Edward R. Royce

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to recognize the remarkable Peter J. Freeman, my Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He is a passionate public servant, and talented member of my staff.

Peter first arrived on Capitol Hill, over two decades ago, as a humble House Page hailing from Bainbridge Island, Washington. He returned to the area soon thereafter to attend and graduate from Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service. He then found himself back on the Hill in the office of Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH), where he rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Chief of Staff. Along the way, he worked on various bills, including a federal backstop for commercial terrorism insurance, a bill prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation, and various bills impacting affordable housing.

Peter developed an expertise on financial services issues, which served him well when he returned to Capitol Hill in my office. In his position, he helped me with flood insurance reform, economic regulatory relief, anti-money laundering, terrorism financing, housing finance, and credit score competition legislation, among others.

Peter did a remarkable job in managing my office. He helped me assemble a great team, provided valuable counsel; and helped me to fulfill my vision during our time together. While I am retiring, Peter will always be an esteemed and unforgettable member of the Royce Team. His dedicated intellect, his wit, and his ability to connect with people on all levels and all sides of the political spectrum are qualities that make him a rare entity on Capitol Hill. But Peter's greatest asset is his passion to serve. And I am grateful that he chose to serve my constituents of the 39th District of California, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the nation.

I thank Peter, and wish him the very best of luck for the next chapter of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2200) to reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material in the Record.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Senate unanimously passed this amendment version of H.R. 2200, the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, which the House originally passed back in July. It is part of a bipartisan, bicameral package of bills to reauthorize and to strengthen our Nation's effort to combat human trafficking. It deserves our unanimous support.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1023) to reauthorize the Tropical Forest Conservation Act of 1998 through fiscal year 2021, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, S. 1032, the Tropical Forest Conservation Reauthorization Act, passed the Senate unanimously. It is the Senate version of H.R. 6982, introduced by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot). It is an important bipartisan, bicameral bill that reauthorizes and reforms ongoing international conservation efforts to increase transparency and ensure that assistance does not go to problematic governments.

Mr. Speaker, it deserves our unanimous support, and I yield back the balance of my time.