Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, for generations, America's innovations, from electricity to automobiles, robotics to plastics, have shaped the course of history.

We prevailed because we were preeminent in our investments in science, research, and technology.

But today, America's preeminence is being challenged. Other countries have followed our lead in research, science, and technology.

As a result, more of the technology that we are relying on today is made abroad, driving up the cost at home, contributing to inflation, threatening our workers' financial security and their jobs, and eroding our Nation's competitiveness.

That is why Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, along with 13 other committees of the House, crafted a data-driven, results-oriented package to help our Nation meet and win in the 21st century.

I associate myself with the remarks of the gentlewoman from Michigan in support of the COMPETES Act. The House America COMPETES Act is precisely what is needed to ensure America's might in manufacturing and innovation while creating good-paying jobs and lowering costs for our Nation.

Our bill helps bring manufacturing back to our shores, including $52 billion for chips, which are crucial for making cars, cell phones, and more.

Our bill will help reinvigorate America's industry, securing $45 billion to strengthen our supply chain, reduce dependence on foreign nations, and lower costs.

Our bill invests in research and education so that we diversify our STEM workforce with apprenticeships and the rest.

And our bill will promote U.S. global leadership.

In the spirit of patriotism and unity, the House will champion these priorities when we go to conference to craft a bold, bipartisan, bicameral package to send to the President's desk.

I hope that we will have the opportunity to go to conference soon. We are waiting for the signal from the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for his leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, in his outstanding State of the Union Address earlier this month, President Joe Biden presented Democrats' visionary agenda to build a better America with lower healthcare costs for American families, and with justice in all that we do.

House Democrats have long led the charge to lower the costs of prescription drugs. So it is with great pride that the Democratic House today will advance one of the pillars of this vision: capping the cost of insulin at $35 a month. In doing so, we take another important step in the fight to bring down drug prices across the board for every American family.

I thank the lead sponsors of this legislation who have been relentless, dissatisfied, and persistent in this fight: Congresswoman Angie Craig, Congressman Dan Kildee, and Congresswoman Lucy McBath of Georgia.

I salute the chairs of the committees of jurisdiction for helping steer this vital legislation to the floor: Chairman Frank Pallone of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Chairman Richie Neal of the Committee on Ways and Means, and Chairman Bobby Scott of the Committee on Education and Labor.

Everyone knows that the cost of insulin--a lifesaving drug that has been around for a century--is outrageous and out of control. That cost is outrageous and out of control. On average, Americans pay more than 10 times for insulin compared to what consumers around the world pay. Here in the United States the price of insulin skyrocketed by 54 percent from 2014 to 2019. Meanwhile, Big Pharma is reaping record- breaking profits; producing insulin at about $10 a vial, while charging families up to 30 times that amount.

This affordability crisis is taking a severe human toll. One in four Americans who rely on insulin have been forced to ration or skip their dose--a practice that can be dangerous and even deadly. And working parents with a family member on insulin are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety and are often forced to choose between paying their bills and protecting the health of a loved one.

Indeed, across the country, as I have said on this floor before, I have seen grown men cry about how they cannot meet their family's needs when it comes to prescription drugs. This crisis is a kitchen-table issue for millions of families, and it is a medical, economic, and moral imperative that Congress take action.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act not only requires Medicare and commercial users to cover lifesaving insulin on their plans, but also caps the out-of-pocket costs for families at $35 per month. In doing so, we put more money back in the pockets of hardworking families and vulnerable seniors. This is crucial right now, as so many Americans struggle to keep up with the burdensome, everyday costs. Of course, this has even been exacerbated with COVID which has, in many instances, spread diabetes more.

House Democrats proudly passed a cap on insulin's cost in the Build Back Better legislation last year. We already did this last year. Today, we, again, take this strong step toward lower health costs for the people. To be clear, comprehensive reform is urgently needed to lift the crushing burden of prescription drug prices weighing on our families.

Democrats will never ever relent, Mr. Speaker, until we realize our longstanding goal of lowering drug prices across the board. And we are continuing our fight to empower Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices--we have been working on that for decades--and make these lower prices available to Americans with private insurance, too.

We do so in honor of the late Chairman Elijah Cummings, the North Star in Congress and a relentless warrior for lower drug prices, with the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, this rule applies not just to lowering the cost of insulin but also to the very important MORE Act.

I also rise today in support of this urgent legislation that will help pave the path toward racial and economic justice.

I thank Chairman Jerry Nadler for his steadfast voice for equity and opportunity for all at the helm of the Judiciary Committee.

I salute Congressman Ed Perlmutter for his tireless and longstanding leadership on this issue, a relentless persistence to satisfy, as the gentleman says. Thank heaven, we are passing it today.

I also want to commend Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Earl Blumenauer for their persistence as well.

For far too long, Mr. Speaker, failed Federal drug policies have torn apart families and devastated communities of color. People of color are four times more likely to be arrested on cannabis charges and are often targeted for longer prison terms than others. Tragically, the communities most harmed by criminalization are benefiting the least from the legal cannabis marketplace as prior cannabis convictions are barring too many of them from entering the industry. As a result, only one-fifth of cannabis businesses are minority owned, and only 4 percent of owners are Black. Meanwhile, more than 600,000 Americans are still arrested each year on cannabis charges, threatening to perpetuate this vicious cycle.

