Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1149) recognizing that the United States-Republic of Korea alliance serves as a linchpin of regional stability and bilateral security, and exemplifies the broad and deep military, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties shared between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, strengthening U.S.-Korea ties has been one of my top priorities in Congress. As a southern Californian, I have seen firsthand how Korean Americans serve as pillars not only for their communities in the U.S., but also for the friendship between the U.S. and South Korea.

It was an honor to see my former staff member, Young Kim, represent my Orange County neighbors and myself in the California State Assembly. She served ably and energetically. Her story is the same as so many South Koreans who have come to this country and thrived.

The United States has no better partner in the Asia Pacific than the Republic of Korea. We signed the KORUS Free Trade Agreement, which went into effect in 2012. Since enactment of the KORUS Free Trade Agreement in 2012, trade has flourished, creating jobs in America and South Korea. In fact, South Korea is now our sixth largest trading partner, and, today, this partnership remains as important as ever as we look at the growing challenges across Asia.

We stood by Seoul as it was wrongfully punished by China for installing the THAAD ballistic missile defense system. And we continue to lead in helping to address the grave and immediate threats North Korea poses to Seoul and poses to the United States and our neighboring partners.

Despite recent diplomatic efforts, it was recently reported that North Korea has expanded a missile base along the Chinese border. A nearby second facility was also uncovered, while numerous undeclared missile bases have now been identified. And last month, North Korea's official news media reported that it successfully tested a new ``state- of-the-art weapon that has been long developed . . . significantly improving the combat power of our people's army.'' That is their quote.

These provocations and developments should underscore the threat we face from North Korea. That is why it is so important that we continue to press forward together with a campaign of maximum financial and diplomatic pressure. We must remain clear-eyed that the third generation of the Kim regime poses just as significant of a threat to us, our partners, and, most acutely, the North Korean people as ever.

Again, the U.S. has no better friend in Asia or anywhere else in the world than South Korea. We must continue to strengthen this partnership, particularly in the face of the threats we continue to face.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Yoho), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia an the Pacific.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I again recognize and thank Eliot Engel for his work on all of these measures, and I also recognize the importance of the U.S.-South Korean partnership. I have discussed the importance of that defense relationship as we stood shoulder to shoulder during the Korean war and how our economic partnership, bolstered by the enactment of the KORUS FTA, supports 400,000 American jobs.

While we discuss the importance of this partnership, I want to recognize that there is no greater bridge between our countries than the Korean American community. Since first arriving in the United States in 1903, they have worked tirelessly to form closer bonds between the United States and South Korea. And looking forward, the U.S. will remain committed to this important relationship.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1157) reaffirming the strong commitment of the United States to the countries and territories of the Pacific Islands region.

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, I want to recognize Representative Bordallo for introducing this measure on an important but often overlooked part of the world, and that is the South Pacific.

Mr. Speaker, the Pacific Islands are an essential part of the South Pacific region. Today we express our commitment to these countries' and territories' security and to their prosperity.

Our country has a long history with the Pacific Islands and territories. Today we have 300,000 United States citizens that reside in the territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and in American Samoa.

The U.S. is engaged in this important region through a variety of programs which promote national security and also regional cooperation. They address conservation and public health threats. They distribute humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and they promote peace and prosperity.

The United States has supported these endeavors under the Compacts of Free Association with Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. These important arrangements have allowed the U.S. to project a presence in the region for 30 years, but these compacts expire in 2023.

The United States must continue to reassure the Pacific Island countries of our enduring commitment to having a continuing presence in the region and negotiate compact renewals before they expire.

Our relationship with this region is unfolding against the backdrop of a shifting strategic environment where Beijing and others seek to wield a greater influence in the South Pacific.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this measure which reaffirms the importance of continuing to engage and cooperate with the Pacific Island countries and territories.

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 yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, with the shifting strategic environment of the South Pacific, it is really more important than ever that we engage Pacific Island nations and the Pacific Islands Forum to solve regional problems and to promote prosperity.

