Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, my colleagues way on the other side of the aisle asked a question: How can we better protect our Capitol Police?

Well, as a former police chief, let me tell you how.

First, do not replace truth with lies.

Second, uphold the law yourselves.

Third, hold those who beat the police down accountable.

How can you do that without knowing the complete truth, without a thorough investigation?

My colleagues way on the other side of the aisle brought up the 9/11 Commission being about foreign actors.

Well, let me remind you that the oath that we took says that we will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Madam Speaker, did they forget? Did they ever really know? Or were they simply too afraid to care?

Well, I care, and so do my brothers and sisters in blue. We will not forget, and we will not let you forget either.

Madam Speaker, as you know, our Nation was created with the highest ideals and values. Our new Nation was set aside to be a beacon of hope where we could build our hopes and dreams and calm our fears. We are known as the home of the brave and land of the free.

Yes, the history is clear, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, America demonstrated its ability to rise to its values. But America's history, as we all know, is complicated. For it took 2 years, from January 1 of 1863 to June 19 of 1865, for the last group of enslaved Americans to receive official word that they were indeed free.

But we know today, Madam Speaker, that our work is not yet done. We are still a work in progress. We the people, in order to form a more perfect union, we are a work in progress.

Let us celebrate Juneteenth, as we should. But celebrating freedom must be more than just a special day. It must be a celebration of who as a Nation we say we are; one who says we believe in justice for all.

Yes, America celebrates being free, celebrates our freedom from physical bondage, but we must also celebrate freedom from discrimination. We must also celebrate freedom from racism. We must also celebrate freedom from poverty. We must also celebrate freedom

from injustice. And we must also celebrate freedom from complacency.

Mrs. Coretta Scott King said this: ``Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.''

Madam Speaker, regardless of the color of our skin, what State we are from, how much money we have in the bank, our religion, our gender, or our political party, we all have an obligation, and we all must carry the torch of freedom.

Madam Speaker, I thank our chair who is leading this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, the insurrectionists attacked this very building we are standing in right now. The violent mob attacked, bear- sprayed, and beat down the police officers who protect us every day. 140 officers were injured, and we need to care about that. Some have died, and they deserved better.

Mr. Speaker, accountability and truth are the foundation upon which all of our rights and freedoms exist. We need answers, and this commission will give them to us. We need accountability, and this commission will pave the way for full accountability. We need an independent commission, and a vote against it is a vote for a cover-up.

Choose ye this day whom you will serve. Our democracy or the big lie?

History will remember us.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join us in supporting H.R. 49 to finally designate the Pulse nightclub as a national memorial in honor and remembrance of the 49 people who lost their lives on this tragic night 5 years ago.

``Orlando Strong'' is more than just a slogan. It is a promise to support each other and to never forget those we lost and those who were injured on that tragic night. By establishing Pulse as a national memorial, we will honor their memories and remind ourselves of that promise.

My bishop once called the Pulse nightclub a place for late-night fellowship, a place for fun, laughter, family, and friendship. These are such fundamental things. We know this now more than ever. After the pandemic, we see just how precious these things truly are.

Madam Speaker, I thank the House for moving forward with this legislation. I thank my constituents. I thank the cosponsors, Congresswoman Murphy and Congressman Soto, for their work to make this day a reality.

As we pass this legislation, I know that the memories of those who died will live on in our hearts. They will not be defined by their tragic deaths through gun violence but by the lives they lived, the people they touched, and the love they gave.

Paraphrasing Dr. King: So I decided as an individual to stick with love because, yes, hate is too great of a burden to bear, and it has been on me, my community, my city, and my Nation for too long.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues for joining us in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, in 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National Police Week. Established in 1962 by a joint resolution of this body, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

My home State of Florida, during 2020, lost 19 law enforcement officers, and we gather today to honor their memory and to thank them for their service. We thank all law enforcement officers across the Nation who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we remember those who are out there patrolling our communities to keep us all safe.

I want to thank my colleagues for joining us today to give honor to whom honor is due. Mr. Speaker, many have given much, but these men and women--our law enforcement officers--have given all.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. O'Halleran), who is a former law enforcement officer.

