Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Dowell Taylor for his recent induction into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation.

Mr. Taylor is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. He is a graduate of Callaway High School and Jackson State University (JSU) where he received a Bachelor's in Music Education, as well as a Master's in Music Education. During his undergraduate years, he arranged over 100 band selections including JSU's current theme song, ``Get Ready,'' an old Motown favorite. Mr. Taylor decided to further his study by enrolling in the Doctor of Musical Arts program in Wind Conducting at the University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music. He then went on to receive a certification in Music Technology from the Technology Institute for Music Educators.

In 1975, he received the highest achievement of a JSU bandsman, the ``Best All Around Bandsman'' award. Mr. Taylor has served as Director of Bands at both Mary Holmes, Jr. College and Kentucky State University--where he also served as department chair. From 1984 to 1992, he served as Director of Music Technology and the Director of Bands of one of the most entertaining programs in HBCU history, the ``Sonic Boom of the South.''

In 2009, he developed the Music Technology degree program for undergraduate students at Jackson State University, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and in 2010, he was honored by the Mississippi Jazz Foundation. Mr. Taylor's Jazz Quartet received the Jazz Group of the Year Award from the Jackson Music Award, Inc.

After 31 years of service, he retired from Jackson State University in June of 2015. But, that did not stop him from coming back in September of 2017 to serve as Interim Director of Bands, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Music Technology at Jackson State University.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Dowell Taylor on his induction into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation along with his years of dedicated leadership and servanthood to the art and craft of music.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable historical church, Young Chapel Missionary Baptist of Duck Hill, Mississippi as they celebrate 150 of serving their community and our Lord and Savior.

Young Chapel Missionary Baptist Church started its worship services in the year of 1868 under a brush harbor with members from the Spring Hill and Hays Creek M.B. Church. The messages were presented by Minster Tom Young, which is where the name Young Chapel derived.

The land for the first church building was contributed by Mr. Warren Townsend which sits about one mile from where it stands today. The first building was blown down and later rebuilt not far from its original location. The new building took a stand for many years but was also destroyed. After rebuilding yet again, the church on Spring Hill Road has stood tall and has remained home to the members of Young Chapel.

As of 2018, the church has one pastor, four associate ministers, one secretary, ten deacons, one youth director, one adult director, one women director, one church secretary, five ushers, 42 choir members, a dining committee, a program committee, a sick ministry, a health ministry, a relief ministry and a marriage ministry.

Duck Hill, Mississippi is 1,400 in population today, growing from about 730 in 2010. The city is located on U.S. Route 51, which is midway between Grenada and Winona, Mississippi. The city is also home to the annual Grassroots Blues Festival which takes place each July.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Young Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for its dedication for serving our great people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable author, Ms. Angie Thomas, who is a native of Jackson, Mississippi.

As a teen, Thomas indulged in the art of hip-hop while also publishing an article in Right-On Magazine. In 2011, she received a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Belhaven University located in Jackson.

In 2015, Thomas was awarded as the inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Myers Grant by The We Need Diverse Books Organization. In 2017, Thomas was recognized at the Mississippi Book Festival for inspiring young Mississippians that they too ``can reach their dreams.''

Thomas is the author of the No. 1 New York Times Bestseller novel, The Hate U Give, which pushes a powerful message of social justice and the issues facing African-Americans throughout this country. The novel was acquired by Balzer + Bray imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

The Hate U Give has received one of the highest amounts of starred reviews received for a young adult novel and will be published in over 20 countries. It has also been on a national young adult best-seller list for over 80 weeks.

In 2018, The Hate U Give was made into a movie and opened in select theaters on October 5th. By mid-October, it was showing nationwide. The Hate U Give movie is directed by George Tillman and stars actress Amandla Stenberg.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Angie Thomas for her dedication and tenacity to serving her community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6382, the ``Clarity on Small Business Participation in Category Management Act,'' a bill which seeks to improve participation in federal contracting by small businesses.

