Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1392) to protect Saudi dissidents in the United States, and for other purposes, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1392, as amended.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1392, the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021, an important bill introduced by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

Though Saudi Arabia has taken steps to reform, its progress has been marred by the Saudi Government's brutality against dissidents and most notably the detention and abuse of numerous peaceful protesters and the brutal killing of Washington Post journalist and U.S. resident, Jamal Khashoggi.

The Biden administration's release of the DNI report was a good step toward accountability for the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, but further steps need to be taken.

This bill imposes reasonable limits on U.S. weapons transfers to Saudi intelligence agencies shown to be involved in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi and political repression until such repression and abuse of dissidents comes to an end.

In conclusion, let me be clear, nothing in this legislation would deny the Saudi Government the ability to defend its territory against attacks from external threats or inhibit its ability to defend the United States military, diplomatic personnel, or facilities in the kingdom.

It is important that the United States stands clear on these matters, speaking loudly in defense of human rights and taking action when they are grossly violated.

I ask the support of all my colleagues to vote for this bill.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Foreign Affairs,

Washington, DC, April 16, 2021.

Hon. Adam B. Schiff,

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Schiff: I am writing to you concerning H.R.

1392, Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act of 2021. I

appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this

legislation.

I acknowledge that provisions of the bill fall within the

jurisdiction of the House Permanent Select Committee on

Intelligence under House Rule X, and that your Committee will

forgo action on H.R. 1392 to expedite floor consideration. I

further acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with

respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional

claim over the matters contained in the bill that fall within

your jurisdiction. I will also support the appointment of

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence conferees

during any House-Senate conference convened on this

legislation.

Lastly, I will ensure that our exchange of letters is

included in the Congressional Record during floor

consideration of the bill. Thank you again for your

cooperation regarding the legislation. I look forward to

continuing to work with you as the measure moves through the

legislative process.

Sincerely,

Gregory W. Meeks,

Chair.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly), distinguished president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, esteemed member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and author of this important bill.

Madam Speaker, let me just thank again Representative Gerry Connolly for this critical bill holding Saudi Arabia accountable for its brutal suppression of dissidents.

Let me also say this helps ensure that the Saudi diplomatic facilities are not used as a staging ground for their efforts to suppress dissidents.

It is crucial that the United States stand strongly in defense of basic rights and freedom of expression and not allow U.S. weapons or support to be used by Saudi Arabia for the purposes of intimidating, abusing, or even killing peaceful Saudi dissidents.

I hope my colleagues will join me. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1112) to require a report on the military coup in Burma, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1112, as amended.

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

Madam Speaker, I want to start by thanking Mr. Connolly for this important bill before us today.

The Protect Democracy in Burma Act of 2021 is a timely measure that ensures the United States is not silent when a military coup supplants democracy. It also directs strong U.S. engagement with our partners at the U.N. and ASEAN because we are always stronger when we are united.

In 2015, decades of brutal military rule gave way to what many hoped would be a new era of reform and democratization in Burma. That hope was short-lived, and the Tatmadaw began to show its true colors as it engaged in a genocide of the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Now, a little more than 5 years after the democratic opening that it helped usher in, the military has halted Burma's democratic experiment.

By all accounts, Burma's November 2020 parliamentary elections were credible, and claims of widespread fraud have been debunked by election-monitoring authorities. The United States condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the actions of the Burmese military and its violent crackdown and killing of protesters. But we cannot stand alone.

To be most effective, the United States must work with our partners in the region in condemning the Tatmadaw's brutal actions in supporting democracy and respect for the election outcome.

Madam Speaker, that is exactly what this bill sets out to do. It makes clear where the U.S. stands. It promotes multilateral cooperation as we work to hold the Burmese military accountable and call for a return to Burma's democratic transition. It also ensures reporting to Congress so that we can properly review U.S. policy.

Madam Speaker, this is a very important bill that sends a message to the people of Burma and to the entire world, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly), an esteemed member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and author of this important bill.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price), the distinguished chairman of the House Democracy Partnership.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the esteemed gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing.

Madam Speaker, again, I want to thank Mr. Connolly for introducing this legislation, and I want to thank Ranking Member McCaul and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for making sure that we have a singular voice going forward.