We must maintain support for the Compacts of Free Association which enhance the strategic posture of the U.S. and the Western Pacific, which also reinforce our regional commitment and preempt potential adversaries from establishing positional advantage there.

This resolution signals our resolve to maintain and deepen our collaboration with our friends and allies in the Pacific Islands and territories. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1165) condemning the Assad regime and its backers for their continued support of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, this resolution represents a broad bipartisan agreement that there will be no peace in Syria as long as the Assad regime remains in power and as long as Russia and Iran continue their entrenchment in that country.

For 7 years, the world has watched the brutal dictator, Bashar al- Assad, inflict untold suffering on the Syrian people. Since the beginning of the conflict, half a million people have been killed and 13 million, largely women and children, remain in dire need of basic humanitarian assistance in Syria.

The brutal Assad regime continues its onslaught on the civilian population in Syria, aided by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the ground and the Russian Air Force in the sky.

Rather than working to eject Iran from Syria, Russia has been directly coordinating with Hezbollah, with the IRGC, and with other Iranian-backed militias that have expanded significantly throughout Syria.

Russia has even now reportedly transferred the S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria, giving these militias additional cover for their activities in Syria.

Despite signing a deescalation agreement with President Trump last year

promising a cease-fire in southern Syria, Russia directly assisted Iranian-backed militias in their takeover of southern Syria, moving these militias right up to the border with Israel.

This resolution makes clear that it is unrealistic to believe that Russia will ever be a reliable partner to counter the Iranian presence in Syria.

As Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats has stated so clearly:

It's unlikely Russia has the will or capability to fully

implement and counter Iranian decision and influence in

Syria.

This resolution also states that Iranian-backed militias should be investigated for the war crime of sectarian cleansing for their forced displacement of civilians in the Damascus suburbs, which has included demolishing civilian areas, implementing brutal sieges, and selling housing developments and then turning them over, once they have been occupied by these militias, to Iranian-backed militias, including Hezbollah.

Finally, this resolution calls for the administration to act quickly to develop a strategy towards a political transition in Syria where the Assad regime leaves power and all Iranian and Russian forces leave the country.

The Assad regime's atrocities, which include the use of chemical weapons, barrel bombs, and brutal sieges, helped create the conditions whereby ISIS emerged in the first place.

The regime's continued survival, along with the Iranian influence in Syria, will only perpetuate the cycle of violence, once again creating the conditions for the reemergence of ISIS or al-Qaida and other radical Islamist groups.

After 7 years of horror, U.S. policy in Syria should be guided by this key reality: there is no solution to the conflict in Syria as long as the brutal Assad regime remains in power.

Efforts to legitimatize the regime through so-called constitutional reform negotiations or in allowing Assad to run in elections are unrealistic and are doomed to fail.

Mr. Speaker, lastly, I want to thank my colleague and friend, the ranking member of this committee, Mr. Engel, for his efforts over the years in order to try to focus our attention.

From the beginning, when this process of people protesting in Damascus began with people walking through the street saying, ``Peaceful, peaceful,'' and we watched on CNN as the automatic weapons of Assad's forces opened up on those peaceful protesters, from that day on, Mr. Engel worked to try to get engagement and to head off some of this crisis, the magnitude of which we deal with today as a result of the Iranian militias.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), who chairs the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the author of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

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

In closing, I thank my colleagues, the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Engel; Major Brian Mast of Florida; as well as the leadership on both sides of the aisle, for their bipartisan work on this resolution.

The Syrian people deserve a government that respects basic human rights and a government that is free of Iranian-backed militias. As long as the Assad regime remains in power, this will not be the case.

The administration needs to develop a strategy toward a sustainable political transition in Syria and to prevent Iranian entrenchment, recognizing that Russia has not been a reliable partner in either effort.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to back this resolution to once again condemn the Assad regime, Russia, and Iran for their unspeakable crimes against the Syrian people, and I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1035) expressing opposition to the completion of Nord Stream II, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, for many years, Russia has conducted a campaign of armed aggression and intimidation against many neighboring countries, but especially Ukraine and Georgia. That threat now includes massive Russian military exercises along the border of our NATO allies and repeated intrusions into the air and sea space of these and other countries in Europe.