The ``Clarity on Small Business Participation in Category Management Act,'' requires that the Small Business Administration report to Congress on the total amount of government-wide spending under the Category Management approach, and more importantly, the number of small businesses awarded contracts under Category Management and the dollar amount of such contracts.

This information will allow Congress to determine whether Category Management is negatively impacting the participation of small businesses--including, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned companies--in the federal marketplace.

While I appreciate that the rationale behind Category Management is to save taxpayer dollars by reducing contract redundancies and costs and shrink administrative burdens, I share the concerns of many that the expanded use of Category Management, as proposed by the Trump Administration, will result in less opportunities for small businesses to secure federal contracts.

Research published in a Federal News Radio article has shown that past contract consolidation efforts by the federal government have decreased the amount of small prime contractors obtaining federal work. As such, we must exercise vigilance to guard against the diminution of small business participation in the federal marketplace under Category Management.

As a longtime advocate for small businesses, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor on this legislation, and I thank the gentlelady from North Carolina, Ms. Adams, for bringing the bill forward.

With that, I urge my House colleagues to support small businesses by voting in favor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Oregon yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 302, a bill to make the Nation's transportation system more secure. Not only does H.R. 302 give needed attention to the security of air cargo, airport perimeters, and public areas of airports, as well as mass transit facilities, but for the first time since the 9/11 Act, it directs TSA to put significant focus on bolstering surface transportation security.

H.R. 302 also does two important things for TSA frontline workers. It directs TSA to sit down with labor representatives to collaborate on long-overdue personnel reforms and authorize the TSA training academy.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that H.R. 302 includes every House- passed Democratic TSA bill, as well as language to right a wrong that has resulted in billions of dollars collected from the flying public for security being diverted from TSA security operations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their collaboration and support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a dear friend, Mr. George Wayne Daniel, Sr.

Mr. Daniel was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 10, 1948, but was raised in Bolton, Mississippi by his grandparents, Melvin and Fannie Moore. He attended Tougaloo College earning a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in guidance and counseling from Jackson State University.

He served as an academic counselor for over twenty years at Jackson State before taking on the roles of Police Chief of the Bolton Police Department and City Manager.

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Daniel for many years. We were childhood friends, high school and college classmates, and neighbors.

From Hinds AHS, Tougaloo College, and Jackson State University, we have been with each other every step of the way. He was truly a dear friend who left an everlasting impression on my life. Mr. Daniel passed on September 10, 2018, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

He is survived by his son, George Wayne Daniel, Jr., his grandson, George Austin Daniel, and his sister, Diane Daniel.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and memory of my dear friend, Mr. George Wayne Daniel, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the American Missionary Association.

The American Missionary Association (AMA) was formed in 1846 by 19th Century missionaries with the sole goal to abolish slavery and educate all escaped and freed slaves. The organization is known for its work of creating 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation.

The diverse leaders of the American Missionary Association consisted of four African-Americans out of its 12-person charter. The entity was rooted in the Christian faith but worked beyond the ministry allowing the creation of Berea College, Clark Atlanta University, Fisk University, Hampton University, Dillard University and my alma mater Tougaloo College. The American Missionary Association also aided in the founding of Howard University.

In 1931, the association joined the Congregational Christian Churches, which is now known as the United Church of Christ.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the history of the American Missionary Association and all the work they provided to educated African-Americans, including myself throughout the nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community servant, Velma Davis. Velma has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and the desire to live a long and fruitful life.

Velma Davis was born in 1903 in the Thornton Community of Holmes County. She received her education at the St. Francis Catholic School and attended the Yazoo High School Number Two. Ms. Davis continued her education with courses from Holmes Community College, Jackson State University and the Tuskegee Alabama Institute.

Ms. Davis entered adulthood during a time of great change in Mississippi. It was the era when most of her daily activities took place in segregated facilities. In 1957, Ms. Davis began working at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Yazoo City where she worked for 13 years. She was one of the first African Americans hired to work at Kings Daughters, and she witnessed the changes that slowly took place as the hospital opened its door to the entire community.

