Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan resolution I am leading with my colleague across the aisle, Congressman Mike Flood.

Mr. Speaker, our Congressional Review Act resolution to disapprove of the SEC's Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 protects consumers, reinforces Congress' role in the rulemaking process, and pushes back on the SEC's hostility toward digital assets.

Mr. Speaker, SAB 121 makes the digital assets industry less safe for consumers. It prevents well-regulated banks from safeguarding digital assets that are owned by their clients. SAB 121 requires banks to place custody of digital assets on their balance sheets, contrary to how traditional assets are treated. This makes it nearly impossible for a bank to provide custody of digital assets at scale, leaving investors to rely on riskier, unregulated options.

Mr. Speaker, whether you love crypto or you hate it, you should want the most heavily supervised financial institutions who are experts at custodial banking to safeguard digital assets. We are also seeing this issue with SAB 121 play out in real time, the SEC's recent approval of spot bitcoin ETPs, which I pushed for, allows retail investors access to this asset class through a regulated product. However, most bitcoin ETPs are held by the same nonbank custodian. Notably, banks aren't serving as custodians for any of these products as they would with a traditional ETP. This could pose a risk to the safety and soundness of the financial system, a concentration of risk issue, for sure.

To make matters worse, Gary Gensler and the SEC deliberately sidestepped the customary regulatory process, amounting to an obvious overstep of the agency's authority.

Last October, the Government Accountability Office concluded that the SEC breached statutory rulemaking requirements by issuing SAB 121 as guidance rather than a rule, avoiding the notice and comment period. SABs are meant to serve as tools to interpret existing policies, not create brand-new policy like SAB 121.

Additionally, the SEC issued the rule without conferring with banking regulators, which is unacceptable given the SEC's lack of prudential authority over banking institutions. It is time for Congress to take action and conduct oversight of the SEC's missteps. We shouldn't have to resort to using a CRA to fix this issue, and Gary Gensler could re- issue this accounting bulletin

and work with stakeholders to find a solution, but, unfortunately, this is the only tool that we have left.

As with previously successful CRAs, the SEC will be able to re-issue its rule as long as it has made changes responding to statements made by Members in the Congressional Record.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support our bipartisan CRA of SAB 121, which will protect investors and the financial system, encourage innovation, bolster American competitiveness, and restore Congress' role in administrative rulemaking.

Mr. Speaker, I was ill and unable to vote on Roll Call Numbers 172-176 on April 30, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 172; YEA on Roll Call No. 173; NO on Roll Call No. 174; YEA on Roll Call No. 175; and NO on Roll Call No. 176.

Mr. Speaker, I was ill and unable to vote on Roll Call Numbers 164-171 on April 30th. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 164; NAY on Roll Call No. 165; YEA on Roll Call No. 166; NAY on Roll Call No. 167; YEA on Roll Call No. 168; NAY on Roll Call No. 169; YEA on Roll Call No. 170; and NAY on Roll Call No. 171.

Mr. Speaker, in a time when public trust in government is declining, the American people deserve a fair and transparent redistricting process that ensures that every voice and every vote is heard and accounted for.

The number of truly competitive districts is also declining in the U.S. Congress. We are seeing more polarization and less willingness to work across the aisle to do what is right for our country.

Unfortunately, in North Carolina and across the country, partisan gerrymandering has been used as a tool by politicians of both parties to manipulate electoral outcomes with almost surgical precision.

Some people in North Carolina have seen their district lines and their Representative in Congress change four times in the last 10 years because of gerrymandering by the North Carolina General Assembly. Courts threw out electoral maps drawn by Republican legislators three times in the past decade due to gerrymandering: in 2016, 2019, and 2021.

We recently, though, had a brief moment of relief. In the last election, North Carolina voters sent seven Democrats and seven Republicans to the U.S. Congress under fair court-drawn maps for our 50/50 State. North Carolina's 13th District, which I am proud to represent, is a true swing district.

In 2023, our constituents had to suffer through yet another unprecedented redraw, resulting in yet another partisan gerrymander for North Carolina. The maps are again being litigated in the courts.

