hope he will be wv our president againcan't take tn that's running. is not a gentle, excuse me. gentle man, excuse me. i didn't see the thing last night because i figured i wod see it this morning with you. i just love your program and i love president biden i think he's thing. he is not getting free commercials. i hate seeing trump on free commercials. host: i have to leave it there. that will do it for the program today because the house of representatives is coming in at 9:00 a.m. and we take you to them now area [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. visit ncicap.org] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2024] plai revendanhet. charles monta. churc in whitefish,

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i'ored to introdu fath raf. the speaker pr tpore:he chairill enttain upo fiv furt ruests f oneinute speen each sidof the e.a" fowhat purse does ntleman from pennsylek one minute and reve anndnanimous my r. the sppr tempore: with objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute.ou mr. thompson: thank you, madam speaker. madam speaker, i rise before you today to recognize the annual ye which takes place in clearfield county. the event which occurred on saturday, february 3, has taken place for the last years, has raised thousands of dollars for the ymca strong kids campaign. with their help, children are

able to participate iné'vities . despite the cold weather, 58 brave participants dove into treasure lake.articipants ranged from 12 to 82 years old. the plunge initially began in 2011 when it was founded by dubois ymca executive director, dan dowelling. i would like to take this time to continue to show my support for all those who participate, as well as the dubois ymca for their gracious efforts. without these fundraising events, those fortunate would not be able to access these very important youth programs. keep up the great work. thank you, madam speaker, and i yield back the balance of my ti. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition? mr. tonko: i seek unanimous consent to address the house for

one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. n, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. tonko: thank you. it is with great pride that i congratulate the remarkable team from farmsworth middle school il district on its outstanding achievement in winning grand prize at this year's national discover competition. these students along with edcater kelly warner and volunteer mentor jennifer smith showed extraordinary innovationg their future city. their vision and hardwork exemplified the value of stem education and showcased the limitless potential of our youth. congratulations to the dutchmen ducks team and to everyone involved in this imprsi accomplishment and thank you for representing our great capital region with excellence on this national stage. i wish you all success in your future continue to electrify our world with your ingenuity and your passion. let's hear it for today's

leaders amongst the■e young peoe in this country. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from iowa seek recognition? without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. >>elmadam speaker. i rise today to celebrate hawkeye superstar and west des moines native, caitlin clark. mr. nunn: friends, march is rea. as we look forward to the big ten women's tournament already under way, we have a phenomenon coming from the heart of the■% after surpassing the all-time scoring record in women's basketball in february, caitlin became the ncaa division i all-time leading scorer for both men and women's basketball. in iowa, wins over ohio state on sunday, caitlin astounding recovered 3,685 career points and, friends, she's just getting started. caitlin is a lear bothat she isr

young women across our state and the country. as a dad of five young daughters, our baby-sitter even helped make caitlin clark who she is by constantly getting dunked on by caitlin clark in high school. with that, the coaches, the fans, the team and the family are what make caitlin clark and iowa so proud of you today. thanks for all you're doing and most importantly, as iowa sets its focus on the big ten tournament in march, join me in congratulating caitlin for what she's done and what she'll continue to do. thank you, madam speaker. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentlewoman from ohio seek recognition? ms. kaptur: to address the housd extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. ms. kaptur: madam speaker, in the ninth district of ohio, the americanan discovery shop in lieu kas county -- lucas county won the

denies noel awd bringing in the most sales of any location in our entire country. the award is presented to a person or group by the americane significant contributions to the discovery program. the discovery shop, which is a volunteer-run donate -- thrift store, sells donated clothes, artwork and small furniture. purcat these fine establishments help the american cancer society fund advocacy research and patient support programs to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families. anita shuler, the manager of the sylvania location, attributes th the involvement of the community and the dedication of its volunteers. volunteers at the store credit ms. shuler's leadership and her ability to creatend maintain a positive atmosphere for the award. in this home away from home for

many there is person that does not go above and beyond for their sylvania and our broader community. thank you, madam speaker, congratulationand the entire ted back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from new york seek recognition? >> i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, to revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. >> madam speaker, i a very spect joining me here in the house gallery today, mr. steve sutton, a retired social studies teacher mr. molinaro: but he's not just any teacher. he was in fact mine. and the man responsible for my desire to enter into public service. mr. sutton's passion get involved, leading me to student council, mock trial and the presidential classroom program here in washington. later i served as in america, county executive and now a member of congress. and one of the proudest moments for me was calling mr. sutton on election night to tell him that

i'd beerving he in congress, the same institution we studied in his classroom. not everyone will pursue a career in public service but everyone is capable of achievind that's why teachers like steve sutton matter. they push us through our unique talents to achieveudreams. mr. sutton helped me realize my life's calling, to make a difference. and so to you, mr. steve sutton, and all the teachers like you so very grateful. and with that, i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman fromira seek recognition? >> madam speaker, i ask for permission to address the house for one minute, to revise and the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute.

>> madam speaker, i rise today celra■■lte the life of captain charlie "griffin" griffin. mr. wittman: when i grew up, i remember griff vividly. griff was a personality, griff was bigger than life. he loved fishing. he loves the he loved everything about what was going on there on the outer banks. i remember his infectious laugh. i remember his voice on the radio as you see here saying, got him on. griff was indeed a friend to all in t fishing community and he will be sorely missed. he leaves behind a community of fishermen whose lives were touched by his kind ul words. we looked at him as a friend and as a mentor. i pray that god brings know his,

jake, and his love for his dogs, uding one who was tragically lost on the same day as griff. we know it's a tough time for people in the fishing community in the outer banks but his life. he'll be remembered and cherished. rest in peace, griff. the speaker profrom north carolk recognition? >> i ask unanimous consent to address the house for up to one minute, revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tem objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. >> madam speaker, i rise today to remember the life of chad dunn who tin a boating accident, north carolina, this past week. he was taken far too soon. as a member of the fishing community, chad was beloved by those who knew him, as well as his passion for the sea. with the casting lines into e

ocean's depths or navigating the waters of life, chad approached every challenge with courage and grace. life is preciousized every moment to live his life to the fullest, his spirit of adventure serves as a reminder for all of us to do the while at sea, while the sea may have claimed chad's physical existence, his spirit remains in our hearts, our boating community and fishing community of oregon inlet and the outer banks. i pray that god brings loved oy difficult time. may his life be forever remembered, cherished and block offed for those who loved mr. murphy: rest in peace, chad. i yield back the balance of my time.

