Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4581) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop best practices for utilizing advanced passenger information and passenger name record data for counterterrorism screening and vetting operations, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

I rise today to voice my full support for H.R. 4581, the Screening and Vetting Passenger Exchange Act of 2017. This legislation directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop best practices for utilizing advanced passenger information, or API, and passenger names record data, or PNR, for counterterrorism screening and vetting operations.

It also enables the Secretary to share those practices with our allies, including countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, and to provide assistance in implementing these practices in those countries.

Having access to API, which is biographic information, and PNR data, which is data about reservation and itinerary information, allows our homeland security professionals to confirm the identities and travel patterns of potential criminals and terrorists before they enter the United States.

Allowing our men and women on the front lines to fight against terrorism, to work with Visa Waiver Program countries to make sure that they rise to the same standards only increases the safety of our Nation, the safety of all Americans traveling abroad, and the safety of all people across the globe. This legislation is a step in the right direction toward addressing further potential emerging threats.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support our Nation's Homeland Security by supporting my bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul), the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4433) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security to achieve security of sensitive assets among the components of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4433, the Securing Department of Homeland Security Firearms Act of 2017.

A recent report by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, entitled, ``DHS' Controls Over Firearms and Other Sensitive Assets,'' found that, between fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2016, personnel from DHS and its components misplaced a total of 2,142 highly sensitive assets, including 228 firearms and 1,889 badges.

DHS is charged with the safety of our Nation and its citizens. The OIG report indicates that not only are there some DHS personnel not being held accountable for failing to safeguard their sensitive assets, they are also not receiving proper training on how to properly safeguard and keep track of such equipment. Given the importance of DHS' mission, this is unacceptable, Mr. Speaker.

H.R. 4433 follows the OIG's recommendations and requires DHS' Under Secretary for Management to promulgate a departmentwide directive to DHS personnel aimed at achieving adequate security over DHS firearms and other sensitive assets. H.R. 4433 mandates that this directive include descriptions of what equipment is classified as a sensitive asset, requirements for securing Department-issued sensitive assets, and recordkeeping requirements for reporting lost or stolen firearms and other assets.

H.R. 4433 also requires DHS to update its Personal Property Asset Management Program Manual to include procedures and training on how to safeguard assets, both on and off duty, in accordance with the directive.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I, once again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4433, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

In 2017, 128 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. Despite the significant danger they face, these brave men and women continue to put their badge on every day, leaving their loved ones at home, to protect our friends, our families, and our communities.

I was fortunate to be a member of the thin blue line for nearly a decade and a half as an FBI special agent. During that time, I worked with some of the most dedicated, mission-oriented professionals in the Nation, to include Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers.

I ask that today, and every day, all Americans take a moment to reflect on what our law enforcement officers do to protect our liberties and to ensure the safety of our communities. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and for their sacrifice.

As I did last year, I urge the President to observe this day by lighting the White House blue this evening.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to once again implore this Congress to take bipartisan action to extend Federal funding of the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP.

In my home State of Pennsylvania, more than 176,000 children have gained access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare coverage through CHIP, providing them with age-appropriate medical and developmental care.

Since the program became law, the percentage of uninsured children nationwide has decreased by more than half, from 13.9 percent in 1997 to 6.6 percent in 2016.

As a result of its reliability and effectiveness, CHIP has consistently enjoyed strong bipartisan support. In September, I joined a bipartisan group from across Pennsylvania in urging leaders of both parties to take action to ensure that children have access to high- quality health insurance coverage during their formative years, a move we know yields an abundance of positive outcomes: fewer hospitalizations, increased earning power, and better healthcare outcomes as an adult.

While this Chamber has already taken action, passing legislation last month to fund CHIP, the Senate has yet to act. It is crucial we provide certainty and security for children, parents, and providers and move to sign into law CHIP extension legislation as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, the time is now for the Senate to act.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record testimony of Anna Goldfarb.

Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of Congress and fellow

citizens, good afternoon. My name is Anna Goldfarb and I am a

student in the Council Rock School District. I am very

honored to be speaking before you today about diversity and

inclusion issues at my Bucks County, Pennsylvania school. I

attend a school where most of the students look like me. I

have heard many times from classmates and teachers that

discrimination is not a problem within our district. It

wasn't until the last couple of years, when I became old

enough and opened my eyes and ears, did I see and hear that

improvement is needed.

I do not think that most teachers and students are trying

to be hurtful to students of color, different religions,

genders, or sexual orientation. I also don't think that my

friends who do not speak up in the face of discrimination are

choosing to stand with those that discriminate.

I do believe that when we know better, we do better. I have

made it my mission to call out discrimination when I see or

hear it. I will always link arms with those being targeted

and stand up for them when they are scared to do it alone.