This story isn't unique to North Carolina, and the problem isn't just with the current politicians in our State legislature. History has made one thing clear: Politicians can't be trusted to fairly draw their own maps. That is why I introduced the FAIR MAPS Act. The FAIR MAPS Act would combat partisan gerrymandering by establishing independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions in every State.

The Duke University Quantifying Gerrymandering team recently found that if we end gerrymandering, there could be 37 to 42 additional competitive House seats around the country, which would double the number of competitive seats in Congress compared to the under 40 that are available today.

That is a big deal. Competitive districts are where we can have a real debate about the best ideas and elect Representatives willing to work across the aisle to get things done. My bill, the FAIR MAPS Act, would help make that a reality, and it would strengthen our democracy.

By ending partisan gerrymandering, we can restore fairness and ensure that voters are the ones choosing their politicians; not the other way around.

This is something that has been tried and has worked in a handful of States already. In Arizona, Colorado, and others, independent and nonpartisan redistricting commissions have drawn electoral maps that are more responsive to the will of the people than maps drawn by politicians in other States.

Voters should choose their politicians; politicians shouldn't choose their voters. While my name will not be on the ballot in 2024, I am not giving up or going out quietly in the fight for fair maps and an end to partisan gerrymandering. I will continue to fight with every ounce of my energy for an end to partisan gerrymandering and to protect the right to vote for every single North Carolinian.

Congratulating the UAW on Historic Contract Agreement

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the hardworking men and women of the UAW in my home State of North Carolina. UAW workers reached a historic new agreement with Daimler Trucks, which included a record wage increase, profit sharing for the first time ever, a cost- of-living increase, and much more.

Right now, support for unions is near an all-time high, and we are seeing this momentum pick up in North Carolina and across the South. I am proud to stand with the new generation of workers as they exercise their collective strength and make their voices heard.

Unions built our middle class, and I will always stand with the men and women of labor at the local, State, and Federal levels.

Once again, I congratulate the UAW on this historic contract agreement.

Mr. Speaker, at its core, the American Dream is about owning a home. For far too many Americans, this has turned into a pipe dream.

Right now, there are more than 343,000 households in North Carolina who spend over one-half of their monthly income on rent, leaving too little for other expenses like healthcare, transportation, and nutritious food.

That is why I am proud to have worked on a commonsense action plan that outlines some of the work that we have done already and what we need to do to address the affordable housing crisis we are facing across the country.

This plan addresses our housing supply, reforms to land use policies, improves housing financing, and much more.

As a vice chair of the New Dem Affordable Housing Task Force, I will continue to put forward commonsense ideas and solutions to build more affordable housing, increase affordable housing access, and tackle this crisis.

Madam Speaker, on Saturday, President Biden signed a government funding package into law. This bipartisan slate of bills will make meaningful investments in Federal programs that North Carolinians rely on. It will help lower the cost of living, create good-paying jobs, and grow our local economy.

I am particularly proud to have secured over $14 million in Federal funds for 15 community-supported projects throughout North Carolina's 13th District. This will go a long way in getting local priorities moving, and I am proud to have gotten this funding across the finish line.

For transportation infrastructure, I secured nearly $1.8 million for two different projects. This funding will help GoTriangle purchase 16 zero-emission vehicles and will also allow the city of Raleigh to make streetscape improvements to enhance connectivity and public safety on Tarboro Road.

For economic development, I secured $2.2 million for three different projects. This funding will help the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance complete an advanced manufacturing and biotech training center, getting North Carolinians back to work. It will help the city of Goldsboro to demolish and dispose of the Herman Park building, which was closed due to contamination issues and safety concerns. It will help the town of Garner with the partial removal of a deteriorated dam and facilitate a lake and stream restoration improvement project at Meadowbrook Park.

For water infrastructure, I secured nearly $7.3 million for six different projects. This funding will help the city of Raleigh to install stormwater infrastructure within the Cottages of Idlewild Affordable Housing Project and bring the project closer to completion. It will help the town of Apex to complete a sewer interceptor project, which will improve service delivery and reduce maintenance costs for public utilities.