the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to house relution ■e 1052 and rule 18, the chair declares the house in the committee of the whole on the state of the union for further consideration of h.r. 2799. will the gentlewoman from minnesota, mrs. fischbach, kindly take the chair. the chair: the house is in the committee of the house on the state of the union for further consideration of the bill h.r. 2799, which the clerk will report by title. the clerk: a bill to make reforms to the capital markets of the united states, and for other purposes. e chair: when the committee of the whole rose on thursday, march 7, 2024, amendment number 5 printed in part b of house report 118-407, offered by the

gentleman from california, mr. sherman, had been disposed of. it is now in order to consider amendment number 6 printed in part b of house report 118-407. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from pennsylvania seek recognition? ms. houlahan: madam chair, i ve. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 6, printed in part b of house by ms. houlahan of pennsylvania. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 1052, the gentlewoman from penyla, houlahan, and a member opposed, each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from pennsylvania. ms. houlahan: madam chair, i ricolleagues to support my very straightforward amendment to protect small businesses and community banks in the wake of financcr want to thank ranking r

waters for the opportunity to lead on this issue. i want to take this chamber back one year ago to c silicon valley bank that sent our financial system into disarray. in 48 hours' time, one of the largest u.s. banks failed. impacting customers, investors, businesses, and stockholders across our nation. silicon bank's failure subsequently led to the collapse of signature and silver gate banks in rapid succession as well. making this crisis one of the mostnicazsited states history. after moments like these, it's important that congress and key agencies like the u.s. curities a exchange commission fully understand the scope and impacts to our economy. transparency and accountability are essential to install confidence in prevent another crisis from tanking our economy in the same way. in conducting the analysis, we mustot only examine and

understand the impact of the broader macroeconomy, but we must also make a concerted effort to understand the effects on small businesses an community banks that drive our main streets. according to the federal reserve data, deposits at smaller community banks dropp $120 billion in the week following the collapse. this is especially troubling when we consider that smaller banksold approximately 36% of our business loans, according to the ftic. so in other words, community banks took a hit in the diath of the failure, which is especially concerning considering the high number of main street business owners that utilize them. responsibility to gather data on exactly how this crisis impacted our mom and pop shops and the community banks that they depend on for crucial■e we must ensure we learn from and take action to prevent the missteps and events of the past as well. so that's why i'm offering this

very straightforward and very commonsense amendment that ensures that the s.e.c.'s advocate for smalls bill capital formation study, study the effects of the collapse of the silicon valley bank on community banks and small business lending alike. the advocate whose■■ interest ol businesses and their investors would be required under this amendment to provide congress and the s.e.c. with a report of itsrecommendations. one month after the silicon valley bank's collapse, i had the chance to meet with a group of local including customers bank, presence bank, and first resource bank located in my district. each one of these banks was deeply■"onceed small businesses that drive the economy, create and sustain jobs, and fund the american dream. i specifically recall the c.e.o. of customers bank located in my 6th congressional district sharing the account of the fear that small businesses had when th they were concerned that they

would not be able to meet payroll and other obligations. so this conversation and outreachor other concerned businesses in my community is why i'm putting forward this amendment. because at the end of the day this is jobs and livelihoods at stake. i want to also be clear and address a falsehood. this amendment does not attempt to imply that the s.e.c. regulates banks. is clearly speaks to the responsibilities of the advocate for small business capital formation to advance the interest of small businesses and their investors. it w■lill take the requisite action to protect small businesses and community banks ahead of future financial crises and help them■) be more secure and more resilient. once again i urge my colleagues both democrat and republican to support my stigry commonsense ao protect our main streets and ensure accountability and transparency in our financial system. i yield the remainder of my timr

waters, i thank her for her continued leadership. the chair: the gentlewoman from california is recognized. ms. waters -- she yielded the remainder of■ke. ms. waters: i would like to thank my colleague from pennsylvania for offering this important amendment. which mandates the s.e.c. report on the impact silicon valley bank's collapse has had on local banks small business lending. our committee's previous examination of the 2023anki crisis, while informative, should not be end of the story. with the expertise of the talented and knowledgeable the r

reporting -- can supplement our reporting and ensure further valuable insight into what and our regular -- how regulators and lawmakers can avoid this from occurring again in the colleagues to vote yes and i yield back to the gentlewoman from pennsylvania. ms. houlahan: i reserve. >> it is my understanding the gentlelady from pennsylvania's time has expired. i was just told. for what purpose does thessouri? mrs. wagner: thank you, madam chair. i claim the time in opposition and i am opposed to this amendment. the chair: the gentlewoman from is recnizelicans agree that the failure of silicon valley bank and other institutions last march should be studied to bert understand their impact on lending and whyl

services committee devoted much of last spring and summer to holding a series of bipartisan hearings toetter understand the bank failures and their consequences. we also advanced a package of legislation in response to the bank failures. however, stues about lending and community banks should be done by banking regulators such as a study -- such a outside the s.e.c. and especially the advocate for small business capital formation. h.r.799 does not include a study on banking services for venture funds. however, the focus of our study is to understand venture capital and the potential obstacles preventing their growth or hindering their ability to serve the entrepreneurs they invest in. especially for smaller venture funds outside of major financial hubs. the study required by this amendment is merially different. the s.e.c. is very experienced

in regulating the -- and studying venture funds, but bank lending and community banks■p o. while i appreciate my colleague's interest in bert understanding thek failures on , this is not the proper package for this amendment. for those reasons i urge my colleagues to reject this amen■ent and i support the underlying legislation. madam chair, i yield back. the chair: thank you. the gentlela back. the question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from pennsylvania. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the noes have it. ms. houlahan: i ask forhes and nays. the chair: does the gentlewoman request a recorded vote? ms. houlahan: yes. the chair: pursuant to clause 6

of rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from pennsylvania will be postponed. in order to consider amendment number 7 printed in pa of house report 118-407. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from michigan seek recognition? ms. tlaib: i have an amendment at the desk made in order by the rule. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 7 printed in part b of house report number 118-407, offered by ms. tlaib of michigan. the chair: pursuant to house 10n from michigan, ms. tlaib, and a member opposed, will each control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from michigan. ms. tlaib: i yield myself such time as i may consume. we all know incredible important issues facing many of and one of them is the rise in

just uncontrollable corporate greed we continue to to you on the airplane, expect a fee. cancel your bill, your cable bill early?kx expect a fee. pay your credit card late, in michigan an average credit card late fee from big banks are more than $20.ú7 sadly even the medical industry imposes hidden costs and surprise bills. collectively these junk fees cost our residents billions of dollarsh the telecommunications industry alone takes in an estimated $28 billion from fee from our residents. this is wrong. it's actually sick. we must push back against corporate greed. consumers should not have to deal with hidden. none of my residents should have to deal with this, especially, especially as the rise in cost of services of these hidden fees.

