Lee Zeldin

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to pay tribute to Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin, who just passed away at the age of 97. For me, Rabbi Zeldin was Uncle Shy. For the Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles, he was their founder, their rabbi, their teacher, and their friend, according to the announcement they posted on their website. Rabbi Zeldin was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father's picture, Morris, is in my office. Morris Zeldin was a respected scholar and ardent Zionist. Rabbi Zeldin moved to Los Angeles in 1954 to establish the California branch of Hebrew Union College and served as an 11-State regional director of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. In 1964, he and a nucleus of 35 families founded Stephen Wise Temple on a beautiful 18-acre mountain site situated between the city's two largest Jewish population centers: the West Side and San Fernando Valley. It is a beautiful temple. When you are there for a service and hear the great singers and see the sunset out the windows, you know that you are in a very special place. This temple became one of the largest Jewish congregations in the entire world. Uncle Shy, we miss you. We thank you, and we know that you have impacted tens of thousands of people so positively, and we will honor you, remember you for your legacy and your impact on generations to come.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan legislation, which I was proud to introduce with my colleague from New York, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. This legislation would provide needed reforms to the living will submission process, would ensure that impacted financial institutions get needed feedback from their regulators, and would uphold sensible standards to protect the financial system. This may sound like wonky financial policy, but to the hardworking men and women in my district, fixing these confusing regulations that have choked off community lending can be the determining factor with regards to getting a small business loan or a mortgage. These are the financial products that provide access to the American Dream, that help communities grow through homeownership, and that allow small-business owners to hire and expand. Now, more than ever, we need to be working on a bipartisan basis to improve the standards and reform the confusing regulations that are being imposed on our community banks and financial institutions. This bill changes the procedure for the submission and review of resolution plans, also known as living wills. This legislation is in line with recommendations from a 2016 GAO report in which it was recommended that banking regulators should publicly disclose the assessment frameworks, consider shifting to a 2- year cycle, and provide feedback to companies within a minimum of 6 months. The vast discretion granted to Federal regulators under the current law's living will regime is essentially a license for those regulators to decide the proper size, scale, and business model of private sector enterprises. This legislation reins in that unchecked government authority and provides greater accountability and much-needed transparency to the living will process. This bill requires public disclosure of the rules for living wills and also requires regulators to follow up with financial institutions in a timely fashion with the feedback necessary to meet these standards. These reforms are critical for providing our Nation's banking systems and the customers they serve, to protect our Nation's banking systems. This bill cleared the Financial Services Committee with a strong bipartisan vote of 60-0. I am especially thankful for the bipartisan cooperation of my colleague, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), the ranking member of the Capital Markets, Securities, and Investment Subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank Chairmen Hensarling and Luetkemeyer for their leadership on this important issue. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record these letters of support from the Financial Services Roundtable and the American Bankers Association. Financial Services Roundtable, Washington, DC, January 29, 2018. Hon. Paul Ryan, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi: The Financial Services Roundtable (FSR) supports H.R. 4292 the ``Financial Institution Living Wills Improvement Act of 2017,'' sponsored by Representative Lee Zeldin. H.R. 4292 changes the procedure for the submission and review of resolution plans, also known as ``living wills.'' The bill would adjust the frequency of resolution plan submissions from annually to a two-year cycle, require regulators to provide feedback within six months of submission and publicly disclose the framework used to review the plans. Improving the resolution plan process provides transparency, accountability and efficiency while enabling firms to enhance their plans. The Federal Reserve Board and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation require resolution plan submissions be reviewed and updated annually. It is increasingly evident, however, that these annual requirements are neither efficient nor effective for both regulators and covered firms. Resolution plans do not change substantially from year to year, absent a material change in a firm's structure. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on resolution planning supports a longer submission cycle so firms have sufficient time to revise their plans and incorporate regulatory feedback. Similarly, GAO recommended that regulators make the assessment frameworks public, noting transparency would promote accountability by the agencies and result in better resolution plans. Providing firms clarity as to how determinations are made will eliminate the uncertainty around the appropriate changes necessary to strengthen the resolution plan. Further, requiring regulators to provide feedback within a defined period will enable firms to address deficiencies and ensure the institution's strength in the event of financial distress or failure. H.R. 4292 helps improve how U.S. financial regulations work for individuals, financial institutions, and the U.S. economy. FSR supports H.R. 4292 the ``Financial Institution Living Wills Improvement Act of 2017,'' and urges enactment of important legislation. Sincerely, Anthony Cimino, Senior Vice President & Head of Government Affairs.