But Vladimir Putin is also employing more subtle weapons of influence. This includes leveraging energy exports, especially oil and natural gas. Many European countries, including key NATO allies, are dependent on Russian energy and, thus, are vulnerable to Moscow's pressure.

But even as the United States, its NATO allies, and other partners are seeking to impose economic costs on Russia to force it to end its aggression, a massive new pipeline known as Nord Stream II is being built. It will increase the flow of Russian gas directly to Germany and on to other countries in the heart of Europe.

Moscow's strategy is to undermine the energy security of our NATO allies, because the more dependent they are on Russian energy, the greater Moscow's influence over them will be.

Nord Stream II has another purpose, which is to strike at Ukraine. It will end Moscow's reliance on Ukraine's natural gas pipelines, thereby cutting off an important source of revenue and eliminating one of Ukraine's few means of leverage against Russian aggression.

H.R. 3364, the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which I introduced and was passed overwhelmingly by Congress, authorizes the President to impose sanctions on persons assisting the construction of this and other pipelines.

This resolution recognizes the danger that Nord Stream II represents to the Atlantic alliance and urges the President to use the authority Congress has given him to prevent this pipeline from being constructed.

If Nord Stream II is completed, it will undermine U.S. interests in Europe by rendering key NATO allies more vulnerable to Russian blackmail and convincing Moscow that its policy of aggression is, in fact, succeeding.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time, and I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) control the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, last month's Russian attack on Ukrainian vessels attempting to pass through the Kerch Strait is a dramatic reminder of Vladimir Putin's continued aggression. This was not an isolated incident. Russia has opened a new front in the Sea of Azov, where it is attempting to choke off Ukrainian imports and exports and greatly undermine Ukraine's economy.

This is a dangerous escalation. In the past, Moscow has attempted to disguise its armed intervention in Ukraine by claiming that its troops and weapons in the eastern regions belong to the separatist entities there.

Now let me share with you, Mr. Speaker, the reality that, in the east, there is Russian armor. Eliot Engel and I traveled to Dnipropetrovsk in the east, in the Russian-speaking east of Ukraine, with a delegation of four Republicans and four Democrats. We traveled in order to talk to those who were trying to deal with the fact that Russian military was rolling over provinces in Ukraine. But now Russia is openly using its own military against Ukraine in the territory of Crimea that it has illegally occupied and annexed. They are using the fleet.

The United States and its allies and partners must hold Russia accountable. Failure to do so may be interpreted by Moscow as a green light to go even further, a miscalculation that could result in a dangerous military escalation.

This resolution sends two messages. The first is to the Ukrainian people, to demonstrate that we remain committed in assisting them in their fight for freedom. The second, of course, is to Moscow, to make clear that the U.S. will oppose Russian aggression whenever it occurs.

I urge the President to ensure, by his words and actions, that Moscow understands the potential consequences of its actions and the commitment of the United States to the freedom, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1918) to oppose loans at international financial institutions for the Government of Nicaragua unless the Government of Nicaragua is taking effective steps to hold free, fair, and transparent elections, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 3342) to impose sanctions on foreign persons that are responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights by reason of the use by Hizballah of civilians as human shields, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H. Res. 931, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

I have an amendment to this text at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Tom Sheehy, staff director of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize years of outstanding service by Tom Sheehy, staff director of the Foreign Affairs committee that I chair. Tom has been working on the committee for over twenty years, serving as a staff director for two subcommittees--one being Africa, where together we greatly improved U.S.-Africa policy. During the last six years, Tom has expertly run the committee, advancing my agenda during challenging times.