in this chamber we should all make sure any law we pass does not support companies that exploit consrtant. my amendment is simple, it ensures that any exemptions or benefits provided in this act may not companies that impose the junk fees on our residents, that's it. the act makes it easier for companies that emplig equity in lieu of real salary, exempts small issuers from dispose closing basic financial in like revenues. expands exedgeses for venture capital funds which played a significant part in the silicon valley bank failure. regulation on private funds industry would refer back to pre--dodd-frank. such wall■ we know are problematic. what's not debatable is this body would relax or roll back regulation protect our retirees. at the same time reward the companies that are literally

negatively impacting our hardworking families with hidden fees and surprise costs. it's maddening. i urge my colleagues to protect consumers to promote transparency. they deserve to know. by adopting my amendment which would ens companies that benefit from this act do not also profit from imposing junk fees on our residents. i yield back the remainder of my time to my good colleague from pennsylvania. the chair: the gentlelady from pennsylvania is recoized. houlam chair. i rise today in opposition to h.r. expanding access to capital act of 2023. because it would remove critical safeguards against fraud and abuse in our financial markets at the expense of everyday americans. this bill represents a set of policies that would deregulate further enrich the wealthiest of communities. all while reducing investor

confidence and protections for retirees and mom and pop investors. we already practices of private equity funds making single family homes unaffordable and increasing the number of rural hospitals inaccessible. ts make this worse. it is at this reason at the appropriate time i will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. if the house rules permitted i would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. instead of enabling bad actors, my amendment would the privacy of women utilizing in vitro fertilization by prohibiting the securities and exchange commission from requiring a busi treatments from disclosing any personal identity information on the individual who is receiving the treatment. the medical or support personnel who are providing that treatment or the clients of such businesses. in the dobbs decision we saw the supreme court tear away our to privacy. all americans, regardless of where they live, should be able

to access assisted reproductive technologies they need to start, including i.v.f. without the fear that their personal information will be shared. our medical providers deserve to be able to do their jobs, decisions for their own circumstances without fear of retribution. at the end of the debate, i will insert into the cord the text of this amendment. i hope that my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit. i yield back to the . ms. tlaib: may i inquire.■ thn

congress. the companies impacted by this amendment would be equally in the company know if a given fee is so-called junk when neither the s.e.c. nor the ne it? should they just charge no fees at all? potentially putting some firms out of business? the only fees democrats seem to want to spare from this political crusade are those charged by the government itself. for example, the i.r.s. folks wr taxes late. i get it.

no one wants to pay fees. but charging product or service is a normal part of doing business. i urge my colleagues to oppose and i the chair: the gentlelady reserves. the gentlelady from michigan is recognized. ms. tlaib: yeah, but it's surprise fees. it's hidden fees. many of the residents outside of this chamber would disagree. and i think it's really important to understand the underlying bill amends the securities laws and the security lawsistrated by the s.e.c. but i think it's really incredibly important to understand, of course there's fees, but hidden fees, we're talking about hidden surprise fees that our resident know abo. that's the essence of why we need this amendment. again, we cannot continue to allow our residents to be, you■g know, impacted negatively by the fact that they don't want to be transparent, they want to hide these fees, they don't want us to know exactly what they're charging us. so i think it's incredibly important. i yield back the balance of my

time. the chair: time is expired. the gentlelady from missouri i recoed mrs. wagner: may i inquire how much time i have remaining? the chair: the gentlelady has 3 1/2 minutes remaining. mrs. wagner: thank you. opposition to this amendment. as i said, the only fees democrats seem to want to spare t crusade are those charged by the government itself. as i said, the i.r.s. charges fees to folks who pay their taxes late. this is no definition of junk fee anywhere in here. and i'd also like to point out to the gentlelady from that i was a sponsor of the fly together act, which did away with additional fees children that are accompanied by their parents on a plane. those children get to free with their parents. that was my piece of

legislation. it's called fly together. it was in the base legislation of the federal aviation administration re-authorization from michigan's support.h i thank the chair and i urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment a i back. the chair: the question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from michigan. those in favor s no. in the opinion of the chair, the noes have it. ms. tlaib: madam chair, i request a recorded vote. the chair: pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from michigan will be it is now in order to consider n part b of house report 118-407.

for what purpose ds recognitio? mr. lynch: good morning, madam chair. i believe i have an amendment at the desk. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 8■w0 printed in part b of house report 118-407 offered by mr. lynch of massachusetts. the chair: resolution 1052, the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. lynch, and a member opposed each will control five minutes. the chair recognizes the mr. lynch: thank you, madam chair. in the interest of investor protection, my amendment would prevent h.r. 2799 from taking effect unless the securities and exchange commission certifies to congress that this misguided legislation will not of fraud ir financial system. importantly, this certification would be based on s.e.c. consultationíc witsecurities re. as ranking member of the subcommittee on digital assets,

financial technology and inclusion, i'm strongly supporve of reducing barriers to capital market participation in a manner that maximizes investor protections and regulatory and responsible capital formation. unfortunately this bill removes basic protections and promotese expense of all three. not surprisingly, our state securities regulators are overwhelmingly opposed to this sopanding access to capital act because it would preeveryone critical state laws that are in place to protect retail investors against fraudt. in my own state of massachusetts, our long-time secretary of the commonwealth and chief securities regulator report bill would significantly undermine the state's ability to regulate financial middlemen such as finders and private placement brokers and that these financial intermediaries regularly promote private investments that are

both high-risk and nonqu these s with a virtual safe harbor from registration and other important investor protections weaken oversight and enforcement in this area. according to secretary galvin, finders will be, and i'm quoting, invisible to market observers until problems arise, close quote. the massachusetts security division has in fact cncveral rt actions represented to finder misconduct, including the solicitation of fraudulent notes to further a ponziscam investmet tactics to raise small business capital for businesses that never materialize. these schemes have cost massachusetts investors millions of dollars. similarly, the north american securities administrators soon the front line of investor protections across our country strongly opposes this legislation on the grounds that

it would, quote, make it securis regulators to promote responsible capital formation and protect investors in the states. under existing inv3sestor protection statutes and registration requirements, regulators are able to directly engage with small business owners and entrepreneurs to them on responsible options for raising capital. to help them avoid compliance mistakes and deter fraud that businesses alike. the bill before us, however, would undermine those efforts by obscuring finders and other middlemen from the lines of sight of state and federal regulating authorities. moreover, bad actors are increasingly peddling sset securities, in the wake of the abrupt collapse of f.t.x. and the convictions of its founder forln custom re-- customer funds, we are aware of the volatility of the cryptocurrency sector and

its suseptibils be strengthening transparency and accountability in the private securities markets rather than facilitating reckless financial behavior. madam chair, our capital markets are the envy of the world, specifically because of the robust state and federal regulatory regimes that function to protect investors and promote confidence in capital formation. h.r. 2799 will disme that is precisely why a variety of consumer investment protection advocates also strongly oppose this bill. including■a the consumer federation of america, americans for financial reform, and public citizens. they report that an alarmingals who act as financial middlemen are already -- already have numerous red flags on their records, presenting an elevated so i urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense investor protection amendment and i

reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from missouri rise? mrs. wagner: madam chair, i claim time in opposition and i amthis amendment. the chair: the gentlewoman from missouri is recognized. mrs. wagner: madam chair, i appreciate the gentleman's concern about fraud in our financial system. serious problt impacts far too many americans. however, his intent in offering this unnecessary and unworkable amendment seems to be to ensure this bill never takes effect. this amendment would provide state regulators and unelected bureaucrats the veto power over duly passed laws. that should concern everyone in this chamber. so let's dig into this. first, is unnecessary. the federal securities laws already include broad anti-fraud provisions that are designed to protect investors. the same provisions offer recourse against those who have engaged in security fraud. the federal securities laws also