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Gaetz for organizing this important Special Order and all my colleagues for coming to the House floor tonight encouraging the President of the United States now to certify the release of this memo to the American public. The American public is a lot smarter than a whole lot of other people give them credit for. Present them with the facts and the truth, and they can form their own independent judgment as to what transpired. That was the first thought that came to my mind when I went to the basement a week before last--the basement of the House Capitol--to read this classified memo of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, that this memo should be immediately released to the American public so that they have all of the facts. In addition to releasing the memo, I believe it is important to be releasing relevant material sourced in the memo. Now, tonight, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence voted to publicly release this memo to the American public, and, at the same time, the House Democrats came to the committee calling for the declassification and public release of their memo. Let me add a little bit more context on this memo that the House Democrats came to the floor asking to be released. They did not allow the voting members of the House Intelligence Committee to read the memo tonight before voting to declassify and publicly release it. Let me repeat that. The House Democrats, led by Ranking Member Adam Schiff, went to the House Intelligence Committee tonight calling for the public release of their memo, asking for their colleagues to declassify the memo and to publicly release it immediately, without giving them the opportunity to read it first. I can speak for myself. I haven't read the memo that the House Democrats offered up tonight. I haven't been granted any access to read it. I am not aware of any other of my colleagues who have been able to read it. I can't even confirm it exists. After the committee met, it was fascinating to watch the minority members of the House Intelligence Committee going straight from the hearing room to the cameras to give their narrative. At no point did they mention whatsoever, when they were saying that they were outraged that the majority members of that committee didn't vote to publicly release it, at no point did they mention that they never gave them the opportunity to read it first. What you don't see, at the same time, are the majority members of the House Intelligence Committee racing off to all those same cameras to give their same side of the narrative, the members of that House Intelligence Committee. What we are asking for is the American public to get the facts so that they can form the judgment of this FISA abuse for themselves. I, too, applaud the leadership of Mr. Nunes and the House Intelligence Committee for their work to restore faith with the American people. As a former Army intelligence officer and JAG officer myself, I understand the importance of giving our intelligence agencies the critical tools they need to protect our homeland, assist our troops on the front lines, and surveil our enemies. However, it is critical that we strike a balance between national security and civil liberty to prevent any gross violation of individual liberties under the guise of national security. Congress has the responsibility of ensuring an appropriate balance is struck, and when it is not, to release information we feel is in the national interest and of public importance. Today, Congress took an important step in making this possible. Americans deserve the truth. To pull the wool over the eyes of the American public insults their intelligence and debases the freedoms and liberties on which our government was founded. Government transparency and accountability should be neither partisan nor divisive. I would urge my colleagues on either side of the aisle, especially those who have voted against its release, to evaluate and reflect upon their position and come together united in favor of our belief that the American public is a lot smarter than many give them credit for. Give them the facts, and we have faith they will be able to form their own independent conclusions. Now it is up to the President. I would encourage him to release the memo. I would also encourage him to release relevant material sourced in it. Americans have the right know. If we as their elected Representatives fail to stand up for them, who will? The only way forward is to give the American public more information, not less. Release the memo. I thank Congressman Matt Gaetz for his leadership throughout this entire process and his efforts to make sure the American public learns more, not less.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, on January 10, 2018, I was improperly recorded as a Yes vote on Roll Call No. 11. This was in error and that I wish to be recorded as a No on RC No. 11.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Madam Speaker, yesterday I went to the Capitol basement, where I read a classified document that angered me. It was frustrating. It was disappointing. It was also greatly enlightening. The American people deserve, they must, they want to know what is in this document. Release the memo. Release the memo and all of the related material sourced in the memo. Release the file. There is no concern--there should not be--for compromising any good sources and methods by releasing the memo and releasing the file. What it would reveal is the Fed's reliance on bad sources and methods. The American public deserves the truth. We should not hide the truth from them. They have waited too long. Do not pull the wool over their eyes. Show them the facts. They deserve nothing less.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of this resolution demonstrating our support for the Iranian people's cry for democracy. On December 28, 2017, tens of thousands of Iranians courageously poured into the streets to protest the brutality of President Rouhani's regime. Instead of caring for its own people, the Iranian regime focuses all of its energy on suffocating their cry, murdering protestors, while choking off communication via the internet and social media apps. We have been down this road before. This is our second chance. The Iranian people, smothered by their own government, look to us, and, instead of the chill of silence, this time, they are rightfully met with the full, immediate, and resounding support of the United States. We stand in solidarity with millions of Iranians desperate for support to help them turn the tide in Tehran and all throughout Iran. The people of Iran will be losing a great champion with the retirement of Chairman Royce, who has served over the course of the last three terms as chairman of our committee. The fight continues. Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge John J. Toomey of St. James, New York. As a soldier in Vietnam, he earned two Bronze Stars and was decorated for valor. Upon returning to the U.S., he graduated from Stony Brook University in 1972 and Hamline University Law School in 1976. John worked as an Assistant Town Attorney for the Town of Smithtown between 1976 and 1979. He served as a member of the Tenth Judicial Grievance Committee from 1995 until 2002, when he was elected to the District Court bench. In 2010, he was chosen to be the first Presiding Judge of the newly formed Suffolk County Veteran's Court. He considers this to be the highlight of his judicial career. Judge Toomey was elected to the Suffolk County Court in 2011 and is an Acting Surrogate and Acting Supreme Court Justice. He has earned many awards and recognitions, including the 2008 Judge of the Year award from the Suffolk County Bar Association, the 2014 Peter Sweisgood Award from the Lawyers helping Lawyers Committee of the Suffolk County Bar Association, and he has also been named Man of the Year by the Suffolk County Court Officers' Association. In addition to his service in the military and on the bench, Judge Toomey has also been an active volunteer with the Saint James Fire Department. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to Judge Toomey for his decades of selfless service.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4324, which I cosponsor, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran's Access to Finance Act, introduced by Congressman Roger Williams. I stand with the courage of my convictions while I listen to others stand with the courage, apparently, of a conviction to coddle the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. I have a problem, and I am not going to apologize for it, and my colleagues aren't going to apologize for it; when we have an adversary of our Nation overthrowing foreign governments, financing terror, developing intercontinental ballistic missiles in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, calling Israel the Little Satan and America the Great Satan, pledging to wipe Israel off the map, chanting ``Death to America.'' Just a few weeks ago, the CIA dropped 470,000 documents collected in May of 2011, in the raid of Osama bin Laden's compound. In those documents, it shows a strong relationship between Iran and al-Qaida, and Iran offering finance and arms for carrying out attacks against America. I signed up to run for the United States Congress and take an oath to protect this country, and, right now, while we are here this holiday season--tonight is the second night of Hanukkah. We are about to have Christmas, New Year's--we have people who are overseas, sometimes on their 8th, 9th, 10th deployment, willing to risk everything in defense of our freedoms and liberties, putting themselves in harm's way. So when 10 Navy sailors end up getting held hostage and embarrassed with photography and videography, being shamed by the Iranians, and then we say, as a matter of response, thank you? That was our response when they released our 10 detained Navy sailors. And you want to question the conviction of Congressman Williams introducing legislation that is incredibly important for protecting the United States and our servicemembers and our allies; and you want to mock us for having a problem with them chanting ``Death to America?'' Whose side are you on? For anyone who has the courage of conviction to coddle the world's largest state sponsor of terror. Since the U.S. entered the JCPOA, Iran's state-owned airline, Iran Air, has used its access to the U.S. aviation industry to purchase planes that aided the Assad regime in carrying out its war crimes in Syria against its own citizens, innocent women and children. Courage of convictions to stand with the United States, with our allies, and on behalf of the women and children being targeted by the Assad regime in Syria. We have a problem with that, and we want to do something about it. Don't try to shame us into being apologetic and unwilling and afraid to stand up for all of those right principles. That is the courage and conviction that I stand up with today, with Congressman Williams, with Chairman Hensarling, and all the others who are encouraging a strong ``yes'' vote for more accountability, for a stronger national defense, for a better future.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee under the leadership of Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel. I am very grateful that they brought this legislation to the House floor for consideration today. As a co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus, the original cosponsor on this piece of legislation, I would strongly encourage all of my colleagues to support this important bill. I am thinking of values, what drove Taylor Force to sign up for the United States Military Academy at West Point, to deploy into combat, to protect and defend our freedoms and liberties; willing to lay it all on the line; willing to risk everything for our flag, for our Constitution, not just for family back home. He is joined here--he is certainly with us in spirit--with his parents, Stuart and Robbi, who are in the gallery, and they know that the legacy of Taylor Force's service and sacrifice is one that already is showing a change in policy in the interactions between our Nation and those in that region. Because as we think of values, the values of the Palestinian Authority is one that incites violence, that financially rewards terrorism, that treats terrorists like they are heads of state at their funerals and calls them martyrs. I stand with Taylor Force. The House Foreign Affairs Committee stands with Taylor Force. This entire body, hopefully, when this comes to a vote, stands with the parents of Taylor Force, and our effective and better leveraging of our money because we should not provide $1 of United States taxpayer funds if that money is going to go towards not only inciting violence, but also financially rewarding terrorism. The United States taxpayers not only want to make sure that their money isn't going to financially reward Palestinian terrorists when they murder innocent Israelis, but this is also about Americans--U.S. tax dollars going to an entity that financially rewards terror. I was moved greatly as I was listening to Chairman Emeritus Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's remarks and the need to use all resources that are available to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Nation's greatest ally and change behavior of those bad actors. Those are the values, and we stand with Taylor Force.