With the MORE Act, which the Democratic House proudly passed last Congress, we take strong actions to correct these injustices.

This landmark legislation is one of the most important criminal justice reform bills in recent history: delivering justice for those harmed by the brutal and unfair consequences of criminalization; opening the doors of opportunity for all to participate in this rapidly growing industry; and decriminalizing cannabis at the Federal level so we do not repeat the grave mistakes of our past.

Those of us from California take pride in our State's long leadership in this justice effort, and in recent years,

46 more States have reformed cannabis laws. As the distinguished gentleman from Colorado mentioned in his remarks, 47 States have taken this act. Now it is time for the Federal Government to follow suit.

Both of the bills that the House will pass today that are covered by this rule, the insulin bill and the MORE Act, are overwhelmingly popular with the American people, and they represent strong steps toward building a brighter and fairer future for our children.

Mr. Speaker, I urge strong, bipartisan ``yes'' votes on both bills and on the rule.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding service of the Bill Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, Peggy Fields. For more than three decades, Peggy has devoted her career to the people's work here in the People's House. In doing so, she has earned the respect of Members and staff on both sides of the aisle and ensured the Congress could deliver for the Country.

A daughter of Huntsville, Alabama, Peggy began her career in public service by joining the office of former Congressman Bud Cramer when he was the District Attorney of Madison County, Alabama. After Congressman Cramer was elected to the House in 1990, she came with him to Washington so that she could continue to serve her beloved hometown community. For eighteen years, she was an integral member of his team as Grants and Special Projects Coordinator, an essential link between the Congress and her constituents.

In 2008, Peggy brought her talents, relentless work ethic and dedication to public service to the Office of the Clerk of the House. As an Assistant Bill Clerk, she helped process the many bills, amendments and cosponsor forms filed in the House: essential work to keep Congress functioning. Peggy embodies the extraordinary meticulousness, teamwork and professionalism that this essential responsibility demands. Her excellence was on full display during her exemplary performance as Bill Clerk on duty during the opening day of the 114th Congress, when she managed the introduction of 161 bills with remarkable diligence and efficiency.

In July 2021, Peggy's hard work and valuable contributions were recognized when she was promoted to serve as Bill Clerk of the House. In this role, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership of her team: bringing energy, camaraderie and humor to the long hours and late nights to ensure the business of the House could get done. Her mastery of the mechanics of the legislative process, extensive institutional knowledge and refusal to shy away from a challenge were especially valuable last year--helping facilitate an historically productive legislative session despite the many challenges posed by the lingering pandemic.

Peggy's work has been central to the health of our Democracy and to the benefit of our Country: ensuring that the business of legislating is both efficient and accessible for the American people. She takes immense pride in always placing the duties of her office above all else, never allowing partisanship or politics to infiltrate the sacred trust bestowed upon the Office of the Clerk.

While she will be missed, Congress and the Country are grateful to Peggy Fields for her longtime and patriotic service. When she returns to her beloved Huntsville after she graduates with her Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary this May, she will continue her leadership by helping local churches serve their congregations and their communities. On behalf of the House, we wish her all the best as she prepares for a deeply deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Graves for arranging this special tribute to a devoted patriot, a serious legislator, and endearing colleague and friend, the dean of the House, Congressman Don Young. I thank Mr. Graves for his leadership in putting this together. I am pleased to join our distinguished Democratic leader, Mr. Hoyer, who is still here on the floor now for this.

Madam Speaker, this morning, Congress had the sad and official honor of welcoming Congressman Young back to the Capitol to lie in state in Statuary Hall. As Speaker, it was my solemn privilege to join in paying tribute to this legendary leader, as his historic public service brought luster to the Congress and to the country.

It was always clear that Don was passionate about his position and his patriotism, and about working in this institution to make a difference.

As an Army veteran, he was a force for ensuring our servicemembers, veterans, and military families got the care they earned;

As a former teacher and passionate advocate for quality education for all of our Nation's children; and

As a champion for Alaska--as Congressman Graves pointed out, and Mr. Hoyer as well--he was relentless in delivering investments to his beloved home State, especially lifting up Native communities in honor of his late wife, Lu.

When Don became dean in December 2017, he said right here on the House floor: I love this body. I believe in this body. My heart is in the House.

He loved the House and the House loved him. Indeed, Don Young was an institution in the House of Representatives. As was said this morning, 49 years for the 49th State, The Last Frontier, which he loved; Alaska.

While a committed conservative, he was more than willing to work across party lines if it meant delivering for his beloved home State of Alaska. And as dean, he cherished the duty to bring Members together and to defend the dignity and integrity of this institution.

I, myself, was personally honored to be sworn in as Speaker two times by the distinguished dean, Don Young, in 2019 and 2021.

As dean, he cherished his duty to bring Members together, as I said. Despite political differences, many of us on the other side of the aisle enjoyed close personal friendships with him built on our shared reverence and respect for this institution.

His salmon dinners were legendary. His personality was similarly legendary.

While we are devastated by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, each of us has a duty to honor his unending love for the House and the towering legacy he leaves behind.

