July 23, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 124 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session
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DECORUM ON HOUSE FLOOR; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 124
(House of Representatives - July 23, 2019)
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[Pages H7234-H7237] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DECORUM ON HOUSE FLOOR The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2019, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 30 minutes. Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to reflect on the recent acts of Speaker Pelosi and other Members of the majority last week on the House floor, it was a clear and egregious violation of the rules of the House that transpired. House Members are expected to speak respectfully of their fellow Members of Congress and of the President of the United States, a precedent that goes back to the very first Congress about conduct on the floor of the House. Citing Jefferson's Manual, the first American book on parliamentary procedure, ``References to racial or other discrimination on the part of the President are not in order.'' Last week, Speaker Pelosi clearly violated Chapter 29, Section 65.6 of Jefferson's Manual. The House parliamentarian ruled her speech violated the rules forbidding personal attacks on the House floor against the President. Sadly, the majority then voted to ignore the rules in order to justify the Speaker's breaking of our rules. Madam Speaker, how do we expect the American people to follow the laws we pass in this Chamber when we don't even follow the rules that we place on ourselves? I call on the majority to put partisanship and pointless attacks aside and get back to the real work that will move our great country forward. Crisis in Syria Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to, once again, speak out about the crisis in Syria. The director general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons recently reported that traces of a nerve agent or poison gas byproduct were discovered late last year at Syria's Scientific Studies and Research Center. Even though we were assured by the Obama administration that the Russians would remove all the chemical weapons in Syria, this report is not surprising. For some, photos of dead bodies in the streets littered with children, victims of barrel bombing, or asphyxiated by sarin gas just weren't enough. Now we have a United Nations report. The United Nations reports that, since May, fighting in Idlib Province has forced 300,000 Syrians to flee their [[Page H7235]] homes and thousands more continue to die from Assad's butchering. Madam Speaker, when will this House finally grow weary of 8 years of Assad's treachery: more than 570,000 dead, 200,000 imprisoned, and nearly 12 million dislocated? The House must act. Speaker Pelosi well knows, this House, under Republican leadership, passed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act three times over the past three Congresses, only to have it bogged down in the Senate. {time} 2115 Now, Madam Speaker, the tables are turned. Leader McConnell passed S. 1 in February, and we in the House must finally act with expedition and pass the House version of S. 1, which is H.R. 336, to end this step back into darkness, stop the torture and murder of thousands, and move to convict Assad and his henchmen of war crimes. Anti-BDS Resolution Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about H. Res. 246, a resolution stating Congress' opposition to the ongoing efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel in the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement, or BDS, targeting Israel. H. Res. 246 passed this House today. Let me get one thing clear, though. BDS is anti-Semitic at its core, and it seeks to delegitimize and isolate our ally Israel. I am a strong supporter and I cosponsored H. Res. 246, but this is not the piece of anti-BDS legislation that we should have considered on the floor of this House this week. We should not be letting the majority off the hook by passing a nonbinding House resolution. H. Res. 246 does not take tangible action to combat the BDS movement, nor does it have any teeth in it. Instead, we should be considering and passing H.R. 336, the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act, which is the House version of S. 1. This legislation, Madam Speaker, passed the Senate in February by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 77-23. H.R. 336 includes the Combating BDS Act, which allows a State or local government to divest its assets from entities using BDS against Israel. This bill includes other important provisions for U.S. and Israel security assistance. Why won't Speaker Pelosi bring this overwhelmingly bipartisan bill to the House floor? Well, the reason they are avoiding this bill in favor of a toothless resolution is because the majority party in this House is hopelessly divided on what should be a commonsense issue. Imagine House Democrats hopelessly divided about anti-Semitism--sad. Resolutions serve an important purpose in this House, but at other times, we need legislative action. This is the time for legislative action. We should be changing the Federal law to no longer allow entities to use BDS to attack the only democracy and our greatest ally in the Middle East. United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as USMCA. I congratulate the Trump administration for successfully updating the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and enhancing the benefits to Arkansans in the form of expanded export sales and growth in jobs. USMCA modernizes and rebalances the 25-year-old NAFTA, including a 21st century approach to digital trade, intellectual property rights, and cross-border data flows. In Arkansas, trade with Mexico and Canada alone supports over 100,000 jobs, and this highlights the need to preserve and strengthen our North American trading relationship. USMCA is a big win across the board. We will have stronger growth, more exports, more jobs, and rising wages. This agreement results in a more level playing field for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses. Madam Speaker, Canada has approved it. Mexico has passed the enabling legislation for it and has approved this treaty. Now it is time for Speaker Pelosi to bring the USMCA to the floor and seek approval of this House. Religious Freedom Ministerial Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom Sam Brownback for hosting the 2019 Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. This second ministerial on religious freedom makes the protection of religious freedom around the world a priority for this administration. This global conclave demonstrates that