Floor Statements

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 2265, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act, a bipartisan bill

that will help us combat the financial exploitation of seniors and other vulnerable adults.

I thank Congressman McHenry and Chairwoman Waters for supporting this important legislation.

Financial exploitation of seniors and other vulnerable adults is a serious and growing problem.

The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to nearly double, from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. This represents an increase from 16 to 23 percent of the U.S. population being 65 years old and older.

Right now, approximately 44 percent of households headed by a baby boomer and 30 percent of silent generation households own mutual funds.

As more investors age into retirement, the risk of financial exploitation for elderly households only increases. Roughly one in five senior investors are victimized by financial fraud, and those investors lose an estimated $2.9 billion annually in reported cases and, unfortunately, some estimates indicate that only 1 in 44 cases of financial abuse is ever reported.

My bill proposes a solution to fight elder abuse in the context of mutual funds.

Since some mutual fund shareholder accounts are held directly with a mutual fund and serviced by the fund's transfer agent, or ``direct-at- fund'' accounts as they are known, the transfer agent is typically responsible for opening and servicing the accounts, maintaining account records, and serving as the fund's point of contact with those shareholders.

Under current law, when a fund's transfer agent suspects financial exploitation in a direct-at-fund account, it cannot lawfully delay the disbursement of redemption proceeds while an investigation occurs.

My legislation codifies a SEC-issued no-action letter from 2018 that permits a mutual fund and its transfer agents to delay the redemption period of a security if it is reasonably believed that a request was made by exploiting seniors or other vulnerable adults.

This will provide our potentially vulnerable investors with an important layer of investor protection to help make sure that they receive the hard-earned savings that they have built up over the years.

Additionally, and importantly, my bill also requires the SEC to report to Congress on additional potential legislative solutions on how to further combat financial exploitation of seniors and vulnerable adults.

This legislation, Mr. Speaker, is needed to provide certainty to protect our seniors, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act.

I am grateful to the chairwoman and to the ranking member and all of the committee that has worked on this in such a bipartisan fashion, Mr. Speaker, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I again, thank the chairwoman and her team for making this very important piece of legislation that is so important to our seniors and to our vulnerable adults happen.

Again, in 2018, the SEC put this together as something we should be strongly looking at as we move forward. I am pleased we were able to bring it to the floor today in a bipartisan fashion.

I urge all of my colleagues to support my bill, H.R. 2265, the Financial Exploitation Act of 2021, 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 H.R. 5142, a bill to posthumously award Congressional Gold Medals in commemoration to the servicemembers who perished in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

Mr. Speaker, during the 20-year war in Afghanistan, we lost over 2,000 brave men and women. More than 20,000 servicemembers returned home wounded in action.

I believe in my heart that every single soldier we lost in Afghanistan was a tragedy. We must remember their sacrifice.

In the waning days of this war, the Biden administration made decisions that put U.S. servicemembers in harm's way, and, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, on August 26, we lost 13 more servicemembers, and more than 20 were injured.

Eleven marines, one Navy corpsman, and one soldier were killed by an ISIS-K bomber outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport on this terrible day in August.

Mr. Speaker, I represent the people of Missouri's Second Congressional District; and on August 26, my State lost a hero, Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz.

This courageous young man had been stationed in Jordan on his first deployment when he was called into Afghanistan to defend the civilians fleeing the Taliban's advance. He was eager to be one of the brave men and women on the front lines, making a real difference for the Americans and allies trapped in a terrifying and dangerous situation.

Lance Corporal Schmitz was totally committed to his military service, and he felt a calling to be a United States marine. So much so that he had gotten his parents' permission to enlist at just 17 years old.

Lance Corporal Schmitz was just 20 years old when he lost his life in the terrorist attack at the airport in Kabul.

Lance Corporal Schmitz and the 12 other servicemembers we lost in August went above and beyond the call of duty to protect those stranded in Afghanistan.

I sadly don't believe we will truly understand why Lance Corporal Schmitz and his fellow soldiers died. Nevertheless, his family, their families, and all Americans deserve answers, Mr. Speaker.

And I hope one day those who made the decisions that resulted in these senseless deaths will be held accountable.

In the meantime, I am grateful that their service and their sacrifice is being commemorated by this legislation. The bravery and valor shown by these servicemembers is unquestionable.