We are able to be here today, Mr. Speaker, to conduct the people's business because of the good men and women who protect us in the U.S. Capitol, the men and women who wear the uniform and the badge every day.

Mr. Speaker, it is now my honor to yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the majority leader.

Mr. Speaker, it is now my honor to yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Carson), a former law enforcement officer.

Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Bustos), who comes from a law enforcement family.

Mr. Speaker, because they are willing to risk their lives without hesitation, my colleagues and I honor them today.

To continue the tribute, it is now my honor to yield to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Hayes), who is also from a law enforcement family.

Mr. Speaker, it is now my honor to yield to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Mrs. Lee).

Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), a former Federal law enforcement officer.

Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Slotkin).

I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Swalwell), also from a law enforcement family.

Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. Wexton).

Thank you so much for that tribute. I now yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), the chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus. We are so grateful for the work that he is doing.

Thank you again to the chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus.

I now yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez).

I thank the gentleman from Texas for that tribute to our law enforcement officers. I now yield to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Phillips).

We thank the gentleman from Minnesota for that tribute. I now yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his tribute. I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments, and we join him in grieving the death of the officer just yesterday.

I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Schrier).

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his tribute.

Mr. Speaker, as someone who served 27 years in law enforcement, who had the honor of serving as the chief of police, one thing I know for sure is that the police are the community, and the community is the police. The police and the community are one. We are one.

I do believe that when we come together, we can do anything, that we can have some of the safest communities that America has to offer, that we can truly be, in America, what we were created to be.

We honor the men and women who put on the badge and the uniform every day, Mr. Speaker, and go to work not knowing whether they will ever make it back to their homes, to their families, to their loved ones.

I am honored to stand once again--I have done it for a lot of years now--to honor National Police Week and recognize the men and women who have paid it all. Many have given much, but the men and women in law enforcement who have laid down their lives to keep us safe have given their all.

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

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Congressman Alcee Hastings.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said: ``The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.''

Madam Speaker, what we all know in this Chamber is that Congressman Alcee Hastings was never afraid to stand during times of challenge and controversy. You see, Congressman Hastings was born in central Florida in Altamonte Springs. He was always so proud to share his stories with me about growing up in a city not far from the district I now represent.

Alcee Hastings was a giant in our State, the dean of the delegation. When I think about what it meant for Alcee, being the dean was a lot more than being the longest serving Member.

Alcee Hastings was a giant of a man in Florida, but he was a giant of a man around the Nation and a giant of a man in our world.

As you have heard, he was the first Black person, period, man or woman, appointed as a Federal judge in Florida. We all know the joys and the pain of being a first and paving the way for others to follow, paving the way for other boys and girls and men and women, regardless of the color of their skin, paving the way for them as a first.

I remembered that appointment. I was working at the Orlando Police Department, and I was so proud to know of this giant of a man who was appointed as the first Black man to serve as a Federal judge. We were all so proud of him.

One of the things I most appreciated about Congressman Hastings, my colleague from Florida--and hear me clearly, there were many things that I loved and appreciated about him. But

one of the things was that he was big enough to share his space with you regardless of whether you were a freshman or you had been here for a considerable amount of time. Congressman Hastings never hesitated to share his space with you. He never hesitated to give advice. He never hesitated to mentor, and he genuinely wanted you to do well.

Congressman Hastings was a true friend, and it didn't matter if he agreed with everything you said. He didn't have to. If you were his friend, he understood that friends didn't always agree on everything because, see, Alcee was his own man. We heard the song earlier today, and he did it his way.

He was his own man with his own beliefs, his own principles. He allowed me to be my own woman with my own beliefs. He allowed all of us, in our respective places. That is the kind of man, the giant of a man, that he was.

Congressman Hastings didn't waste a lot of time fighting over trivial matters. He was on a mission. He was fighting for justice. I really can't remember a time he was not fighting for justice. He didn't mind fighting for women's rights even after he had made it himself. He didn't mind fighting for equal rights. He didn't mind fighting for human rights. He didn't mind fighting for the LGBTQ community. He didn't mind standing up and fighting for people who were different from him.