Again, I call to attention the fact that George Miller, who served with him wrote--it is online in The Hill--an article he wrote with John Lawrence as opinion contributors. But George Miller and Don Young were back and forth, chair and ranking member, on the Interior Committee and the Committee on Natural Resources. You have to read it because any one sentence taken out of context, you might not appreciate, but let me just read what he said at the end: ``Saying you miss Don Young doesn't mean he was right all the time or that he was invariably wrong; it means the House is diminished by his loss. He was a great Congressman and a great friend; Alaska was fortunate to have him.''

May it be a comfort to his beloved wife, Anne, his dear children, Dawn and Joni, and his 20-some darling grandchildren that so many in the Congress and the country mourn their loss.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the statement of George Miller and John A. Lawrence.

Don Young: A Conservative Who Believed in the House

(By George Miller and John A. Lawrence)

Don Young, the Alaska congressman who died on March 18 at

88 and who is lying in state today, was a hard-nosed, in-

your-face, unapologetic, old-line conservative. An ardent

hunter and gun advocate, the walls of his legendary Rayburn

building office looked like the workplace of an over-active

taxidermist: covered in heads, hides and horns of the

creatures that had the misfortune to cross paths with this

former teacher, trapper and river boat captain. A descendent

of the early conservationist movement that preserved open

lands and wildlife so he could drill and graze on the former

and shoot the latter, he had no patience with public land

purists who demanded minimal human intrusions on the natural

ecosystem. It is fair to say he was much more Safari Club

than Sierra Club.

Don was not a subtle personality, as many discovered

throughout his career. If he was unhappy with your criticisms

or bored with your speechifying, he might pull out his

hunting knife and hold it to your throat or jam it into the

dais next to you at a hearing. The chief proponent of logging

old forests and drilling the fragile coast, he was a hero to

his Alaska constituents who sent him to Congress longer than

any other sitting member, but a desecrating exploiter of the

public's resources to environmentalists, especially those in

the other 49 states.

But if Don was a throwback to an earlier age of gruff,

sharp-elbow politics, he also retained that era's deep love

for the House in which he spent the bulk of his life, where

he chaired two committees and served as Dean--and where it

was not considered an act of treachery or political suicide

to reach across the aisle.

There is often a tendency when someone dies to sand off the

hard edges and portray the recently departed as something of

a saint. Don would be the first to acknowledge he was no

saint, and he'd be furious with anyone who tried to sand off

his rough edges. He would bellow like a wounded grizzly when

he made concessions on the Tongass forest or the Alaska Lands

law, but once the deal was struck in the negotiations, he

would go out on the floor and defend the work product of his

committee.

Even so, Don remained a pariah to most national

environmental activists for promoting projects like the

Trans-Alaska pipeline or drilling in the Arctic Wilderness

(both issues on which we strongly disagreed with him), and

many of his own colleagues were angry with him for pushing

through the $400-million Gravina Island ``bridge to nowhere''

that became a paradigm of congressional pork and provoked

Congress to ban earmarks. But the people who worked on those

projects and would have driven on that bridge (it was

cancelled in 2005) were Don Young's constituents, and he was

doing what congresspeople have done since time immemorial:

taking care of the district. And it's worth noting that the

House, after a decade of prohibition, has resurrected--with

greater transparency--earmarks as a crucial way of securing

the votes to pass legislation.

Because he was very much his own man and did not suffer

fools (or anyone else, for that matter) lightly, Don was

skeptical of the new breed of hyper-partisans who emerged

halfway through his long tenure in the House. Back in 1994,

he was one of just a handful of Republicans who refused to

embrace Newt Gingrich's ``Contract With America,'' a

collection of half-baked, rhetorical broadsides against the

Democratic majority under which he had always served. Asked

why he declined to embrace the campaign

document, he matter-of-factly declared, ``Because it's a

crock of shit.''

Later in the decade, Don unexpectedly joined with leading

environmentalists to support the Conservation and

Reinvestment Act (CARA) that offered up vast lands for both

hunting and backpacking but also included greater protections

for landowners and restrained federal land acquisitions. Down

at the White House, plying the bill's key sponsors with Diet

Cokes as they happily missed floor votes, Bill Clinton

professed his commitment to the bill to a delegation that

included Republicans like Young who had just voted to impeach

him. When Young left the West Wing after a couple of hours,

he marveled, ``No president has spent that much time with me

since Nixon'' three decades earlier.

Don helped build a stunning bipartisan coalition for CARA

that passed the House with over 300 votes but stalled in the

Senate. When asked why he could not get the bill past the

upper house, he blamed ``those crazy, god-damned right-wing

bastards.'' When he was reminded ``Don, you're a crazy right-

wing bastard, you know,'' he answered, ``That's true, but I

know how to cut a deal.''

The House Don Young leaves behind is one where knowing how

to cut a bipartisan deal is a much more difficult challenge

than in his glory days, wielding the gavel at the Resources

and Transportation committees. His departure marks one more

loss of the kind of people who were willing to take tough

stands and live with the fallout, good or bad, because it was

vastly better than gridlock and cheap shot sniping.