I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill, and I look forward to standing next to the family of Lance Corporal Schmitz as they are presented a Congressional Gold Medal commemorating their son's service and valor.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. McClain), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentlewoman.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining on my side.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Waltz).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber), my friend and colleague, a classmate of mine.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I simply urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5142 to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of the servicemembers who perished in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3755, the deceitfully named Women's Health Protection Act. This legislation constitutes a radical assault on the sanctity of life and the dignity of the most vulnerable Americans.

I am grieved and shocked beyond words that Democrats are moving to force States across the country to accept abortion on demand, right up until the moment of birth. Along with so many Americans, I believe that life is beautiful, and that all babies must be given the opportunity to thrive. And yet, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to eradicate every legal protection these little ones have, rather than welcoming them with the love and joy and hope that they deserve.

This bill gives abortionists the ability to decide which precious infants are ``viable'' and worthy of life. It prioritizes the profitability of the abortion industry over genuine and compassionate care for mothers and children.

No baby should be discarded because they were allegedly unwanted, and no mother's needs should be subjugated to the demands of the abortion lobby.

This is an incredibly urgent time in our Nation. I implore each and every one of my colleagues to stand up and fight for those who cannot protect themselves.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on H.R. 3755.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the incredible work and service of Joseph Sivewright. At the end of 2021, he will officially retire as the Chairman of Nestle Purina PetCare after over 30 years of outstanding leadership.

Since joining Nestle Purina in 1985, Mr. Sivewright has held various positions throughout the company as he proved himself to be a treasured employee. Prior to his role as Chairman, he was appointed as the company's President & Chief Operating Officer and was then named President and Chief Executive Officer.

Under Mr. Sivewright's leadership, Nestle Purina has grown through numerous product innovations and the company has been recognized as one of the ``best places to work'' by several St. Louis and national organizations.

I want to personally thank Joe for his many years of friendship, as well as his desire to ensure Nestle Purina is a strong community partner. His distinguished career and tremendous leadership are celebrated by our St. Louis community. I personally appreciate the impact his work ethic and constant drive to improve the lives of those around had on his employees. As a former Purina employee myself when I was just out of college, I know how important it is to have a smart and driven leader at the helm to set the tone for the rest of us and help us achieve even greater heights.

Joe had a tremendous impact not only on all of those with whom he worked throughout his many years at Purina, but also on those he worked with outside of work as a dedicated member of our St. Louis community. We all appreciate everything he has done so far, and look forward to seeing what else he will accomplish in the coming years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the incredible work and service of Joseph Sivewright. On July 30, 2021, he will officially retire as the Nestle Purina Chairman after over 30 years of outstanding leadership.

Since joining Nestle Purina in 1985, Mr. Sivewright has held various positions throughout the company as he proved himself to be a treasured employee. Prior to his role as Chairman, he was appointed as the company's President & Chief Operating Officer and was then named President and Chief Executive Officer.

His dedicated leadership has not gone unnoticed. In 2016, just one year after he took the reins as Chief Executive Officer, he was named one of the country's most popular CEOs. It comes as no surprise that Nestle Purina received numerous accolades from both St. Louis organizations and national organizations while under his direction.

I want to personally thank Joe for his many years of friendship, as well as his desire to ensure Nestle Purina is a strong community partner. His distinguished career and tremendous leadership are celebrated by our St. Louis community. I personally appreciate the impact his work ethic and constant drive to improve the lives of those around had on his employees. As a former Purina employee myself when I was just out of college, I know how important it is to have a smart and driven leader at the helm to set the tone for the rest of us and help us achieve even greater heights. Joe had a tremendous impact not only on all of those with whom he worked throughout his many years at Purina, but also on those he worked with outside of work as a dedicated member of our St. Louis community. We all appreciate everything he has done so far and look forward to seeing what else he will accomplish in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise as a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable. I continue to fight for the Born-Alive Act to mandate lifesaving care for abortion survivors. And I also am proud to support H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which will permanently prohibit taxpayer funding for abortions by enshrining the bipartisan Hyde amendment into law. Sadly, both the Born-Alive Act and the Hyde amendment are under attack by my Democrat colleagues.

The Hyde amendment protects taxpayers from paying for abortions and has saved hundreds of thousands of lives.

No one should be forced to financially support the abortion industry. I stand with the majority of Americans who believe in this essential conscience protection.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 2547.

This bill is misguided. It will not improve debt collection or credit reporting but will instead harm consumers and small businesses.

This bill would make extending credit more expensive for everyone, especially lower-income borrowers with thin or no credit files and who need it the most.