I would like diversity and inclusion training to be added

to our curriculum. We won't always attend school in this

district, in this ``bubble.'' We need to be prepared to

become global citizens. We need to be prepared and empowered

to stand up and link arms.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record testimony of Ashton Noonan.

Hello, my name is Ashton Noonan, I'm 13 years old and I'm

transgender.

Throughout my life I always felt and said I was a girl. I

loved Ariel and Wonder Woman; not Batman and Superman. People

would make fun of me on the playground, or ask why I wanted

to be a girl, but to me it just felt right.

Every year I got older, I felt more and more uncomfortable

in my own skin. I couldn't look on the outside like who I

felt I was on the inside. That was always very confusing,

because why not? After all, this is MY identity.

The world is changing, and with your help we can change the

perception people have of the whole LGBTQ community, but

especially LGBTQ youth. WE need a safe space where we can be

supported, loved and accepted. We can and need to make ALL

schools that safe space for ALL children. We need YOUR

support to model for everyone else in the world what it is to

love and accept others for who they are. We could all live

every day for better or for worse, but together we can

thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record testimony of Margaret Zheng.

As a Chinese American, I may be hurt by affirmative action,

but as a citizen of the global 21st century, I also feel that

diverse representation in work and education is necessary to

foster a sense of unity underlying diversity.

From this apparent contradiction of feelings, I have

concluded that just like how it's difficult to cure advanced-

stage cancer, we can't solve discrimination only after harm

is done. Rather, we must treat the sickness of hate early on.

In school, we rarely study social minorities except as

victims of history, omitting the positive, active roles that

females, Muslims, Chinese, LGBTQ+ persons, etc. have had in

culture and innovation. Liberal/Democrat students and

conservative/Republican students tease and even taunt each

other in school, and as a political independent, I often feel

swallowed up in tribalized politics, afraid to be labeled a

heartless conservative or naive liberal.

The lack of discussion of socially and politically diverse

perspectives in school perpetuates prejudice and endangers

individuality, upon which value America was founded. That

combined with the inequitable funding of schools and the

billions of dollars wasted in high-stakes assessments that

label rather than help struggling schools is what caused the

need for affirmative action in the first place.

Educate us holistically, on citizenship and collaboration

and empathy, and we will not only have diversity, but also a

nation thriving.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record testimony of Aliyah Salley.

Hello, my name is Aliyah Salley and I am from Bucks County,

PA. First let me start off by saying Thank you. Thank you to

Congressman Fitzpatrick, and his colleagues for giving us

this opportunity to be heard today. I also want to thank

Barbara Simmons of the Peace Center, my mom, Necole Salley

and my grandmother, Linda Salley who is the president of the

African American Museum of Bucks County. If it wasn't for

these 3 ladies along with Congressman Fitzpatrick I believe

my story as well as the stories you will hear today will have

gone unheard. As I said earlier my name is Aliyah Salley. I

was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, lived in Virginia for

a few years and then moved to Bucks County, PA in 2011 with

my mom and my sister. We move to Bucks County because my mom

talked about how nice of a place it was to raise her children

because of the experience she had living there when she was

young. For all the years I lived down south, I never once had

to deal with racism or the discrimination until I moved to

Bucks County. My sister and I went to school in the Neshaminy

school district and I am a proud graduate of the 2016 class

of Neshaminy & I have been attending BCCC for the past 2

years. While attending Neshaminy High, I experienced many

offensive situations. I've seen racists slurs written on

school property, my friends and I have been called the N****

word to our faces by students, there has been students

wearing a confederate flag throughout the school and no one

says anything to them. Two months ago, I became a victim of a

hate crime. I have a part time job that I have worked for the

past 4 years, As I was walking to my car to go to work I saw

handwriting on the car. As I approached the car I could see

that the n*** word was carved on the front and back of my

car. Imagine how hurtful this is, coming from the south,

never having to deal with anything like this before and

having it in your face every time you walk out of the door to

go to school. It is out of control. We can't allow this to

continue. Living in a small town is not meant for one race it

is meant for all people. We need help. We have to educate the

misinformed. The people that don't know any better. We have

to figure out a way to teach people that diversity makes our

community stronger. We have to open the doors to allow

diversity to feel welcomed into the community. I went to a

school with over 4000 students, but the faculty has only 1

African American principal in the entire building. Imagine

what that feels like to as an African American student seeing

only ONE African American faculty member in a school of

thousands of students and hundreds of teachers. It hurts,

it's sad, and we have to correct it. I am looking for change,

annual diversity trainings for the teaching staff, more

history of different cultures within the curriculum, a day of

culture and food, counseling for the victims or even

articulate a clear statement of expectations regarding racism

within the schools, but don't ignore it and act like it is

not happening because it is happening all the time. Today you

will hear testimonies from other students from different

school districts in Bucks County who had to deal with similar

things such as myself. Please have an open heart and listen

to these stories and then let's create true change for the

next generation to grow in confidence of who they are and

what they have to offer, regardless of the color of their

skin. As the Constitution states, and I agree like all of

you, that ``All men are created equal'' & all we want is

equality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important work that Pearl S. Buck International is doing in our community in Bucks County.