The world cannot turn a blind eye to the violence perpetrated by the Burmese military. With this important measure, the United States sends a clear signal that we stand with the people of Burma in their longstanding pursuit for democracy, and a strong message to the Burmese military, or to anyone, for that matter, who fail to uphold the will of the people.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 134) condemning the military coup that took place on February 1, 2021, in Burma and the Burmese military detention of civilian leaders, calling for the release of all those detained and for those elected to serve in Parliament to resume their duties, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 134.

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

Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative Levin for sponsoring this resolution, which condemns the military coup that occurred in Burma on February 1, 2021.

It has been more than 45 days since the Burmese military, also known as the Tatmadaw, arrested several democratically-elected members of government, including the President Win Myint, and the State Counselor, Aung San Suu Kyi, and declared a year-long state of emergency, and nullified the results of Burma's November 8, 2020, elections.

Despite Tatmadaw claims of election fraud, several independent election monitoring organizations found that the electoral process and outcome were credible, even despite minor irregularities.

Since the coup took place, we have seen thousands of protesters take to the streets to make sure that their voices were heard; voices in opposition to the coup and in support of democracy. And as those protests continued, we have seen security forces increasingly use violence in an attempt to quell the demonstrations.

The U.N. estimates that 149 people have been killed since the coup occurred on February 1. Fifty-seven people were killed this past weekend alone.

It is imperative that democracies around the world speak out in condemnation of this coup and the arrest of democratically-elected government officials. It is vital that we speak in support of democracy, of all of those members of civil society who have been arrested, and those in Burma who are protesting for the restoration of democracy. And it is important that we make it clear to the Tatmadaw, including through additional targeted sanctions that leverage sources of income for the military, that these actions are absolutely unacceptable.

We are sadly, in this body, all too familiar with the rippling effects of attempts to undo democratic elections. We have an obligation to speak up and speak out wherever democracy is threatened.

Madam Speaker, this is a very important resolution. I support it and urge my colleagues to do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), a

valued member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and author of this important resolution.

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

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that the Burmese military respect the will of the Burmese people and, one, return power to those democratically elected; and, two, release civilian leaders taken into custody.

Daily protests against the military coup continue to occur in towns and cities throughout Burma, and the security forces are using increasing brutality to crack down against those demonstrating.

We must make it clear that the United States is watching and that we support the restoration of democracy.

Again, I want to thank Mr. Levin, the ranking member, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together so that the Burmese people know that the Congress of the United States of America stands together in their fight for democracy.

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

Mr. Speaker, as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I speak in support of the international provisions of the American Rescue Plan.

Pandemics do not respect international borders. COVID-19 won't end in America until it is brought under control around the world. The $10 billion included in this package for international support are a small, yet critical, investment in fighting COVID and its effects around the world.

This portion of the bill prioritizes global health, providing more that $4.6 billion to relieve overburdened healthcare systems and medical workers, and helping governments and multilateral partners develop and distribute vaccines.

To address the humanitarian crises exacerbated by this pandemic, the American Rescue Plan provides funding for lifesaving assistance, including shelter, food, clean water, and basic medical care. It also provides COVID-related relief to refugees, who are already among the most vulnerable; and to our multilateral partners, such as the World Food Program and UNICEF, who can leverage their other partners and their global reach to maximize these dollars.

These provisions would also provide nearly $1 billion in flexible funding for economic support to help ensure that even more need isn't created as a result of the economic impacts of COVID, which are already severe.

It will support our diplomats and development professionals, enabling them to scale up and adapt to the pandemic, and continue to serve Americans and our country's interests around the world.

The Foreign Affairs provisions represent approximately \1/2\ of 1 percent of the overall package. These funds support America's foreign commitments to the poorest nations least able to tackle the pandemic.

Madam Speaker, as chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I speak in strong support of the international provisions of the American Rescue package. With a total of $10 billion, this is a relatively small yet critical investment in fighting COVID and its effects around the world.

Pandemics do not respect international borders. To control this pandemic, we need to mitigate its global spread. This provision puts global health front and center, supporting efforts to relieve overburdened health systems and medical workers and help governments develop and distribute vaccines.

