Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1704) to foster commercial relations with foreign countries and support United States economic and business interests abroad in the conduct of foreign policy, and for other purposes.

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. 1704, the Championing American Business Through Diplomacy Act of 2019.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank first Mr. McCaul for his hard work on this legislation.

I am proud to be supporting this legislation, this bipartisan measure, which makes better use of State Department resources to increase exports of American-made goods and American-provided services and, in turn, creates more jobs for American workers.

This important bill supports the 277,000 small and medium-sized businesses that are trying to sell U.S.-origin goods and services across the globe.

They need help understanding the overseas market, locating customers for U.S.-origin products, dealing with local imports and customs rules, and arranging financing for their export sales. All these efforts support U.S. jobs. Economic officers in our embassies and at the State Department in Washington can help exporters deal with these challenges.

This piece of legislation improves the State Department's training program for economic officers, affirms a long-standing directive to U.S. Ambassadors to include commercial and economic issues in their portfolios, and strengthens coordination between the State Department and the Commerce Department by consolidating data on overseas markets.

These efforts fortify the key role of our State Department, provides critical confirmation to U.S. exporters, and makes more efficient use of public funds.

H.R. 1704 is a critical bill that will not only spur exports and job growth but will ultimately improve the lives of the American people.

Our sponsors and I would also like to clarify the requirements under section 9 of H.R. 1704 to ``initiate and pursue negotiations with countries to establish international standards for government-supported quality infrastructure investment overseas'' are intended to be fulfilled within the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development.

This bill does not direct or authorize the Secretary of State to initiate or pursue negotiations in the World Trade Organization or amend any multilateral or plurilateral WTO agreements.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important measure, H.R. 1704, to fully and efficiently use the resources we already have to increase exports and create jobs and, in turn, improve the lives of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a university in my district that has demonstrated leadership and innovation in STEM education.

Stevens Institute of Technology, located in Hoboken, New Jersey, has been leading the way with a rigorous technical curriculum that attracts the attention of some of the Nation's most sought-after companies and industries.

The university continues to develop new ways in which to augment the success of their students, and I was pleased to hear recently about inventive initiatives that support the success of underserved and underrepresented students.

It is telling that the applications have increased 191 percent, and undergraduate enrollment has seen a 41 percent growth. Moreover, the graduation rate has impressively risen to 87 percent with Pell grant recipients graduating at a rate of 91 percent. This is well above the national averages, which are 59 percent and 51 percent, respectively.

There is a reason. Forbes magazine recently called Stevens ``one of the most desirable STEM colleges in the Nation.''

Upon graduation, 96 percent of Stevens graduates either get a job in their field, with an average starting salary of over $70,000, or enter graduate school within 6 months.

Not only is Stevens producing students who are highly skilled and prepared for the professional world, but Stevens is also at the forefront of cutting-edge research in areas of national importance, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. In a recent National Science Foundation competition for quantum engineering, Stevens won two out of eight grants awarded.

There are over 40,000 Stevens alumni who are essential to the economic progress of New Jersey and the Nation. I am proud to represent the university that acts as a trailblazer in scientific innovation.

I would like to recognize President Farvardin for his leadership, and I look forward to the continued success of Stevens and its students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the hard work and dedication of immigrant communities across New Jersey and across this country.

Earlier this month, the New Jersey Policy Perspective issued a report confirming something we have known for a long time in my district and in New Jersey: immigrants continue to serve as the backbone of Main Street.

Immigrants make up 22 percent of the total State population, and immigrants own 47 percent of Main Street businesses. Immigrant communities own 81 percent of household maintenance services, 79 percent of laundry businesses, and nearly 50 percent of child care centers and clothing stores. According to the study, immigrants contribute $4.4 billion a year to just the New Jersey economy, employing thousands and driving economic growth.

This study is just another reminder that toxic rhetoric against immigration is a misguided attack against our neighbors, our teachers, our firefighters, and local shop owners. As a first generation American, I can attest firsthand to the grit and determination needed to succeed in this country. These brave families sacrifice everything to work hard in America and provide opportunities for their loved ones.

Supporting immigrant communities is the right thing to do to advance American values and boost job growth across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say thank you to the immigrants working hard across the State of New Jersey and across this country.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 920) to restrict the transfer of defense articles, defense services, and crime control articles to any element of the security forces of Venezuela that is under the authority of a government of Venezuela that is not recognized as the legitimate government of Venezuela by the Government of the United States, and for other purposes, as amended.

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. 920, the Venezuela Arms Restriction Act, as amended, currently under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 920.

