Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3662) to temporarily increase the cost share authority for aqueous film forming foam input-based testing equipment, 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 S. 3662, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3662, the Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act, sponsored by Senator Peters from Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, every day millions of Americans are exposed to highly toxic fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS, through either their drinking water, home appliances, retail packaging, or countless other things they come into contact with each and every day.

These chemicals, known as ``forever chemicals'' due to their long- term persistence and inability to be easily broken down when released into the environment, have been linked with numerous human health risks, including increased risk of cancer, immune system impairment, and impaired child development. And that is just what we know. There is still plenty that we don't know about these hazardous materials and chemicals.

Unfortunately, these chemicals are also likely to be found in and around many of our Nation's airports. That is because airports have been required by law to use and discharge firefighting foam containing PFAS; not just during firefighting emergencies, but also to comply with mandatory FAA testing requirements for firefighting equipment. These discharges have tremendous health implications for the people who live and work around airports, as well as growing liability concerns for the airports themselves.

Fortunately, there has been significant progress on this front. For instance, just last month, the EPA proposed designating two of the most widely used PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances, which would create more public transparencies around the release of these chemicals. And the FAA is in the process of transitioning away from mandating the use of airport firefighting foam containing PFAS--though the agency still has to offer PFAS-free alternatives.

Furthermore, the FAA now allows for airports to sufficiently test their firefighting equipment without discharging PFAS outside of the vehicle. But while these efforts should be celebrated, more work must be done.

That is why I support this bill, which would raise the Federal cost share to 100 percent for airports that use Federal Airport Improvements Program funds to acquire input-based testing equipment, which enables airports to test firefighting equipment without emitting toxic PFAS substances. While airports are already allowed to procure this equipment, the cost of the equipment--which can be tens of thousands of dollars--can often be prohibitive.

Through this higher Federal cost share, S. 3662 would incentivize the broad adoption of this new technology to ensure airports are able to limit or prevent the spread of PFAS contamination into local communities.

In addition, the bill would require the FAA to provide Congress with options for reimbursing airports that use AIP funds to require input- based testing equipment under a lower Federal cost share standard or acquire this equipment without AIP funds.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, by making this small change to the Federal AIP, this bill would make it much easier to protect the health of our airport workers, first responders, and local communities, as well as bolster our Nation's ability to continue fighting these dangerous and insidious chemicals.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise as the dean of the Indiana delegation, and I am joined by my fellow Hoosiers, to recognize our fallen colleague, Jackie Walorski, here on the floor. We also recognize her two staffers, Emma Thomson and Zachery Potts, who passed away with her while serving the constituents of the Second Congressional District.

Hoosiers mourn the loss of a leader known for her kindness, dedicated public service, and strong work ethic. We all stand together to celebrate the generous spirits of Jackie, Emma, and Zach, and their lives of public service. We also lift up their families as they deal with this tragic loss.

Madam Speaker, I yield to my colleague from Indiana (Mr. Banks).

Madam Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, today I rise as the Dean of the Indiana Delegation to honor the late Congresswoman Jackie Walorski who represented Indiana's 2nd congressional district from 2012 until her recent passing on August 3, 2022.

Jackie was a lifelong Hoosier who was born in South Bend, within the district she would come to represent in Congress. Her career was one of service, from the St. Joseph County Humane Society where she served as Executive Director, to missionary work in Romania that resulted in the creation of a foundation providing food and medical supplies. Jackie's commitment to service was recognized by her fellow Hoosiers, who elected her to the Indiana General Assembly as State Representative in 2004 for three terms. In 2012, she was elected by the 2nd congressional district to the U.S. House of Representatives where she was serving her fifth term.

Her integrity and commitment to fairness were recognized by her colleagues when she was selected to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ethics, tasked with administering standards of conduct for the House. She was committed to leading her colleagues to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.

Her colleagues will also remember Representatives Walorski's passion for hunger issues and her efforts as co-chair of the Hunger Caucus. The daughter of an Air Force veteran, she also advocated for servicemembers and veterans, helping to enact the Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016 and extending whistleblower protections to victims of military sexual assault within the FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring one of our own. Hoosiers mourn the loss of a leader known for her dedicated public service and strong work ethic. We also recognize the service of her two dedicated staffers, Emma Thomson and Zach Potts, who perished in the car accident with Jackie. We stand together to celebrate their generous spirits and their lives of public service. I also pray that these remembrances and tributes are a balm to their families as they deal with this tragic loss, today and in the days ahead.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, co- authored with Congresswoman Omar, in support of financial literacy education. The amendment increases and decreases the Treasury Salaries and Expenses account by $500,000. This is to encourage Treasury to work with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to study the best models for financial literacy programming and assist schools, nonprofits, and localities in developing their own financial literacy programs for young people and families.