It will allow the town of Benson to make pipe repairs and water system upgrades as part of its water system improvement plan. It will help the town of Cary to improve stormwater management and water quality in the Walnut Creek watershed. It will help the town of Fuquay- Varina purchase a new 1-million-gallon elevated water storage tank to improve water quality, quantity, and pressure. It will help the town of Holly Springs to make water infrastructure improvements, specifically a water conveyance system that is so needed in the region.

For public safety, I secured $1.3 million for three different projects. This funding will help Wake County purchase body-worn cameras, radars, and other technology upgrades for the Wake County Sheriff's Office. It will help the town of Smithfield to purchase body cameras and more data storage resources. It will help the town of Selma purchase police equipment and make technology upgrades. In the fight for justice, body cameras aren't just accessories; they are tools of accountability.

For agriculture, I secured nearly $1.5 million for North Carolina State University to continue corn and soybean research at the Central Crops Research Station in Clayton.

Madam Speaker, I came to Congress to get things done. This funding will alleviate the burden and expense on our local cities and towns and get these projects closer to the finish line by putting our Federal dollars to good use in North Carolina. I am going to continue to work across the aisle to find solutions and deliver for the people of North Carolina's 13th District.

Mr. Speaker, when you get elected to Congress, you have a choice to make. You can work hard on legislation, you can work hard to build relationships across the aisle and get things done, or you can go join the circus.

Too many of my colleagues choose the latter, to join the circus, to engage in performative politics. Mr. Speaker, last night the clown show was on full display by the House Republican Conference, continually interrupting, disrupting the President.

Mr. Speaker, in my time here, I have voted for Speaker 19 times. I have voted for four continuing resolutions. I see a House Republican Conference totally incapable of governing and totally incapable of keeping the clowns in check.

The yelling and screaming at the President was shameful. It was a disgrace. In 2009, Joe Wilson yelled at President Obama and said: ``You lie,'' and the cat came out of the bag. What happened last night was absolutely unacceptable.

We need to do so much better. We deserve so much better for the United States of America. We need to restore civility, decency, and respect to the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan amendment with Mr. Huizenga. I also thank my colleagues, Congressman Steil and Congressman Auchincloss, for cosponsoring this amendment.

This commonsense, probusiness amendment cuts unnecessary red tape and directs the SEC to make electronic delivery, or eDelivery, the default communication method for investment companies with their investors. The amendment aims to modernize the policy, with investors opting in to paper disclosures instead of opting out while ensuring that paper will always be an option.

Consumer protection is a cornerstone of this amendment, which is why it includes a 2-year transition period. Well before any switch to eDelivery begins, consumers would be given advance notice in the form of clear and readable paper disclosures about the move to digital disclosures. On top of that, consumers will be mailed reminders for 2 years that they can opt in to paper disclosures. Paper disclosures will always be an option for those who want them.

This a long overdue reform, especially when you consider that the Social Security Administration, the Federal Thrift Savings Plan, the Department of Labor, and the IRS have already advanced digital-first policies that have succeeded in providing Americans with more timely, secure, and engaging communications.

This is a pro-environment amendment. Congress can save millions of trees with this legislation. With each forest we cut down to deliver a disclosure to clog up both mailboxes and trash cans, we cause devastating impacts to our air, water, and the healthy planet future generations deserve to grow up on.

American financial markets are the most sophisticated in the world. While some are finding innovative ways to harness the speed and reliability of today's technology for everyday investors, the SEC's regulatory construct still uses an outdated mode of sharing information: paper.

Despite the convenience and security of the internet, we are not removing paper as an option. That choice remains. I believe it is incumbent upon Congress to modernize regulations in our capital markets.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, to do the right thing for consumers, the planet, and the market.

Mr. Speaker, on February 24, 2022, the world watched with alarm as Russia invaded Ukraine. Since the start of the invasion, over 100,000 Ukrainians have died fighting to defend Ukraine's sovereignty and the broader principles of freedom and democracy.

Now, it has been 2 years since Putin's unprovoked assault on Ukraine. We can't abandon them in their fight for freedom; not today, not tomorrow, never.