After several years had passed, she went to work at the E & W Plant in Yazoo City, where she was involved in the production of clothing. In 1973, she began working for the Headstart in Yazoo City, when it was a part of the Community Action and Cooperative Program. While working at Headstart for over 36 years, Velma maintained a very active social life while being a mother to five children.

She was involved with the American Legion Post No. 201 Women's Auxiliary and the Yazoo Community Action Program, and during that time she worked part time for 24 years with the Warren Yazoo Mental Health.

Velma's long job history includes working for the Centers for Disease Control in Adult Immunizations, part-time sales clerk for two years at the Black and White Department Store, and a CNA for the Betty Pyles Nursing Register for 5 years at the Care Inn in Yazoo City. Ms. Davis worked on the Community Response Emergency Team for six years, an American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Instructor for five years and she worked with the Deep South Organization for four years.

In 2010, Velma retired from Headstart, after three decades of service to the children of Yazoo City. After retirement she got involved with NCBA Program, which trains seniors to do different things so they can be employed. In 2012, she began working at the Yazoo County Human Resources Agency as the activity coordinator where she hosts several activities for seniors such as health screenings, birthday outings and more.

She is an active member of Beulah Land Baptist Church, where she is the vice president of the church choir. Ms. Davis works with MAP Headstart as the Chairperson over the Health Advisory Committee, and holds the office of Treasury of the Yazoo County TRIAD through the District Attorney's Office. She is also a member of the Yazoo County Fair and Civic Leach choir.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Velma Davis for her dedication and tenacity to serving her community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dynamic young woman of the community, Alexandrea Johnson.

Alexandrea Johnson is a native of Holmes County, MS. She is the daughter of Maria Porter-Shannon and Christopher Johnson.

Ms. Johnson is Miss Sophomore 2018-2019 at the eminent school, Alcorn State University. She states that, ``It's a privilege and honor to serve at the institution and it gives her such an humbling and incredible experience to be able to grow beyond her capabilities.'' The school is helping her to grow into a fine young lady, leader and scholar. As she stepped out on faith and followed the path that God placed in her, ultimately things worked out in her favor.

As Miss Sophomore, she wants to be able to inspire both males and females at any institution. She especially has the desire to help students grow within themselves and to someday inspire others in the Holmes County community.

She desires to implement a platform called ``Unity'' during her reign as Miss Sophomore by hosting fun, modern, and informative events for her class because there is a need for everyone to come together. She is planting seeds of growth, prosperity and maturity, a goal that she has set for herself.

She has also traveled abroad this summer to Viana do Castelo, Portugal to enhance her knowledge about medicine and how things are run in the hospital setting. She was thrilled and grateful to have had the chance to study abroad and to be granted such an incredible opportunity and experience.

She also attended the Tailor Made Royal Retreat in Atlanta, Georgia and had a phenomenal time learning about the significance of the Royal Court and the Student Government Association. God's grace and mercy has abled her to be in this position to inspire others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this young woman that Holmes County is very proud of, Ms. Alexandrea Johnson for her dedication to serving and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Larry D. Camper. The son of Doris L. Howell and Doffie T. Camper was born on March 3, 1950 in Mendenhall, MS. He spent his childhood between Brandon, MS and Chicago, IL. In the early fifties, Camper and his mother returned from Chicago to live in Mississippi with his grandparents, Lenard and Bethel Howell. Upon returning to Mississippi, he started school at Rose Hill Baptist Church and in May 1968, he graduated from McLaurin High School where he received several athletic awards, including being voted the best athlete in his senior year.

After high school, Camper began working for Mississippi Bank in Jackson, MS and was the first African American to work for a bank in Jackson in a position other than as a janitor. In the fall of 1968, he enrolled in Jackson State College and received a B.S. in Industrial Technology in 1972 while working for Mississippi Bank. After graduating from college, Camper enrolled in a management training program at the bank and after demonstrating an excellent work ethic that included a high level of professionalism, he was promoted to Bank Officer.