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, the Trump administration recently made the important decision to release hundreds of thousands of documents in the possession of the CIA which were found in the May 2011 raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan. These documents reveal a much more intimate relationship between Iran and al-Qaida than previously suspected. While it will take time to analyze the extent of the 470,000 documents, some important conclusions can already be made: The Obama administration selectively released 571 of these documents during his term, none of which identified the significant relationship between Iran and al-Qaida. While President Obama claimed al-Qaida was ``on the path to defeat,'' these documents showcase al-Qaida strategically reorganizing its operational base. One of these documents describes Iran as al-Qaida's ``main artery for funds, personnel, and communications,'' and instructs members to ``refrain from attacking Iran and devote your total resources . . . to the fight against the crusaders and the apostates.'' On the one hand, al-Qaida would publicly declare all Shiites to be apostates; on the other hand, internal deliberations by the organization called for a transactional relationship with the mullahs of Tehran. Another finding in a 19-page document written by senior al-Qaida operative Abu Hafs al-Mauritani outlines a detailed arrangement between al-Qaida and Iran. The relationship between al-Qaida and Iran was based on their mutual hatred of the United States. Iran agreed to provide shelter, financial support, and coordinate efforts with al-Qaida across the region. In this document, a senior al-Qaida operative confirms that Iran and al-Qaida's ``interests intersect.'' He goes so far as to describe the Iranian regime as ``the best example . . . of pragmatism in politics. Anyone who wants to strike America, Iran is ready to support them with money and arms and all that is required as long as they are not directly and clearly implicated.'' Iran offered al-Qaida everything it needed, including ``money, arms,'' and ``training in Hezbollah camps in Lebanon, in exchange for attacking U.S. interests in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.'' Al-Qaida operatives were safeguarded in Iran, with the consent of the military. In fact, the 9/11 Commission report confirms that 8 out of the 14 hijackers passed through Iran during the period from October 2000 to February 2001. Iranian intelligence facilitated the travel of some operatives with visas while sheltering others. In these documents, there is even a wedding video of bin Laden's son with al-Qaida members in attendance in--you guessed it--Iran. As Sun Tzu famously said in ``The Art of War'': ``The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'' We are their shared enemy. It is shameful that the Obama administration deliberately withheld this information. If these files exposing Iran's outreach and association with al-Qaida had been released, support for the Iran nuclear deal would have eroded even further, and rightfully so. Since the JCPOA was entered into, Iranian aggression in the Middle East, including Iraq and Syria and elsewhere, has only increased. These bad activities have only gotten worse. Now it is even clearer why that is. Any terrorist group that wants to attack U.S. interests will have Iran's financial and material support. By providing Iran with $150 billion sanctions relief, we are giving Iran the resources it needs to carry out its bad activities threatening the United States and our allies. While we already know of Iran's close ties with Hezbollah and political influence in Iraq, these documents exhibit the extensive reach that Iran has in the region. Keeping these documents hidden from the general public while the JCPOA was being debated and approved was blatant politicization of intelligence, and it was totally reprehensible. Thankfully, the current administration has released these documents to let the American public know the truth. I commend the CIA Director, our former colleague in this House, Mike Pompeo, who has hit the ground running as the new CIA Director and made the bold decision to take these 470,000 documents and release them for the American public and for the world to see. They shouldn't have been hidden in the first place. They should not have been hidden for so long. Now we can know the truth of the relationship that absolutely existed between Iran and al-Qaida. I encourage my colleagues to view these documents. I encourage the media to view these documents for the American public and the international community. I thank, again, the administration for their leadership in this very important decision.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, which contains critical reforms that protect access to affordable insurance, improves the way policyholders are treated when filing a claim, and places the National Flood Insurance Program on the path towards fiscal solvency. Included in this legislation is the bipartisan bill I introduced with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney that provides a credit to NFIP policyholders who reduce their flood risk through mitigation. Homeowners who do the right thing and invest in mitigation activities deserve a strong return on their investment in the form of lower NFIP premiums. On Long Island, where the coastal economy is our main economy, protecting life and property from flood damage is a top priority. I look forward to working with all my colleagues in Congress to get this bill passed in the Senate and sent to the President's desk without delay. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this essential legislation, grateful for Chairman Hensarling's and Chairman Duffy's leadership on this issue, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Balfour Declaration and the significance it played in the formation of the state of Israel. This significant sixty seven word statement, that carne to be known as the Balfour Declaration, was the stepping stone in the reformation of a modern Jewish sovereign state. It was the first public recognition addressing the need to recognize the rebirth of a national home for the Jewish people and their historical link to the land of Israel. This concept was later reaffirmed by the international community at the Treaty of Sevres, San Remo, League of Nations and United Nations. This declaration represented the Jewish peoples' strong desire to return to their eternal homeland. This deep passion gave the Zionist movement widespread international recognition that few movements have ever seen. In 1922, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution, the Lodge-Fish Resolution, which committed the United States' support of the establishment of a Jewish State, by reproducing the exact text of the Balfour Declaration. Mr. Speaker, Israel has since become one of the United States' greatest allies and hopefully the bond between our two great nations will only continue to grow stronger.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of my Special Order.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, President Trump decertified the Iran nuclear deal. Tonight, during this hour, several Members of Congress will be speaking here on the House floor about the President's correct and necessary decertification, and discussing the urgent need to address Iran's problematic nuclear and nonnuclear activities. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA, otherwise known as the Iran nuclear deal, is deeply flawed and very one-sided for what is in it, and it is fatally flawed and deeply one-sided for what is not in it. The so-called deal props up the wrong regime in Iran, the world's largest state sponsor of terror, with a jackpot of $150 billion of sanctions relief. The United States made a slew of permanent concessions in exchange for temporary concessions on the part of the Iranians--a point that comes into greater focus as the sunset provisions are analyzed. This deal is not a pathway for how to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, it is a blueprint for exactly how Iran can acquire a nuclear weapon. We can and must do better. President Obama said this agreement was not built on trust, it was built on verification. I am still waiting for an answer on how you can support a deal based on verification without knowing what the verification regime is. The verification agreement between the IAEA and Iran still hasn't been submitted to Congress, and Secretary Kerry has admitted that he never read it. We have learned, though, that Iran collects some of their own soil samples and inspects some of their own nuclear sites. No U.S. inspectors are permitted to participate in any of these inspections at all. The verification regime must become adequate and transparent, and Americans should know what the verification agreement is. Since the JCPOA was entered into, Iranian aggression in the Middle East, Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere has only increased. These bad activities have only gotten worse since all of the leverage that brought the Iranians to the table was negotiated away in the JCPOA. Iran has continued to illegally test fire intercontinental ballistic missiles and finance terror. They even seized one of our naval vessels, subsequently holding hostage and publicly embarrassing 10 American sailors. Iran has committed to wiping Israel off the map, and they chant, ``Death to America,'' in their streets on their holidays, all while unjustly imprisoning American citizens. They call Israel ``the little Satan'' and America ``the great Satan.'' These are, unfortunately, just a few of Iran's bad activities. It is so important to note that Iran has not only violated the spirit of the nuclear deal with its nonnuclear bad activities, it has also violated the letter of the deal. For example, Iran spins more IR6 centrifuges than they are allowed to under the JCPOA. They have assembled more IR8 rotor assemblies than they are allowed to. They have attempted to acquire carbon fiber that they agreed that they wouldn't. They stockpiled more heavy water than they were supposed to under the JCPOA. Iran is also not allowing any inspections at all at any of their military sites. Iran is not only violating the spirit of the deal, but they are also violating the letter of the deal. President Trump was absolutely correct to decertify the JCPOA. If Iran is serious about helping turn the JCPOA into a truly reasonable agreement, then they should make those intentions clear, both in private conversations with the United States and the other countries of the P5+1, but also in their public rhetoric. Many of Iran's other bad activities will need to cease. If Iran does not want to save the JCPOA, then the sanctions should immediately ramp up. Throughout this next hour, we will discuss the President's correct decision to decertify, as well as the urgent need to eliminate Iran's problematic nuclear and nonnuclear activities. Joining me tonight are Members of Congress from all across our great country who are deeply passionate about America's best interests and supportive of the President's decision to decertify the Iran nuclear deal. At this time, it is my great pleasure to welcome the distinguished gentleman from South Carolina, Mr. Joe Wilson, a leader on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and throughout all of Congress, who oftentimes has been to the Middle East, who is a grandson of a veteran, a son of a veteran, and a proud father of four veterans. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Wilson for his continued leadership. Mr. Speaker, at this time, it is my privilege to bring up a freshman from Tennessee's Eighth Congressional district, David Kustoff. Last Congress, I had the privilege of being both the lowest-ranking Jewish Republican in Congress and the highest-ranking Jewish Republican in Congress. But now that we have David Kustoff from Tennessee here, we voted for each other to chair the Jewish Republican Caucus of two, and 1 day we may have a minion. These are our dreams that someday may come true. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Kustoff).

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Kustoff for his important, insightful words. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure at this time to introduce the gentleman from Florida's Third Congressional District. He is an important voice on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, very learned on these issues related to Iran and the Middle Eastern region especially, and a great Member here in Congress. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho).

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Yoho brings up some very important points. The Iran nuclear deal was an unsigned political commitment. Those were the words that were given to us by the administration, and to think that we wouldn't have even asked for a signature on something so important was foolish. The next speaker tonight in this important Special Order in support of President Trump's decision to decertify the Iran nuclear deal and the need to address Iran's other problematic nuclear and non-nuclear activities is a freshman from my home State of New York, someone I served with in the New York State Legislature, and we are really excited to have her here serving with us in the Halls of Congress. She has hit the ground running and is very passionate about our military, our veterans, and also especially why we are here tonight, the path forward with regards to Iran. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York's 22nd Congressional District (Ms. Tenney).

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Tenney for being here, for her remarks this evening, and for her leadership on this important deal. It is my pleasure at this time to yield to Congressman Andy Barr, who is a leader on the House Financial Services Committee. He has been very active in the efforts as it relates to sanctions. It is also important to note that it was sanctions that brought the Iranians to the table, and applied an incredible amount of economic pressure. The Iranian regime that is in charge desperately needed relief in order to get through their next election, and now the Iranians have had an opportunity to experience life with that sanctions regime and life without it. Chairman Barr is a very important voice here in the Halls of Congress for ensuring the right leverage is on the table to deal with Iran's nuclear and non-nuclear activities. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr).