To address the humanitarian crises that have been exacerbated by this pandemic, this provision will provide funding for the most immediate lifesaving assistance, including shelter, food, clean water, basic medical care. Additionally, it provides COVID-related relief for vulnerable refugees who are already vulnerable.

Madam Speaker, this provision would also provide flexible funding for economic support to help ensure that even more need isn't created as a result of the economic impacts of COVID, which are already severe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this COVID supplemental package. This has been a dark and difficult past year for our world. More than 2 million people have died around the world, including more than 400,000 in our great country. Economies are in crisis around the globe, and over a billion children are out of the classroom.

Our country's health and economic challenges require a bold response in scale, and more delay is not an option. We must work to beat back this virus, shore up our economy, and ensure the most vulnerable are prioritized and protected.

But we cannot solve this problem without addressing the outside world also. Pandemics do not respect borders, and they don't care about nationalities.

As chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I firmly believe that the health and economic wreckage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will only end once it ends everywhere. We are currently addressing the monumental task of vaccinating our country, but afterwards we must turn our attention to the remainder of the world. Only then can we fully put this worldwide pandemic behind us and put ourselves back on the path to economic prosperity.

Crucially, this package includes support for global health efforts as well as lifesaving humanitarian assistance. This means support for vaccine procurement, vaccine delivery, and sustained engagement to build the capacity of health systems throughout multilateral engagement. It means supporting organizations like the World Food Program, UNICEF, and the WHO, that the United States must partner with in order to succeed.

COVID-19 did not begin on our shores, but American innovation and global health leadership can end it. The cameras of history are rolling. The time to act is now.

We must join with what Chairman Yarmuth is doing and make sure that we help those who have suffered as a result of this pandemic. Extending unemployment insurance, helping those who can't pay for their rent or mortgage, putting our children back into schools, helping our small businesses; this is what this bill does. This is why we have to do it, and we have to do it now because this is the emergency of our time and it takes bold moves.

Madam Speaker, the armed insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol did not emerge out of a vacuum. They were lied to by Republican Senators and Republican Congressmen and -women. But they were incited to violence by one man above all else: Donald J. Trump, who tried to be the ultimate ruler of our democracy.

The world is watching. Our allies are watching, and our adversaries are watching. We must show them that no one will rule this country and be above the law. The cameras of history are rolling. We must act. We must impeach Donald J. Trump and show the world what we stand for.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Thursday Luncheon Group, an organization that serves as an effective platform to help African-Americans play an equitable role in the formulation, articulation, and implementation of U.S. foreign policy.

When I travel the world, I witness firsthand the importance of having an inclusive diplomatic corps reflecting the American people's rich cultural tapestry. As the U.S. Department of State's oldest Employee Affinity Group, TLG has been instrumental in leading the charge to promote diversity within the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

In 1973, two senior USIA Officers, William B. Davis and Roburt A. Dumas, urged their friends at USIA, the State Department, and USAID to consider what could be done to encourage a significant role for African-Americans in foreign affairs. These foundering members began meeting regularly on the first Thursday of every month to discuss issues affecting the careers of African American Foreign Service and Civil Service personnel and to create space for open exchanges with guest speakers. This group of trailblazers understood then, as we fully appreciate now, the struggle for representation is often long but begins with a dedicated few.

Nearly five decades later, the Thursday Luncheon Group has over 500 members, including retired and current Department of State and USAID employees, and dedicated members from five other federal agencies. Their members have taken prominent roles in the development and execution of U.S. foreign policy, including Chiefs of Mission, Career Ambassadors, and Assistant Secretaries. TLG members monitor recruitment, assignments, employment practices, training and other matters of vital interest to minorities at the State Department and

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Brazilian Ambassador to the United States, Sergio Silva do Amaral, whose invaluable commitment to the bonds of friendship between Brazil and the American people has left an indelible mark on our bilateral and hemisperic relations. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Brazil, I have worked on numerous occasions with Ambassador Amaral to deepen our bilateral relations, and build upon the great history of partnership between Brazil and America.