With Ukraine running out of bullets and Russia advancing in Ukraine, the eyes of the world are on the United States Congress. Authoritarian regimes around the world like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are looking closely to see if we will honor our commitments and stand with our democratic ally or if we will hand over Ukraine to Vladimir Putin. If Ukraine falls, Putin will not stop until all of Eastern Europe is within his grasp.

If Congress fails to act, it will go down as one of the greatest foreign policy failures in our Nation's history.

Let's be clear about where history will place the blame. If Congress fails to act, history won't be kind in the judgment that House Republicans surrendered Ukraine to Russia.

In the past, House Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress have united and come together in opposition to Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. We have just seen 22 Republicans in the Senate willing to vote country over party on this issue. I believe there are Republicans in the House willing to do the same.

As we look ahead, House Republicans have a choice. Are they prodemocracy or are they pro-Putin?

House Republicans can choose country over party or Russia over the United States.

House Republicans can stand with our allies, or they can stand with Donald Trump and the pro-Putin wing of the Republican Conference.

House Republicans can either stand with democratic nations like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, or they can bend the knee to authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

The longer we delay sending aid to Ukraine, the more powerful Putin and other authoritarian regimes become. We can't abandon them in their fight for freedom.

That is why I am calling on the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, to bring the bipartisan, Senate-passed security package to the floor of the House for an immediate vote.

Now, many of my constituents rightly question the high cost of this aid package. Support for Ukraine and our allies is in our national interest. It is a national security issue for the American people. While the costs are high, we will spend a hundred times more money containing an aggressive Russia around the globe if we do nothing. We must stand with our allies. This will be a vote where Members will be forced to choose between democracy and authoritarianism.

As I have voted now for Speaker of the House 19 times, I have learned how incredibly fragile our democracy is. We must act now to pass a supplemental aid package and stand with Ukraine.

We can either stand with democracies like Israel and Ukraine, or we can bend the knee to Putin and other authoritarian regimes around the globe. Democracy should never be taken for granted. We must be vigilant and proactive to protect it here and around the world.

History is watching what happens next. Let's come together, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans, and stand with our ally Ukraine.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the supplemental aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

This morning, the Senate passed the aid package with nearly all Senate Democrats voting in favor of the bill. I thank Senate Democrats for their tireless leadership on this issue and their commitment to democracy around the world.

Madam Speaker, 22 Republicans also voted with nearly all Senate Democrats to move this bill to the House; 22 Senate Republicans voted to put country over party; 22 Senate Republicans voted to put democracy over Donald Trump.

This bill includes funding to stand with our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. It also includes $9.2 billion in humanitarian assistance that is desperately needed to provide food, water, shelter, and medical care for the civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other war zones around the world.

Now, Madam Speaker, the eyes of the world are watching the House of Representatives. Russia is watching. China is watching. Iran is watching. North Korea is watching.

Authoritarian regimes around the world are watching the House. They are watching the people's House to see if we will honor our commitments and stand with democracies around the globe.

We must stand with Ukraine and our allies.

Madam Speaker, the world is watching the United States House of Representatives.

Just last night, Speaker Mike Johnson said that the bill was dead on arrival in the House, saying: ``[In] the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters.''

He is reading straight out of the Vladimir Putin playbook. Inaction would be a gift to Russia and Vladimir Putin. By doing nothing, we would hand over Ukraine to Russia and Putin.

Madam Speaker, Russia would not stop at Ukraine. As soon as Ukraine

falls, they would move directly to another NATO ally.

Now many of my constituents rightly question the high cost of this aid package. Support for Ukraine and our allies is in our national interest. It is a national security issue. If we hand over Ukraine to Russia, then Putin will win. Our alliances will crumble.

While the costs are high, we will spend 100 times more containing an aggressive Russia around the globe if we do nothing. We must stand with our allies. This will be a vote where Members will be forced to choose between democracy and authoritarianism. That is the great challenge of our time, and we cannot fail.

If Speaker Johnson fails to bring this bill to the floor, I believe the House will work its own will on this issue.

