Ted Yoho

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this moment to say thank you, farewell and goodbye while issuing a warning to this esteemed body. I have had the honor and privilege to serve as a member of Congress for the last 8 years. It truly has been an amazing experience for me, my wife Carolyn and our three children. It is the American Dream come true. We will always be grateful and thankful for the many memories and experiences we've had. This would not have been possible without the support we received from our families, friends, supporters, Team mates and constituents for allowing us this opportunity. After all, opportunity is what gives rise to the American Dream. My wife and I, along with all in this body, are the beneficiaries of that opportunity and recipients of the American Dream. Our Constitution guarantees equal opportunity for all not equal outcomes. I ran for Congress because I felt America was off course and moving away from the principles it was founded on. We are a Republic, a Constitutional Republic. America is certainly not a perfect country. We've had, and still have, our shortcomings but we improve with each generation. The Constitution provides a framework for that. However, some people want to fundamentally change our system from a Republic to a socialist state and to end the legacy we have been blessed with. There are those in government, and the citizens who support them, who don't understand the basic foundational principles of this nation. There are leaders in the Democratic Party, who a few short years ago, would not acknowledge they were promoting socialism. Yet their ideals and actions were telling a different story. Now today, we have leaders in the incoming administration who proudly espouse that this will be the most progressive, socialist administration ever formed in the United States. Their desire to change a country that has created the most successful lifestyle in the world for generations is a travesty. It's a travesty to those that paid the price in blood to preserve our Republic and its ideals. As the Chairman of the Asia-Pacific subcommittee on Foreign Affairs I've had the honor of traveling all over the world, meeting world leaders from many countries. I had a very impactful conversation with an Ambassador from an ASEAN nation that had a lasting impression upon me of what America means from an outside perspective. I would like to share this with you and issue this warning. He said when his country fought to get independence their founders could have chosen any form of government to set up in their new independent country. They looked at the British, French, and German system of government but chose the American form of government for their new country even though none of them had been to America. They did this because they were very well studied in our founding principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, the notion that government derives its power from the consent of the governed and without that consent no legitimate government can be formed. The affect on me was this. You see America is larger than any president regardless of who sits in the White House and is much bigger and more significant than a political party, whether it be Democrats or Republicans. It is our founding principles, core values and the U.S. Constitution which holds it all together. These are what has set the gold standard in self governance that other nations want to emulate. That is why people from around the world risk everything to reach our shores and become Americans. Our founding principles say our rights come from a creator, not government, and government is there to protect our God-given rights. Our core values state that all men, women and every child are created equal and have equal opportunity. The Constitution is the glue that binds all this together. It's these three things, founding principles, core values and the Constitution that makes up the American Ideal. And that ideology, ``is the shining city on a hill'', as President Reagan proudly spoke of in his farewell address. It is our duty to preserve and make better, not destroy what previous generations have built. I caution those who want to change America into a socialist country to rethink what they are really asking. Do you really want to change the principles of America with all of the successes the people of this nation have experienced? What will be your excuse when you explain to the next generation, your children perhaps, why you allowed the opportunity to be taken away from them. Opportunities afforded to you and millions of others, only to allow it to die on the vine. I hear promises of free education, free health insurance or Medicare for all. Some say everyone should have a living wage whether you work or not. This utopia they espouse is a fallacy. The utopia they promise is actually Hugo Chavez and Nicholas Maduro's Venezuela we see today. To achive in America all one must do is embrace the opportunity, work hard, and play by the rules. As Frederick Douglass said in his self made man speech, ``Success is the result of opportunity plus one's desire, self reliance and work''. So I challenge my colleagues with this. Will you fight to preserve and improve our Constitutional Republic or will you allow it to become a socialist country? What country will you pass on to your children and future generations? Please, choose wisely.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, one of the principles this country was founded upon was the freedom to worship. This is a right that people all around the world should have, including the people of Iran. Resolutions like this remind the world that the United States of America will not turn a blind eye to religious persecution. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) for their leadership in introducing this bipartisan resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H. Res. 823, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this body is no stranger to the human rights abuses committed by the Iranian regime. The Islamic Republic of Iran is the world's largest state sponsor of terror and has regularly attacked and detained those who disagree with them, including even their own people and American citizens. Today, we focus on the regime's religious persecution of the Baha'i, Iran's largest religious minority group. The Baha'i in Iran are regularly subject to arbitrary interrogations and arrests without due process. They are often denied employment and access to higher education. Their cemeteries have been vandalized, and many of their leaders have been executed. Moreover, Iranian state media publishes anti-Baha'i hate propaganda, exposing them to prejudices and even potentially violent attacks by their neighbors. Mr. Speaker, the Trump administration has admirably used sanctions to punish Iran's human rights abusers, but we cannot let up until all people in Iran, including the Baha'i, have the right to practice their faith freely. With this resolution, we vow to continue to hold human rights abusers accountable, including those who target the Baha'i. The Iranian regime must end their persecution of the Baha'i by releasing those who have been illegally imprisoned, by ending their hate-filled propaganda campaign against the Baha'i, and by reversing policies that the Baha'is equal opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the right to practice one's faith is the most fundamental freedom there is. There is a reason our Founding Fathers made it the First Amendment: Our Founders understood that someone's right to worship was sacred and should belong to all people regardless of their faith. If religious freedom is taken away, all other freedoms are subject to being taken away also. It is just that simple. Unfortunately, religious freedom still does not exist everywhere. Today, religious minorities are persecuted all over the globe. According to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, about one-third of the countries around the world still have laws against blasphemy. In many dictatorships, people are not allowed to worship anything but the state. To do so would be seen as a threat to the government because they do not recognize a higher power. As a result, religious minorities are targeted in some countries with severe brutality. People are being beaten, arrested, and tortured. Houses of worship are razed and destroyed. In countries like Iran, Pakistan, and others, ascribing to a different religion could mean the death penalty. In other places, it can mean forced labor or a public whipping. This is simply unacceptable. Today, the House has an opportunity to stand up for religious freedom around the world. This is an important resolution. This resolution makes the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws a priority everywhere. It designates countries that enforce such laws as countries of particular concern for religious freedom and calls on all governments to release religious prisoners of conscience. The United States has always been a leader when it comes to religious freedom. Today, we have a chance to lead again and to tell the world that we will not stand for religious intolerance. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 512, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the United States and Mongolia have a robust relationship, distinguished by our shared democratic ideals and strengthened by close economic and diplomatic cooperation. This year marks the 30th anniversary of democracy in Mongolia. Mongolia was the first nation in Asia to transition from communism to democracy, marking an important juncture in the continent's history. Years later, Mongolia remains an important democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific but finds itself in a challenging location, sandwiched entirely between Russia and China. What happens in Mongolia has direct implications for the United States. If malign actors compromise Mongolia's territorial integrity or ability to pursue independent foreign policy, the security of the United States is also at risk. I have consistently warned about the Chinese Communist Party's malign activity around the world as the former chairman and current ranking member of the House Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation Subcommittee. I was also encouraged to see the recommendations released this year by the China Task Force. After months of classified and unclassified briefings, the China Task Force released a report with 82 key findings and more than 400 forward- looking recommendations. Many of these focus on the CCP's predatory Belt and Road Initiative, which is infamous for its debt trap diplomacy. Mongolia is a formal participant in this initiative, and China currently supplies the largest portion of their foreign investment. This is why it is essential that the U.S. continue to develop our strategic partnership with Mongolia. We must be their most meaningful third neighbor, and that term describes the Mongolian relationship with countries other than China and Russia. One of the ways we can do this is by strengthening Mongolia from within by supporting small and medium enterprises and industries like the cashmere production. This past year, I reintroduced the Mongolia Third Neighbor Trade Act, which would allow duty-free entry of Mongolian cashmere into the United States. This one bill would create over 50,000 