In September 2016, Sergio Amaral was appointed Ambassador of Brazil to the United States in Washington, D.C. Since then, Ambassador Amaral has worked tirelessly to promote a closer U.S.-Brazil friendship, as well as to promote the expansion of our economic, political, defense, and cultural relations, bringing a message of friendliness and cooperation during his travels through our country in furtherance of his mission to spread Brazil's message of peace and prosperity for all people. On June 1, when he retires from his Ambassadorial role in the U.S., he will conclude nearly 45 years of service to Brazil. His time as Brazil's Ambassador is thus an appropriate capstone to his long and distinguished career.

Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and as a graduate of the University of Sao Paulo and the University of Paris, France, Ambassador Amaral has served in a number of senior official posts in the Brazilian public service over five decades. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the U.S., he served as Ambassador to London and Ambassador to Paris, as well as Minister of Development, Trade and Industry, and Chief-Minister for Social Communication of Brazil's Presidency. His other notable positions include Vice Minister of Environment and the Amazon, Secretary for International Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, President of the Council of Brazil's Chamber of Foreign Trade, and President of the Brazil-China Business Council.

Ambassador Sergio Amaral has continuously reminded us of the great potential that lies ahead of Brazil and the United States as two of the largest democracies and economies in the Western Hemisphere. We must build upon the common beliefs that have historically connected the peoples of Brazil and America: our commitment to democracy, our commitment to the rule of law, and our commitment to the dignity of all people in our own countries and around the world. Today, I thank Ambassador Sergio Amaral for his service to these ideals, and wish him a long and happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, the Honorable Howard G. Lane, Supreme Court Justice, Queens County, 11th Judicial District (Retired) was elected Judge of the Civil Court in Queens County in November 2003, after 24 years of practicing law. A graduate of Manhattan College where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree and awarded a Juris Doctor degree in 1978 from Hofstra University Law School and the recipient of Fredrick Douglass National Moot Court Competition, ``Best Oralist'' Northeast Regional Competition Award and admitted to practice law in the state of New York in 1979.

From 1979 to Judge Lane's election to the Civil Court, he served as Law Clerk and Principal Court Attorney for Supreme Court Justice Leslie G. Leach in the Queens County Court prior to serving as a sole practitioner engaged in the private practice of law and hearings. In his long and distinguished career, he also served as a Hearing Officer for the Transit Adjudication Bureau and staff attorney for Community Action for Legal Services, Inc.

Justice Lane's approach to leadership is exemplified by his fervent belief in the concept of teamwork and empowerment. His aim has been to lead by example, re-energizing and transforming the culture of the judicial institutions he has led through a partnership between administrators and front-line staff. His commitment to the Judicial System and his respect for the value of our law resulted in his legal opinions and rulings being recognized as exemplary of the finest legal analysis and thinking.

That I, Gregory W. Meeks, Member of the 116th Congress, on behalf of the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of New York, congratulate Howard G. Lane for his twenty-four years of service to quality legal practice. On behalf of the 723,000 residents of the Fifth Congressional District, I thank Judge Lane for his outstanding and ongoing contribution to our Judicial Institution's integrity and local and global community's wellbeing.

Madam Speaker, Juliette Alkins Hansen was born in Washington Heights, reared in Harlem, educated in the New York City public school and university system--Juliette Alkins Hansen is a New Yorker. Her Barbadian parents instilled in her an appreciation and pride in her heritage. Their participation in church activities (St. Ambrose in Harlem) gave her grounding in learning how to ``give back'' to your community/organization.

In their 47-year marriage, Richard and Juliette, individually and collectively, were involved in civic and community life. Juliette's non-political organizational activity included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Girl Scouts of America, Jack and Jill of America, The Greater Queens Chapter of the Links, Juliette was the organizer for the Queens Chapter of the Links, York College Community Quilt, various scholars hip committees, and Magnet School Mentoring Program. Her board member participation included the American Lung Association; Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, (JCAL). After several decades of JCAL board participation, Juliette retired. She was named the board's first Emeritus Board Member and remains active in many of the board's activities. This association gives her a continued ability to participate in the growth of this invaluable asset to our borough and city. She also served on the boards of Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults (JSPOA) and Jamaica NAACP. Being the Organizer of The Greater Queens Chapter of the Links brought her a sense of pride and accomplishment. Juliette feels blessed that God granted her the years to become a ``Golden'' 50-year Soror in her dear Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is an Emeritus member of the New York Chapter of the CARATS. Juliette and her family are members of Saint Albans Congregational Church.