Saying you'll miss Don Young doesn't mean he was right all

the time or that he was invariably wrong; it means the House

is diminished by his loss. He was a great congressman and a

great friend; Alaska was fortunate to have him.

Madam Speaker, frequently we will say at a service, ``I mourn with you.'' We are all mourning in the House with Anne, Dawn, and Joni because we have all lost a dear, dear friend, and we are praying for them at this sad time. He was a blessing to our country. May Congressman Don Young forever rest in peace.

When I asked George Miller this morning, what word would you use to describe Don Young. He said: He was amazing. He shouted over the phone: He was amazing.

And how appropriate that the family had suggested ``Amazing Grace'' as the song to be sung at his service earlier today as he laid in state in Statuary Hall.

Yes, Don Young. Amazing. ``Amazing Grace.''

Mr. Speaker, Women's History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the courageous, patriotic women who have helped write our Nation's story.

Indeed, in every chapter of our history, women have been at the forefront: fighting for our rights, forging progress in every aspect of society, and pushing our nation to live up to our most cherished ideals.

So, it is in that powerful, pioneering spirit that I rise today in support of legislation that will honor two of these historic Americans: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

From their seats on the highest Court in the land, they were not only instrumental to upholding and defending our Constitution--but they paved a path in the field of law for generations of women to follow.

With this bill, we honor their extraordinary service by welcoming to the United States Capitol statues of these two trailblazing women.

Thank you to Congresswoman Lois Frankel for your tireless, persistent leadership in establishing this special tribute--and for all that you do for America's women and girls.

Thanks also to Chair Zoe Lofgren: who, at the helm of the Committee on House Administration, has been a steadfast champion in bringing more diversity and inclusion to monuments that fill the halls of the Congress.

These statues will not only ensure that Justices O'Connor and Ginsburg take their rightful place here, among the many heroes of our history.

But they will also ensure that all those who walk these hallowed halls--from Members and foreign leaders to young girls on school trips--can learn about and be inspired by the legacies of these two legendary leaders.

It is with great pride that, with this bill, we will soon welcome to the halls of Congress a statue of a living legend: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Justice O'Connor has earned her deeply deserved place in history, as the first woman ever to sit on the Supreme Court.

But beyond the barrier-breaking nature of her service, she brought to the bench a pillar of courage, integrity and justice: our nation's highest ideals.

On the Court, she was always an independent and influential voice-- bringing great wisdom, judgment and consideration to her opinions.

She also inspired the world as a proud working mother, proving that a woman can both excel in her career and care for her family.

She raised her three young sons while serving in the Arizona State Senate--where she was the first woman Maiority Leader of a State Senate anywhere in the country.

And all were in awe of her strength in serving as her late husband's caregiver during his battle with Alzheimer's.

Justice O'Connor once said: ``It's good to be first--but you don't want to be last.'' Indeed, she always held open the door behind her: mentoring so many young women in law, including our beloved Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

And our Nation is so proud that Justice Ginsburg will join that of Justice O'Connor here on Capitol Hill.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg truly embodied justice, brilliance and goodness-- and nearly every family in America benefited from her quarter century on the Court fighting for equality, opportunity and justice for all.

The ``Notorious RBG'' quickly became an icon on the bench:

an outstanding and independent legal mind;

a tenacious defender of our fundamental rights; and

the author of fiery opinions still referenced to this day.

And throughout her entire career, she was a tireless advocate for gender equality, whether:

working at the ACLU as the founder of its Women's Rights Project;

arguing cases before the Supreme Court;

or handing down legal opinions cementing the precedent that all men and women are created equal.

After her devastating loss two years ago, it was my solemn privilege as Speaker to welcome her one final time back to the Capitol to lie in state.

Now, it is with great respect and admiration for her legacy of powerful progress for women that the Congress passes this legislation to ensure her statue will be a permanent fixture of our Temple of Democracy.

It is fitting that we enact this legislation amid the historic confirmation process of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

She was magnificent during the Committee proceedings last week-- demonstrating her brilliant legal mind, her remarkable confidence and poise, and her unyielding commitment to justice.

And this is a moment of great pride and patriotism for our nation, as she will soon make history as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.

Indeed, Judge Jackson is a blazing new trail for the next generation of public servants--in the same pioneering spirit as the two extraordinary leaders we are honoring with this legislation today.

God blessed America with the leadership of Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg--and many of us today stand on their shoulders.

With this bill, we ensure that all visit the Capitol feel their eternal presence and that our children will learn about their towering legacies.

I urge a strong, bipartisan ``aye'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I congratulate him on his leadership. The connection between human rights and economics is a connection that many of us have seen for a while. When it comes to some countries, for example China, when I was trying to get an adjustment in trade with China based on human rights, I was told, Oh, blah, blah, blah. But I said then and I say now of Russia, if we do not speak out for human rights because of commercial interests, we lose all moral authority to speak out for human rights in any small country in the world if these big countries are left off the hook.

Madam Speaker, as we convene today, war rages in Ukraine. Yesterday, the Congress had the great honor and privilege of receiving a virtual address by President Zelenskyy, whose heroic leadership has rallied his nation and inspired the world. Our Members were very moved by his powerful remarks as well as the heart-wrenching footage he shared showing the terror and brutality which Putin has unleashed in Ukraine, including committing war crimes against children.