In December of 1973, Camper married his college sweetheart, Patricia A. Buchanan from Prentiss, MS, who also received her B.S. in Education in 1973 from Jackson State University. Camper and Patricia share two wonderful children, LaTonya Rochell and LaDerek Rashad and a son-in law, Derrick Kirkland.

Always aspiring to achieve and succeed, Camper continued to work hard at the bank learning all he could. In 1984, his drive and determination caused him to enroll in the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS to pursue a degree in Banking. Out of the 75 students enrolled in the program, Camper, again, succeeded as a first by being the only African American in this class to receive a banking degree in 1985. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, he continued to move up the ranks at Mississippi Bank, holding several officer positions. After 35 years in banking and four bank mergers, Camper retired from Union Planters Bank as a Senior Vice President. In January 2004, Camper was offered a position with the Hinds County Tax Collector's office in Jackson, MS as the Assistant Tax Collector and Operations Manager where he continues to serve in this capacity.

Over the last 35 years, Camper continued his excellent work in the community from his affiliation with several community, social and professional organizations, including: Leadership Jackson graduate (1999); Vice President, West Jackson CDC; Chairman of the Board of Directors, Capitol City Classic (Jackson, MS); Minority Business Development Loan Board (City of Jackson); Mississippi Bankers Association; Urban Financial Service Coalition; JSU National Alumni Association; Jackson Metro Housing Project; Education Committee Member for Metro Jackson Chamber of Commerce; Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and member of New Hope Baptist Church located on Watkins Drive.

During his professional career, Camper also received numerous community awards and special honors, including ``Outstanding Young Man of America'' (1979 and 1985); and the Public Service Honor Award.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Larry D. Camper for his dedication to serving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mrs. Marie Ford.

Mrs. Ford is the daughter of the late Mrs. Clay D. Moore. She is married to Mr. Charles Ford and the mother of two daughters, Luetrina and Catrina. She has two grandsons and three siblings.

Mrs. Ford is a retired educator but continues to work on a part-time basis in education. She received her education in the Greenville Public School District. She attended Lucy L. Webb Elementary School and graduated from Coleman High School in 1964. She furthered her education at Mississippi Valley State University, graduating with degrees in Biology and Chemistry in 1969. She later received a Masters Degree from Delta State University in Biology in 1975.

Her teaching career has spanned some 40 plus years. She began teaching at Coleman High School, then Leland Middle School, and eventually Leland High School, where she officially retired in 2009.

Mrs. Ford is a member of the Greater St. Peter M.B. Church, pastored by Dr. Jesse King. She serves as the church's secretary and Superintendent of the Sunday school. She also serves as the Dean of the Washington County General Baptist Association, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Marie Ford for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable historical church, Pleasant Hope Missionary Baptist of Lambert, Mississippi and the great leadership it is under, Rev. Reginald G. Griffin.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, sitting on the banks of Cassidy Bayou in Vance, Mississippi was originally granted to the African- American sharecropping community around 1902 to be used as a church and a school for African-American students. In those days especially in rural plantation settings where you had many sharecropping families, they only had church schools to attend. After the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the case of Brown vs The Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, changes had to be made in the delivery of education to African-American students. Due to the fact whites were trying to delay the impact of this landmark court decision that of separate but equal which later led to the forced integration of schools, they began to build public schools in the Mississippi delta, supposedly separate but equal in the 1950's and early 1960's. Therefore, as a result, New Hope Church was no longer needed to serve as a school; it was used solely for the edifying and uplifting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the surrounding communities. Many of the members in the mid to late 20th century came from the A. L. King, E. Q. Vance and William Yandell plantations in South Quitman and Tallahatchie Counties in Mississippi.