Tom is known as a hard worker who takes a strong interest in the well-being of his staff and is a problem solver. A first-rate communicator who helps other staffers to improve their skills, he has created a well-coordinated team of top-flight professionals. The Foreign Affairs Committee staff is widely-known and well-respected as a result. Tom takes great pride in the committee's good reputation.

The committee has been extremely productive. We have turned over 60 bills into public laws, including sanctions, development, and export control legislation. This has required Tom's high level of commitment, knowledge, and negotiation skills; and his empowerment of our excellent committee staff. Under his direction, we have held hearings and performed oversight on almost every issue of importance to our foreign policy.

Nearly all of our committee work has been bipartisan. Not because we don't differ over policy. But because we understand that we almost always have more in common than not. Our nation deserves this cooperation and effectiveness, and Tom has directed our many, many bipartisan accomplishments.

Tom will be missed by many in Congress, but he surely will continue contributing to our nation's security and prosperity. Tom, congratulations on your career in the House. I am grateful for your service, and wish your family--wife Elizabeth, and children Emma, T.R. and Jackson--the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude for the service and sacrifice of America's diplomats and to stress that a robust American diplomatic presence around the world is in our nation's interests, especially as our adversaries gain commercial, economic, and political ground. There is no substitute for brave, dedicated people in the field, and I would like to see us strengthen that key asset.

We are one of the few nations on earth with a truly global diplomatic presence. Since the founding of our country, our diplomats have advanced American interests in some of the most difficult and dangerous places on earth. These professionals defend our national security, enforce our laws, and protect our fellow citizens overseas, often at great risk to themselves. Our embassies and consulates are platforms of U.S. influence and vigilance and our diplomats are often the first to spot threats to our national security.

Their work abroad benefits Americans at home. Consider that an emergency investment in West Africa's health stopped cold what would have been an emerging Ebola pandemic a few years ago. Elsewhere, Foreign Service Officers work alongside the military to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists. A strong diplomatic footprint is also necessary for U.S. businesses to be able to compete successfully in challenging and complex markets. It is no surprise that the business community has written to the Secretary of State to say it counts on American diplomats around the world to compete in the global marketplace--and to urge the State Department to send more diplomats to the field with the mission of advancing America's commercial interests.

I commend Secretary Pompeo for announcing his vision of putting America's diplomats in ``every corner, every stretch of the world'' and urge him to continue the work he has initiated to enhance America's diplomatic strength.

But above all, I want to thank the men and women of the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development for their faithful service to our nation. I have been honored to meet so many of our nation's diplomats and their family members in every corner of the globe in my 26 years in Congress, including six years as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. I have seen firsthand the positive and lasting impact their

work has on all Americans and I am personally grateful for the sacrifice they make each day in the service of our nation.

Mr. Speaker, no matter the day or time, the men and women of the United States Foreign Service are promoting our interests and defending our security around the globe. Let us commit ourselves to supporting the crucial work they do on behalf of all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee staff, Shellie Bressler, who is marking 28 years of Federal Government

Service. Over her career, Shellie has served in the majority and minority, the House, Senate personal offices, three Committee staffs, as well as for a member of Senate leadership. I first met Shellie when she worked for a fellow member of the House Banking Committee.

Although she has worked on issues ranging from the creation of the 50 States Quarters program to the passage of tax incentives for donations to food banks, Shellie is best known for her work on global health issues. She was a lead staffer establishing the framework for the PEPFAR program. This legislation helped move HIV from a death sentence to a manageable disease. Shellie authored a report addressing management issues at the multilateral Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Her recommendations were adopted by the Global Fund Board and the institution is currently in good financial shape.

In working on the oversight and investigations team on my staff, Shellie has not only covered global health, but all foreign assistance programs. She has stressed the need for stronger management and evaluation criterion. By asking thorough questions, the State Department and USAID realize that the Committee is paying attention to how government funds are spent, as we demand accountability.