If the pandemic has shown us anything it is that our financial well- being is important in times of crisis. Therefore, I believe it is important to promote and establish financial literacy skills for students across our nation to establish habits that will last a lifetime. Studies have shown that 88 percent of Americans believe finance education should be taught in schools and 92 percent of K-12 teachers believe that financial education should be taught in school, but only 12 percent of teachers actually teach

the subject. Yet as of this year only 22.7 percent of U.S. high school students are guaranteed to receive a personal finance education.

According to the Government Accountability Office, giving Americans the information they need to make effective financial decisions can be key to their well-being and to the country's economic health. The global financial crisis, when many borrowers failed to fully understand the risks associated with certain financial products and currently, the economic hardships presented by the sudden disruptions caused by the spread of COVID-19, underscore the need to improve individuals' financial literacy and empower all Americans to make informed financial decisions. This is especially true for young people as they are earning their first paychecks, securing student aid, and establishing their financial independence.

I believe America should be leading the world with the best-educated students who will drive our economic innovation and success.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDDA) and my bipartisan amendment which authorizes an increase of five million dollars for a pancreatic cancer early detection initiative (EDI) at the Department of Defense (DoD). I thank my colleagues, Rep. Eshoo and Rep. McKinley, for their support and leadership on this issue. Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all major cancers--in large part due to lack of research in early detection. I believe we all agree that the patients, families, friends and loved ones suffering from this disease deserve greater support.

My amendment will provide critical funding needed for more research and an early detection initiative under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at DoD. I was pleased that the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee appropriated fifteen million dollars for general pancreatic cancer research funding in this year's funding legislation. While encouraging, we need to continue doing more and should increase funding to twenty million dollars in FY23.

This issue has hit painfully close to home recently, as America lost giants to pancreatic cancer. Rep. John Lewis, our civil rights hero, passed away from pancreatic cancer only seven months after receiving his diagnosis. My good friend and colleague, Rep. Alcee Hastings, also passed from Pancreatic Cancer last year. And, Americans lost a fighter for voting rights and women's protection, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, to this deadly disease. And Alex Trebek, who was welcomed into people's homes around the world, lost his battle to pancreatic cancer in 2020. We have lost too many loved ones and must do everything we can to save lives. It is unacceptable that, despite being the third leading cause of cancer-related death in our country, pancreatic cancer still does not have a dedicated early detection initiative. In fact, the lack of research in ways to detect pancreatic cancer early has led to devastating consequences: sixty-six percent of patients live less than one year following their diagnosis.

If diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients is above eighty percent. However, if pancreatic cancer is detected late, the five-year survival rate drops to less than five percent. By failing to support our nation's researchers with the means to find new ways to detect pancreatic cancer early, we are leaving America's pancreatic cancer patients with few ways to detect this disease in time to extend the quality and duration of their lives.

It's important to note that persistent health care inequities and disparities for communities of color compound the devastation of pancreatic cancer and the effects of lack of early detection research. Unfortunately, Black people are more likely than their fellow Americans to get pancreatic cancer. In fact, the incidence rate for pancreatic cancer among Black Americans is twenty percent higher than any other racial demographic. This disease is more deadly for us: the pancreatic cancer death rate is seventeen percent higher for Black men than white men. Significant evidence demonstrates that these disproportionate levels of pancreatic cancer are in large part rooted in disparities in health care and access to tests and diagnostics. As a result, the lack of pancreatic cancer early detection research accelerates the racial unfairness in our health care system, with devastating consequences for minorities.

At a time when our country is having a national conversation about the deep disparities in access to health care for Black and Brown people during a global pandemic, Congress must do everything within our power to improve health outcomes through research and treatment. Increasing dedicated funding for early detection research at DoD will help fill a critical gap in our pancreatic cancer research and will help address the pancreatic cancer disparities for communities of color.

I urge the House to support this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I am proud, as the longest serving Muslim in Congress, to introduce legislation to recognize Eid al-Adha and wish Muslims around the world an Eid Mubarak.