Former Pastors were: the late Jim Jones, Jordan Taylor, Jim Lee, Joe Survillian, T. Terry, L.J. Rodgers, M.L. Long and former Pastor Oswald G. McCaskill. In February of 2002 Reverend Reginald Griffin answered his call to Pastor New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

October 2005, Reverend Reginald Griffin, Pastor of the New Hope M.B. Church called a meeting with members of New Hope and Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church of Lambert, Mississippi, his former church prior to coming to New Hope. At this meeting, he put forth a plan to merge the two churches since both had declining memberships because of declining populations in the mostly sharecropping community. Through Divine intervention, the members of New Hope and the members of Pleasant Ridge agreed to the merge. The members of both congregations were given the task of renaming the new church. Pastor Griffin jokingly made the suggestion to name the new church Pleasant Hope and that name and other suggestions were voted on. By a slim majority vote in November 2005 the combined church officially became Pleasant Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Pleasant Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Reginald Griffin was officially chartered in the small town of Vance, Mississippi on Cassidy Bayou, located on the Southwest corner of the intersection of Highway 3 (Charley Pride Highway) and Walnut Road.

The oldest member of New Hope at the time of the charter was Mother Corrine Jackson Thomas, age 84, and the oldest member now is still Mother Corrine Jackson Thomas at age 97.

Since many of the members had long since moved from the plantations and had settled in nearby Lambert and Marks, and the fact that the historic building of New Hope was no longer suitable for conducting services, the membership set sites on a more secure and suitable location to build a new sanctuary further North where most of the members had moved.

After much prayer and searching, Pastor Griffin and the Deacons were led to an overgrown parcel of land in the heart of Lambert (the Town of Hope) which was perfect for Pleasant Hope's new location. The parcel was purchased, cleared and the new edifice was erected. There were many struggles along the way including but not limited to a straight wind storm that blew many of the rafters down on July 4, 2012, but on September 12, 2012 the first worship service was held in the newly built church at 945 Sixth Street in Lambert, Mississippi.

The decision was made to demolish the old structure that was Pleasant Ridge, and plans are in place to preserve the cemetery and use the land in a way that benefits the present membership of Pleasant Hope. Sadly, the original sanctuary of New Hope that had been reconstructed under the leadership of Rev. Myles Long in the 1980's was accidentally or intentionally burned to the ground on April 10, 2016. The origin of the fire has not been determined. The land on which the old New Hope Church sat, was also a cemetery and will be preserved as such in the years ahead. However, the original building held many memories since most of the current membership confessed a home in Christ there.

Pastor Griffin was led to change church service times from 9:00 a.m. Sunday School, and 11:00 a.m. morning worship to holding Sunday School inclusive with morning worship beginning at 9:00 a.m. The church's motto is ``We are a church on the move for Christ, our doors and hearts are always open and you are always welcome''. Over the years the congregation has grown spiritually. We now have two Associate Ministers: Minister Gloria Richmond Jackson and Minister Tanya Shegog Thomas. Church Officers Board of Deacons and Board of Trustees, Weddie Jackson, Sr. Emeritus, Tommie L. Jackson, Chairman, Jack Clark, Jr., Vice Chairman, Larry Thomas, Church Clerk/Secretary, Elizabeth S. Goins, Treasurer, Andrew Jarriett, Jr., Assistant Treasurer, Robert. L. Jackson, Member, Charles Beasley, Jr., Reginald G. Griffin, Pastor.

Pleasant Hope Missionary Baptist Church welcomes members of the Lambert, and surrounding counties of Quitman, Tallahatchie, Coahoma and Panola to utilize our sanctuary for weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other

church and community events. Pleasant Hope is not just a building, but it is a body of Baptized Believers whose facility is being used by God as a gateway for glorifying and praising the Lord.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pleasant Hope Missionary Baptist Church for its dedication for serving our great people.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 6439, the Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program Authorization Act of 2018.

I have long supported Department of Homeland Security overseas programs aimed at preventing terrorist threats from ever arriving at our borders. In fact, over the years, I have sponsored a number of measures that specifically seek to drive greater international collaboration and expand DHS' overseas border security footprint.