This bill is yet another giveaway to progressives who want to eliminate the core foundation of our credit market and financial system.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 2547, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I claim the time in opposition, and I am opposed to this en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that people are hurting. There is no doubt that many Americans continue to feel the weight of the pandemic in their daily lives. Yet Republicans know that preventing individuals and businesses from being paid for services rendered will not help those individuals and families who need it the most.

This bill will not benefit consumers or businesses, particularly those small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. In fact, if enacted, this bill and the amendments will drive up the cost for all borrowers and will make credit less accessible to the borrowers who need it the most. Many of these amendments were not even considered during markup, and could result in unintended consequences and conflict with existing law and regulations.

For example, this en bloc makes it harder to collect on payment for services. It creates more confusion. This en bloc requires duplicative actions and is in conflict with current CFPB rules. This results in consumers receiving varying and inconsistent information. It also imposes specific requirements on the process and content of legal actions--some in direct conflict with existing laws and court procedures.

All of these have potential consequences and deserve to be debated through regular order, not in the 11th hour on the floor.

Mr. Speaker, this en bloc continues the Democrats' goal of bringing all student loan borrowers under the Federal student loan portfolio, this time under the guise of COVID relief. In expanding the Federal student loan profile, this en bloc fails to address the underlying issues related to the Federal student loan debt crisis, which was already exacerbated by the Democrats' goal of nationalizing student lending in 2010.

This en bloc fails to recognize the success of the private student loan market. Approximately 98 percent of student loans are repaid in the private market.

This en bloc continues to ignore the work that the CFPB did when it finalized its debt collection rule last fall. This final rule reflects more than 7 years of research and analysis, and clarifies the allowable uses of modern communication technology.

This en bloc prohibits debt collectors from contacting consumers by email or text message without explicit prior consent from the consumer. Under this amendment, social media messages are also prohibited. This approach ignores the fact that the final rule allows consumers to opt out of specific means of communications used by debt collectors.

Republicans believe that consumers should be able to communicate about their payment options privately and using the methods that they want to communicate.

This is yet another example of Democrats attempting to hamstring the ability to modernize the regulatory framework to account for modern technology and consumer preference.

Finally, this en bloc requires the CFPB to produce a prescriptive report on the debt collection process. The CFPB, in consultation with the FTC, already issues an annual oversight report on debt collection, which includes data on consumer complaints and enforcement actions.

The point is, constraining debt collection will undermine the underwriting system and increase risk to the financial system. This ultimately makes extending credit more expensive for all borrowers and may exclude the lowest income borrowers entirely.

There are commonsense ways to update and improve the process for debt collection and credit reporting.

Republicans believe that consumers who owe a debt should be treated with respect and dignity and are not subjected to abusive or harassing behaviors. While there are commonsense ways to update and improve the debt collection process, the law already upholds this notion.

Mr. Speaker, this en bloc is another partisan wish list of progressive policies in search of a problem. I urge my colleagues to oppose this en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, this en bloc will not improve debt collection or credit reporting, but will instead harm consumers and small businesses. It will make extending credit more expensive for everyone, especially lower income borrowers with thin or no credit files and who need it the most.

The intent is clear, the Democrats want to eliminate the core foundation of our credit market and financial system.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this en bloc, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am not opposed to this en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, these amendments will ensure that we know the true consequences of this bill before it is enacted into law. These amendments direct the Treasury Department and the GAO to separately study the impacts this bill will have on low-to-moderate income, minority, or thin-or no-credit-file consumers.

Payment for services rendered is a fundamental premise of our free market system. Republicans understand this concept and work hard to ensure legislation does not cut off access to credit or price large swaths of Americans out of the consumer credit market.

Moreover, we should not be limiting small businesses' ability to collect payments at any time, but especially when they are already hurting from the pandemic-related shutdowns.

The point is, constraining debt collection will undermine the underwriting system and increase risk to the financial system. This ultimately makes extending credit more expensive for all borrowers, and may exclude the lowest income borrowers entirely.

There is bipartisan consensus that a consumer who owes a debt should be treated with respect and dignity and not be subjected to abusive or harassing behavior. The law already upholds this notion.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, this en bloc will ensure that we know the true consequences of this bill before it becomes effective. Payment for services rendered is a fundamental premise of our credit-based free market system.