Our Speaker has made it clear that he is totally beholden to far- right MAGA extremists--like we just heard from on the floor. It is the tail wagging the dog. However, I believe that a majority of the Republican Conference would vote for the Senate aid package if they were allowed to work their own will on the bill and this issue. However, if Speaker Johnson brings the bill to the floor, I believe he will be sacked by MAGA extremists in the Republican Conference. Let's be clear, it is the far right that is running the show in the House Republican Conference today.

Far too much attention has been given to far-right extremists in this Congress. Much more attention should be given to the members of the Republican Conference who are retiring.

Madam Speaker, any one Member can come down to the floor to offer a motion to vacate the chair. Only four House Republicans are needed to elect a new Speaker. If Mike Johnson fails to act, I believe there are many Republicans in the House who agree with the 22 Republicans in the Senate on this issue.

I don't think we would have a Democratic Speaker. I believe, though, there is support for a temporary Speaker, a moderate to move bills that can get 60 votes in the Senate and move those through the House. Maybe a temporary Speaker for 2 or 3 weeks? That is what the Nation wants: Members of Congress willing to work together to get things done and to solve our Nation's toughest problems.

We have just seen 22 Republicans in the Senate willing to vote country over party on this issue, and I believe there are Republicans in the House willing to do the same. That is the way we get bipartisan immigration reform and border security. It is the way we pass this supplemental appropriations bill to stand with our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

House Republicans have a choice, Madam Speaker. Are they prodemocracy, or are they pro-Putin? House Republicans can choose country over party or Russia over the United States. House Republicans can stand with our allies, or they can stand with Donald Trump.

Will House Republicans stand with democratic nations like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, or will they stand with authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea? I have hope for the retiring Members of the Republican Conference, and I believe there are Members willing to stand with democracy over Donald Trump.

Madam Speaker, you have heard House Democrats come to the floor and talk about voting to put people over politics. This is an issue that is people over politics, and we must not fail.

Mr. Speaker, on October 7, Alex Danzig was brutally kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from his kibbutz in Nir Oz.

I rise today to share Alex's story.

Alex is a 75-year-old father, historian, and beloved grandfather. Alex was born in Poland and spent his life dedicated to Holocaust education.

For the past 30 years, he has worked at Yad Vashem--The World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Over the past 30 years, Alex has traveled between Israel and Poland, working to facilitate dialogue between the people of both countries. He has been called ``a great communicator who knows how to speak to young people and can break down barriers.''

It has been more than 100 days since his kidnapping. Alex spent International Holocaust Remembrance Day in unthinkable and inhumane conditions.

According to reports about the first wave of hostages, even while in captivity, Alex was still giving history lectures. For those who know him, it should come as no surprise.

His lifelong dedication to Holocaust education is inspiring, and it is heartbreaking that such a prolific human rights defender is now being held hostage by Hamas terrorists. He has dedicated his life to understanding how and why the Holocaust happened, only to have his life irrevocably changed by the same strain of hatred and violence that is anti-Semitism.

It is so incredibly important to make sure that the hostages are not forgotten and that their stories continue to be told until they are safely returned home.

That is why I stand here today to demand that Hamas release Alex immediately, along with all the remaining hostages.

Let's be clear. Kidnapping innocent civilians like Alex is not a form of resistance. It is a cowardly, shameful act of terrorism. Likewise, October 7 was not an act of resistance but a brutal, barbaric, and calculated attack against the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

Hamas is not a resistance movement; it is a terrorist group whose mission is the destruction of Israel and the death of every single Jewish person.

If Hamas and its leaders truly cared about its people as they claim, they wouldn't continually disregard humanitarian law and the rules of war, including intentionally targeting civilians, taking hostages, using human shields, and embedding their fighters in civilian communities with utter disregard for their safety and welfare.

The United States of America remains resolute in its position. Terrorism can never be justified. Violence against civilians, particularly children and the elderly, is never acceptable.

We must dismantle Hamas and free the Israeli citizens wrongfully held hostage. Israel has proven its willingness to pause the fighting for hostages to be returned to their loved ones.

Hamas broke the first hostage deal, just as it broke the cease-fire that was in place before October 7. Unfortunately, a cease-fire today would leave Hamas with control of the Gaza Strip and allow the terrorist organization to re-arm and continue its attack against innocent civilians, including innocent children and the elderly.