Two well-established overseas DHS programs that come to mind are:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Preclearance program, in which officers are posted abroad to screen travelers prior to boarding U.S.- bound flights; and

Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Visa Security Program, in which ICE special agents are posted at overseas consulates to assist State Department staff in visa vetting.

Earlier this Congress, Representative Filemon Vela, the lead Democrat on our Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee, introduced two bills aimed at bolstering international border and counterterrorism cooperation:

H.R. 2218 would authorize ICE's Border Enforcement Security Task Force, a program that has been proven to be effective at enhancing cooperation and information sharing among law enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The second bill, H.R. 4578, is targeted at expanding efforts carried out by CBP's National Targeting Center aimed at disrupting and dismantling terrorists and other criminal networks.

When presented to the full House, both bills received unanimous support from Democrats for good reason: They are effective counterterrorism programs.

However, I am sorry to say, as of today, there is not enough data to assess whether the same can be said for ICE's Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program, or BITMAP, pilot. As such, I cannot support permanently authorizing it, as set forth under H.R. 6439.

I would expect that some Members of this body are unfamiliar with the program, as it is largely a classified program and, as such, little information about BITMAP is in the public domain.

Since 2011, ICE's BITMAP pilot program has trained and equipped foreign law enforcement partners on collecting biographic and biometric data of foreign nationals migrating through partner countries so that such information can be checked against U.S. intelligence and law enforcement databases.

The stated goal of the program is to identify known or suspected terrorists or criminals prior to arrival at our borders. Though in operation for several years, the volume of data collected only started to be significant in the last 2 years.

Prior to considering H.R. 6439 in committee, committee members had repeatedly been presented in a classified setting with anecdotes about successes that the program has experienced. While we appreciated hearing positive news about this pilot, anecdotes are not enough to justify permanently authorizing this program. Anecdotes are no substitute for data and evidence of efficiency.

In an effort to secure data prior to committee consideration, I submitted a number of basic questions about the program's efficacy and operations to ICE.

I received a response prior to the committee's markup that raised further questions about BITMAP's efficacy as well as core operational questions, such as:

After checks against databases, what does the U.S. Government do with the records it collects on migrants who are not found to have terrorist ties?

What, if any, protections exist to guard against the collection of highly personal and sensitive information from migrants with no criminal or terrorist ties who are encountered nowhere near the U.S.- Mexico border and have no intentions of coming anywhere close to it?

What, if any, audit or oversight mechanisms exist to ensure that foreign partners adhere to requirements of the program and do not use this sophisticated law enforcement tool to suppress domestic activities?

Over the recess, ICE officials briefed the committee staff about BITMAP, but fundamental questions remain.

I hope that there will be a day when I can say without reservation that, after careful review of BITMAP's operational documents and data, I fully support making it permanent. Unfortunately, today is not the day.

In the absence of evidence, I cannot support H.R. 6439, but I am supportive of the pilot continuing so that ICE can work to aggregate and assess critical data to make an evidentiary case to Congress for why the program should be permanently authorized.

I would note that enactment of H.R. 6439 is not necessary for BITMAP to continue to operate. With or without passage of H.R. 6439, ICE expects to continue to be able to operate the pilot.

Madam Speaker, before I close, I include in the Record a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union in opposition to this legislation.

September 4, 2018.

Re Vote NO on H.R. 6439, the Biometric Identification

Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP)

Authorization Act of 2018.

Dear Representative: On behalf of the American Civil

Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National

Immigration Law Center and the National Immigration Project

of the National Lawyers Guild, we urge you to oppose H.R.

6439, legislation that would permanently authorize the

biometric pilot program known as ``BITMAP'' within the

Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The House is expected

to consider this bill under suspension of the rules on

Tuesday, September 4, 2018. We urge you to oppose H.R. 6439.

H.R. 6439 would permanently authorize BITMAP, a program

which has existed since 2010--but with no privacy or

transparency protections, and with insufficient fact-finding

during committee consideration of the bill. Although BITMAP

would continue without enactment of this legislation, the

House should not permanently authorize the BITMAP program

with limited information, no information on whether DHS takes

any steps to protect privacy, no studies regarding its

efficacy, and no statutory privacy or transparency

protections.