I would like to begin by thanking Ms. Shalala for her leadership in authoring this important piece of legislation. She has been a leading voice in supporting the Venezuelan people.

Sadly, human rights violations in Venezuela are nothing new. In recent months, Nicolas Maduro and his cronies have intensified their brutal crackdown on those who have bravely and peacefully pushed for change.

With an increasing wave of demonstrations protesting the Maduro regime, Congress must do all it can to support efforts by the Venezuelan people to restore its democracy. This means making sure that weapons from the United States aren't being used to commit these horrific acts of violence against civilians. U.S. companies and individuals should not be able to profit from the repression of the Venezuelan people.

H.R. 920 codifies existing restrictions on arms exports to Venezuela's security forces and adds new restrictions on items like tear gas and riot gear that have been used to suppress peaceful protestors.

As the protests continue, you can be sure that the Maduro regime will do everything it can to silence the Venezuelan people; so Congress must do everything in its power to keep these dangerous items out of the hands of the Venezuelan security forces.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Shalala), the author of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing.

Mr. Speaker, I again thank Ms. Shalala for her strong and timely leadership on this legislation. It shows a strong commitment to the Venezuelan people and to our constituents who care so deeply about this issue.

The human rights situation in Venezuela is absolutely deplorable, and it is important that we take the commonsense steps in this legislation to help end the ongoing repression. Passing this measure will send an important message that Congress stands with the Venezuelan people.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 854) to provide humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people, including Venezuelan migrants and refugees in the Americas and for other purposes, as amended.

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. 854, the Humanitarian Assistance to the Venezuelan People Act of 2019, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and I thank Ms. Mucarsel-Powell for her leadership on this important issue. From her first day as a Member of Congress, Ms. Mucarsel-Powell made it clear that supporting the Venezuelan people and making sure they receive the humanitarian assistance they need would be at the top of her agenda. I am proud to partner with her on this bill.

Over the last few years, we have watched in horror as the Venezuelan economy collapsed and rule of law in that country evaporated. Today, the man-made crisis created by the Chavez-Maduro regime in Venezuela has reached unthinkable levels.

Ninety percent of the Venezuelan population lives in poverty. Earlier this month, the country suffered another massive blow when its electric grid collapsed. This made it impossible to refrigerate food, and some Venezuelans could no longer receive necessary medical treatments.

These tremendous hardships have generated a mass exodus from Venezuela. Almost 10 percent of the population has fled the country over the last 3 years. The United Nations projects that by the end of this year, Venezuelans would make up the largest refugee population in the world.

As suffering is only expected to worsen, Congress must do everything it can to help the people of Venezuela. Ms. Mucarsel-Powell's legislation addresses the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela head-on by authorizing new funding and requiring that USAID and the State Department develop a humanitarian assistance strategy for the Venezuelan people in Venezuela and throughout the region.

Other countries in the region and particularly our close allies, Colombia, have done so much to open up their hearts and their borders to the Venezuelan refugees. It is important that the United States help ease the burdens on our regional partners, and this bill is an important step forward.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the author of this bill, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Mucarsel-Powell).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing.

I would like to once again thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Mucarsel-Powell) for her remarkable leadership on this issue, which demonstrates her strong commitment to the Venezuelan people and to her constituents who care so deeply about this issue.

It is crucial that we stand with our partners and allies in the region to provide desperately needed assistance to the Venezuelan people and help relieve the burden that Colombians and Venezuela's other neighbors have taken on over the last few years.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1616) to prioritize the efforts of and enhance coordination among United States agencies to encourage countries in Central and Eastern Europe to diversify their energy sources and supply routes, increase Europe's energy security, and help the United States reach its global energy security goals, and for other purposes, as amended.

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. 1616, the European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019.

I would like to thank my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Kinzinger and Mr. Keating, for introducing this bipartisan legislation.

When we look at the full scope of Vladimir Putin's nefarious behavior throughout the world, we see it take many shapes: insidious attempts to influence democratic elections, incursions into the sovereign territory of other nations, and military exercises designed to intimidate its neighbors.

But this legislation addresses yet another tool in Putin's arsenal: the manipulation of natural resources.

More and more, we see Russia using energy as a weapon to blackmail countries depending on Russian energy sources. The European Union and many of our allies and partners in Europe recognize this threat and have begun to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to Russian pressure.

This bill will ramp up American support for Europe's energy security and reduce dependence on Russia, including financial support for projects that better connect European energy networks and improve energy efficiency.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Keating).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank, again, Mr. Kinzinger and Mr. Keating for their work on this bill to bolster our allies in the face of Russian pressure.