Politically, her late husband, Richard led the way. During his tenure as President of the Jamaica branch of the NAACP in the early 1970's, the chapter continued its tradition of activism. As second vice president, Juliette was at his side when the chapter fought for Rochdale, the establishment of York College in our community, fair housing in Forest Hills and NAACP reform, et al. After his term ended, the couple became associated with the political campaigns of several local, city, state, and national aspirants. They worked with others in major fund raising activities for several candidates.

Through her various organizations, Juliette continued her connection with youth. She joined Dr. Gerald Deas in his campaign against ``Quarter Water''. These sweet colored water drinks have been cited as being asthma ``triggers'' for young Black and Latino children. As a board member of the American Lung Association and part of the Links Chapter, she addressed New York legislators in Albany regarding the need for regulatory legislation against such products. Unfortunately, these drinks are still on the shelves.

Now retired, Juliette had 23 years of varied experience in the field of education. As a charter faculty member of the Queens Bridge to Medicine program, she maintains an extended family of former students, who have kept her in their lives through graduate/medical schools, marriages and children. Juliette was honored with a nomination and placement to Who's Who Among American Teachers. Juliette's other honors include the Martin Luther King Scholarship--St. John's University; The Many Faces of Queens Women--Newsday; Community Service Award--Borough President Claire Schulman; Community Service Award--Borough President Helen Marshall; Community Service Award--Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Club, City Councilman Leroy Comrie's ``Unsung Heroes'' and the Queens Chapter of Jack & Jill honored her as one of their past chapter presidents.

``The greatest joy in my life has been my devoted late husband, Richard, our loving, statuesque daughters, Greer and Dionne and husbands, Manuel and Michael. My three munchkins (grandsons): Blake, Spencer, and Richard are my supreme joy! I feel honored to have received several awards from my community and to be blessed with many dear and true friends . . . thanks for giving me my roses while I can smell them.''

Madam Speaker, through a Charter by the U.S. Congress, Howard University School of Law began as Howard University Law Department on January 6, 1867, during the Reconstruction Era, to provide legal education to students committed to the protection of the rights of African Americans. During this time, there was a great need to train lawyers who would have a strong commitment to help black Americans to secure and protect their rights and well as the rights of other marginalized communities. Howard Law also has significant ties to the Civil Rights Movement and other social movements that fought for civil rights throughout American history.

Howard Law was the first school in the nation to have a nondiscriminatory admission policy, admitting both black and white male and female law students.

Howard Law's mission is to:

Educate and enable students to develop their highest capabilities and skills as lawyers;

Engage as an institution in the active pursuit of solutions to domestic and international legal, social, economic and political problems that are of particular concern to minority groups; and

Imbue its students with dedication to excellence and commitment to the solutions to those problems.

Famous alumni and faculty of the school include Dean Charles Hamilton Houston--``the Man Who Killed Jim Crow,'' Thurgood Marshall--argued Brown v. Board of Education and the first African-American Justice, multiple Congressmen, senators, district judges, governors, mayors, and the former Prime Minister of Jamaica.

We begin the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of its founding with a Sesquicentennial Convocation.

I, Gregory W. Meeks, Member of the 116th Congress, do hereby congratulate Howard University School of Law on its 150th Anniversary, on January 7, 2019.

Madam Speaker, The Honorable Valerie Brathwaite Nelson, a justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Second Department, which is the intermediate Appellate Court in New York State, was appointed in February 2016 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, making history as the first African-American female from the County of Queens to be elevated to Associate Justice of the Appellate Division.

Justice Brathwaite Nelson was educated in the New York City Public School System, is a graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and received her Juris Doctor degree from the George Washington School of Law. Having married the greatest joy of her life Nicholas J. Nelson, adding to that union three children whom she considers her most important and greatest achievement.