jobs, it is estimated, in Mongolia, primarily women jobs, at a cost less than $1 million over a 10-year period to the American taxpayers. The cashmere wool industry is particularly important to Mongolia's economy; but while Mongolia produces over one-third of the world's cashmere, almost all finished products are processed and exported from China. Duty-free entry for the United States' imports of Mongolian cashmere would benefit the United States by facilitating increased trade with Mongolia and reducing U.S. imports of Chinese cashmere products. The measure would likewise benefit Mongolia by reducing Mongolia's economic dependence on China and promoting the development of Mongolia's garment industry, an industry in which 90 percent of workers are women. We must also offer a better alternative through initiatives like the Third Neighbor Trade Act and this resolution. That is exactly what this bill does by reaffirming our relationship with our like-minded partner, Mongolia. We will never allow adversaries to undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Mr. Speaker, in closing, for over three decades, the relationship between the United States and Mongolia has continued to grow and strengthen. Mongolia is a strong democratic partner in the Indo- Pacific, and the United States has become an important third neighbor. I would like to congratulate the Mongolian people on their 30th anniversary of democracy and look forward to continuing to build our partnership. Mongolia's success as a democracy and continued sovereignty is extremely relevant to the security of the United States, the Indo- Pacific region, and the world. For this reason, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 233

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the FENTANYL Results Act. The opioid crisis continues to have a devastating effect on Americans across this great Nation. It is imperative we use all the tools at our disposal to fully address this problem. The FENTANYL Results Act ensures that we leverage the role of the State Department in this whole-of-government effort. Specifically, this bill requires the Secretary of State to prioritize efforts to combat international trafficking in synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances. A key provision of this bill authorizes the Secretary to provide assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies, including those in drug-transit countries, to stem the illicit flow of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs across our borders. This bill requires the Secretary to foster greater partnerships with international drug agencies and increase data collection to keep pace with emerging synthetic drug use that could be exploited by the international trafficking networks. It also addresses the demand side of this problem by authorizing an action change program to provide educational and professional development on demand reduction matters. This bill is an important measure to continue our aggressive fight against this deadly fentanyl epidemic, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, I want to thank Representative Trone for his work on this issue. We all know someone, unfortunately, who has suffered from addiction. We must remain committed to defeating substance abuse and saving American lives. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I, too, would like to thank Chairman Engel for his years of dedication and service to the State of New York and to this Nation and his friendship. It has been an honor to work with you, sir. It has been an honor to know you, and I wish the best of life to you and Pat in the future. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Allred) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Reschenthaler) for their leadership in introducing this bipartisan resolution, which I support. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1062, reaffirming the U.S.- Iraq bilateral relationship. In recent years, the United States and Iraq worked together to defeat the caliphate and free the Iraqi people from ISIS' tyrannical rule. The American people are committed to supporting a sovereign and democratic Iraq. We have provided billions of dollars in foreign assistance to help Iraqis recover from the devastating impact that ISIS has had on their lives. This year, the United States and Iraq held a strategic dialogue to further our bilateral relationship and discuss how we can continue to work together for our shared benefit. With this resolution, the House is reaffirming our commitment to helping the Iraqi people and calling on the Iraqi Government to fulfill its commitments too. The Iraqi Government needs to protect the United States' diplomats and servicemembers and hold accountable those involved in attacks against our Embassy, such as earlier this year. The Government of Iraq also needs to hold accountable those responsible for violence against peaceful protesters. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Engel for his work on this bipartisan resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) for their leadership in introducing this bill, which I support. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4644, the Libya Stabilization Act. Despite a U.N. arms embargo, foreign actors are continuing to support both sides of the conflict. For example, Russia is supporting General Haftar's Libyan National Army. AFRICOM publishes pictures of advanced Russian aircraft in Libya. AFRICOM also estimates that Russia is supporting thousands of mercenaries from the Wagner Group and from Syria to fight for Haftar. Turkey has brought in more than 5,000 Syrian mercenaries to support the Government of National Accord. Flooding Libya with foreign mercenaries and heavy weaponry could destabilize the country and region for generations. We need to incentivize all parties to embrace a political track to establish stable governance in Libya and end the violence. That is the purpose of this legislation before us today. I am pleased that since our committee first considered this bill over the summer, the U.N. has managed to broker a ceasefire. The parties are using this opportunity to continue negotiations regarding the future of Libya. Unfortunately, as we have seen many times in this conflict, there is still the possibility that spoilers could upend this peace process. That is why, under this legislation, if individuals are threatening the peace, security, and stability of Libya, they will be subject to sanctions. But the bill clearly states that if there is a ceasefire in place, as there is at this time, at this very moment, then the sanctions do not apply. We are using our leverage to support the emerging political process and a peaceful future for the people of Libya. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for those who fought to defend freedom during the Korean War. Because of their sacrifice, South Koreans can live freely and without fear of oppression. Through new and unforeseen challenges, the U.S.-ROK alliance continues to strengthen and evolve, and we look forward to close cooperation and friendship in years to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1012, recognizing the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and the transformation of the U.S.-Korea alliance into a mutual beneficial, global partnership. Since that momentous day, our two nations have worked together to promote and protect democracy and freedom in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. American and South Koreans alike understand the importance of defending democracy against malign actors who seek to undermine it at every turn. I would like to thank the 5.8 million U.S. servicemembers who served during the Korean War, including 36,574 who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the Republic of Korea. The fight to protect freedom and democracy will continue for years to come, but we are fortunate to have partners like the Republic of Korea by our side. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, for decades, our alliance with the Republic of Korea has served as a testament to the power of freedom and democracy. Our relationship is built upon strong ties and shared values, and more than 1.7 million Korean Americans call the United States home. I look forward to many more years of close cooperation between our two nations as our alliance evolves and strengthens. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 809, expressing the importance of the alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea. South Korea continues to be one of our most important strategic and economic partners in the Indo-Pacific region. While our alliance focuses heavily on our shared concern of a nuclearized North Korea, our two nations also cooperate in areas such as democracy, global health, and counterterrorism. Together, we have made it a priority to support and uphold rules- based order in the Indo-Pacific region and protect the democratic values and freedoms that both of our people hold so dearly. As bad actors in the region continue their aggressive campaign against democracy and stability, it is critical that we reiterate the importance of our relationship with nations like South Korea. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 349, a resolution to reaffirm the vital role of the U.S.-Japan alliance in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. For over six decades, the U.S.-Japan alliance has served as a cornerstone for security in the Indo-Pacific region and will continue to be fundamental to the protection of our shared interests. Our two democratic nations maintain close cooperation on a multitude of issues, including nonproliferation, global health, and maritime security. In recent years, our alliance has stood as a crucial check to China's increasing regional aggression and North Korea's continued nuclear ambitions. As the security environment in the Indo-Pacific continues to become more complex, our alliance will prove to be more significant than ever. This resolution reaffirms the importance of this longstanding strategic relationship in the face of the new threats and challenges that impact both U.S. and Japan. Mr. Speaker, as we face what some would consider the greatest threat in our generation, the Chinese Communist Party, the CCP, the United States must reaffirm support for our alliance with like-minded nations like Japan. It is only through mutual cooperation that we can continue to protect democratic values and freedoms around the world. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I once again thank Representative Bera for his work on this important legislation. The U.S. international community and the private sector must continue to work together to develop the tools we need in response to emerging infectious diseases. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Securing America from Epidemics Act. I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Dr. Bera, for introducing this bill--and I co-introduced it--for his work to address this important issue. COVID-19 has shown that pandemics know no borders and that the United States must be prepared to respond to disease outbreaks around the world. This bill authorizes the United States to participate in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, an alliance of countries and private partners that are financing and coordinating the development of new vaccines for infectious diseases. These are the emerging diseases that they are studying so that we are prepared for them. In addition to COVID-19, CEPI has developed a list of priority diseases with epidemic potential, including viruses that cause Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, MERS. By leveraging contributions from member states with expertise and funding by private partners, CEPI seeks to develop vaccines before the disease outbreak occurs. CEPI estimates that COVID-19 could cost the global economy $4.1 trillion, or close to 5 percent of global GDP. Of course, the impact of viruses like COVID-19 is not just measured in the disruption of economic stability in nations around the world, but also, unfortunately, in the lives lost. Developing vaccines and treatments for emerging infectious diseases is not just an issue of individual health but of national security. Our committee has worked together on many pieces of legislation in response to COVID-19. The SAFE Act is another example of this bipartisan effort. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues who believe we must do all we can to prevent another pandemic like COVID-19 from emerging in the future to support this legislation, as it is a critical component to that effort. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, since 1959, the U.S. Congress, on a bicameral, bipartisan basis, has remained committed to strengthening the friendship between the U.S. and the Tibetan people. There are over 31,000 individuals of Tibetan descent living in North America, and our people share similar values of freedom and understanding. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has dedicated himself to three principles: the promotion of human values, the promotion of religious harmony, and the preservation of Tibetan culture and religion. I would like to thank the Dalai Lama for his vital contributions to the Tibetan people and the world. As Mr. Perry said, the Communist Party knows they cannot survive with free thought, and that is what religion does for people around the world. They put a deity or a higher power above them, whereas, in China, the highest power that can be achieved is the Communist Party, and therefore it will not survive. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 697, recognizing the genuine autonomy of Tibet and the vital work the Dalai Lama has done to promote peace around the world. Over 60 years ago, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama was forced into exile by the Chinese Communist Party's full-scale military takeover of Tibet. To this very day, the CCP uses propaganda, violence, and oppression to assert totalitarian control over Tibet and the Tibetan people. The CCP sees Tibet's cultural and religious heritage as a threat to its control. Just as they have done with Islam and Christianity, the CCP is trying to stamp out Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetans' way of life--even though Tibet is guaranteed autonomy under China's constitution. Despite these challenges, the Dalai Lama has stood as a leader in the promotion of human rights and religious harmony and the preservation of Tibetan culture and religion. The Dalai Lama's contribution to peace and nonviolence has been revered by the international community, and for decades the U.S. Congress has remained committed to strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and the Tibetan people. I would like to thank His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for his dedication to the Tibetan people. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1033, Chairman Engel's resolution condemning the violation of Hong Kong's freedom. On June 30, the Chinese Communist Party, or the CCP, used its sham legislature to enforce a dystopian national security law on Hong Kong. This law criminalizes basic civil liberties, destroyed the one country, two systems model of autonomy for Hong Kong, and inserts the CCP's police state in Hong Kong to crush dissent. After more than a year of a prodemocracy movement that inspired people around the world to fight for liberty over tyranny, this law was the CCP's response. Rather than tolerate criticism and consider reform, they doubled down on totalitarianism. The CCP violated their international obligations, obliterated Hong Kong's freedom, and shredded the Sino-British Treaty that guaranteed human rights in Hong Kong. Since the law was enacted, we have seen countless young people arrested for free speech. Others have disappeared into mainland Chinese black prisons. The CCP has canceled elections to prevent opposition victories. Just last week, the CCP used its sham legislature to assert full control over the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, destroying Hong Kong's last remaining shreds of self-government. They know that the Communist Party cannot survive with free-thinking people. The CCP's human rights abuses in Hong Kong are far from over, but neither is Hong Kong's fight for freedom. Chairman Engel's resolution continues our bipartisan work to call out the CCP's abuse and stand with Hong Kong. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, sadly, we no longer see American flags flying over the thousands of protesters in the streets of Hong Kong. Displaying our symbol of liberty has become a criminal act punishable by life in prison. But even though the freedom-loving people of Hong Kong can no longer ask for our support, we still hear their call. It is more important than ever to continue to stand with Hong Kong. So, Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Engel for offering this resolution, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.