I call on Qatar and other nations with ties to Hamas to increase the pressure on the terrorist group to free all Israeli hostages immediately. I stand with Alex and his family, friends, and loved ones, and I pray for his safe return.

It is time to bring Alex home. It is time to bring all of the hostages home.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor and celebrate an icon of North Carolina's cultural landscape. Mr. Ira David Wood, III, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of his legendary portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in Ira David Wood, III's ``A Christmas Carol.''

Mr. Wood's unique and comedic adaptation of this Christmas classic has become a beloved holiday tradition for the Raleigh community.

As the first Eagle Scout in Enfield, North Carolina, and one of the first students to graduate from the North Carolina School of Arts. Mr. Wood has always been a trailblazer and his passion for the arts has been unwavering.

His visionaly leadership in theater, coupled with his remarkable talents as an actor, author, singer, and playwright, has left a profound impact on the arts in North Carolina.

As the founder and Executive Director of Theatre in the Park in Raleigh, Mr. Wood has been instrumental in making theater more accessible and engaging for our community.

Mr. Wood wrote and directed the Opening Ceremonies for the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1987, served as a guest artist with the North Carolina Symphony and the National Symphony Orchestra, and has written numerous original plays and three books.

His success in elevating North Carolina's vibrant all scene has earned him prestigious recognitions, including two Medal of Arts awards, the North Carolina Award in Fine Arts, and The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor in North Carolina.

It's with great admiration and gratitude that we celebrate Ira David Wood, III's 50 years of artistic excellence, particularly his innovative and humorous rendition of ``A Christmas Carol.''

As we celebrate this milestone, let's applaud Mr. Wood's extraordinary contributions not only to the arts but to the heart and soul of North Carolina.

Please join me in congratulating Mr. Wood on this remarkable achievement and wishing him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, Harry Truman famously labeled the 80th United States Congress the ``do-nothing Congress.''

Back then, Republicans controlled the House and Senate for the first time in a while, while Truman was in the White House.

Congress opposed all of Truman's Fair Deal bills but still saw some work on both the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan. They also passed the Taft-Hartley Act over Truman's veto but generally did very little for the American people.

After that do-nothing Congress, Democrats were able to take back the House, take back the Senate, and reelect President Truman. I, of course, think of the famous photo of Truman standing with the newspaper that says: ``Dewey Defeats Truman.''

It turns out the American people like having a Congress working to solve problems. This is a job about results, and that Congress did very little.

That is a big reason why voters chose to send the Republican majority in the House and Senate packing back then. Now, we are in the 118th Congress, and we are on track to be one of the least productive Congresses in our Nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, 22 bills have been signed into law. At about this point in the last Congress, 81 bills had been signed into law. At this point in the 116th Congress, the Congress just before that, 107 bills had been signed into law.

Mr. Speaker, what have we accomplished for the American people? I will tell you what: Virtually nothing.

We have just 4 legislative days left this year, and we have very little to show for it. We have passed two CRs and raised the debt ceiling, but that is really about it.

To this date, we have been defined by the chaos and confusion in the Republican Congress and the 19 votes for the Speaker of the House so far this year. We are truly the do-nothing Congress.

We haven't passed funding for Israel or Ukraine. We haven't passed a farm bill or reauthorized the FAA. Border security and immigration reform are top-of-mind issues that need to be resolved. Yet, we will be facing another government shutdown when we come back in January.

Mr. Speaker, the clock is ticking, and the American people are counting on us to do what we were sent here to do--to vote, to get things done. The world is at a critical juncture, and our inaction speaks volumes.

In Ukraine, we have heard from our diplomatic and defense leaders about the precarious situation in Ukraine and in Israel. Right now, we risk Ukraine literally running out of bullets. If we do nothing by the end of the year, Vladimir Putin will win.

The silence in this Chamber is easily mistaken around the world as support for Moscow, and we cannot let that happen.

The majority of the Republican Conference, I believe, supports standing with Ukraine, but the vocal minority in the Republican Conference has been able to block all action so far this year. It is the tail wagging the dog, and it is disgraceful.