So it is with great respect for President Zelenskyy's leadership and with unwavering support for the people of Ukraine that the House today takes another strong step to punish Russia for its war crimes.

It is my hope that this legislation receives strong bipartisan support, and I thank the chairman, Mr. Neal, and the ranking member, Mr. Brady, for working together to make that a reality because it is a recognition that is worthy of the valor and courage of the people of Ukraine.

The unimaginable courage, resilience, and determination of the Ukrainian people has been on full display, as they fight to not only protect their homeland but to defend democracy itself. The assault that Putin is making on Ukraine is an assault on democracy writ large. He is so cowardly and so insecure; he can't stand to see a democracy across the way from Russia for fear that the Russian people will see a better way instead of his autocracy. And so the Ukrainians are fighting for democracy writ large.

Yet, tragically, Putin has repeatedly responded by accelerating brutality, indiscriminately bombing major cities, attacking civilians attempting to evacuate the violence, and even murdering mothers and babies in a maternity hospital.

Russia's cruel and unprovoked invasion has already forced nearly 3 million Ukrainians to flee their homes, creating what the United Nations has called the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.

Because Putin shows no sign of ceasing his horrible aggression, the Congress today will take another step, in lockstep with the Biden administration and many of our allies, to tighten our stranglehold on the Russian economy.

The legislation the House will pass today represents an intense action to further isolate Russia and decimate its economy. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Brady and Mr. Neal for giving us this opportunity.

With this bill, the United States will suspend permanent normal trade relations with Russia, which means they will no longer enjoy preferential tariff treatment, take steps to review Russia's access to the World Trade Organization, and reauthorize and strengthen the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, so that we can impose even further individual sanctions.

In doing so, we will make it as difficult as possible for Russia to do business with the United States and our allies, and we will also suspend normal trade relations with Belarus for its shameful complicity in Russia's aggression.

Congress and the country salute Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal and Ranking Member Kevin Brady, who led the way to steer this legislation to the floor and garner strong bipartisan support for its passage. I would also like to thank Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Congressman Earl Blumenauer for their relentless leadership in showing that the House was ready with this legislation so we could act quickly and decisively and have the improving touches that Mr. Brady and Mr. Neal added to it.

The legislation we pass today builds on swift, devastating sanctions already being imposed on Russia by America and our allies. We take this step with extraordinary unity not only within Congress on a bipartisan, bicameral basis, but also between the Congress and the administration.

And we do so with historic coordination with our neighbors abroad, as the members of the G7 and European Union have all agreed to revoke most-favored-nation status from Russia.

On behalf of the Congress, I salute President Biden for unifying our allies so that we could move together with this crushing blow. And we will continue working together to make Putin accountable for his despicable crimes as he violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

What Putin is doing in Ukraine, bombing civilians, targeting children, is outside, Madam Speaker, the circle of civilized human behavior. He is committing war crimes and he must be held accountable.

Madam Speaker, I urge a strong, bipartisan ``aye'' vote.

Madam Speaker, this morning, Members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate, had the high privilege and distinct honor of hearing directly from the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In the face of Russia's cruel and unprovoked invasion, the President's fearless, heroic leadership has rallied his Nation and inspired the entire world.

Our Members were very moved by his powerful remarks today, as well as the heart-wrenching footage he shared showing Putin's inhumane terror, brutally committing war crimes against children.

As President Zelenskyy said: ``Right now, the destiny of our country is being decided . . . Russia has attacked not just us, not just our land, not just our cities. It went on a brutal offensive against our values--basic human values.''

Indeed, all are in awe of the extraordinary courage and determination of the Ukrainian people as they defend democracy, not only at home but democracy around the world.

It is with great respect for the Ukrainian people, and in recognition of the grave threat that Russian aggression poses to the free world, that Congress secured $13.6 billion in humanitarian, security, and economic assistance for Ukraine in the government funding law that President Biden signed yesterday.

But more needs to be done for the refugees and for the protection of the people. I hope that all of this can be done in a bipartisan way.

So I join my colleague in saluting the people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini. That means ``Glory to Ukraine.'' Glory to the heroes of Ukraine.

Madam Speaker, and in coordination with the Administration and our Allies, we have taken strong, bipartisan action to cripple and isolate the Russian economy:

Strangling its banks and taking on the oligarchs funding this war;

Banning the import of oil and energy products into the United States, cutting off the lifeblood of the Russian economy;

Taking first steps to remove Russia from the WTO; and

Reauthorizing Global Magnitsky so we can impose further sanctions.

This week, the House will take our latest, most intense action yet: revoking the privilege of permanent normal trade relations from Russia.

It is my hope that, when it comes to the floor, this legislation receives overwhelming bipartisan support, worthy of the valor and heroism of the Ukrainian people.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that proceedings during the address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, held in the Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Auditorium on March 16, 2022, be printed in the Record.

Mr. Speaker, the world is in awe of the Ukrainian people, who have shown extraordinary courage and an iron will in the face of Russia's unprovoked war.

As we speak, they are putting their lives on the line to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, protect their families, and defend their democracy.