incle■9 bad actor disqualifications that prevent fraudsters from benefiting from certain privileges offered under the securities clear, nothing in expanding access to capital act would modify, remove or limit sd or bad actor provisions in any way, period. second, the amendment is unworkable. for example, the amendment broadly states the s.e.c. must, and i quote, consul security regulators. all states? certain states? if so, who decides which statesm taking effect? congress does not need approval from the executive branch do its job.d state let's be serious. fewer companies are entering our public markets than at any time

in the current s.e.c. is ignoring its statutory mandate to facilitate capital formation. congress has an obligation to■l make law to address these glaring issues. i would welcome my democratic colleagues to join republicans in our efforts toelp small businesses, entrepreneurs and investors by supporting h.r. 2799, and, madam■z reserve and also make a point that i do not believe that the house has been in order. the chair: thankdy from missourd you're reserved but i understand and i was going to point that out when it was -- and we would ask the the gallery to please make sure that you are quiet and not disturbing the proceed

the visitors in the gallery --ae gentleman from massachusetts. mr. lynch: madam chair, may i inquire how much time i have remaining? the chair: the gentleman has 30 seconds lynch: great. then very briefly i would just add that in this bill there are several preemption provisions that prevent state regulators fr■9 and that's problematic. and they are in many cases, elected officials. they are not unelected official their responsibility is to protect investors and they've done a good job, all 50 states. so again, for all the reasons i previously stated, ix sides of o please support this commonsense amendment. thank you and i yield back. the chair: the gentleman's time has expired.

the gentlewoman from missour recognized. mrs. wagner: thank you, madam chair. may i inquire how much time i have replaining? -- remaining? the chair: the gentlelady 245s chair.utes remaining. i mention to my good friend, my colleague mr. lynch, that the preemption clausesin the manage. and i do certainly appreciate the gentleman's concern about fraud in our financial system. however, his intent in offeringd unworkable amendment seems to be to enissue you are that this bill -- ensure that this bill never takes effect. witht, would urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and i yield back. the chair: the gentlelady yields. the question is on the andment offered%> by the gentleman from massachusetts. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the noes have it. the amendment is not agreed to. lynch madam chair, i -- mr. lynch: madam chair, i request a roll call on, that,

thank you. the chair: pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from massachusetts will be postponed. it is amendment number 9 printed in part b of house report 118-407. for what purpose does th■ee gentlewoman from california seek recognition? ms. waters: madam chair, i have an amendment at the desk made in order by the rule. the chair: the clerk will designate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 9 printed in part b of house report 118-407 offered by ms. waters of california. the chair: resolution the chair: the gentlewoman from from california ms. waters and a member posed each will control five minutes. thwoman from california. ms. waters: i yield myself such time as i may consume. madam provide needed transparency into the opaque world of private equity venture capital

funds. particularly around their investments in minority-owned, women owned, veteran and rural businesses. today these private funds play a big role in capital allocation for mergers and acquiesces -- acquisitions. as of 2021, private funds held more than $7 trillion in investments. venture capital funds managed $3 trillion, providing funding to start-ups and early stage companies across the country. these are staggering numbers, but the amount going into minority-owned and women-owned businesses is not. example, the white house earlier this month noted that black founded companies receive less than of venture capital

funding annually. while women founded businesses receive just about 2%. when i was chairwoman of the financial services committee, the first thing i did was to create a subcommittee on diversity and inclusion. committee can mean dozens of hearings on diversity and inclusion, receiving hundreds of hours of highlighted one overwhelming conclusion was clear businesses case for supporting and investing in diversity. study after study has found that diverse companies consistently ou nondiverse companies, despite being disproportionately undercapitalized. this is good for industry, good for business, and good for investors. and limited access to financing is restricting the ability of women and business owners of colorr

potential, generate jobs, and contribute to their communities because private funds do not have the same transparency requirements as other large investors. it is difficult to gauge the number, size, and scope of thei, diverse-owned, and rural businesses. moreover following the murder or of private firms pledged to make advancements on racial and gender equity as part of their businesstr timely information, investors, and the public can hold these fund managers accountable. amendmento important. if private funds want to take advantage of the ability to peddle their investments to the would permit, then at the very least they need to show how they are investing in all of america.

i ask members to support my amendment. thank you. i reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady reserves. for what purpose gentlelady from missouri seek recognition? mrs. wagner: i claim the time in opposition. i am opposed to this amendment. the chair: the gentlelady is opposition to the amendment offered by the ranking member. this amendment is problematic on several fronts first, it is an attempt to impose more onerous disclosure requirements on actors in the private markets than what exists in the public markets. doing so would be unprecedented, even for an overzealous regulator. for decades our security laws haveonally featured vastly different disclosure requirements between our public markets and our private markets. this amendment would destroy that intentional distinction by mandating an unworkable disclosure regime on private funds that is what is required of any public

company. the public disclosure of the type of information required bye weaponized by activists to name and shame market participants for pursuing an investment rategy that may not be politically favorable to the progressive left. this would be counterproductive and againstt of the securities laws. which are not intended to encourage investments in any one sector or type increased complit result interesting this amendment would disproportionately hurt smaller emerging funds, advisors, and mf which are minority owned, women owned, and veteran owned, and rural. if democratsre serious about wantling to help -- wanting to help underserved communities survive, they will oppose this amendment. should support the

underlying bill which will help americans from all walks of life realize their version of the american dream. madam chair, i reserve. the chair: the gentlelady reserves. the gentlelady from california is recognized. ms. waters: i'm prepared to close if the gentlewoman from fro missouri!sn'tav further speakers -- from missouri doesn't have any further speakers. the chair: the gentlelady from california is recognized. i yield myself the balance of the time. my commonsense amendment would require private funds to disclose their women owned, minority owned, veteran owned, and rural businesses. so far too long these well performing, well deserving business vs. been under capitalized and under invested by wealthy firms that made empty promise when is it was trending to do so. we know that what gets measured and reported gets done will proe

kind of transparency that investors, particularly public printing planners want, to ensure they are investing in the most profitable parts of the economy. i strongly urge members to vot yes on my amendment. thank you. i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady yields yields. the gentlely fr missoi is if democrats are serious about wanting to help underserved communities thrive, they will oppose this amendment. andng bill which will help americans from all walks of life realize their version of the american dream. madam urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and i yield back the balance of my time. the chair: the gentlelady yields. the question is on the amendmenm california. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the noes have t the amendment is not agreed to.

