia Democracy Act. I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary under House Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on H.R. 4686 to expedite floor consideration. I further acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in the bill that fall within your jurisdiction. I also acknowledge that your Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar legislation moves forward, and will support the appointment of Committee on the Judiciary conferees during any House- Senate conference convened on this legislation. Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman.

Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I have no speakers, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. For many years now, Cambodians have struggled under an increasingly authoritarian and undemocratic regime. H.R. 4686, introduced by my colleague Representative Steve Chabot, would direct the President to impose sanctions on Cambodian officials who are responsible for acts that undermine democracy in Cambodia. This bill sends a strong and unequivocal message that the United States stands firmly with the Cambodian people in their struggle for democracy and human rights. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WILD

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, I was in a HFAC Briefing--no notification of vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 284.

Ms. WILD

Ms. WILD. Mr. Speaker, for far too long, the pharmaceutical industry has dictated who in America has access to the medicines they need for their health and well-being and who doesn't, leaving millions of Americans in districts like mine to make impossible choices about their healthcare. Already this year, drug companies have hiked the prices of 1,100 prescription drugs, more than 90 percent of which were above the rate of inflation. The largest single price hike for a prescription drug this month was nearly 16 percent, while inflation has risen slightly more than 2 percent. Big Pharma's bottom line should never be more important than the health of my constituents in the Seventh District of Pennsylvania or the American people at large. That is why I recently organized a letter signed by 14 of my colleagues, asking our leaders to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices and include that language in the budget reconciliation bill currently being negotiated. Here is the truth: Giving Medicare the power to negotiate would lower the cost of prescription drugs for hardworking families so that everyone has access to the medicines they need. It would also result in nearly half a trillion dollars in savings for taxpayers, money that we can invest in making healthcare more affordable for even more people.