Indeed, the entire country--parents and children, rich and poor, in big cities and in small towns--have come together to safeguard their heritage and their home.

Tragically, Putin has met their heroism with accelerating brutality: reportedly bombing indiscriminately and attacking civilians, including children.

In doing so, the world has seen what the United Nations has deemed the ``fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.''

At this pivotal moment, America will not be delayed or deterred in taking action to counter Putin's aggression and support the Ukrainian people.

With historic speed and coordination with our allies and partners, America has led the international community in taking devastating action against Russia.

We have crippled the Russian economy: cutting off its banks, choking off its access to technology, targeting oligarchs funding this war--and much more.

We have bolstered our support for NATO--and today the House will pass $13.6 billion in new funding for Ukraine for humanitarian, military and economic assistance.

And now, the House will take major and severe step to continue our ongoing efforts to hold Putin accountable for his aggression.

By passing the strong, bipartisan Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act, we will further isolate Russia from the global economy and leave it weaker in every way.

For their relentless leadership in crafting this legislation, let us salute Congressmen Lloyd Doggett and Earl Blumenauer.

And thank you to Ways and Means Chairman Richie Neal for his masterful work to steer this urgent package to the Floor.

This legislation contains three primary provisions.

First, we are banning the import of Russian oil and energy products into the United States.

This will tighten our stranglehold on Russia by cutting off the lifeblood of its economy--and a major source of Putin's wealth. Congress commends President Biden for announcing this step in his remarks today--and we will support his initiative with this legislation.

At the same time, American production of oil and gas is approaching record highs--and we will continue working to protect families from Putin's Price Hike. In the long-term, America must move to diversify our energy sources: to defend democracy, protect our planet and bring down energy costs for our families.

Second, we are taking steps to review Russia's access to the World Trade Organization.

Access to the benefits of international trade is a privilege--not a right. By moving to deprive them of these benefits, we seek to further diminish Russia in the global economy.

Third, we are reauthorizing and strengthening the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

Enacted in 2016, the Global Magnitsky Act broadened the human rights abuses that can be punished with sanctions and bolstered coordination with our partners. The legislation we will pass today will ensure the United States can impose these sanctions on Russia for its heinous attacks on Ukrainian civilians and its violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mr. Speaker, the House will proudly pass an omnibus government funding bill that delivers For The People: strengthening national security, bolstering economic prosperity and advancing democratic governance.

And this legislation will offer a strong foundation on which Democrats will continue our focus on Building a Better America: with lower costs, bigger paycheck and more jobs.

Thank you, Madam Chair Rosa DeLauro, for your tireless work in assembling this omnibus package. You have been a masterful force in crafting a package that will help us meet the needs of American families.

Let us also salute Ranking Member Kay Granger, as well as our committed counterparts in the Senate: Chairman Pat Leahy and Ranking Member Richard Shelby.

This legislation addresses many of the top priorities for our country and in our communities for the long-term.

For families, this means strong public schools; clean air and water; more public health resources; safe food and lower costs of insulin. With this bill, we are especially proud to increase the maximum Pell Grant by $400; as well as establishing funding for President Biden's bold new ARPA-H initiative to finally defeat cancer.

For workers, it means better-paying jobs, support for our small businesses and a strong social safety net.

For women and girls, it means the long-overdue reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act: one of our nation's most powerful tools to safeguard safety, dignity and rights.

For our veterans, it means reliable benefits, reducing backlogs for veterans and their families seeking assistance, and meeting the needs of the VA's health care system.

For our national security, it means honoring the service of our troops with improvements to defense readiness and modernization, stronger defenses against cyber attacks and promoting our democratic values abroad.

Enacting this omnibus will also unlock billions in more federal dollars under our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law--delivering key investments in nearly every community across the country.

Doing so will help us rebuild our nation while reinvigorating our middle class: creating millions of good-paying jobs improving roads and bridges, public transit, ports and airports, water systems and broadband, and more

As we proceed on this legislation, war rages on in Ukraine. This omnibus includes $13.6 billion in emergency supplemental funding for humanitarian, military and economic assistance for Ukraine.

Today, I had the privilege of an extensive telephone conversation with President Zelensky. It afforded me the opportunity to praise the extraordinary courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people as they defend their communities and their democracy.

I also conveyed to him the sympathy of the Congress for the loss of life and livelihood in Ukraine--especially after Putin's barbaric attack on a maternity hospital, killing parents and children.

He expressed the gratitude of the Ukrainian people for the assistance that the United States has provided to date. But much more needs to be done. This legislation takes a strong step forward.

I am proud of the strong leadership of President Biden in his role in unifying NATO and

other allies to cripple Russia's economy in response to Putin's diabolical, premeditated assault on Ukraine and its democracy.

Again, I thank Chair DeLauro for her masterful leadership--and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of a pioneer of global health and the dear friend of many in the Congress. Dr. Paul Farmer sadly passed away last week in Rwanda at a hospital and university that he helped establish, while doing what he loved most: working to improve the lives of those in need.

Dr. Farmer saw a world in need and worked to heal it. A true revolutionary in the field of medicine, he forever altered our understanding of the fight against global poverty and how to care for those in need. Driven by an unyielding belief in the dignity of every person, he devoted his life to realizing this essential truth: health care is a human right, not a privilege.