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. Certainly in the days, the weeks, the months that are ahead, many throughout our country will be leaning on his leadership as we discuss the path forward as far as sanctions and the right way to reestablish the leverage that brought the Iranians to the table in the first place. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Rokita is a strong voice in ensuring that America has a strong but effective foreign policy, one that makes sure that our military is always set up for success, our veterans are taken care of when they come home. As I mentioned earlier, as I was introducing Congresswoman Tenney, part of that effort, certainly is ensuring the right path forward as it relates to Iran. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita), from Indiana's Fourth Congressional District.

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Rokita for being here and for his important words as well and for all of the Members who have spoken. I recognize House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, Congressman Pete Roskam, and former Congressman, now CIA Director, Mike Pompeo. These are some of the voices during the course of these last few years on this very important issue on the need to hold Iran accountable and to fight for the best possible agreement for the United States. Over the course of tonight, we discussed what was in the JCPOA, and we discussed the JCPOA as far as what wasn't in it and some of the challenges that we have faced since the JCPOA has first been entered into. We all want to deal with Iran's bad activities. We have to ask ourselves: How are we going to do that? What is the leverage that brought the Iranians to the table to negotiate the Iran nuclear deal? How do we get that leverage back? Now, some people out there are saying that Iran is abiding by their word and that the United States would somehow be going back on our word by the President decertifying the Iran nuclear deal. We can have a discussion about what violates the spirit of the Iran nuclear deal. We talked about Iran's other bad activities: their financing of terror, their overthrowing of foreign governments, illegally test- firing intercontinental ballistic missiles, holding Americans hostage, and publicly embarrassing American Navy sailors. We had to pay a ransom to get hostages back in January of 2016. They call Israel the Little Satan, America the Great Satan. They pledge to wipe Israel off the map. They chant ``death to America.'' They are supporting Assad in Syria and Hezbollah. What do we do to deal with Iran's nonnuclear bad activities? Right now we don't have the leverage to deal with that. We really needed to bring that to the table when we were sitting down with Iran last time because, when you negotiate away the leverage that brings them to the table, what is left to deal with all of those activities that we would say violate the spirit of the JCPOA? But people say that if the President decertifies the Iran nuclear deal, then that would mean that we are going back on our word and that Iran has been abiding by the deal. We cannot forget about all of the ways that Iran is violating the letter of the JCPOA. Why is there no accountability in debate, as we know, that Iran spins more IR-6 centrifuges than they are permitted to under the JCPOA? Why aren't we talking about that? Why aren't we saying that Iran is not following their word when they assemble more IR-8 rotor assemblies than they are allowed to under the JCPOA? Why aren't we saying that Iran is not following through with their word as they attempt to purchase carbon fiber that they are not allowed to try to purchase under the JCPOA? Why are we giving Iran a free pass? Does the President's opposition despise him so much that they are willing to literally take Iran's side when Iran says that we will never be able to inspect any of their military sites? Before, during, and after this deal, they said that we will never be able to inspect all their military sites. The Obama administration said we will inspect their military sites. So you have a material disagreement on this JCPOA, this Iran nuclear deal. We said that sanctions were going to be phased in over time based on compliance. The Iranian regime said sanctions relief was going to be immediate, no suspension. But why are we not holding Iran to their word on the ways that they are violating the letter of the JCPOA? Why is it that before implementation day when inspectors, the last time they got to Parchin and they found particles in the soil that are consistent with nuclear capability, and then after we discover those particles the Iranians say, ``That is it. No more access to Parchin,'' why are we not saying that Iran is not following their commitments under the JCPOA? This is the letter of the JCPOA. Now, it would be great if we can have a discussion here about what the verification regime is. I would love to read the deal between the IAEA and Iran. When I was at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing with then-Secretary of State John Kerry and I wanted to engage with him, have a conversation about what the verification agreement was, I was shocked that even he said that he hadn't read the verification regime between the IAEA and Iran. It really makes you scratch your head. I asked the question here on the House floor last Congress while we were debating the JCPOA. President Obama says that we are entering into the JCPOA not based on trust, but based on verification. So the question that I posed then, and I still haven't gotten an answer today, is: How do you support a deal based on verification without knowing what the verification is? We are propping up the wrong regime. In 2009, during the Green Revolution, an undemocratic election, millions of Iranians went to the streets. These are people who go to the streets that right now there are people--millions of Iranians today--who would love a free, stable, democratic Iran. After an undemocratic election, they went to the streets. We said that it was none of our business. Fast-forward years later, we are paying ransom of $400 million that was disputed for good reason for decades, claims going both ways. There is a reason why that money wasn't paid out. There was a dispute, multiple claims, U.S. to Iran and Iran to the United States, and $1.3 billion of interest. They said that it wasn't a ransom. $1.7 billion in cold, hard cash in pallets that had to get delivered at the exact same moment of the American hostages--by the way, not all of them--at the exact same moment of the American hostages being released, and we are saying that that is