Congressman Hastings dedicated his life to fighting for a better Florida and, therefore, fighting for a better Nation.

I say to my colleagues that if you were in a fight, you wanted Congressman Hastings on your side. Madam Speaker, as we know, someone will take his space, but I don't believe that anyone can ever take his place.

I would like to close with just a short scripture from Psalm 56 that says: ``In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? I am under vows to You, O God; I will present my thank offerings to You. For You have delivered me from . . . stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.''

Congressman Hastings was not afraid, and we are forever grateful for his life well lived.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Orlando Police Officer Kevin Valencia.

As a former chief in Orlando, I join my brothers and sisters at OPD and Kevin's wife, Meghan, and their two sons in expressing gratitude for his service and in mourning his passing.

In 2018, Officer Valencia responded to a domestic violence call involving a convicted felon armed with a firearm who was holding four children hostage. Upon trying to gain entry and save the children, Kevin was shot and critically wounded. The subject later took the lives of those children.

Kevin fought hard to survive but succumbed to his injuries on March 15 of this year.

We use the word ``hero'' often, and sometimes I think we forget the many heroic actions our men and women in blue perform every day. But Officer Kevin Valencia was a hero in every sense of the word.

On March 15, a part of America died. We are grateful for a life well lived. Courage, pride, and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I have attended more police officers' funerals than I care to admit. Some I have eulogized. The services are beautiful, but the loss is tremendous.

Officer Sicknick's murder hit us hard. It hit me hard for a lot of reasons. But this death should be personal to every Member of Congress because I believe this body failed our Capitol Police officers. We tell everybody else that, if you see something, say something. Yet, while Brian was being murdered and other officers were suffering great bodily harm, a significant number of Members in this body said nothing and continued to uphold the big lie. They followed the unlawful, inhumane, and criminal orders of their Commander in Chief.

But Brian remembered his oath. And if we want to honor his life, then all of us should follow his example. Many have given much, but Officer Brian Sicknick gave all. He paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever grateful for a life well lived.

Madam Speaker, five people died last week, one of them a Capitol Police Officer who lost his life trying to protect us. The attack and the loss of life were the culmination of the President's calls for violence over the last five years and my colleagues' refusal to hold him accountable.

I was in the Gallery, and after reflecting on the violent attack as a Member of Congress and as a former law enforcement officer, it baffles me that some of my colleagues on the other side would say that today's vote is a ``rush to judgement.''

Well, I think it's the only appropriate response to Members of Congress having to rush for the doors to escape the violence incited by the President and encouraged by the Members of this body.

Madam Speaker, what happened to Congress? For we now behold mere shadows where great men and women once stood. I remember my oath and I intend to uphold it. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I retired from law enforcement 8 years ago, but I am still amazed by and grateful for the men and women who rush towards danger with little regard for their own safety.

First responders already do so much, but when there is a true emergency, a crisis, there is no one else who can do the job. That is why, when America was attacked on September 11, off-duty firefighters, law enforcement officers, and medical professionals showed up, and they joined their brothers and sisters on the front line, rushing into burning buildings.

Being a first responder is not just what they do, it is who they are. They have earned our unwavering and timely support. We cannot ask our first responders to do this job while failing to cope with the consequences.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation. Let us never forget our heroes.

Mr. Speaker, today my community gathers in Orlando to remember 49 victims of gun violence. The Pulse shooting, 3 years ago today, was the worst terrorist attack in our Nation since 9/11.

Recall for a moment that, even now, there is no Federal law to ban LGBTQ discrimination. The House passed the Equality Act, but the Senate has refused to bring the legislation to the floor for a vote.

Yet in spite of these challenges, there are still places in America that are meant to be safe havens. The Pulse nightclub was such a place, a place where patrons could, as my bishop put it, enjoy a late night fellowship.

The victims of Pulse were not in the wrong place at the wrong time. They had every right to be there. And while Congress continues to offer thoughts and prayers, the victims were gunned down while they celebrated birthdays and family and friendships.

Let me remind my colleagues on the other side of the aisle what the Bible says. It says that ``faith without works is dead.''

Today we remember the victims, but their stories did not end in the early morning hours 3 years ago. The memories of those who died live on in our hearts, and the struggles and triumphs of the survivors are ever before us.