Shellie has been a great mentor to junior Committee staff. I know she is not finished making a difference in the world. I wish Shellie much success as she moves to the next chapter of her life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to my Assistant Staff Director, Jessica Kelch, for her six years of service on the staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Jessica has played an instrumental role in helping lead the Committee's extraordinary team of professional staff, managing and shepherding a variety of important, bipartisan bills through the legislative process to become law. Thanks to her impressive leadership, sharp instincts, and persistence, the Committee has enacted nearly two dozen legislative initiatives in this Congress alone, including bills to establish a new development finance corporation, combat food insecurity, and promote the role of women in peace negotiations and political processes. These have improved the lives of many worldwide.

Time and again, Jessica has proven her ability to build consensus and craft solutions to address a diverse array of difficult issues. I am particularly grateful for her candor, humor, and professionalism, but most importantly, for her dedication to serving her country, which I know she will continue to do with distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to Hunter Strupp, who has worked in my office since 2005. Hunter has excelled in various staff positions: he faithfully served in my personal office; as a staff member on the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee; on the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and most recently, as Staff Director for the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, chaired by Chairman Ted Yoho.

During his service to the Committee, Hunter was an invaluable asset in crafting Committee policy on North Korea, culminating in the passage of ground-breaking sanctions legislation. He has been a key advisor on a wide range of policy issues confronting the Asian continent, from human rights in Vietnam, political crackdowns in Cambodia, and the plight of the Rohingya in Burma. He served as my staff member when I chaired the Congressional Caucus on India, and the Korea Caucus, successfully advancing important policy issues facing each partnership. Hunter is a deeply dedicated, determined, and principled foreign affairs professional.

I again want to thank Hunter for his 13 years of service and for his valuable counsel. He will no doubt contribute to our nation's well- being and security for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude to Sarah Blocher, a valued member of my Foreign Affairs Committee staff. Sarah is a dedicated public servant, committed to advancing the interests of the American people abroad. Her work has stemmed from her belief that strong, positive relations with our allies in Europe also strengthen our country.

I have come to value Sarah's insights into the challenges and opportunities in our transatlantic relationships, as well as her advocacy

for human rights, particularly international religious freedom and combating the disturbing rise in antisemitism around the world. As the security landscape has evolved and new threats have emerged for the United States and our allies in Europe, such as the increasing aggression from Russia and its use of unconventional and hybrid attacks, countering violent extremism and thwarting terrorist attacks against our allies, cutting off sources of funding and other support for Hezbollah and advocating for action to combat the trafficking of persons for the gruesome removal of their organs--Sarah has dedicated her time to drawing attention to and combatting these challenges.

As well as being a dedicated member of my staff, Sarah is also devoted to her family: her husband Paul, and their three children, Seth, Anneliese and Caroline. In all things, I have found that she has worked diligently in service to her country and her family. I wish Sarah all the best as I depart Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to U.S. Foreign Service Officer Sean O'Neill for his service as a Department of State Fellow on the Committee on Foreign Affairs. I commend Sean for his many years of faithful service to our nation and his work on our Committee during the 114th and 115th Congresses. Sean has strengthened America's national security, enhanced the relationship between the Congress and the Department of State, and reflected credit upon the United States Foreign Service.

Sean made substantial contributions to our efforts to address the most significant foreign policy issues facing our nation. From combatting transnational crime and terrorism to defending democracy and human rights around the world, Sean's experience and judgment have been invaluable in helping craft sound policies to promote our national security and economic prosperity.

Sean has also been an effective advocate for the brave men and women of the Department of State who serve our country honorably around the world. Since the founding of our country, our diplomats have served America in some of the most difficult and dangerous places on earth. Sean has heightened the Committee's understanding of the important and difficult work our diplomats do and enhanced our oversight of the Department and its critical national security mission.

Sean combines a keen eye for strategic policy and practitioner's understanding of how to effectively implement that policy. He has earned the respect of Members of Congress and staff and developed enduring working relationships across Capitol Hill. It has been a pleasure to have Sean serve on my staff and I wish him well as he continues his service to our nation.