This is a good measure that addresses Russia's use of energy to exploit and blackmail countries around the world, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, in 2016, in Hoboken, New Jersey, my district, a New Jersey Transit commuter train ran past the end of the track and into the terminal, killing a young mother and injuring over 100 passengers and crew members.

In the wake of this tragedy, it was made public that the Federal Railroad Administration had been conducting a deep audit on New Jersey Transit for months, prompted by an increase in safety violations. At that time, the safety review was not known to relevant Members of Congress or the public who relied on New Jersey Transit to take them to work and bring them home safely every day.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 543 is a simple, straightforward piece of legislation. When the FRA begins a safety assessment on an intercity or commuter passenger rail system, it must notify Members of Congress and Senators on committees of jurisdiction or representing the State in which the assessment is conducted. The FRA will have 10 business days after the assessment begins to notify these parties.

The FRA will also need to transmit its findings, including any safety recommendations, to the relevant parties within 90 days of completion of the assessment.

Madam Speaker, this bill brings us one step closer to ensuring full transparency for Federal agencies and helps us ensure that our rail transportation infrastructure is safe.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure.

In response to Ortega's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests and human rights violations, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 981, condemning the violence, persecution, and intimidation committed by the Government of Nicaragua against its citizens.

As we know, the Nicaraguan people are suffering as the Ortega government continues to punish citizens for pursuing greater democratic rights. Since Ortega came into power, he has worked hard to consolidate power in the hands of his family and party loyalists at the expense of Nicaraguan citizens.

The peaceful protests that began in April initially opposed the proposed government reform to social security. However, as Ortega ordered violent crackdowns by government security forces, the demonstrations gradually became a call for a more democratic Nicaragua.

The Catholic Church has attempted numerous times to mediate dialogue between Ortega and opposition groups, but the Ortega regime has repeatedly failed to uphold its end of the agreement. We are seeing new reports every week on how Ortega's paramilitary forces are opening fire against sanctuaries and shooting and injuring people seeking refuge in churches across the country. It is shameful. As negotiations over dialogue have devolved, hundreds of Nicaraguan citizens are estimated to have been killed, with thousands more injured.

Recently, international observers from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, and the European Union have arrived in Nicaragua to begin investigating the violence. Now, many Nicaraguans are demanding political reform and the resignation of Ortega and his wife before the scheduled elections in 2021.

Mr. Speaker, the United States cannot stand idly by and ignore the demands of the Nicaraguan people while the Ortegas and his confidants push the country towards authoritarianism. That is why my colleagues, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, Ranking Member Engel, Chairman Cook, and I have introduced this bipartisan resolution condemning the ongoing violence in Nicaragua. We are urging the administration to impose sanctions on individuals who qualify under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

I have also worked with my friend Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to pass the Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act, to hold the regime accountable for its misuse of international loans. This bill would direct the U.S. to not support international loans to Nicaragua until the government increases transparency and has free and fair elections.

Unified pushback from the international community shows the courageous Nicaraguans on the ground that the world stands shoulder to shoulder with them. It is the only way for Ortega to see the writing on the wall. He has to give up his grip and enact long overdue and meaningful political reform that people are yearning for.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their continued bipartisanship on these important issues. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure.

In response to Ortega's brutal crackdown on peaceful protests and human rights violations, H. Res. 981 condemns the violence, persecution, and intimidation committed by the Government of Nicaragua against its citizens.

The Nicaragua National Police, or militias, controlled by the Nicaraguan

Government have murdered, detained, and tortured innocent people peacefully standing up for their rights. Stories of Nicaraguan protesters being electrocuted and waterboarded by gangs aligned with the Ortega regime continue to horrify the international community.

While the Ortegas may condemn foreign interference in their affairs, let us be clear: The United States condemns the violence, the persecution, the intimidation, and the murders of peaceful protesters by the Ortega security forces and his henchmen.

We support the people of Nicaragua in their pursuit for democracy, including their call for free and fair elections overseen by credible domestic and international observers, and we demand that Nicaragua release those individuals wrongfully detained by the government.

Again, I want to thank the chairman and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce and Eliot Engel. I want to take this opportunity to thank Ed Royce for his last 3 years of bipartisan work. I want to tell the gentleman that I really appreciate being on his committee and serving with him on this committee. I thank the gentleman for his service.

I also want to thank both my good friend Eliot Engel as well, who is my counterpart on the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, and Chairman Paul Cook for their strong bipartisan leadership.

I also want to thank my good friend from Florida, Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, whom I have worked with and admired for many, many years, for her decades of unwavering dedication to promoting democracy and human rights around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I urge all Members to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5535.