Republicans want to ensure legislation passed by this House will not limit access to credit, price large swaths of Americans out of the consumer credit market, or restrict small businesses' ability to collect payments for services provided.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise as the designee of Ranking Member McHenry, and I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Mr. Speaker, since taking the majority in the House last Congress, Democrats have attempted to undermine the financial system through a partisan wish list that is focused on one thing: undermining the pillars of our financial system. Now with one party dominating, they are jamming through a bill that will not only hurt the very borrowers they claim they are trying to help, but it will bring down our credit markets.

There is no doubt that individuals and families are hurting. There is no doubt that the pandemic brought on additional challenges. But undermining our financial system is not the way to help Americans.

Our financial system needs strong underwriting practices to keep it strong and reduce risk when extending credit. This is what makes credit more available at a lower cost to more borrowers. This is not to say that the system is perfect. Republicans agree there are some improvements that can be made to the way the system operates.

The gentleman's amendment would replace the underlying bill with several targeted approaches to improve the debt collection and credit reporting framework.

First, this amendment requires the inclusion of a clear disclosure when a confession of judgment, or COJ, is part of a business lending contract. It also requires lenders to obtain a written affidavit containing the date and nature of a borrower's default in order to execute a confession of judgment. This will help to ensure small businesses know the full terms and conditions of their agreement and help to crack down on reported misuse of COJs while allowing these important repayment tools to remain in use.

This amendment preserves the servicemember protection bill sponsored by the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania. In fact, I would remind my colleagues that we just passed this bill on suspension 3 weeks ago. We should focus on getting this bill enacted into law rather than packaging it up in a wish list of partisan policies.

This amendment would allow the estate of a deceased or permanently disabled student loan borrower to request a discharge of the student loan debt. This change would codify the current practice used by private lenders to ensure that student loan borrowers are indeed protected.

This amendment would also address concerns with medical debt. It would eliminate the inclusion of paid, medically necessary, nonelective medical debt in credit reports. This provision is a responsible way to address the challenges that many face in repaying medical debt. At the same time, it does not make healthcare more expensive or services less available.

Finally, this amendment acknowledges the work of the CFPB. What my colleagues won't tell you is that the final debt collection rule was the culmination of more than 7 years of research and analysis. It clarified the allowable uses of modern communication technology.

This amendment, unlike the underlying bill, is a commonsense approach to improve the consumer experience in debt collection and credit reporting. It will strengthen our financial system while increasing options and choices for consumers when they owe debt.

I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will recognize this effort to make improvements that will benefit consumers and small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the ranking member's amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, this amendment replaces the underlying bill with targeted approaches to improve the debt collection and credit reporting framework. This amendment preserves options for consumers and ensures that small businesses are paid for services that they provide. This amendment will ensure our financial system remains safe and sound.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 965, the Young African Leaders Initiative Act, led by Representative Bass and Representative Smith.

YALI provides fellowship opportunities at U.S. universities and other training programs at Regional Leadership Centers throughout sub-Saharan Africa on leadership skills, entrepreneurship, and effective public administration.

Not only is this an investment in future generations of African leaders, but this is also effective diplomacy. At a time when the Chinese Communist Party is ramping up exchange programs across the continent and establishing Confucius Institutes, programs like YALI are critical to providing alternate opportunities.

I urge my colleagues to support this important measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Meeks and Representative Connolly for working on this compromise text for the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act that strikes an important balance.

The bill we are voting on today shows that we can strongly advocate for human rights in Saudi Arabia and for its nationals abroad without leaving Saudi Arabia and Americans in the region vulnerable to threats from Iran and other malign actors. This bill shows we can protect our values and our security interests at the same time.

I urge all Members to support this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1083, the Southeast Asia Strategy Act, important legislation that I introduced to ensure the United States engages proactively and meaningfully in a critical region of the world.

This powerhouse region joins the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean regions and serves as a conduit for global trade. The Southeast Asian states are increasingly vital to the prosperity of the U.S. economy, generating hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

The People's Republic of China, eager to undermine U.S. interests in this key region, is aggressively working to expand its influence in Southeast Asia. It seeks to exploit its predatory investment, development, and trade policies; illegal military installations in the South China Sea; and disinformation campaigns to coerce countries to accept its agenda.

The United States has long enjoyed strong relations with Southeast Asia, and it must now fully realize this strategic partnership. The Southeast Asia Strategic Act will ensure the United States develops and communicates a coherent regional strategy that addresses all aspects of the relationship, from trade and humanitarian goals to diplomatic and security arrangements.