Some survivors suffered severe injuries. Others were not physically injured but still carry the invisible wounds of that tragic moment.

One survivor, Orlando Torres, said that the mental scars are never forgotten. Orlando spent hours trapped in the bathroom at Pulse, his clothes soaked in the blood of the people who had been shot. He says: ``I still worry about it happening again. No matter where I am, I always look for the exit. You don't want to get cornered.''

Orlando spoke about the networks of survivors who, in America, help each other after each mass shooting. He pointed out what we all now know, that after New Zealand's shooting, New Zealand took immediate action.

How many more innocent Americans need to die before we take action here?

But still, after all that Orlando has gone through, he remains positive--simply amazing. The attacks, he says, allowed the survivors to share with the world the humanity of the LGBTQ community and show that we are all God's children. He also said: ``I still go out. If we stop dancing and loving each other, they win.''

Sadly, mass shootings are the product of our failure to pass legislation designed to keep guns out of the wrong hands. Many victims in the Pulse nightclub shooting and shootings across our Nation did not stand a chance of survival because they were shot with weapons designed for war. This is not the America that we were created to be.

In the days and weeks following the Pulse nightclub massacre, many of us spoke about how central Florida came together, on one accord, to help our community. I could not be prouder of the people in my hometown who came together to stand up for and stand with brokenhearted families and friends and to protect our community.

The victims of Pulse nightclub belong to us, and we will never forget the lives they lived or their tremendous potential that will never be realized. Today we remember and, through that remembrance, we transform hate into love and loss into strength.

Madam Speaker, America has always been a work in progress, and, therefore, we always have the opportunity to make our democracy better, stronger, when we simply do the right thing.

The Declaration of Independence may have said that ``all men are created equal,'' but it took a brave group of Americans to say that it should really be ``all people.'' If the law applies to each of us equally, then the right to vote must always be equal.

The women who fought for their right to vote weren't in it to make friends. They were mocked and beaten, called extremists, told to slow down, told that good things would come if they simply waited. But, nevertheless, they persisted.

Today, on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment passed in the House, let's be inspired by this group of women who took the hard fight and did the right thing, because they knew our democracy would be stronger and better for it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mayor Raymond Bagshaw, who passed away March 10.

Mayor Bagshaw's service to our community and to helping small businesses was unwavering. As the mayor of the city of Edgewood, he brought what was called boundless ingenuity to his city where he started numerous projects, including transforming a vacant, desolate lot into a beautiful park. Today, the park, which bears his name, hosts numerous events and family-filled activities.

A true public servant, Mayor Bagshaw was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and work in the trenches. During natural disasters, it was natural for him to pitch in to clean up debris or direct traffic around downed power lines.

Mr. Speaker, I join Mayor Bagshaw's family, the city council, and citizens of Edgewood in celebrating his life and legacy and thanking him for a job well done.

Mr. Chairman, some of the hardest calls law enforcement officers take are intimate partner violence calls. These situations are heartbreaking, volatile, dangerous, and far too commonplace. Domestic violence affects every community and crosses all racial and socioeconomic lines. It is heartbreaking and even more tragic because domestic violence is often preventable. That is the purpose of the Violence Against Women Act.

One in five homicides in Florida is a result of domestic violence. In 2016, over 100,000 domestic violence incidents were reported to police in Florida. Since I began my remarks, three women have been beaten, battered, or murdered.

Mr. Chairman, these calls are extremely dangerous for everyone involved. When law enforcement responds to these calls, they too are put at great risk. In 2017, more officers were shot responding to domestic violence calls than any other type of call.

All too often, it is a first responder, family member, neighbor, or other loved one who is killed in a domestic violence incident. In fact, these deaths make up 1 of 5 domestic violence homicide victims.

We have to train, equip, and empower law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other responders to address intimate partner violence. These programs have already proven effective.

Grantees funded by VAWA have trained nearly 90,000 law enforcement officers in best practices and techniques to handle these sensitive situations. But the VAWA reauthorization is not just about continuing these successful programs. It also makes additional improvements which will save lives of victims and responders.