Justice Brathwaite Nelson began her distinguished career as a Law Clerk with U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, as well as serving in a variety of public and private legal capacities prior to establishing her private practice of law. Her approach to leadership is exemplified by her firm belief in the concept of teamwork and empowerment. Her focus has been to lead by example, while re-energizing and transforming the culture of the judicial institutions she has led. Credited with making tangible changes in the lives of women of color and their families both domestically and abroad through meaningful partnership, her commitment to the Judicial System and her respect for the value of our law resulted in her receiving numerous honors and recognition; Therefore, be it

That I, Gregory W. Meeks, Member of the 116th Congress, representing the Fifth Congressional District of New York, congratulate Valerie Brathwaite Nelson for her dedicated service to quality legal practice. On behalf of the 723,000 residents of the Fifth Congressional District, I thank Valerie Brathwaite Nelson for her outstanding and ongoing commitment to making positive contributions to our society's wellbeing.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor European Union Ambassador to the United States David O'Sullivan, whose invaluable commitment to the bonds of friendship between Europe and the American people has left an indelible mark on the transatlantic alliance. As Co- Chair of the Congressional EU Caucus, I have worked on numerous occasions with Ambassador O'Sullivan to strengthen that alliance, and build upon the great history of partnership between Europe and America.

In November 2014, David O'Sullivan was appointed Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to the United States in Washington, DC. Since then, Ambassador O'Sullivan has worked tirelessly to promote transatlantic unity, emphasizing people to people contacts during his travels to all 50 of our states in furtherance of his mission to spread the European Union's message of peace and prosperity for all people. In February of this year, when he retires from his Ambassadorial role, he will conclude nearly 40 years of service to the European Union. His time as EU Ambassador is thus an appropriate capstone to his long and distinguished career.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, and as a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, Ambassador O'Sullivan has served in a number of senior official posts in the European public service over five decades that saw monumental changes on the European continent. Prior to his appointment as EU Ambassador to the U.S., he was the Chief Operating Officer of the `European External Action Service', responsible for establishing this new EU diplomatic corps. His other notable positions within the European Commission include Director General for Trade, Secretary General of the European Commission, and Head of European Commission President Prodi 's Cabinet.

The transatlantic community has always been a community of values, and this is more important now than ever before. Ambassador O'Sullivan has continuously reminded us that we cannot take the transatlantic alliance for granted. We must build upon the common beliefs that have connected the peoples of Europe and America over the past century: our commitment to democracy, our commitment to the rule of law, and our commitment to the dignity of all people in our own countries and around the world. Today, I thank Ambassador O'Sullivan and his wife Agnes O'Hare, for their service to these ideals, and wish him a long and happy retirement.

Mr. Chair, I rise to offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I am offering an amendment to expedite the Army Corps of Engineers' study of Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts, allowing a faster response to dangerous and economically damaging beach erosion in my district and the Rockaway Peninsula.

To this day, my constituents suffer from the after-effects of Hurricane Sandy. Though coastal recovery has contributed to positive economic development, the very same jobs created are now threatened by emergency beach closures.

Two weeks ago, only days ahead of beach season, of the beaches opening, 11 of our beaches' central blocks were deemed unsafe due to erosion, by the city of New York and all of the lifeguards therein. As a result, it will be crippling to the vendors, whose entire livelihood depends on their seasonal income.

Last year alone, there were four nor'easters that further devastated our beachfront. We have already allocated funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to begin constructing coastal protections and prevent further erosion. However, construction is not due to begin until 2019.

In that time, beaches will be left vulnerable to coastal erosion, threatening more closures, and impacting more jobs and economic activity in my district. This should be of concern to all taxpayers.

After Sandy, the Army Corps of Engineers dumped two Empire State Buildings' worth of sand on our beach for coastal recovery. Stalled efforts to address resiliency issues, such as this study, are allowing millions of Federal dollars to be literally washed away.

Mr. Chair, my constituents cannot wait until 2019 for construction of reinforced dunes, groynes, and jetties. The studies must be allowed to be improved and completed in a timely manner so as to not leave our beachgoers unsafe or our economy vulnerable.

While I will continue to push for a remedy for this summer--I am going to push to try to save some of it--it is my hope that by expediting this process, the beaches will be made safe and operational for my constituents as soon as possible, and certainly no later than spring season of 2019.

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

Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman and the ranking member from California for their understanding.

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