ms. waters: i ask for a recorded vote. the chair: pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from california will be postponed. of rule 18, proceed also now resume on those amendments printed in part b of house report 118-407 on the further proceedings -- on which further proceedings were postponed in the following number 6 by ms. houlahan of pennsylvania. amendment number 7 of ms. tlaib of michigan. amendment number 8 by mr. lynch of massachusetts number 9 by mss of california. the chair will reduce to two minutes the minimum time for any electronic vote after the first vote in the series. the unfinished business is the request for recorded vote on printed in part b of house report 118-407,

by the gentlewoman from pennsylvania, ms. houlahan, on e post owned and on which the noes prevailed by voice vote. the clerk will redesignate the amendment. the clerk: amendment number 6 report number 118-407, offered by ms. houlahan of pennsylvania. the chair: a recorded vot■ñ has been requested. those in support of the request for recorded vote will rise and be counted. a sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is. members will record their votes by electronic device. this will be a 15-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by th s. ■n íé?a sf■j■ ■■n ,#yú■ ■g ■í ■ ■v ■) 7 m g > b q ó ■ ■

the chair: on this vote the yeas are 208. the nays are 203. the amendment is not aee the unfinished business is the

request for recorded vote on amendment number 7 printed in part b of house report by the gentlewoman from michigan on which further proceedings were postponed on which the noes prevailed by voice vote. the clerk will redesignate the amendment. the clerk: amendment nbe part be report number 118-407, offered by ms. tlaib of michigan. the chair: a has been requested. those in support of the request for recorded vote will rise and be counted. a sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is order. members will record their votes by electronic device. this is a two-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]■u■é ■z 0+■

the chair: on this vote the yeas are 204, the nays are 212. the amendment is not agreed to. the unfinished business is the request for a recorded vote on amendment number 8 printed in

part b of house report 118-407 by the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. lynch, which further proceedings were postponed and the noes prevailed by voice vote. the clerk: amendment number 8 printed in part b of house report 118-407 offered by mr. lynch of massachusetts. the chair: a recorded vote those in support of the request for a recorded vote will rise and be counted. a sufficient number having arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. members will record their votes by electronic device. this will be a two sploint -- a two-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of re any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.]u■

the chair: on this vote the yeas are 208, the nays are 211. the amendment is not agreed to. the unfinished business is the request for a recorded vote on amendment number 9 printed in part b of house report■x 118-407 by the gentlewoman from california, ms. waters, on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the noe . the clerk will redesignate the amendment. the clerk: amendment amendment number 9 printed in part b of house report 118-407 offered by ms. waters of california. the chair: a recorded vote has been requested.

those in support of the request for a recorded vote will rise and be counted. arisen, a recorded vote is ordered. members will record their votes by electronic device. this will be a two-minute [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.] ■'!6 ■w ■$

are 206, the nays are 217. the amendment is not agreed to. there being no further amendment under the rule, the committee rises.

pursuant to house resolution 1052, i report the bill as amended by the resolution back to the house with sundry further amendments adopted in the committee of the whole. the speaker pro tempore: the chair of the committee of the whole house on the union reports that the committee has had under consideration the bill, h.r. 2799, and purks seun, reports the bill as amended by that resolution back to the house with sundry further amendments adopted in the mmittee of the whole. under the rule, the previous question is ordered. is a separate vote demanded on any further amendment repor of ?

if not, the chair will put them engross. the question is on the adoption of those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. th amendments are adopted. the question is on engrossment and third reading of the bill. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. third reading. the clerk: a bill to make reforms to the capital market of the united states and for other the speaker pro tempore: the house will be in order. the house will be in order.

for what purpose does the gentleman from pennsylvania seek recognition? -- the gentlewoman from pennsylvania seek recognition? >>ve a motion to recommit at the desk. the speaker pro tempore: the clerk shall report the motion. the clerk: ms. houlahan of pennsylvania moves to recommit the bill, h.r. 2799, to the committee on financial services. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to clause 2-b of rule 19, the previous question is ordered on the motion to recommit. the question is on the motion to recommit. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. the noes have it. heul hugh mr. speaker -- ms houlahan: mr. speaker. mr. speaker, i ask for the yeas and nays. the speaker pro tempore: does the gentlelady wish for the yeas and nays? the yeas and nays having been

requested, those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. a sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. members will record their votes by electronic device. pursuant to clause 9 of rule 20, this five-minute vote on the commit will be followed by a five-minute vote on passage of the bill, if ordered. members, this is a five-minute vote.■r [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.] ■[

the speaker pro tempore: on this vote the yeas are 205. the nays are 213. the motion is not the question is on■# pge of the bill. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. theil

reconsider is laid upon the table. ms. waters: recorded vote is requested. the speaker pro tempore: a recorded vote is requested. those in favor of a recorded vote will rise. a sufficient number having aris ordered. members will record their votes by electronic device. this is a five-minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc., in cooperation with the united states house of representatives. any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u.s. house of representatives.] ■0 ■' ■d ■n■m

.the speaker pro tempore: on ths vote the yeas are 212. the nays are 205. the bill is passed, without objection the motion to ■ for what purpose does the gentleman from arizona seek recognition? mr. ciscomani: i ask unanimous consent when the houdj today it adjourn to meet on noon monday for morning hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislativeker pt objection, so ordered.

the chair will now entertain requests for one-minute speeches. for what purpose does the gentleman from nebraska seek recognition? >> ask for one minute. revise and extend. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman is recognized for■n■($á one minute.

please take all conversations of the gentleman is recognized. >> mr. speaker, i rise today to offer my condolences and thoughts to nebraskans impacted by recent severe fires and recognize the extraordinary response of emergency personnel across the third mr. smith: last week, central nebraska wildfires claimed over 70,000 acres in 24 hours in the counties of lincoln, cutter, dawson, and logan. while the windswept flames forced evacuations and destroyed livestock pasture, and miles of fence, thanks to the responders to ensure the safety of nebraskans no lives were lost. across the state■8 emergency personnel, pilots, and local and volunteer fire departments came together to contain the blaze. countless private citize to movd transport water.

the red willow rural fire department testified to the vital help of the community members saying, we couldn't do what we do farmers and ranchers. my deep gratitude goes out to the volunteers and business who is came together to assist in bs donating livestock feed and fencing replayer supplies to go fund me recovery efforts, the remarkable generosity in the face of disaster shows whats ar. quick to lend a hand with great concern for their neighbor than for the cost to themselves. thank you, mr. speaker. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: please take all conversations off the for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey seek recognition? mr. payne: i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. mr. payne: mr. i rise

today to discuss the strong state of the union thanks to president biden. and i had the distinct with thet right before and right after his historic state of the union address last night. president biden's leadership has created the strongest economy in the world with almost 15 million new jobs created in this country. he has saved americans' billions of dollars with lower costs of medication, health care insurance, and the removal of junk fees. his actions will cut climate pollution in half by 2030. th blame forhe bde crisis me ose

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fo pposes the won is recogzerise >>o adesthe house for one ao ndd the eaker o tempore:ithout >> rgnized fne mut >>is today in strong opposition to alabama's supreme court decision declaring frozen embryos created through upsetting family planning and medical science. this ruling is just the latest in a long line of assaults on the rights of women since roe thins,omen strugingoned. puing aam wer paumr. speaker,ett thisatesem to contr men o bie

now ihe time f action. thank you,r. speak,nd i yield ck. gentlen's has expiredhe gentleman from washiton recogni? mr. speaker,sk unanimous coento address e house fo spear prtempe: without jection, the gtlemans regnized 1. >> i ris as chairf congressiona wtern caucus recoize the 5iversary ofhe westernney alliae. understa the cticalices ress faces o fute of eranney po.forhe pt 50 years, te lianceeld f cgresn a bipartisan fhionut feder policies imptingrgy

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the ker o tempe: the gentlegnized. . tokuda: thank y,mr. speaker. translatfer rem.e: thelewi prova thank you. ur d tgnion? >> m speer, request unanimousonsedrs house r one nu and t rese aend myemarks.