not ransom. That was a coincidence that we are signing documents in the middle of January on the same exact day within 24 hours of each other. Now, after we provided a jackpot of sanctions relief in exchange for this very one-sided deal, there was an election. After that election in Iran, members of the American media and around the world said that this was evidence of progress in Iran that the most moderate candidates were elected. But do you know what that completely ignores? The 12,000 most moderate candidates not being allowed access to the ballot. We are propping up the wrong regime. After our American sailors were detained, held hostage, and embarrassed in videos and photography all around the world, we said, ``Thank you.'' That was our response, ``Thank you.'' After all the concessions that were made as part of the JCPOA, our Secretary of State became president for the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, and here we are. Fast-forward to today, and everyone who wants to see this President fail will stand with Iran before they would stand with the United States. They will ignore Iran's violating the spirit of the JCPOA. They will turn a blind eye with their head in the sand over Iran's violating the letter of the JCPOA. Mr. Speaker, we gathered here this evening to talk about the President's correct decision to decertify the JCPOA, the Iran nuclear agreement, and to talk about the need to eliminate Iran's very problematic nuclear and nonnuclear activities. We heard from a half dozen other Members of Congress: Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, David Kustoff of Tennessee's 8th Congressional District, Congressman Ted Yoho of Florida's 3rd Congressional District, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York's 22nd Congressional District, Congressman Andy Barr of Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, and Congressman Todd Rokita of Indiana's 4th Congressional District. I thank them, and I thank all of my colleagues for their leadership on this issue. There is important work ahead. There really should be more Members on both sides of the aisle working together on behalf of the American people putting country first on this issue. People since the election pledged to entirely oppose and obstruct this President on everything and anything. While the President's hand was on the Bible, the streets of the parade route were lined up with people holding up signs that said ``impeach him now''--while his hand was on the Bible. Last November, Americans all around this country elected a President whose hand was on the Bible, yet people are calling for his impeachment just for the fact he got elected. Every day we are here, we have Members who come to the floor doing whatever they can in any way that day, that minute, to try to tear the President down. I had disagreements with President Obama, but he was my President. We disagreed on the Iran nuclear deal. That is okay. We can disagree. We should disagree with President Trump, President Obama, President Bush before that, when we have strong philosophical differences on policy. That is what we are elected to do. We are not elected to all just come here and agree with each other. But for those who are so set politically on trying to bring this President down, so much so that they will take Iran's side in this over the United States' side, I encourage you to rethink that and put country over party, because we need to work together as colleagues representing the greatest country in the world on a better path forward. It is a privilege for all of us to be able to serve here in the United States Capitol in the United States Congress, because there is so much history on this floor. There is going to be much debate ahead on what challenges lie ahead for us with regard to Iran. With servicemembers in harm's way, we understand and we reflect that that is what is most important. We should never send our troops into harm's way unless they are sent to win. We send our troops to win, or we do not send them at all. When they come home, they are treated with the love, dignity, and respect that they deserve on behalf of a very grateful nation; and with a strong, consistent foreign policy and taking care of our vets and setting up our military for success. It is having the right foreign policy with challenges that are in front of us in the Middle East and elsewhere. That is why we are here for this Special Order hour in support of the President's decision to decertify the Iran nuclear deal. Mr. President, you made the right decision. We stand with you. We stand with the United States. We want to hold Iran accountable. We want the best path forward for our great country. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Anthony James Antoniou of Miller Place, a true American hero, who passed away at 93 years old on September 18, 2017. Anthony was a highly decorated World War II Paratrooper of the 82nd Airborne Division, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), who was a proud Silver Star recipient with two Bronze Star Medals, five Purple Hearts, two Presidential Citations and numerous other European Medals. In addition, Mr. Antoniou received the distinction of Chevalier, or Knight, of the Legion of Honor. He fought in six major campaigns, performed seven river crossings and 4 combat jumps. Additionally, Anthony had the privilege of fighting alongside General (slim Jim) Gavin, who personally decorated him. Mr. Speaker, Anthony Antoniou is a true American hero of America's greatest generation who said the best time of his life was serving his country. His stories have been shared with his family for years, and I hope his legacy and love for his country continues to be shared for generations to come.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sadie Macchia, who celebrated her 100th bitihday on July 6th, Born on July 6, 1917, in the Bronx, New York, Sadie came into this world with a remarkably low birth weight, and was the surviving child of a set of twins, the other of whom was born prematurely and sadly passed away shortly afterward. Sadie was so small that her mother used a shoebox as a cradle, and could not even properly wear a bonnet. With such a low birthweight, her chances for survival seemed slim. Yet, with incredible strength, this miracle baby pulled through infancy and is still here with us today, 100 years later. As an adult, Sadie spent many years working as a seamstress in the Bronx while living in her own apartment above her brother, Dominick, and his wife, Angelina. In those days, Sadie was renowned for her hospitality and insatiable laughter, always happy to have friends and family over to share a meal, reminisce over old photos, or simply spend time with those dearest to her. A kind and generous soul, she is truly loved by all who know her. To commemorate her 100th birthday, two of her brothers, Guy and Nick, threw her a birthday party where she was able to celebrate with her extended fmnily. The look on her face to see so many loved ones gathered together to celebrate her birthday was said to be that of pure joy. This miracle baby fought all the odds and is now one of America's great centennials. It is a privilege to honor Sadie Macchia, who has brought joy and laughter into the hearts of so many others.