As the Co-Founder of Partners In Health, Dr. Farmer brought his brilliant medical acumen, tireless work ethic and deep compassion to deliver his unique and innovative brand of compassionate care around the world. Alongside his dedicated colleagues Dr. Jim Yong Kim and Ophelia Dahl, he helped to fight HIV in Haiti, tuberculosis in Peru, Ebola in Sierra Leone--to name just a few.

With his life-changing work in Rwanda, he helped the government rebuild the nation's entire public health system and drastically improve outcomes for the Rwandan people. Personally, it was a privilege to see his saintly work first-hand on our Congressional delegation to Haiti in 2015, when we visited one of his initiatives to address the needs of orphan children.

Beyond his heroic work abroad, Dr. Farmer was also deeply committed to shaping the next generation of doctors and public health leaders. At Harvard Medical School, he served as the Kolokotrones University Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, where he inspired so many students to carry on his lifelong mission, as articulated by the title of one of his books: To Repair the World.

The world was in awe of Dr. Farmer's immense love for others--even those who lived half a world away and whom he had never met. Often, he would live in the communities he served, relocating his family for extended periods of time so they could be closer to those in need. It is a testament to his legendary ability to connect with others that he was godfather to more than 100 children, most of whom he met during his service in Haiti. And the partnership in public health and beautiful love he shared with his wife, Didi, was a joy to behold for all fortunate enough to know them.

While Dr. Farmer's passing is an enormous loss for the world, his powerful vision lives on in the institutions he built, the students he mentored, the hearts he touched and the lives he saved.

May it be a comfort to Didi and their three children that so many in Congress, our Country and in the world join them in mourning this extraordinary hero. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, since Russia launched its unprovoked, premediated war, the world has been awed by the extraordinary courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people, who--as we speak--are fighting against great odds to defend their sovereignty, their country's territorial integrity and their lives.

Their resilience is an inspiration. Their iron will is nothing short of heroic. And their determination to save their democracy is a beacon to which the world has rallied.

But as they fight, Ukrainians face a situation of severe violence and chaos unleashed by Putin. Congress remains extremely concerned about reports of potentially thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties, including children. And we are concerned about the humanitarian situation facing the nearly 1 million Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their country.

During this time of suffering for the Ukrainian people, America and the world must be there for them: without delay or reservation.

Led by President Biden and our allies, the international community has come together with historic strength and coordination to hold Russia accountable and to support Ukraine.

President Biden prepared or this moment: for months, calling out Putin and countering his lies, building a coalition of freedom-loving countries, and making clear that we stand with Ukraine.

Indeed, instead of dividing the U.S. from its partners, Putin's actions have united the world, further isolated Russia and strengthened

Mr. Speaker, last night we heard the President of the United States speak with great enthusiasm about our friendship with the people of Ukraine and how we have shared values in terms of democracy, in terms of sovereignty, and in terms of not having someone come into their country and usurp their freedom.

President Biden also spoke about America's freedom in the world in terms of our independence in terms of our own investments in our economic future. America's excellence in science and engineering has long been the envy of the world. Along the way other countries have copied our model, investing in education and research and took over some of the manufacturing of our supply.

We have, what was referenced by the President last night, legislation, we call it the America COMPETES Act in the House of Representatives. It is a blueprint for our independence and our self- sufficiency economically in the world.

With the House-passed America COMPETES Act we do three things. First of all, we invest in chips, $52 billion in chips and semiconductors. Do you know how many chips are in a car? There are 1,000; and in an electric car, 2,000. In order for our auto manufacturers to continue to create jobs and create products, we need chips. $52 billion.

Secondly, we reinvigorate our manufacturing base by addressing the supply chain issues. Supply chain increases supply, reducing costs, lowing inflation. This is very important. There is $48 billion invested there.

Third, we invest in research and education into stem cell so we can diversify the workforce to include many more people, everyone in our country, as we advance science and technology and good-paying jobs for the future.

Again, we are prepared to go into conference with the Senate on this legislation. We are always ready to fight for the people. We expect to have this legislation before too long, and when we do so we will be lowering costs, increasing paychecks, and doing so for the people.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his kind words, which I accept on behalf of our working in a bipartisan way for our veterans over the years, Democrats and Republicans. And I thank the chairman for his extraordinary leadership, both in this case and earlier for our veterans, completing our Agent Orange responsibilities to our veterans.

As well, I thank Congressman Ruiz, a doctor and a Member of Congress who has been a champion on this issue, and Elaine Luria, a veteran and a Member of Congress who has been so instrumental in bringing this legislation to the floor.

When the President spoke last night about meeting the needs of our veterans when it came to the burn pits, he received almost a unanimous standing ovation for that. It was very encouraging to see the Congress of the United States, House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, recognize their obligation to our men and women in uniform.

It is important to note that over the past generation, over 3 million of our courageous Americans have answered the call to serve and have donned the uniform to protect our freedoms as heroic Americans, just as people have done since our founding.

From the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan--I was hearing this morning about Kandahar--and on bases and in military theaters around the world, these heroes have risked their lives to fight the enemy and yet, tragically, have had to face another deadly threat due to exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances.