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thisroject has formed into is muchge act svicend commityembe hav dated gs dtributed t t whone t the mor unity. just aonthsgo i h the prive to meet thanynd her famil commd he ank h helpaking valentines f sh does a lot.ity i want e perncrossheuntryrecoe d ow tha ourho cmunity es t pride ihe thk y, mr. speakned i s time h expired. r what purse ds the gentleman fronna see recognitio iequest u connt ddress these forne speaker mpor without objectio the genan is recogned f one minute. >> thankou, mr. speak. to rise to celebra t toest.

9% o t mad up of verans. mr. ros dalre 78,000 veterans inonta, the fifth capin any ste.of it'son and arrive to recogniz ata so deeply roedn hi sinesses owned b vetancontritesy business, m come home business, many come home to their communities and eager to find ways to continue to benefit and serve our communities. by investing in our veterans, we're able to provide them with the resources that they need to continue to use their exceptional talent and skills to benefit all of us.=$ investing in our veterans should not be limited to just this week but should be our mission all year-round. thank you very much,

mr. speaker, i yield back. the speaker pro teore:he for what purpose does the gentlewoman from california seek recognition? >> to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. ms. waters: thank you very much, mr. speaker. i rise today, march 8, 2024 to celebrate international women's day. 30 years ago in 1994■ ■c at the suggestion of my friend, ms. posniak, who is with us today, i2 316 in the house of representatives to have congress designate march 8 as the international women's day. this year in 2024, international women's day has special importance. today, as under attack, we rededicate ourselves to fight for gender

equality, reproduction rights, pay health, and preventing violence against women. the united nations has selected the theme, inspire inclusion for international women's day in 2024. here in the house of representatives, let us inclusin in the united states and around the world. thank you. the speaker pro tempore: the gent for what purpose does the gentlelady from iowa seek recognition? >> i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and exte mmarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. >> thank you, mr. speaker, i rise to celebrate the greater musketines's 20th anniversary. mrs. miller meeks: it'son of hoe life of residents. since 1999, the foundation has

granted $47 million to support vital charitable programs and projects. families, children, veterans, the homeless, food, you name it, they do it all.■ as we recognize their 25th anniversary, we must recognize the countless individuals and organizations who have been part congratulations to the community foundation for 25 years of transforming lives and creating opportunities in muskatine. go hawks. with that i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from florida seek recognition? >> i ask unanimous consentaddree and to revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. >> mr. speaker, i rise to commend the african-american chamber of commerce central florida for their unwavering commitment to uplifting the contribution of black owned years. mr. frost: this weekend the chamber will host its 20th annual eagle awards, a

culmination of twof the chamber's efforts to spotlight florida's businesses and entrepreneurs. this ceremony is a cra resiliend community building, reflecting on the impact these businesses have on driving the growth and development of our diverse buness landscape. over the last decade, black owned businesses have grown exponentially in central florida. yet access to capital remains a limitingtor to the success. i encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting our local chambers of commerce that champion minority owned businesses and bring forth legislation to address the specific challenges faced by black and minority owned entrepreneurs to create a future where e entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive. thank you. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: for what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition? >> i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute.

mr. like many americans thought when the governors of texas and florida started transporting illegal immigrants to blue cities or sanctat change would follow. it did not. last october new york city mayor eric adams, a democrat, went to mexico to send a message that there was, quote, no more room in new york. even our nation's largest city cannot sustain more than 100,000 illegal immigran two years, yet the president has continued his open border policies and his unprecedented catch and administration also continue peddling the falsehood that our borders are secure. now mayor adams is purported to make arrangements to bus immigrants back to the border. there's a reason for this. it's not racist or anti-immigrant. it president's policy is unsustainable. e■h%wp@ to -- wt

need new laws. we need to enforce existing laws. biden shamefully opens borders to dictators as more 9/11 are imminent as warned by the f.b.i. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman's time has expired. for what purpose does the gentlewoman from oregon seek

recognition? >> i seek unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for >> mr. speaker, i rise today to highlight my introduced bipartisan legislation, the rural partnership and prosperity act. ms. salinas: rural oregonians ht and for the. the poverty rate in rural oregon sits at 15. #%. four points higher than urban areas. yet others don't have the staff and resources needed to tackerie short end of the stick right now. and it is time we change that. my bill would create a newies at needs like childcare, housing, job training, and for. it expands access to existing opportunities by helping local

leaders navigate the complex system of federal grants. and it improves coordination between federal agencies to make sure we arapproaching rural development in the most efficient and effective way possible. the rural partnership and prosperity act is a common sense, bipartisan solution that will urban-rural divide in this country. we have to level the playing field for rural america and ensure these communities can thrive for generations to come. my legislation would bring us closer to that goal. i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting. i yield the speaker pro temporer the speaker's announced policy of january 9, 2023, the gentleman from texas, mr. green, is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority ■ser you, mr. speaker. mr. speaker, and still i rise. and i rise as a liberated democrat unbought, unbossed, and unafraid.■z i rise in the spirit of

shirley -- shirley chisholm who coined the notion of being i rise as a proud scion of the enslaved africans whose lives were sacrificed for more than 240 years to make their lives were sacrificed because america at that te have, a system wherein persons were born into this caste would live, die, and be buried as a part of the■q caste. not a class. caste is hereditary, a class is there was this desire to have

persons being a part of the caste and persons of africa sele they were identifiable. and they wanted an identifiable caste. they wanted this caste to be subservient, immediately agreeing to whatever the master said. and they wanted them to and they were exactly that. a powerless subservient, identifiable caste. for more than 240 years. mr. speaker, i still love my country notwithstanding its history. i love it because i believe in the ideals that have been expressed in the declaration of independence and the constitution, the pledge of allegiance. so those ideals give me hope.

i believe that america still has much to achieve, but i believe g and accomplish great things. and it is my hope that we will at some point achieve the ideals extolled in the pledge of allegiance, liberty and justice for all. the ideal of government by the people, for the people. the notion that we can have a country wherein all persons are created equal and endowed buyer think creator with certain unalienable rights. these are the things that i believe we can achieve. i believe we are to honor the persons who are enslaved. i honor victims tragedies. i honor the victims of the holocaust. there is nothing to be compared to the -- compared to the holocaust.