Let's talk about the cost. If we gift wrap Ukraine for Vladimir Putin this holiday season, we will spend 100 times more money down the road containing an aggressive Russia all over the world.

This is a national security issue for the American people. Support for Ukraine is in our national interest.

Let's talk about Israel. Like Russia, Hamas poses an existential threat to democracy. It is our duty to firmly stand with our democratic allies.

The majority of the Members of this Chamber support a clean security and humanitarian aid package to Israel, yet nothing has happened. It is shameful that our new Speaker has chosen to play partisan political games with support for Israel.

Listen, Mr. Speaker. Something has got to give in this Congress. Democrats have a narrow majority in the Senate; Republicans have a very narrow--soon to be even more narrow--majority in the House; and Democrats have the White House. We have to work together if we are going to get anything done. Until the Republican Conference begins to understand that, we will continue to accomplish nothing for the American people.

I believe we can work together. I believe we can pass a bill to support Israel and Ukraine, strengthen our southern border, and pass immigration reform, but only if we do it together.

That is the challenge we have, Mr. Speaker. There is still time to act. There is still time to vote. There is still time to come back next week to pass support for Israel and Ukraine. We need to do it. We need to get things done. We do not want to be defined as the do-nothing Congress.

I am here to get to work, and I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in reaching across the aisle and working together to get these things done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on the urgent need to stand up for democracy at home and abroad.

Yesterday, Members of Congress heard from our Secretary of State, our Secretary of Defense, and other senior leaders from the administration on the dire situation in Ukraine and Israel.

While they said the right things, the sense of urgency, the sense of passion is missing from all of this right now. It is missing from this debate, Mr. Speaker.

If we leave next week for the holidays with inaction, Russian will win, and we will begin to hand over Ukraine to Russia and Vladimir Putin.

Mr. Speaker, the world is watching the actions of this Chamber right now in the next 10 days, and the silence is deafening.

Let's be clear: Both Russia and Hamas seek to destroy democracy, and we must stand with our allies and pass a supplemental aid package now.

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about Ukraine. Right now, we risk Ukraine literally running out of bullets if we go 10 days with inaction here in Congress.

If we do nothing by the end of the month, Russia will begin to win in Ukraine. If we abandon Ukraine, Russia will win.

We need to be clear: The silence and inaction we are seeing play out here on the floor of the House means strong support for Russia and their invasion of Ukraine. That is the choice we are making by doing nothing.

Mr. Speaker, Ronald Reagan is rolling over in his grave right now as he watches far-right extremist Republicans standing with Russia and Vladimir Putin. How has the Republican Party become the party of Vladimir Putin?

Mr. Speaker, this place is broken. I want to be clear in what I am saying. We are witnessing a minority of the Republican Conference calling the shots in this Chamber.

A majority of the Republican Conference supports standing with Ukraine, but they have been cowed by the minority in their party, and we continue to see the tail wagging the dog.

To my Republican colleagues who remain silent, the time for action is now. Allow a clean vote on the supplemental funding package for Ukraine and for Israel. We must stand strong with Ukraine today.

Let's talk about the cost because that has been brought up over and over. If we gift wrap Ukraine for Vladimir Putin over this holiday season, we will spend 100 times more money around the globe containing an aggressive Russia. Moldova and Georgia are next.

This is a national security issue for the American people, and support for Ukraine is in our national interest.

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about Israel as well. We must stand with Israel and support its right to defend itself.

We must immediately pass humanitarian aid and security aid for Israel so that we can disarm and dismantle Hamas.

Mr. Speaker, 400 Members of this Chamber would easily support a clean security and humanitarian assistance package for Israel. It is shameful that our new Speaker chose to play partisan political games with support for Israel.

For the American people watching, the bill that passed out of this Chamber says we will stand with Israel, absolutely, only if we defund the police for billionaires and wealthy tax cheats. That is the choice that this body had, and it is shameful.

When someone's house is on fire, we don't say, hey, we will put out the fire as long as you let us not pay for a bunch of IRS agents to go after billionaires and wealthy tax cheats. You help them when their house is burning down.