the United States proudly stands for religious liberty and tolerance so that everyone from all nations can worship freely and without discrimination. I agree with former President Ronald Reagan when he addressed the United Nations General Assembly in 1986 by saying: ``Respect for human rights is not social work; it is not merely an act of compassion. It is the first obligation of government and the source of its legitimacy.'' It is through this obligation of service to our fellow man that we can make our societies better for our children and all future generations yet to be born. American Taekwondo Association Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Taekwondo Association and the roughly 20,000 people who gathered in Little Rock for the 2019 Worlds ATA Martial Arts competition just last week. ATA is celebrating its golden anniversary this year with 50 years of international training. This organization was founded in 1969 and relocated to Little Rock in 1977, citing similarities between the State's landscape and that of South Korea. My friend, Mrs. Sun Cha Lee, is the chairman of the board for ATA Martial Arts and is committed to changing lives through martial arts and her philanthropy. As a fellow member of the Rotary Club of Little Rock, Mrs. Lee embodies the motto of ``service above self'' and continues to lead their scholarship foundation that has provided over $1 million to deserving students. Mrs. Lee and ATA's cultural addition to Little Rock's story has made and indelible impact on Arkansas citizens and communities. I would like to extend gratitude and congratulations to Mrs. Lee on reaching this memorable milestone. I wish her and all of ATA much continued success for generations to come. Eagle Bank Anniversary Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Eagle Bank and Trust Company on its 100th anniversary. Eagle Bank has been serving customers since 1919 and has grown into 13 full-service bank locations. Eagle Bank was the vision of Harry Hastings, Jr., who applied for a bank charter for the First State Bank of Sherwood in 1964, eventually becoming Eagle Bank and Trust Company in 1988. In 2012, the bank merged with Heber Springs State Bank, which received its original bank charter in 1919 and was originally known as Arkansas National Bank of Heber Springs. The bank survived the Great Depression and the 2008 recession, never closing its doors on its customers. Today, Cathy Hastings Owen, daughter of Harry Hastings, operates Eagle Bank and Trust Company. In 2018, she became the 128th chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association and is the first woman to lead that important organization. I would like to extend my congratulations to the Hastings family and Eagle Bank and Trust Company, and I wish the company much continued success for generations to come. Flooding--Prevention, Preparation, and Cleanup Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize three Faulkner County, Arkansas, Scouting units that helped fill sandbags in preparation for the historic flooding that occurred in Arkansas just in the past few weeks. Pack 444, Troop 444, and Troop 644, all of the First United Methodist Church in Vilonia, volunteered to help our communities in need. This group who filled sandbags included children in elementary school and up to high school-aged teens. Arkansans began filling sandbags on May 22, and more than 65,000 sandbags have been filled by volunteers from across our State. Sandbagging helps divert water from peoples' homes and [[Page H7236]] was an effective way to prevent and reduce the flood damage from these historic floods. I thank the Scouting units of First United Methodist Church and all of those who volunteered their time to help those affected by this historic flooding. Congratulating Ford Overton Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I want to rise and congratulate and thank my very good friend, Ford Overton, for his selfless service to the State of Arkansas. Ford served on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for 7 years, including serving as chairman in his final year. His term just expired on July 1. As a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, his love for the outdoors has always been evident, especially his interest in fishing and preservation of habitat. While on the commission, Ford worked with wildlife biologists and lawmakers to ensure that future generations of Arkansans will be able to continue to enjoy the healthy wildlife populations with which we are so abundantly blessed. He successfully inspired many young Arkansans to enjoy the great hunting and fishing opportunities all across our State. Ford's service to the State of Arkansas and to wildlife conservation will not be forgotten, and I join all Arkansans in congratulating Ford on his infectious passion and leadership throughout the State. Recognizing the Heroic Acts of Troy Braswell, Sr. Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic acts of Mr. Troy Braswell, Sr., a World War II veteran, for his remarkable service to our country. Troy grew up in Louisiana, and after graduating from high school, he joined the Navy to serve his country. He was only 17 years old, and his role was that of a powderman. During his service, Troy served on the USS Mississippi, survived a kamikaze attack, and, afterwards, contracting tuberculosis. He was told by a doctor that he had but 6 months to live. He overcame and survived these challenges, and after his military service, Troy located to Arkansas in 1945. In 1952, he graduated from the University of Central Arkansas, then called Arkansas State Teachers College. Troy turned 93 years old earlier this year and currently resides in Hot Springs Village. Troy's sacrifice for Arkansas and for America will not be forgotten, and I join all Arkansans in thanking him for his bravery and his dedication to our State and our country. Recognizing Victory Mission Bible Training Center Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Victory Mission Bible Training Center's grand opening and ribbon cutting earlier this month in Center Ridge, Arkansas. Victory Mission Bible Training Center is an 8- to 10-month residential discipleship training program catering to those who struggle with problems such as alcoholism and addiction. It is strictly donation-based and available to people of all ages who need this important assistance. I want to congratulate the resident director, Ms. Jennifer Jones, herself a graduate of the program. She was homeless and struggled with alcohol and drug addiction before entering this important program. Since 1960, over 24,000 people have been treated by Mission Teens centers, and 89 percent of their graduates report that they are doing well. Several have gone into the ministry or now help at one of the 20 centers across the United