there is nothing to be compared to the enslavement■@ omillions of people for 240 years. these are two h circumstances. i believe that we ought to respect and acknowledge that the holocaust occurred and that it has had an impact not only on the people of that time, but on the people of this time. i also believe we ought to acknowledge that enslavement occurred. there are people who don't want to acknowledge slavery in this country. they want to say that it was involuntary relocation. this is a fact. well, it wasn't. it was murder. it was rape. it was robbery. it was kidnapping. it was all ofse horrific

things, including lynching. it was an circumstance that was imposed upon people. so i think we should honor both, the hocaust and what we call slavery, the enslavement of persons of african ancestry. because these persons of african ancestry built the capital. we -- capitol. we know of the great things they did. build the planted the crops, harvested the crops, fed the nation. they were the economic foundation of mothers and fathers of the country. given the role they played in making america great. but for some reaso we can't find it in our hearts, it seems, to honor them, but we can find it within our hearts as i have found it within my heart, to honor the victims of the

holocaust. some people would ask why? here's the reason why. glad because it's easy to look through the window of life into someoneic circumstances and condemn what happened. it's very difficult to look into the mirror of life,nto our own circumstances, and acknowledge what happened. it's difficult for people who ■zuf do it. you would think that people who have suffered would be among the first to say we need to have a slavery remembrance day. ought to be among the first to say, well, to give a medal to te enslaved persons just as we are given a congressional gold medal to the enslavershe united states of america awarded

a congressional gold medal to confederate soldiers. won't do such a then. this congress will not honor the victims of slavery. the same as we have honored confederate soldiers who were the enslavers. it's difficult to look into the mirror of life, but that's why i'm here. i'm here to help you what you choose not to see and do what you choose not to do. you may not do it today, but it will happen. it's just a matter of time. there will be more like me to require you to see what you choose not to see. it's just a matter of time. . a proudness to it

and you recognize the greatness of your ancestors. i'm a zion but also the august s slavery remembrance day. august 20th, the date that the white lion docked at a now call, virginia, near there, and point comfort. and there were 20 persons of

ancestries there traded to the colonies and was the genesis of slavery in the colonies. there had been slavery before that but it was slavery in the colonies which became part of america. but we make slavery day to the same extent we commemorate the holocaust. two separatees, two horrific occurrences in history. one, we commemorate, and i do proudly. the other we would like to forget. we would like to just set aside, not give those enslaved persons the just treatment that we would accord others. so i would say slavery

commemorate day set aside to commemorate■á the more than 10 million lies forced into slavery, had it perpetuated upon them and perpetuated it for some 240-plus years. we ought to commemorate lives, therefore i contend and must have slavery remembrance day. now president biden has agreed with me and senator elizabeth warren. the two of us have been working together. we had slavery remembrance day to pass the house of representatives, hasn't p has pe house of representatives and i will always say thanks to steny hoyer who at that time was in a position to make a difference and he did. many people are in a position to make a difference and they don't. mr. hoyer made a difference. i imagine he's been criticized

for it. but mr. hoyer, wherever you are, i assure you that posterity will see the kindness and the understanding that had to envelope you for you to do this and i commend you for what you did and i know that history is going to be kind to you. but the president acknowledged slavery remembrance day with a communique, a press statement, if you will. and i'm proud to know that he would do so. thise respect for and commend him for what he has done. today i commend him about his comments about the palestinians and the suffering, the suffering that is taking place in palestine, gaza, if you palestiy

second as i'm speaking now. i commend the president. it takes courage to do what he did. it takes courage in an environment where palestinians are not appreciated, not celebrated. in this house we've passed resolutions, several of them, that have done things that i think should have been done related to what happened on october 7, what happened to persons living in israel. i commend and i appreciate the passage of those resolutions. i voted for resolut occurred october 7 when the dastardly deeds were perpetuated by hamas. hamas is■o a terrorist organization.

hamas did things that we really don't care to talkbo but we havo acknowledge that there was murder, that there was rape, that there were decapitations that took ace. we have to acknowledge the truth. it happened. hamas. so i have no kind things■i to sy about hamas. i have things to say about israel, the palestinians, and the president. so mr. president, i thank for you what you said. you said you wanted to help wit. you said that there would be a pier constructed such that food could be brought in to the palestinians. i commend you for this, mr. president. i think we should do this. mr. president and mr. speaker, i've introduced a resolution

affirming the state state of palestinian to exist. i filed this resolution, h.res. 888 affirmed the right for israel to exist. israel has the right to exist. thiss where i stand. i also stand on the solid, firm conviction that the state of palestine has a right to exist. yes, i say state. i know it's not a state currently by our traditional definition, but right to exist . and i have introduced a resolution affirming the state of palestinian -- palestine's right to exist. i did it because i believe there ought to be some balance in the house of representatives. i believe there ought to be some people with the courage to say i

support the palan with the courage to say killing babies, knowingly killing babies, knowinglyndreds, thousas an injustice. you got to the courage to say, committing an injustice in the name of justice is still an injustice. sometimes you have to stand alone. but i've been taught and beedns it is better to stand alone than not stand at all. hence, we have h.res. 902 afrming the state of palestine's right to exist. but mr. president, i believe a picture's worth a thousands words. and i want people to just see

what we have as evidence of the suffering that's taking place in palestine. this is a picture. actual repref people in palestine. you have two adults and two children. you see the babies. if you only see palestinian babies, i would beg that you open your eyes a little wider, clear your vision, assume that these babies are babies from your■: hometown. assume that these babies are babies from your neighborhood. assume that these are israelis. how would you feel if you saw this circumstance existing for

israelis? these circumstances are circumstances horrific. babies and innocent people ought not be killed in the numbers that are being killed. it is an injustice. and you cannot in the name of justice create an injustice. it still becomes and is an injustice. example of the -- another example of the situation that exists, the devastation, the destruction. iust don't know i can see enough to completely comprehend what is destroyed.

there are mñzwany estimates to w much gaza has been destroyed.■■m i've called the numbers to our attention before. here's a baby. this baby is a vm of the war in gaza. this baby cann■úot be blamed for anything that hamas has done. you can't allege that this baby is somehow associated with hamas. killing innocent babies is unacceptable. i refuse to allow people to convince me that you can kill babies and somehow conclude that it's ok because the babies were in the way. i refuse to accept it.

those who do, i would hope that you would understand that there are some of us who can't. another picture, a depiction of palestinians having to move out of harm's way, having to do so with what appears to be their belongings, children, donkey-drawn cart of some sort. no car. having to move from one end to another. those living conditions are horrible. we have to do something about it. and i'll tell you whyv' in justa moment. another picture.

a final picture of a baby. another child. this child hopefully will grow up, hopefully will get the necessary help in terms of physical aid as well as mental aid. this child is going to need and i would hope that this child would get help. i would hope that this child doesn't become the next generation of persons who will find themselves at odds with the state of israel. my hope is that there can be peace and two countries live "livin' la vida loca" live living together. my prayer. to this end, i've written a letter to the president. a letter i'll share with you now that i sent to theo. i sent it february 29, a letter

to the president of the united states. the reference in the letter is justice and mercy for palestinians, justice and mercy for palestinians. this letter is a letter that i put my thoughts in to. i say this because i write my speeches, i write my letters of this magnitude and i don't want people blaming my staff for the things i do. my staff, they are great people and they assist, but these are my ideas this is the letter. justice and mercy for pastinians. dear president biden, i pen this

common day driven -- driven with the dictate of conscience with a heavy heart, saddened by the deaths in palestine and israel. compounded by prime minister netanyahu's recent indications that israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a palestinian state and continue maintaining control over stateless palestinians in lands intended for a palestinian state. indicae recognition of a palestinian state will be reached only through directotiations between the parties. . mr. netanyahu, prime minister, i rarely say netanyahu, i respect the position he holds, he's the ranking minority member. a person with great authority.