I would like to thank Congressman McCaul, Chairman Royce, and Ranking Member Engel for their bipartisan work on this timely issue.

As it has for decades, energy will continue to play a key role in shaping United States foreign policy. But the international landscape is changing, and so are the players.

Global energy demand is set to rise 30 percent by the year 2030. This reflects an expanding global economy, rapid industrialization, population growth, urbanization, and improved energy access among developing countries.

For the United States to maintain a leading role on the global stage, the State Department must be positioned to protect and promote favorable energy policies abroad. The Energy Diplomacy Act of 2018 helps this effort by creating an Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources and requiring the State Department to employ sufficient personnel dedicated to international energy matters.

By passing this legislation, we can prepare the State Department to engage in robust energy diplomacy and encourage strong international partnerships that promote our own political, economic, environmental, and national security concerns.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the United States has long recognized that global energy security and cooperation are necessary to advance our economic, foreign policy, and national security interests. We must work with our established friends and allies to seize the opportunities and address the challenges we face. We must also work with the emerging economies that account for an ever-increasing amount of energy consumption and production.

H.R. 5535, the Energy Diplomacy Act, takes an important step toward ensuring that the State Department has the leadership and the capacity it needs to appropriately advance this critical aspect of U.S. foreign policy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the upcoming 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel and the strong bond of friendship between the United States and Israel.

The United States and the State of Israel share democratic freedoms and values, and embrace those values as the cornerstones of a vibrant democratic society. Israel has continued to stand as a stalwart of democracy and a beacon of hope for Jewish immigrants from all over the world. As an immigrant myself, I value the democratic principles which are the linchpin of our nation.

I have visited Israel and been fortunate enough to witness the special relationship the U.S. and Israel share. We share the common goals of peace, freedom, and the pursuit of security and prosperity for our citizens and for the region. It is my pleasure to help honor the State of Israel on its 70th birthday, and recognize the importance of the friendship between our two countries. I hope all my colleagues and fellow Americans will join me in taking pride in the unique contributions that our Israeli community has made to our nation.

Again, congratulations to Israel and its people all across the world on their 70th independence day.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure.

I would like to begin by thanking the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce; and the ranking member of the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee, Karen Bass, for their hard work on this legislation.

The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, first passed by Congress in the year 2000, has helped to foster a more robust trade relationship between the United States and the nations of sub-Saharan Africa. AGOA has helped to create economic opportunities for thousands of people in Africa, while also benefiting U.S. farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses by providing new markets for their goods.

The bill before us today will make AGOA even more effective. It requires the creation of a website to make information about AGOA benefits more readily available to both sub-Saharan partners and the American people, and it provides much-needed technical assistance to help eligible partners fully utilize the available trade benefits.

The legislation also provides new authorities for the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an independent agency that is charged with promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and strengthening institutions in eligible countries. Specifically, it will give MCC the ability to enter into regional compacts by simultaneously engaging several countries to fund investments that could benefit all of them.

We know economies fail if they are isolated. Coordinated investments across the region will have an enormous beneficial impact on trade, development, regional stability, and international investment.

There are several good opportunities for regional compacts. In west Africa, MCC currently partners with 10 countries. In southern Africa, MCC partners with three countries.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure. The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act is a critical piece of legislation that increases ties and helps foster deeper relationships with partners throughout Africa.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass), the lead cosponsor of this legislation and the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, let me first thank our chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce, and Ranking Member Eliot Engel, for their leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, malicious cyber activity has become a grave threat to the United States and our allies.

In 2014, North Korea hacked Sony Pictures. In 2015, the Chinese stole the personal data of millions of people from the Office of Personnel Management.

In 2016, Russia illegally interfered in our Presidential election, stealing election data and doing real damage to American democracy.

Now, in 2018, our midterm elections are at risk. Putin and his cronies were not finished after the last election. They have hacked our allies, and they will hack our elections again and again unless we do something about it.

We cannot allow foreign governments to meddle in democracy and steal data from our networks. To stand up against these threats, this bill establishes a high-level ambassador to lead the State Department's cyber diplomacy efforts. It also requires the Secretary of State to create an international cyber policy that will improve international cyber norms on security and democratic principles, including a commitment to keep the internet free, open, and interoperable.