We have a national interest in sustaining U.S. leadership in Southeast Asia, supporting human rights and respect for democratic freedoms, and articulating our strategic priorities.

We will find willing partners in our many friends and allies in the region that share our grave concerns regarding China's belligerence and growing power.

I thank Representative Castro, with whom I co-chair the Congressional Caucus on ASEAN, for working with me on this legislation. Congress' strong bipartisan support for U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia sends an unmistakable message of American resolve and leadership to the region.

Madam Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1083, the Southeast Asia Strategy Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to implore my colleagues to join me in the fight to protect the most vulnerable in our society, infants who survive abortions.

Again and again, more than 75 times, Democrats have refused to even allow a vote on my legislation, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This, Mr. Speaker, is shameful.

Every child should be welcomed with joy and wonder, no matter the circumstances of their birth. I will not stop working until this legislation is passed and signed into law, so all newborns have a chance at life.

Just 2 hours ago, Representative Kat Cammack filed a discharge petition so that Democrats can't continue to block the Born-Alive Act. It is my sincerest hope that every Member of Congress, Democrat or Republican, finds the courage to add their name to this petition. This is the simplest decision that any of us can make. Do you support babies receiving lifesaving care after they are born, or would you deny these children that care and murder them or leave them to die in front of you?

I am challenging Congress to stand up and do the right thing. I urge my colleagues to sign the discharge petition to ensure no American child is denied medical care.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the incredible work and service of Dr. Jeffrey Bonner. On March 24, 2021, Dr. Bonner announced that he planned to retire as the President and CEO of the St. Louis Zoo after 19 years of steadfast leadership.

As any St. Louisan will tell you, the Zoo is one of our city's most treasured attractions. Home to over 12,000 animals, 500 different species, and free admission for all, the St. Louis Zoo brings in families from throughout the region to witness the amazing beauty of wildlife from all over the world. Over the course of Dr. Bonner's tenure, 56 million people have had the privilege of visiting the St. Louis Zoo and seeing its world-class exhibits.

Since joining the Zoo in 2002, Dr. Bonner coordinated and oversaw multiple campaigns to modernize the century-old campus, create scholarships and educational programs, and pioneer innovative animal conservation initiatives. Dr. Bonner's dedication to the Zoo, the animals, and our city played a pivotal role in making our Zoo one of the best in the nation and a local landmark.

I want to thank Dr. Bonner for his hard work and devotion, and I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 81.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 81

Madam Speaker, I rise to offer my amendment No. 40 to H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.

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

Madam Speaker, I believe we have a sacred responsibility to protect and empower women, end abuse and assault, and hold perpetrators of violence against women accountable for their crimes.

However, we need to be sure that our efforts are effective. The Department of Justice inspector general has consistently revealed fraudulent and wasteful uses of VAWA grant funds. Congress should demand accountability so that every dollar marked for helping victims and preventing violence against women actually goes to help the most vulnerable.

My commonsense amendment would prevent those who commit fraud and misuse from receiving VAWA funds. Madam Speaker, they are stealing from the victims that they are supposed to be helping by these efforts and should face the consequences.

Democrats and Republicans should agree that this amendment will advance prevention efforts and victim services. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support my amendment.

Madam Speaker, however, I want to take this opportunity to touch on something that is even more important. I am ashamed that Democrats would bring this legislation to the floor without my amendment that would allow sex trafficking victims to receive grant funding through the Creating Hope Through Outreach, Options, Services, and Education for Children and Youth program.

My amendment was removed, stripped in a partisan fashion from VAWA this Congress, stripping vital

sex trafficking funding for victims and children.

Also not allowed, Madam Speaker, was my amendment that bans the horrors of sex-selection abortions that have killed millions of girls around the world and right here in the United States. It is an unthinkable tragedy that little girls are targeted for death even before they are born solely because of their sex, and I am grieved that Democrats would not allow a vote on this basis to protect unborn girls.

These two amendments are at the very core of what it means to protect women and girls, and I am outraged that Democrats have chosen to move forward in a partisan manner without these critical provisions.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

In closing, this amendment will improve the underlying bill.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, and join me, along with the Department of Justice and the inspector general, to make sure that we are preventing fraud and abuse in these grant programs and making sure that every dollar marked for helping victims and preventing violence against women actually goes to help the most vulnerable.

Nevertheless, Madam Speaker, the underlying bill neglects to give trafficking victims and children the resources they need and was purposefully stripped from this partisan piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, I oppose H.R. 1620, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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