This bill raises significant concerns regarding the sharing

of information across foreign governments related to

suspicion of terrorism, gang violence, and other so-called

national security concerns with very little information as to

how this information is used and retained. In 2010, DHS began

piloting BITMAP to collect and share biometric and

biographical data on ``special interest aliens, violent

criminals, fugitives and confirmed or suspected terrorists.''

According to previous testimony by DHS officials, this also

includes gang members and other persons of interest who may

pose a potential national security concern.

There is no information or proof as to BITMAP's

effectiveness. Despite numerous requests from Congress,

including members of the House Homeland Security Committee,

DHS has failed to provide information since the program's

inception in 2010 that shows its effectiveness or that it is

tailored to meet its needs. Given this, it is premature to

permanently authorize the program, particularly given the

significant privacy and civil liberties concerns.

The legislation fails to require that the program adhere to

privacy protections. This program includes the sharing of

extraordinarily sensitive information regarding individuals

without warrant or analogous legal process. Yet, the

legislation fails to include any privacy standards that DHS

must follow with regards to the program. For example, what

information can be collected, how long can it be stored, when

can it be disseminated to other agencies, and can it be

shared with foreign partners? The omission of these

protections in the bill is particularly striking given that

the agency has not provided any public information regarding

what, if any, privacy protections currently apply to the

execution of BITMAP.

The legislation fails to place limits on how information

collected under BITMAP can be used. There is little to no

information regarding what actions may be triggered as a

result of these database checks nor information regarding

what is considered ``suspicion'' or a ``national security

concern.'' The terms used by officials in discussing this

program such as terrorism, gang members, and national

security concern have historically been used to target

Muslim, Arab, Iranian, Latinx, Middle Eastern, and South

Asian populations. The failure to provide information

regarding policies governing BITMAP raises significant

concerns that the program may result in unjust profiling and

discrimination. The existing legislation fails to include any

language that would prohibit such improper uses. Moreover,

insufficient information has been made public to assess

whether such profiling and discrimination are current

problems with the program.

Under this bill, DHS would have the authority to enter into

agreements with foreign countries to carry out BITMAP

operations without legislative or judicial review. Although

this bill would require DHS to notify Congress before the

execution of BITMAP agreements, the agreements would not be

subject to congressional authorization. This legislation

would significantly undermine Congress' oversight role by

allowing DHS to take measures without sufficient checks or

balances. Additionally, the bill fails to ensure that the

public is made aware of how DHS is exercising its authority.

It is irresponsible to permanently authorize BITMAP without

a full understanding of its effectiveness, policies and

procedures, privacy and civil rights protections, and

oversight mechanisms.

We urge you to oppose H.R. 6439.

Sincerely,

American Civil Liberties Union.

Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

National Immigration Law Center.

National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild.

Madam Speaker, it is our duty as Members of Congress to ensure that counterterrorism pilot programs are effective prior to permanently authorizing them. As I mentioned at the outset, DHS has a number of proven overseas, border, and counterterrorism programs that have strong congressional bipartisan support.

However, with all due respect to the chairman, the efficacy of BITMAP as a counterterrorism program has not been established. As such, a permanent authorization of H.R. 6439 is premature.

Given the classified nature of this program, some Members are unfamiliar with it and there are natural limitations as to what we are able to discuss on the House floor. But I understand that at an unclassified staff-level briefing during the recess on threats in the Caribbean, ICE officials stated that BITMAP is working and successful, but failed to provide data to back up the assertions.

I will concede that ICE has shared some promising anecdotes, and I do not object to ICE officials touting what they see as a successful overseas program to Congress. However, when ICE's broad-based assertions and anecdotes are not backed up with data and metrics, it falls to Congress to carry out oversight of the program, not blindly authorize it.

Let's not reward the administration for failing to provide Congress with necessary data and metrics. Let's come

together and vote down H.R. 6439. By taking such action, we will be communicating to ICE our expectations, while in no way preventing the BITMAP pilot from continuing as it has for the past 7 years.