We always say about our military on the battlefield that we leave no soldier behind, and when they come home, we leave no veteran behind. Instead of receiving comprehensive, timely care and benefits, sometimes they are forced to confront a disability claims process that is nearly impossible to navigate. That is why the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, the PACT Act, finally, faithfully fulfills that pledge now and into the future, that we will leave no veteran behind.

The budget costs of it are a cost of war. When we decide that we need to engage and initiate military action, we should understand that the cost is not just in our defense budget but also in our veterans' budget when they come home.

Frankly, the cost of this bill is a fraction, if we are talking budget, of the cost of the Republican tax bill that they passed in 2017, which added $2 trillion to the national debt. I don't hear

anybody complaining on the other side of the aisle about what impact that had on veterans and their concerns about the fiscal soundness of the United States.

So let's just put it to rest: If it is a cost that we must have for our veterans--and this has been thoroughly researched, and others will speak to that--then we cannot say we can't afford it. It isn't about the price. It is about the value of what we get for this.

In the last 20 years, the VA has seen over a 60 percent increase in rates of cancer due to toxic exposure. Eighty-six percent of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan report being exposed to the toxic fumes of burn pits, and 88 percent of those exposed said they were experiencing symptoms that could be related to that.

Potentially up to 3.5 million veterans deployed post-9/11 may have been exposed to toxic fumes and substances. Despite this reality, nearly 75 percent of burn-pit-related disability claims were denied, Mr. Speaker.

Too often, the VA and Congress have said it is just too expensive to care for, and there just isn't enough proof. The result of this negligence has been tragic. Thousands of veterans and families have been forced to suffer, including heroes like one I will quote, Staff Sergeant Wesley Black.

Staff Sergeant Black was a Purple Heart hero who survived two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In November, he died at the age of 36 from colon cancer tied to toxic exposure from burn pits, leaving behind his wife and new baby.

After serving his country with distinction, Sergeant Black should have been able to retire happily, with pride. Instead, he spent his final days fighting for the reforms contained in this legislation so that no current or future veteran would be forced to endure the same horror that he and his family did.

Staff Sergeant Wesley Black, before his passing, said: It is too late for me, but it is not too late for the next veteran who walks down the halls of the VA and goes in and complains about the signs and symptoms.

We must make sure it is not too late for other veterans, I say, and when we send our servicemen and servicewomen into harm's way, we care for them when they come home.

This is particularly important to me, because a long time ago, long before I was in Congress, in 1981, I went and sat with veterans in California, with Dick Gregory, who was making a big association with the cause for Agent Orange, in 1981, California, veterans having a hunger strike. Dick Gregory knew about hunger strikes from the civil rights movement, and he was associating himself with them and instructing them on how to survive a hunger strike, and I had the privilege of being with them.

Little did I know at that time, it would take decades to address their Agent Orange concerns. And it wasn't even complete until Chairman Takano did so with the Navy legislation that he passed.

We cannot let that much time go by. That would be shameful to our country.

Let us also thank Mr. Cartwright, who also included in his package the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Anyone who has heard from those families coming from Camp Lejeune, not just the servicemembers but their family members, who have been damaged related to injuries incurred while serving at Camp Lejeune. The list goes on.

Again, thanks to Chairman Takano, Congressman Raul Ruiz, Congresswoman Elaine Luria, and Congressman Matt Cartwright. I thank everyone who has worked so hard to bring this to the floor. I want to also thank Senator Tester, with whom Chairman Takano and our committee have worked closely.

We share a goal. We have to find the complete package so that it is comprehensive and fulfills our responsibilities.

Others will go into the particulars of it. I want to also salute the distinguished Secretary of the VA, Denis McDonough, for the attention that he has paid to making sure what we do honors the promise of the PACT Act, so that the bill is written in a way that delivers in a timely fashion to our veterans.

I could not have been more excited when the President of the United States included this important initiative in his remarks, not only as legislation but in the larger issue of what it means to our country, how we value our veterans and how we want to pass this legislation and get it to his desk soon so it will be a comfort to our veterans and their families.

On the battlefield, we leave no soldier behind. When they come home, we leave no veterans behind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a brilliant doctor and a pioneer of global health, Dr. Paul Farmer, who sadly passed away last week.

Dr. Farmer dedicated his entire life to improving the lives of others.

As co-founder of Partners in Health alongside Dr. Jim Yong Kim and Ophelia Dahl, he forever altered our understanding of the fight against global poverty and how to care for those in need.

In his mission, ``To Repair the World,'' that is his book, he brought his unique and innovative brand of compassionate care to fight HIV in Haiti, tuberculosis in Peru, Ebola in Sierra Leone, to name just a few, while helping transform public health outcomes in Rwanda.

At the Harvard Medical School, he inspired a generation of aspiring doctors to pursue careers in global health.

Personally, it was a privilege to see his saintly work firsthand on our congressional delegation visit to Haiti in

2015 after the earthquake. We visited one of his initiatives to address the needs of orphan children.

May it be a comfort to his wife, Didi, and their three children that Congress, the country, and the world join them in mourning this visionary hero.