Nationwide, the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely that someone will be killed.

The VAWA reauthorization will help law enforcement disarm dangerous people and convicted felons, create new notification systems for law enforcement, address the so-called ``boyfriend loophole'' that lets non-married but dangerous partners get weapons.

The Violence Against Women Act reauthorization is a critical step to our efforts to protect these Americans; and I urge my colleagues to support this critical and necessary legislation.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1404) to strengthen the United States response to Russian interference by providing transparency on the corruption of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as amended.

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

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

Madam Speaker, every American has the right to a secure democracy where their voice matters. As Members of Congress, our national security must be a top priority. We must investigate and expose Russia's financial networks and cut off any illegal funding that supports criminal attacks against the United States of America. This bipartisan legislation is a crucial first step to ensure that the rights of the American people matter more than dark and corrupt Russian money.

It has been said that money talks, but it is our job to keep it from speaking over the American people. Last week the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, historic reforms to get big money out of politics. But we haven't done nearly enough to prevent foreign powers and foreign money from attacking our democracy.

Russia, the country that once had the ability to provide a decent life for its people, has chosen to strip their wealth as they watch their wealth disappear overseas into hidden accounts. These corrupt oligarchs are a cautionary tale on how working people can be cheated if left unchecked. These corrupt bands of individuals, led by Vladimir Putin, have mounted a massive asymmetric attack against the United States.

America has the greatest military in the world, but the Russians have figured out that if they have any chance at victory, they must fight us another way: undermine our elections, spread fear and unrest, and sow discord through racism and other divisive tactics.

What they don't understand, Madam Speaker, is that we take pride in our democracy. We may have policy differences, and we might have policy disagreements, sometimes quite strongly, but we all know that our democratic form of government, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people is our greatest strength and weapon against any foe. We do believe in this country that every voice matters.

Foreign nationals are banned from contributing to U.S. elections, but multiple Kremlin-connected Americans have funneled millions of dollars into political action, wielding massive influence in our democracy, and Vladimir Putin is the king of this corrupt money.

Putin's protests are generally delivered with a smirk and accusations of fake news, but his discomfort with revealing his assets is clearly simmering below the surface. It is telling that after Ms. Stefanik and I introduced this legislation, we were both attacked by Russian state media.

What is Putin afraid of?

Perhaps the former KGB operative is well-aware of the poor long-term prospects for gangsters and autocrats who are unmasked before their impoverished countrymen, or he fears uncovering his shadowy networks that prop up dictators and human rights abusers around the world in his quest to subvert world order. Likely, he and his cronies are desperate to obscure their billions in an attempt to shield themselves from sanctions.

But, Madam Speaker, no matter the root of his fear, our obligation is to shine a light on his illicit networks. It is time that we hold him accountable. This legislation will expose the corrupt finances being used to fund attacks against our democracy.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I call upon the words of our 35th President: ``Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.''

Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Financial Services,

Washington, DC, March 8, 2019.

Hon. Adam Schiff,

Chairman, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,

Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 1404, the

``Vladimir Putin Transparency Act.'' As a result of your

having consulted with the Committee on Financial Services

concerning provisions in the bill that fall within our Rule X

jurisdiction, I agree to forgo action on the bill so that it

may proceed expeditiously to the House floor. The Committee

on Financial Services takes this action with our mutual

understanding that, by foregoing consideration of H.R. 1404

at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the

subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and

that our Committee will be appropriately consulted and

involved as this or similar legislation moves forward. Our

Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an

appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate

conference involving this or similar legislation and request

your support for any such request.

Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter

confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 1404 and

would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this

matter be included in the Congressional Record.

Sincerely,

Maxine Waters,

Chairwoman.

Madam Speaker, in closing, H.R. 1404 will shine a light on Vladimir Putin's financial networks that have stripped the Russian Federation of its resources and left the Russian people in poverty. It will also empower Congress, the intelligence community, and our allies to crack down on cross-border corruption.

I want to thank my colleague on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Representative Stefanik, for joining me in this important legislation.

Additionally, I want to thank the hardworking staff on both sides of the aisle on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Foreign Affairs Committee for their input on this critical legislation.

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