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Nicholas Lafond, a young man from Miller Place, in New York's First Congressional District, who, just a couple weeks back, was taken from us far too soon due to the disease of addiction. A bright, intelligent, and talented young man, Nick was loved by all who knew him. He was an honor student who was accepted to Stony Brook University with the intention of pursuing a career in education. However, from a young age, Nick struggled with anxiety, which, sadly, led him down the path of heroin addiction as a teenager. He fought this addiction tirelessly with the love and support of his family and friends, and he sought several forms of treatment. Tragically, just last month, Nick lost his battle with addiction at the age of 25. On August 31, I attended a press conference in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, where I met Nick's parents, Francine and Leonard, and discussed their son, who had been laid to rest only 2 days prior. The courage of these heartbroken parents, to come to this event and talk about Nick so soon after his passing, is absolutely incredible. As a father, the thought of losing a child is unbearable. Through my discussion with Mr. and Mrs. Lafond, you could feel their commitment to fighting this terrible epidemic so that no other parent would have to go through their experience. Shortly after our discussion, I received a letter from the Lafonds detailing Nick's story and outlining so many of the steps we can take as a community to make drug addiction a thing of the past. From their words, you can feel their passion for this cause. Though it is too late to save their son, Francine and Leonard have dedicated themselves to easing the grip of addiction upon our society. Their selflessness and bravery in the face of unthinkable tragedy is truly beyond compare. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand here and share Nick's story with you and the American people and to discuss this critical priority. Every single day, Americans like this young man fall to drug addiction. It is one of the absolute greatest threats we face as a nation, and it will not subside unless we continue to act. Here in my home county of Suffolk, heroin and opioid abuse is an especially deadly and destructive scourge. There is no one solution to ending the drug epidemic. This is a complex issue involving all levels of government, our community leaders, law enforcement, schools, churches, and everyday Americans. We must form a collaborative effort to discuss and develop localized community-based solutions to tackle this crisis by increasing treatment, recovery services, and education. Simple incarceration is not and will never be the lone answer to this crisis. In the last Congress, I was proud to have cosponsored and help pass into law the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, or CARA, which provides a total of $8.33 billion in funding over 5 years to help combat the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic and funds many initiatives on the local level. While this is a step in the right direction, it is not enough to truly end this plague upon our Nation. As Francine wrote to me in her letter, ``To make headway against this awful epidemic, the approach must be multifocal, swift, and forceful. We not only need dollars to be put toward law enforcement and treatment, both of which we know have limited effect, we also need to concentrate on addressing the underlying psychological issues that lead to opioid abuse. These are not drugs one uses to party. They are extremely strong and effective painkillers one uses to escape life. The world is a harsh place for kids today, so much different than when I or even you were young.'' The complexity of this issue is unrivaled, and we cannot turn a blind eye to any potential effort. This needs to be a highest priority to resolve. We cannot rest until tragic incidents like what happened to Nick Lafond become a thing of the past. I would like to read a poem Nick wrote while in rehab, only weeks before his passing, which describes his tragic struggle: Anxiety is life to me. Mixed with some sobriety; throw in notoriety, this is my anxiety. Always looking over my shoulder. Will this get better as I get older? Carrying it around like a boulder, this is my anxiety. Dark holes and deep depression, popping pill after pill in rapid succession. How did I not see the progression? This is my anxiety. Days to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years, why is my head constantly filled with tears? Keep a straight face, don't shed any tears; this is my anxiety. Waking up to go to sleep, climbing this mountain seems so steep. Close to the edge, I'll surely leap. This is my anxiety.

Mr. ZELDIN

Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to the Campaign for Decency, which was launched by Lisa Cholnoky, a part-time resident of my district who is with us here today in the gallery. Operating out of the First Congressional District of New York, in Shelter Island, the Campaign for Decency is a nonpartisan organization that seeks to bring civility back to our Nation. Ms. Cholnoky was inspired to launch this campaign after witnessing much of the bitter division in our country and the inability of many Americans to engage in civil, productive discussion. As Americans, we cherish our freedom to dissent, but must always bear in mind that these debates must be productive and substantive. In July, Ms. Cholnoky mailed out 535 Decency buttons to every single Representative and Senator. She describes the campaign as ``a simple reminder of the basic standards of decency that every American deserves, regardless of their political views.'' I am proudly wearing this button here today to join in Ms. Cholnoky's call for unity both here in Congress and together as citizens of the greatest country on Earth. This campaign sets an example for us all to abide by as we strive to reach across the aisle in a bipartisan fashion.