Right now, that is what we are watching in Israel with Israel security assistance and humanitarian aid that we need to provide to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

An overwhelming majority of Members support standing with Ukraine and standing with Israel. If we could get a clean vote on this bill on the floor, it would pass, but it is time for action.

Let me say that House Democrats, Senate Democrats, and Senate Republicans all agree on the need to support Israel and Ukraine, and I would even say a majority of the Republican Conference agrees. However, we can't get a vote on this as long as the far-right extremists of the Republican Conference continue to wag the tail of the dog in this House.

Mr. Speaker, this is about the future of democracy for the world. The defining question for our great experiment in self-governance is whether we can defend democracy at home and abroad. We will face that question about defending democracy at home in November, but right now, we need to stand and be counted.

Authoritarianism is on the rise around the globe. We can either stand with democracies like Israel and Ukraine or we can bend the knee to Putin, terrorists, and other authoritarian regimes around the world.

As I voted for Speaker 19 times now, I have learned how incredibly fragile our democracy is. We must act now to pass a supplemental aid package and stand with Ukraine and Israel.

The world is watching, Mr. Speaker. Bring a clean bill to the floor now. The time for action is now.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dr. James West, a revered Wake County commissioner and a true champion for the people of North Carolina. It is with deep sorrow that we mark his passing but with immense gratitude that we celebrate his legacy.

His journey, from protesting segregation in the sixties along with Jesse Jackson to serving as a Raleigh City councilman and Wake County commissioner, was marked by a relentless commitment to justice and equality.

Dr. West's legacy is not just in the numerous programs he initiated or the pivotal policies he championed but in the countless lives that he touched, mine included, the community leaders he inspired, and the unquantifiable impact of his vision and compassion.

We remember Dr. West for his Dr. West-isms, his wisdom, and his unwavering faith in the power of community.

As we mourn Dr. James West's passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life, a life dedicated to service, equality, and the betterment of Wake County and its people.

Celebrating Mr. Ira David Wood III

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate an icon of North Carolina's cultural landscape, Mr. Ira David Wood III, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of his legendary portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in Ira David Wood's ``A Christmas Carol.''

Mr. Wood's unique and comedic adaptation of this Christmas classic has become a beloved holiday tradition for the Raleigh community.

His visionary leadership in theater, coupled with his remarkable talents as an actor, author, singer, and playwright, has left a profound impact on the arts in North Carolina.

As the founder and executive director of Theatre in the Park in Raleigh, Mr. Wood has been a cornerstone of Raleigh's vibrant art scene since 1972.

His leadership and vision have earned him prestigious recognitions, including two Medal of Arts awards and The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor in North Carolina.

As we celebrate this milestone, let's applaud Mr. Wood's extraordinary contributions not only to the arts but to the heart and soul of North Carolina.

Please join me in congratulating Mr. Wood on this remarkable achievement and wishing him continued success.

School Safety

Mr. Speaker, last week I visited the site of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Meeting the victims' families was a heartbreaking experience that I will never forget.

There is no way to describe what it felt like to see the bullet- riddled, bloodstained classrooms and hallways that remain frozen in time.

We owe it to each victim and family impacted by this tragedy to stop the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our Nation.

Just this week, another act of senseless violence rocked my district when a student was tragically killed and another seriously injured at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School. My thoughts are with the victims' families and loved ones affected by this unspeakable tragedy.

I am sure a lot more details will be released in the coming days, but for now our mission remains clear: We can and must do more to keep our kids safe in school.

I remain committed to working with anyone on solutions to protect our kids.

Standing with Israel

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act.

For years, the Iranian regime has aided and abetted terrorist organizations, including Hamas.

On October 7, we saw Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists carry out a brutal and barbaric assault against the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

Both Iran and Hamas seek to destroy democracy, and we must hold them accountable for their actions.

I am proud to support this bill coming to the floor today that will ensure that not a single dollar of this funding, whether directly or indirectly, goes to support Hamas or its efforts to destroy Israel.

We must continue to stand with Israel and ensure they have the funding and resources to disarm and dismantle Hamas and every Iranian- backed terrorist threat.