As I said earlier, I sincerely hope that the positive aspects of BITMAP being touted by the other side of the aisle today can be backed up by reliable data and facts. Unfortunately, the little information we have on BITMAP to date simply does not justify a standalone authorization.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to oppose H.R. 6439, and 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. 6459, the TSA Opportunities to Pursue Expanded Networks for Business Act, or TSA OPEN for Business Act.

Madam Speaker, the Transportation Security Administration must acquire and deploy effective security technology to keep up with current threats. To do so, TSA must ensure its acquisition processes incentivize security manufacturers to develop innovative solutions and compete for contract awards.

Unfortunately, in practice, TSA's processes are unwieldy and full of delays and roadblocks that limit interest and competition. Today, companies looking to do business with TSA for the first time must invest significant resources and expend years of effort on testing and piloting before ever receiving a single purchase order.

For small businesses, which generally lack other revenue streams to underwrite their operations while working through the maze of TSA's processes, these impediments often prove insurmountable. There is no way of knowing how many small businesses have had innovative security solutions, but pursued other opportunities rather than risk getting tangled up in TSA's acquisition web.

My bill, the TSA OPEN for Business Act, requires TSA to develop a strategy to diversify the technology stakeholder marketplace that it relies upon to acquire security technologies. Importantly, the strategy must address barriers to participation for businesses that have not previously provided technology to TSA, including small business innovators.

It also requires TSA to conduct a feasibility assessment of partnering with a nonprofit organization to provide venture capital to help businesses commercialize innovative technologies, similar to the In-Q-Tel program that has been so successful within the intelligence community.

By pushing TSA to take proactive action to diversify the security technology marketplace, H.R. 6459 has the potential to increase competition within the transportation security technology marketplace to ultimately deliver better security.

Madam Speaker, in fiscal year 2017, TSA awarded over $1.6 billion in contracts. Within such a large marketplace, there should be plenty of space for businesses of all sizes with innovative ideas to compete. H.R. 6459 will push TSA to take steps to diversify the security technology marketplace to ensure that it is positioned to acquire the most innovative technology available.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues on the other side for their support, 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. 6430, the Securing the Homeland Security Supply Chain Act of 2018.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6430 would authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to exclude an information technology and communication vendor that is deemed to pose significant national security risk from contracts for equipment and services.

I strongly believe that DHS must have the necessary tools to address evolving cyber incursions and espionage by nation-states to keep our country safe. The most significant risk to the supply chain comes from Chinese and Russian companies.

For years, the intelligence community has warned that information and communication technology produced by Chinese companies, most notably ZTE and Huawei, could be used to carry out cyber theft and espionage.

Some companies with ties to the Russian Government also pose national

security risks. The U.S. Government has particularly highlighted concerns about Kaspersky Lab. In September 2017, DHS issued a directive requiring Federal agencies to remove all Kaspersky products from their networks, given ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence.

The risks to the supply chain are all too real and must be mitigated. That is why I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 6430, a measure that acts upon the information provided to us by our intelligence community to help DHS better counter these mounting threats.

H.R. 6430 provides DHS with needed authority to exclude vendors who are bad actors from the information technology and communications supply chain. If enacted, H.R. 6430 will allow the Department to be proactive and effective in addressing these complex threats in the future.

Importantly, the bill includes robust oversight provisions to ensure that Congress receives notification and justification of any exercise of authority under this act. Notably, this measure is based on a similar authority provided to the Department of Defense in 2011 and incorporates language provided by the Office of Management and Budget.

H.R. 6430 provides the Secretary of Homeland Security with a much- needed tool to eliminate national security threats to our supply chain. Enactment of H.R. 6430 will help DHS secure information technology and telecommunications equipment and services that are so essential to keeping our Nation secure.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to compliment the gentleman from New York, who has significant experience in this area, for offering this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 6430, and I yield back the balance of my time.