Pearl S. Buck was the first woman to receive both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize for literature. Pearl Buck spent decades of her life in China, immersing herself in its culture and history, with her remaining time living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

The foundation continues her work, providing opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures and building better lives for children around the globe. Their work on projects--like the Backyard Gardening Project in the Philippines, Life Skills Education for Children Living in Vietnamese Orphanages, and Thailand Clean Drinking Water and Sanitation Project--has increased humanitarian aid for people across the world.

The organization's School Outreach Program and the High School Leadership Program, which equips students committed to making lifelong contributions within the community with effective leadership skills, have made positive and long-lasting impacts in our district. I am thankful for, and stand in full support of, the work that Pearl S. Buck International does in our community and around the globe.

Recognizing Benjamin Rush Elementary School

Mr. Speaker, this December, over 50 students at Benjamin Rush Elementary School in Bucks County were recognized for their completion of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program. This training--more commonly known as D.A.R.E.--teaches young students basic skills for responsible decisionmaking.

I thank the officers of the Bensalem Township Police Department for their work with Benjamin Rush Elementary School and for their commitment to educating young citizens in our district.

In the face of a growing opioid crisis, it is vital that students learn about the consequences of drug abuse.

Mr. Speaker, as an EMT and vice chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, I applaud the efforts of educational programs like these and all those who seek to learn from them. Educating the young people in our communities about the potential dangers of drug abuse is absolutely crucial, and it is my hope that they will use the tools they have learned to lead safer and healthier lives and to become leaders in the lower Bucks County community.

Creation of a New Gold Star Families Memorial Monument

Mr. Speaker, this December, ground was broken at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery for the creation of a new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. These monuments are erected across this country to recognize U.S. military members who have laid down their lives and their family members who have suffered alongside of them.

Among those present for the groundbreaking was Hershel ``Woody'' Williams. Mr. Williams, a former marine, is the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient for honorable service during the Battle of Iwo Jima. It was with the help of his foundation that this monument was made possible.

These memorials include stories about homeland, family, patriot, and sacrifice. In the center is a cutout that represents the loved one who has sacrificed their life in defense of our great country.

Mr. Speaker, we can never forget those who have paid the ultimate price to secure our freedoms, nor can we forget the families who supported them in their noble endeavors. We are so proud to have a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in our district.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record, the testimony of Jalyla Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of Congress and fellow

citizens. I am from Council Rock North High School located in

Newtown Bucks County. I am Jayla Johnson. I come from an area

that's majority white and upper middle class. I am the model

minority. Let me tell you all about it. Last year during

spirit week on pride day I was in school when I saw a student

walk around with a confederate flag draped on him. I hope

you're wondering WHY and HOW that happened. The school

allowed the student to walk through the halls for more than

half the day due to their first amendment right. Now what

about my safety? I reported the incident to my administration

in which they said they could kindly ask the student to

remove it in due time. I confronted the student within

minutes and in their response was that he got it from his

parents. To me that basically said he did not know the hate

behind it, and did not see it as a problem. This conversation

led to my family and I having a mandatory meeting with my

superintendent, in hopes to change the school's policy

handbook. I was somewhat not satisfied because I wanted more

action to be done and take place than just words on a piece

of paper, that is easily not read by many. From then and the

hate that is shown in my school I started a club called

V.O.I.C.E. meaning, Voices Of Inequality at Council rock

north Everyday. This club is for students who want to make a

difference and have dialogue on topics that we are not

familiar with whether that is with where we live and or who

we interact with. Be an up stander rather than a bystander.

So I propose this question to you all in Congress, how can

you make a change? Does that come from making a policy for

ALL schools regarding no tolerance for racism, bigotry, and

so many other isms? Let's rather make it mandatory students

take a class to help them learn and be better United States

Citizens? We are here at school to learn and leave to serve

but how can we serve the world when we are not taught about

it in school and or familiar with all races and ethnicities.

I hope to hear back from Congress in hopes to change the

world for us since we are the leading future. Thank you for

listening and please take this into consideration. Once again

I am Jayla Johnson and I speak for the unheard voices and

will continue to.

Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, I was privileged to travel to Puerto Rico to meet with residents of the hardest hit areas of the island and to stand by them and serve them on Thanksgiving Day. The extent of the damage, Mr. Speaker, is vast and heartbreaking, and the road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges.

I cannot begin to describe the devastation, but what I can describe is the enduring spirit and the shining optimism of all the people whom I met. I was inspired to see the way the community came together to help one another and the generosity with which people shared what little they had in order to make sure their neighbors were taken care of.