I am honored to partner with my colleague, Rep. Debbie Dingell to introduce this resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha is of great importance to Muslim Americans and 1.8 million Muslims globally. This resolution helps highlight the significance of this Islamic holiday and to recognize the contributions of Muslims across the world. American Muslims are part of every industry and space in the United States since the founding of our country.

Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham's symbolic sacrifice of his son to God, as referenced in the Quran, Old Testament, and New Testament. The holiday is a three-day celebration filled with prayers, charity, and the annual pilgrimage, for those who are able. I congratulate the 1 million Muslims that participated in the annual pilgrimage, Hajj, this year. May God bless them, always.

Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing the religious significance of Eid al-Adha and wishing Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world a prosperous holiday by signing on to this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Kenneth Edmonds, better known as Babyface, an Indianapolis native, who will be inducted into the Madam Walker Legacy Center Walk of Fame on June 17, 2022.

Kenneth was born in Indianapolis to Marvin and Barbara Edmonds and raised in our great city. He began songwriting at the young age of 12 years old, and after taking on the name Babyface, he signed his first record deal after joining his first band Manchild. He later joined The Deele which enjoyed a fast breakthrough into the music world for their R&B and funk hits.

Kenneth has created a legacy through his music. His second album, ``Tender Lover'', which included the hit singles ``It's No Crime'' and ``Whip Appeal'', went double platinum and became a critically acclaimed triumph. Babyface continued to share his talents as a co-songwriter with noteworthy artists such as Johnny Gill, Whitney Houston, and Boyz II Men. He was later nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for his unforgettable work on The Bodyguard Soundtrack.

Kenneth went on to release ``For the Cool in You'', winning his first Grammy for ``When I Can See You Again'' for Best Male R&B Vocal. While continuing to win consecutive Grammys for Producer of Year, and working with versatile artists, he released, starred, and created the soundtrack for the 1997 movie, Soul Food.

Throughout his successes, Kenneth has maintained a respectful approach to his work and an endearing sense of humility--typifying our beloved Hoosier values. He has three children for whom he sets a remarkable example. Kenneth is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting organizations making a difference in the fields of health, education, and more. His list of achievements and awards are impressive, and his hometown is overjoyed with his latest recognition from the Madam Walker Legacy Center.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kenny ``Babyface'' Edmonds. Our community is proud of his success and impact in the music industry, Indiana and our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Qatar, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate both the United States and Qatar on the strong and deep- rooted relationship that has developed since the two countries established diplomatic relations fifty years ago.

The bond between our two countries has never been stronger, thanks to our enduring partnership to address regional and global challenges. Bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar on trade, investment, climate change, education, humanitarian assistance, cultural exchanges and security collaboration have been expanded in recent years.

This was underscored at the White House earlier this year when President Joe Biden hosted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. In his welcoming remarks on January 31, 2022, President Biden declared: ``Qatar is a good friend, and a reliable and capable partner.''

He reflected on the ``fifty years of partnership.'' Specifically, he said, ``this past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to many of our most vital interests: relocating tens of thousands of Afghans; maintaining stability in Gaza and providing lifesaving assistance to the Palestinians; keeping pressure on ISIS and deterring threats across the Middle East; and a lot more.''

Our countries worked hand-in-hand on many vital priorities, such as the evacuating vulnerable Afghans under Taliban rule. The Qataris played a role that can never be forgotten, by helping to evacuate and process thousands of Afghans to Al Udeid Air Base. Additionally, in May of last year, the Qataris played a crucial role in negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. We all must acknowledge the critical role Qatar plays in stabilizing the world and saving countless lives.

As a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I was very encouraged to see both President Biden and the Amir welcome the signing of a $20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways. This is one of the largest deals that Boeing aircraft has ever had. It will support manufacturing jobs at Boeing, General Electric and hundreds of other suppliers across the U.S. and in Qatar.

The highlight of our partnership is the designation of Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). Since Qatar already is home to the Al Udeid base, which is the largest in the region, and the CENTCOM regional headquarters, the new designation serves to reinforce the existing security partnership between our two countries.

It is important to note that the U.S.-Qatar relationship encompasses far more than strategic cooperation. Our two nations have developed cultural partnerships designed to promote intellectual and intercultural dialogue, and build bridges between our countries.

In addition, there are student exchanges from both nations, so that American students are able to study in Qatar, while Qatari students are welcomed in the United States.

Economic ties between Qatar and the U.S. have flourished over the last 50 years. The U.S. is Qatar's largest foreign direct investor and second largest source of imports while Qatar also has invested billions of dollars in the U.S. leading to the creation of thousands of jobs in this country.