States. Alcoholism and addiction are powerful diseases, and I am grateful to the Center Ridge community for the opening of the Victory Mission Bible Training Center and their worthwhile investment in the health of our citizens and their community. {time} 2130 Honoring Dr. Edith Irby Jones Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Edith Irby Jones, a civil rights leader and the first African American graduate at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Jones recently passed away at the age of 91. Dr. Jones became a distinguished physician on the national stage and accomplished many firsts for African Americans and women. She was the first African American woman to intern in the State of Arkansas, the first to intern at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospital, and the first female president of the National Medical Association. As a child, Dr. Jones experienced the deaths of her father and sister and suffered from rheumatic fever that left her temporarily unable to walk or attend school. Despite her hardships, she went on to become the first African American female resident at Baylor and was one of the founders of Mercy Hospital in Houston. When Dr. Jones wasn't practicing medicine, she was in schools and churches, advocating for racial equality. She later became an advocate for underprivileged patients and earned an award for volunteerism and community service by the American College of Physicians. She also has been inducted into both the University of Arkansas College of Medicine Hall of Fame and the inaugural group of women inducted into the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame. I honor Dr. Jones for her determination, dedication, and contributions to civil rights and enriching the lives of countless Arkansans and Americans. She was a role model and a friend to many across our State. I extend my respect, affection, and prayers to her friends, family, and loved ones. Congratulating Anne Marie Doramus Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Anne Marie Doramus on her recent appointment to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, becoming the first woman so appointed as a full-term commissioner. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, her interest in the outdoors has always been evident, especially duck hunting and bass fishing in southeast Arkansas. She is a founding member of the Arkansas Outdoor Society, a group of young adults passionate about conservation and the outdoors. Commissioner Doramus, with leadership and passion for conservation, will be a great asset to the commission over the next 7 years. She embodies the talent of the next generation of leaders who will be protecting and promoting our great outdoors. I join all Arkansas in congratulating Anne Marie and wish her much success throughout her term as a commissioner. Congratulating Camp Rockefeller Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Arkansas' Camp Rockefeller for being recognized, once again, as a nationally accredited camp by the Boy Scouts of America National Camp Accreditation Program. BSA's National Camp Accreditation Program recognizes camps that provide a fun, high-quality, and safe program consistent with the Boy Scouts of America brand and what the public expects from scouting. Camp Rockefeller successfully completed a review of over 200 standards related to the safety and quality of the program, including campgrounds, properties, and the well-being of every camper, leader, and visitor. Over the years, Camp Rockefeller has shown continuous improvement in all areas. Camp Rockefeller is located within Gus Blass Scout Reservation. Each year, thousands of scouts from across the country enjoy this beautiful part of Arkansas and are given the opportunity to participate in hiking, fishing, climbing, camping, and other outdoor activities. As a fellow scout, I am proud of these high standards that are being set at Camp Rockefeller. On behalf of all Arkansans, congratulations, and we look forward to following your continued success in the years to come. Congratulating Conway for Recycling Award Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Conway Department of Sanitation in the city of Conway, Arkansas, on being named the 2019 Recycling Education Program of the Year by the Arkansas Recycling Coalition. This award honors an agency or association that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability across our State in the past year. [[Page H7237]] Conway was selected for this award as a result of its outstanding public education and community outreach effort. This involved talking with more than 2,700 community members of all ages from schools, daycares, churches, homeowner associations, universities, and more. Recycling is a component of making the environment a cleaner place, conserving materials, saving energy, and reducing the size of our landfills. I extend my congratulations to the Conway Department of Sanitation and the entire city of Conway for its worthwhile commitment to our environment and our natural resources. Congratulating Fairfield Bay on Top 100 Planned Communities Honor Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, on being named the Best of the Best Top 100 Planned Communities in America by ideal-LIVING Magazine. The Best of the Best honors those areas and communities that deserve special recognition for their outstanding qualities, facilities, and programs. Fairfield Bay began as a planned community 40 years ago and has grown into an ideal family recreation destination. It was chosen from hundreds of nominations from North America and Central America. A huge congratulations to the community, to the residents of Fairfield Bay, and to Mayor Wellenberger on achieving this recognition. I look forward to following the Fairfield Bay community as it continues to grow in the years to come. Recognizing Journalism Awardees Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two central Arkansas journalists who received the Golden 50 Service Awards from the Arkansas Press Association for a half-century in journalism. Larry Miller, from Morrilton, Arkansas, is the editor of the Conway County Petit Jean Country Headlight newspaper. Frank Fellone of Little Rock was also recognized and is a former Arkansas Democrat-Gazette deputy editor and now an independent journalist. I also congratulate David Bailey, managing editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, on receiving the Arkansas Press Association Freedom of Information Award. I congratulate these men who exemplify the spirit and dedication behind the mission of these awards and our First Amendment, and I wish them continued success in the years to come. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. ____________________
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