I was fortunate to have the advice and counsel of constituents of mine, Pastor Harry Torres, from the Arriba P.R. Project, and Karen Rosado, from the Latino Alliance of Bucks County. With their help, I reported back to our community the needs of our fellow citizens to better tailor our community's efforts to provide relief to the people of Puerto Rico.

The people of Puerto Rico are citizens of the United States of America. Let this Congress not forget that.

Battling Discrimination

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was honored to welcome a group of passionate, well spoken, and civic-minded young constituents to our Nation's Capitol. Along with the Bucks County Chapter of the NAACP and the Peace Center, these students spoke to me on the floor of the House of Representatives testifying about their experiences battling discrimination in all forms as they work to create a more inclusive society.

Our team was deeply moved by the stories of these young people. In the

coming days, I will be entering these students' written testimonies into the Congressional Record so my colleagues can also benefit from their experiences.

As I have said, hateful attacks against members of our community cannot and will not be tolerated, and it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to condemn hate wherever and whenever it appears. I look forward to carrying this message to my colleagues and community as we work together to rise above and appeal to the better angels of our nature.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Conwell-Egan Catholic High School and the $5 million contribution they received to help educate the next generation of students in Bucks County. This gift, in recognition of the school's continued success, was donated by a 1972 graduate who wanted to thank his teachers for all they did to help shape his life.

The benefactor, Mr. Tom Lynch, said he gave the gift because ``anything is possible when you get a good education.'' This quote rings true in the ears of every American. The opportunity to learn from a young age is a critical experience. Continued support for our teachers and our schools is of the utmost importance.

With this donation, Conwell-Egan plans to set a significant amount aside for scholarships and tuition assistance for families in need in our area. Generous contributions like these allow our educational institutions to grow and to offer greater support to our communities.

I congratulate Conwell-Egan, and we all thank Mr. Lynch for supporting such a great institution.

Recognizing Palisades High School Football Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the players, coaches, and staff of the Palisades High School football team and to congratulate them on an incredible season. With their consistent displays of grit and tenacity, the Palisades Pirates should be proud of what they accomplished: a 13-1 season and the best record in Palisades football history.

Although their season ended with a tough loss in the playoffs, the Palisades Pirates football team should hold their heads high. They have worked hard, and they have made their community proud.

To the fans, friends, and families who have supported Palisades, we offer our congratulations. To all those who work with and support organized youth sports in our district, we offer our thanks. To the young student athletes on the Palisades football team, I say: Well done. I hope that you take the lessons of cooperation and determination that you have learned on the field with you when you step off the field. Our community is very proud of you.

Mr. Speaker, this Saturday evening, Santa Claus will arrive in the Borough of Perkasie atop a borough electric truck to light the town's Christmas tree and, in doing so, continue a tradition over 100 years old.

Since 1909, residents of this small borough in upper Bucks County have gathered together to participate in the community tree lighting ceremony recognized as the oldest tree lighting in the Nation. While a lot has changed over the generations, community leaders, elected officials, and local residents have kept this annual event's unique, small-town charm and enshrined it as a timeless Christmas ritual.

Now in its 108th year, this official start to the holiday season continues to serve not only as a source of pride for the people of Perkasie, but also an example of what makes the communities across my district special and an honor to represent.

I am proud to recognize Perkasie's 108th community Christmas tree lighting and join in the celebration of this enduring holiday tradition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a school in my district. On November 30, 2017, Souderton Area High School will be recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics' International headquarters. Through the diligence and compassion of Athletic Director Dennis Stanton and Supervisor of Special Education Megan Zweiback, the introduction of Unified Sports into to the school has greatly enhanced the curriculum of special needs students and allowed them to compete with typical students in interscholastic competition. One of only four schools in the nation, and the first in Pennsylvania to have been honored in this respect, I am proud of work done at Souderton Area High School to support and enhance the educational and recreational development of all students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Master Sergeant Gilbert Howland of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, one of my constituents and a member of Merrill's Marauders.

Merrill's Marauders was a top-secret unit of commandos who served behind Japanese lines in Burma, China, and India during World War II. The men of this magnificent unit volunteered to serve and faced some of the most vicious and consistent fighting of the war. Their commitment to service stands as a profound example of sacrifice for our Nation.

Master Sergeant Howland was an NCO in charge of 16 men and two heavy weapons in this unit. After being discharged in 1945, Ranger Howland did not sit idly by. Instead, he reenlisted to serve in Korea and for two tours in Vietnam.

Mr. Speaker, Master Sergeant Howland and the rest of the brave men in Merrill's Marauders should be recognized. I am proud to support H.R. 667, which seeks to award the Congressional Gold Medal to World War II's Merrill's Marauders.