The year marking the fiftieth anniversary of U.S. relations with Qatar began with the meeting between President Biden and Amir al-Thani. It will end on another particularly eventful occasion when Qatar hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It is an incredible accomplishment that an event of such international significance will be held in Qatar.

I am proud to continue working with our Qatari allies in strengthening a lasting relationship that benefits both the America people and our Qatari friends across the world. Congratulations to us both.

Madam Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 6865, the Don Young Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2022.

I'd like to first acknowledge the sudden passing of Don Young, the Dean of the House, and the former Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I extend my condolences to his wife and family, and also to his staff. I had the pleasure of working with him on the Carson/Young bill, to create the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation, which is a bipartisan and a bicameral bill to improve aviation, which is so important to both of our states, Alaska and Indiana. It's only fitting that today's Coast Guard bill is now named in Congressman Young's memory.

Chairman DeFazio, I commend your leadership, and your collaboration on this Coast Guard bill, with Ranking Member Graves, Coast Guard Subcommittee Chair Carbajal and Ranking Member Gibbs. I am pleased to join our committee colleagues in supporting the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act because it will increase maritime safety and efficiency.

Chairman DeFazio, I am especially grateful to you for working with me over several years to develop the language that will finally address the persistent problems with unsafe vessels, and including my Duck Boat Safety Improvement Act in today's Coast Guard Reauthorization.

My Duck Boat Safety requirements, in Title III, Section 305, will finally implement safety regulations for amphibious passenger vessels, particularly those known as Duck Boats. These safety recommendations were made by federal agencies to address repeated problems associated with Duck Boats that have resulted in many injuries and fatalities that may have been prevented.

I became much more aware of these problems when my constituents in Indianapolis, the Coleman family, were involved in a horrible Duck Boat accident on July 19, 2018 in Branson, Missouri. Tia Coleman was one of only two survivors from her family of 11, losing her husband Glenn and her children Reece (nine years old), Evan (seven years old), and Arya (one year old). Tia's 13-year-old nephew, Donovan, was the other surviving family member, losing his mother Angela, his younger brother Maxwell (two years old), his uncles Ervin (76 years old) and Butch (70 years old), and his aunt Belinda (69 years old). Boarding a Duck Boat on Table Rock Lake started out as a fun outing for family members, but it turned into an unspeakable tragedy when the boat capsized and sank. Seventeen of the 31 passengers on board were killed.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and U.S. Coast Guard have separately investigated the incident and the last few aspects of the investigation should be completed soon.

But Congress should not wait to act. We know from past incidents that more can and should be done to make these vessels safer. Since 1999, more than 40 people have died in Duck Boats accidents, the vast majority of them from drowning when the vessel sinks. The NTSB in 2002 issued recommendations to improve the safety of these vessels in flooding or sinking situations but little has been done to implement those measures.

Duck Boats are hybrid vehicles that can travel on roadways and waterways, so the safety measures must be updated for both land and waterborne operations.

The Duck Boat Safety Improvement Act will require vessel operators to implement common-sense boating safety measures, including:

Improving reserve buoyancy and watertight compartmentalization to prevent sinking,

Requiring more monitoring and adherence to severe weather alerts and warnings,

Requiring release of road safety seatbelts when Duck Boats become waterborne,

Requiring stronger crew safety training and certification,

Removing or reconfigure canopies and window coverings for waterborne operations,

Requiring personal flotation devices for waterborne operations,

Requiring installation of better bilge pumps and alarms,

Installing underwater LED lights that activate automatically in emergencies, and

Complying with other Coast Guard boating safety requirements.

These basic safety requirements will help save lives and prevent future tragedies.

I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting today's bill to make commonsense corrections to the persistent safety problems facing duck boats. If we act today, we can help ensure that no other family has to suffer the kind of tragedy faced by my constituents on Table Rock Lake. I urge the House to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this resolution supporting the designation of International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women on the twenty-fifth day of November.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This figure does not include sexual harassment, and reports show that less than 40 percent of women who experience violence report it or seek help. Around the world, women and girls are being denied access to education and are politically and economically oppressed. Economic and political marginalization leaves women and girls all the more vulnerable to experiencing violence. We cannot be silent in the face of such injustice and violence. I urge my colleagues to stand with me in the face of injustices.