America cannot cede cyberspace to China or Russia. Now, more than ever, we need to use all the tools we have to help shape international norms, ramp up coordination with our partners, and stiffen our defenses.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

In closing, keeping the internet open, interoperable, and secure is of critical importance to America's national security, economy, and domestic values. We must use all the diplomatic tools to develop strong international norms, bolster our cyber defenses, and promote internet freedom. H.R. 3776 is a necessary step to ensure the United States stays engaged on these critical issues.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this measure. I want to start by thanking Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their work on global health and their efforts to bring this bill to the floor. Chairman Royce has put in the time and effort to make sure the Foreign Affairs Committee is frequently thought of as the most bipartisan committee in Congress, and I thank him for his public service.

I also thank the Members who have cosponsored this bill, especially Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who has graciously acted as the Republican lead. Additionally, I thank the staffers who worked hard to bring H.R. 1660 to the floor for consideration.

Infectious diseases and other health conditions still claim the lives of nearly 9 million people each year. Emerging health threats, such as drug resistance, pose a serious threat to human health across the globe. New vaccines, drugs, tests, and other health tools are desperately needed, but progress cannot be made without a sustained investment in research and development.

U.S. investments in global health research are central components of U.S. foreign policy to increase national security, strengthen U.S. relations around the world, and reduce infectious diseases. The U.S. has a legacy of leadership in global health research through agencies like USAID.

This is why I was proud to introduce H.R. 1660, the Global Health Innovation Act. This will provide the oversight needed to gain a clearer picture of USAID's global health research and development.

Over the years, research and development projects have greatly expanded at USAID, searching for advancements towards an HIV/AIDS-free generation, preventable maternal and childhood deaths, and preventable infectious diseases.

This legislation is an effort to keep up with USAID's efforts and ensure their research and development activities reflect our goals and priorities. This report asks them to provide clarity on their goals and metrics to better understand their work.

H.R. 1660 directs the USAID Administrator to report annually to Congress on the development and use of global health innovations in USAID programs, projects, and activities. The report must also include how the Agency measures progress towards their health-related goals.

I urge my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 1660 to allow Congress to exercise its oversight powers and ensure USAID's research and development efforts reflect their priorities.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in continued opposition to the Republican tax plan.

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives agreed to go to conference with the Senate on H.R. 1, which gives breaks to the wealthy and corporations at the expense of the needs of the American family. This bill eliminates deductions used by those who need it most: students, teachers, veterans, the

sick, and families that are struggling to make ends meet.

Yet, despite this elimination of numerous vital deductions that millions of families across this country rely on, the House and the Senate bill retained a deduction for golf course owners. If you own a golf course in America, your deductions are kept; but if you are a student and you get a scholarship, you are going to have to pay taxes on that.

So if I were a student, I get it twice. We are looking at cutting the Pell grants and we are looking at taxing what students get, yet if you own a golf course where this game is played, you get a deduction.

I am sorry, but I don't think that is fair.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2658, the Venezuela Humanitarian Assistance and Defense of Democratic Governance Act.

I thank Ranking Member Eliot Engel and Chairman Royce for all their hard work and always being there for the people of Venezuela.

Of course, I want to thank the dynamic duo of Eddy Acevedo and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Even though we are going miss Eddy, I am sure he will continue to fight in the defense of human rights wherever he is.

The situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate. A country with the world's largest known oil reserves is spiraling into a collapsed state. We have people struggling just to survive. Journalists and citizens risk their lives every day to report what is happening inside Caracas and around the country.

We see that tensions are growing and government security forces shoot first and ask questions later. It is clear that the failed Chavismo policies and the authoritarian actions of Nicolas Maduro have brought all of this pain and suffering upon the Venezuelan people.

Maduro and his cronies continue to get rich as they traffic money and drugs while doing nothing to help the millions of suffering people. Multiple news reports confirm a growing health crisis as people lack access to basic medicines, and reports of infant mortality rates and preventable diseases such as malaria are on the rise.

To hold the Maduro regime accountable, both the Obama and Trump administrations have sanctioned senior officials in the Venezuelan Government for their actions with narcotrafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

There is consensus among the majority of the hemisphere--multilateral institutions such as the OAS, the United Nations, and the European Union--that Maduro is destroying democracy and violating human rights.

These sanctions are not against the Venezuelan people but are carefully crafted and targeted toward the individuals who are committed to destroying the lives of millions of innocent civilians in exchange for money and power.

That is why I am supporting this important and timely legislation that helps to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela and codifies President Obama's sanctions related to corrupt officials in the country. The United States needs to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Venezuelan people and be ready to assist them, while holding the corrupt regime officials accountable.

Once again, I thank my colleagues for all their hard work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2658.

Before I yield back, I wish Eddy good luck. I thank him for all his hard work. He will be missed. I hate to see that dynamic duo split, but I am sure it will continue to work.