As we enter Women's History Month, the United States and the international community have an obligation to lend support and assistance to those suffering from violence and oppression, both abroad and at home. There are many critical factors that contribute to violence against women. Of all the women murdered in the United States, about 63 percent were killed by an intimate partner. Acts of violence as a result of war--especially physical abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking--disproportionately affect women of color. It is estimated that up to half a million women were raped during the Rwandan 1994 genocide. Furthermore, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to 60,000 women were raped during the war in which violence against women was used as a strategic tool of ethnic cleansing. That should never happen again. We must stand with women worldwide--this is unacceptable.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is commemorated to share women stories and educate communities about the percentage of women who experience violence, who lack access to education afforded to men[?], and how they face political and economic marginalization. The United Nations General Assembly observes International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women each year. My resolution expresses support for the designation of

the twenty-fifth day of November as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Congress should recognize this work and improve our efforts to address the challenges of women facing threats and violence.

Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women's designation on the twenty-fifth day of November to better support the millions of women affected by violence. I urge the House to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to reintroduce this resolution with my colleague Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina. Our resolution supports the designation of Rare Disease Day on the last day of February. I am pleased that this resolution has been endorsed by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and am thankful for their leadership on these critical issues over many years.

Nearly one in ten Americans live with one or more of the roughly 7,000 known rare diseases. More than half of those struggling with rare diseases--defined as affecting less than 200,000 people--are children. Sadly, many rare diseases and conditions are serious, life-threatening, and lack effective treatments. These are not just statistics: I am sure most of us know at least one family member or friend who has been affected by or struggled with the unique challenges of rare diseases.

Moreover, as we observe Black History Month, it's important to know that African Americans and other minorities are especially vulnerable to rare diseases, including Sickle Cell Anemia and Sarcoidosis. These diseases and conditions--including Thalassemia and Hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis--disproportionately affect African Americans. Despite these unique obstacles, African Americans have an inspiring tradition of both combatting rare diseases and improving medical science.

One great example is Dr. Charles Drew, an African American scientist who helped found the modern ``blood bank,'' which helped dramatically expand blood transfusions. A faculty member at Howard University, Dr. Drew's pioneering work in blood transfusions took place against the backdrop of segregation and discrimination. During his time overseeing the Red Cross's blood plasma donation program, Dr. Drew was prohibited from donating his own blood because of the color of his skin. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Drew's work improved the practice of blood transfusions, which is now a lifeline for many individuals struggling today with rare diseases. The examples of Dr. Drew and countless other researchers, physicians, nurses, activists, and patients underscore the importance of bringing additional awareness to rare diseases.

Despite the many challenges, some progress has been made. More than 840 drugs and biologics have been approached by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of rare diseases. However, Congress must do more to combat rare diseases. In addition, more work needs to be done to bring attention to the needs of those who struggle with rare diseases, and to celebrate their courage. That's why Rep. Hudson and I are reintroducing this important resolution. Each year, many individuals with rare diseases and their loved ones celebrate Rare Disease Day to share their stories and educate communities of researchers, health professionals, governments, and community organizations about how rare diseases affect them.

More than 100 countries observe Rare Disease Day. Our resolution expresses support for the designation of the last day of this month as Rare Disease Day. Congress should recognize this work and improve our efforts to address the challenges facing the rare disease patient community.

Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting Rare Disease Day's designation on the last day of February to better champion people with rare diseases. I urge the House to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the Duck Boat Safety Improvement Act of 2022, a bill to implement safety regulations for amphibious passenger vessels, particularly those known as duck boats. These safety recommendations were made by federal agencies to address persistent problems associated with duck boats that have resulted in far too many injuries and fatalities.

I became much more aware of these problems when my constituents, the Coleman family, were involved in a horrible duck boat accident on July 19, 2018 in Branson, Missouri. Tia Coleman was one of only two survivors from her family of 11, losing her husband Glenn and her children Reece (nine years old), Evan (seven years old), and Arya (one year old). Tia's 13-year-old nephew, Donovan Coleman, was the other surviving family member, losing his mother Angela, his younger brother Maxwell (two years old), his uncles Ervin (76 years old) and Butch (70 years old), and his aunt Belinda (69 years old). Boarding a duck boat on Table Rock Lake started out as a fun outing for family members, but turned into an unspeakable tragedy when the boat capsized and sank. Seventeen of the 31 passengers on board were killed.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and U.S. Coast Guard have separately investigated the incident and the last few aspects of the investigation should be completed soon.

But Congress should not wait to act. We know from past incidents that more can be done to make these vessels safer. Since 1999, more than 40 people have died in duck boats accidents, the vast majority of them from drowning when the vessel sinks. The NTSB in 2002 issued recommendations to improve the safety of the vessels in flooding or sinking situations but little has been done to implement those measures.

Duck boats are hybrid vehicles that can travel on roadways and waterways, so the safety measures must be updated for both land and waterborne operations.

The Duck Boat Safety Improvement Act will require vessel operators to implement commonsense boating safety measures, including:

Improving reserve buoyancy and watertight compartmentalization to prevent sinking,

Requiring more monitoring and adherence to severe weather alerts and warnings,

Requiring release of road safety seatbelts when Duck Boats become waterborne,

Requiring stronger crew safety training and certification,

Removing or reconfigure canopies and window coverings for waterborne operations,

Requiring personal flotation devices for waterborne operations,

Requiring installation of better bilge pumps and alarms,

Installing underwater LED lights that activate automatically in emergencies, and

Complying with other Coast Guard boating safety requirements.

These basic safety requirements will help save lives and prevent future tragedies. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill to make commnsense corrections to the persistent safety problems facing duck boats so that no other family must suffer the kind of tragedy faced by my constituents on Table Rock Lake. I urge the House to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to introduce a bicameral resolution today, to express solidarity with and reaffirm the dire need to protect vulnerable and minority populations and their allies in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. I thank my Senate Colleague, Senator Markey, for his leadership on this urgent human rights issue.

The United States spent over twenty years in Afghanistan, in an endless war. It was crucial that we leave, and I applaud President Biden for commanding this effort and not leaving it as a task for yet another President. There is no good way to end a war without a decisive resolution; however, what we must not do is not leave innocent Afghan people behind. We cannot abandon the innocent women, children and families who have suffered through this war. We have a moral obligation to ensure that they are left with some system of government that respects and honors the international standards of human rights that our country has helped establish.

Reports have shown that Taliban fighters have explicitly targeted religious and ethnic minorities, abusing them with impunity, and have threatened Afghan journalists with violence. Similar reporting shows that the Taliban continue to target LGBTQI individuals, forcing them into hiding due to the threat of physical violence and attacks perpetrated by Taliban fighters. Women, in particular, are facing dire circumstances. Despite promises to the contrary, the Taliban leadership have re-instituted many of the draconian measures that characterized their previous rule. Restrictions on their freedom of movement, punishments for dress code violations, and constraints on their occupational and educational opportunities all severely limit the future of Afghan women--and subject them to gross injustices and violence.

The rapidly deteriorating human rights conditions in the country are exacerbated by the worsening humanitarian crisis, by which vulnerable and minority communities are disproportionately impacted.

I am proud to introduce this resolution today, which calls on the Biden Administration to work closely with the international community and nongovernmental organizations to support at-risk Afghan communities, including efforts to counter the growing humanitarian crisis that unduly impacts already vulnerable groups.

Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in calling for the protection of vulnerable and minority communities in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, especially during this humanitarian crisis.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Nasser Paydar as he retires after thirty-seven years of service in higher education in Indiana.

Nasser's life-long dedication to public education began in 1985 as a faculty member in the School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis (IUPUI). From here, he took on many roles within the Indiana University system and across the State of Indiana. In August of 2015, Nasser became chancellor of IUPUI and executive vice president of Indiana University.

As Chancellor, Nasser led a strategic plan focused on student success, academic excellence, and community engagement. He helped lead the transition of IUPUI Fort Wayne to IU Fort Wayne, which is administered by IUPUI, and the creation of the School of Health and Human Sciences through a merger of two existing IUPUI schools. During his tenure, IUPUI celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019 and raised more than $1.7 billion in philanthropic endeavors.

Always focused on students, Nasser created the ``Through Their Eyes'' Scholarship, presented to a student who is descended from a resident of the thriving Ransom Place and Indiana Avenue neighborhoods that once stood on what is now the IUPUI campus. After the scholarship's creation in 2012, IUPUI received the Insight into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award. Under Nasser's leadership, IUPUI saw an increase in student diversity, with the percent of students of color increasing from 24.7 percent to 39.8 percent.

When the world drastically changed in the wake of COVID-19, Nasser led the campus through the pandemic. He spearheaded the unprecedented shift to remote learning in spring 2020, and the return to in-person classes in fall 2021.

Chancellor Paydar has dedicated his life to helping students through public education. He has led with his heart and persevered through many challenges. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Nasser Paydar and honoring his legacy. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.