his position seems to be that there has to be a negotiated recognition of a palestinian state. that israel and palestinians will have to negotiate. once they come to a conclusion there should be a palestinian state, then we can recognize them. then he goes on to■ say that the parties have to negotiate this and it cannot be done unilaterally. here's what i say to the president. mr. president, on may 14 of 1948 harry truman became the first world leader to recognize israel as a state within palestine. some things bear repeating. phraseology i use quite regularly because many things bear repeating.

mr. president, on may 14, 1948, president truman was the first world leader to recognize israel as a state within capitol stei effectuating an imbalance of political influencfor israel. again some things bear repeating. effectuating an imbalance of political influence for israel. this was done unilaterally. that's what's in my letter. this was done unilaterally. without the consent of defiantly disapproving the palestinians. the palestinians did not approve of israel becoming a state. it was done over their disapproval. many of whom were force fully relocated. i go on to say, mr. president,

just as the palestinians of 1948 were not allowed to thwart israeli statehood, in the name of justice we should not allow israel to thwart palestinian -- palestinian sometimes silence can help us to collect our thoughts. just as palestinians of 1948 were not allowed to thwart israeli statehood, in the name of justice, mr. president, we should not allow to thwart palestinian statehood. very substantive commentary. this is particularly salient

given that prime minister netanyahu obluely opposed a two-state solution long before october 7, 2023. long before the killing of innocent israeli men, women, and especially children. that it will a datelong with otr days that will live in enfamiliary. i go on to say for years prime minister nethu has condoned hamas' control of gaza to maintain a foil for a lack of a negotiating partner. by the way, this is no -- this is not news. it's been reported on maj

networks that this occurred. for many years prime minister netanyahu has condoned hamas' control of gaza to maintain for a lack of a negotiating partner who recognized israel's right to exist. mr.anyahu, prime minister netanyahu, a person that i respect in the sense that he is. prime minister netanyahu from hn control of gaza because he didn't have to negotiate a two-state solution. it was a means which he could say the words two-state solution, but he didn't mean it.

the evidence is there for those who would see, but now there is a notion that there are some who are so blind not because they cannot see but because they choose not to see. so if you choose not to see,can. you can remain in your state of darkness, but this is it's been widely reported. with hamas, give on to say, as a foil, prime minister netanyahu fayneed -- fanned -- feigned support for a two-stainn while enabling israeli settlers to lay claim to land intended for a palestinian state. my god.

feigning, pretending to want to support a two-state solution while all along the way allowing, enabling settlers to lay claim to land intended for a palestinian state. mr. president, what president truman did for israel unilaterally in 1948, i emphasize unilaterally, because, re minister netanyahu says can't be unilateral, israel has to agree for the palestinians to have a state. israel has a state. has had a state since 1948. palestinians are stateless. mr. president, what president truman, that first mr. president, president biden, if i may just substitute, president biden, what president

truman did for israel unilaterally in 1948, we can do unilaterally for palestinians. now, i am an avant-garde personality. i'm usually out ahead of the rest of the pack. this is going to come to fruition. it's just a matter of tim and when it does, the memory of this message will be clouded because there wl chosen to bring the message when it is thought to be safe to bring the message. they will wait to see how safe is it to say these words and to come forth publicly and proclaim that there can be unilateral recognition. they have to wait. so i am the canary in the coal mine. they'll be waiting to see how i

am reacted to. and that's being kind. i continue by saying we should not allow a party feigning, pretending, that's parenthetically said, we should not allow a party feigning to negotiate in good faith to prevent our good faith unilaterally recognition -- unilateral recognition of a palestinian state. if we are acting in good faith, if we know that the palestinianl be an interegm num, there ought to be negotiations between people of good will who believe there ought to be aalestinian state. that the genesis of it is to a certain extent now but that when that and full blown

interregnum, we ought to be sure we are on the right a wonderfuln the right side of history. but it's a better thing to be on the right side of righteousness. on the right side of saying, you don't kill babies in the tens of thousands and think you are doing the right thing. th righteousness. you don't just decimate the homes and schools and churches, mosques, if you will. don' just decimate those things and say we did it because it was a just thing to do. an injustice in the name of justice is still an injustice. be on the rightof righteousness. act in good faith. and let's develop a palestinian state. we don't have to do it with the

consent of mr. netanyahu, prime minister netanyahu. we don't have to do it with his consent. didn't have anybody's consent. he was the president of the united states of america. mr. president, i don't have to remind you who you are. you know. but as the president of the united states of america, you don't need anybody's permission to recognize a palestinian state. and sure should not rely on the permission of prime minister netanyahu who has been feigning, pretending, to want a two-state solution. while enabling hamas. there is a lot more to be said about that. i'll get to that in another message. i indicate in my letter to the president, lastly in the name of mercy, mercy i believe we must

send tens of billions, not millions, of dollars in humanitarian aid to palestine. to gaza. to the west bank. i believe we have to send tens of b i believe we have to be proud to say we are sending the money and humanitarian aid to people who need tens of billions in humanitarian aid. pay particular attention to the to people who need tens of billions of dollars in humanitarian aid because our fingerprints are all ovewhat you have seen in these pictures. our fingerprints are all over this. our money has made this possible. we have a debtousness. we ought to pay our debt to

righteousness. send tens of billions and be hae bill. don't have to announce, well, we are going to send money to ukraine, which i supported. we are going to send money to taiwan and the people in that area, pacific islanders. i supported. but never say we are going to send money■p palestinians. we are going to send money to israel. which i have supported. as a matter of fact, the number exceeds $50 billion that i supported to israel. so if we are going to say we are going to send money t to taiwany can't we say we want to send money to the people who are suffering this injustice?

perpetrated by the prime minister of israel. with dollars, tax dollars. tax dollars frommerican citizens. and other persons in this country who pay taxes. sales taxes. gasoline taxes. these tax dollars, these tax dollars. i know it makes you uncomfortable. you ought to b uncomfortable. these tax dollars have created this circumstance. someone would say, well, no. those tax dollars weren't used for that. they were used for other purposes. as my colleagues across the aisle like to remind me, there is something called fungibility. these dollars. fungible. they make it possibllars for one thing, then you can use your own

dollars for other things.■ hamas was wrong. shouldn't have done what they did. ought to be punished for what they did. are being punished for what they did. but it's wrong for mr. netanyahu to kill tens of thousands, babies, innocent men, women, and children. an injustice of horrific proportions. and someone would say why would you expect israel to -- why wouldn't you expect israel to do what it's doing? after all, hamas did a dastardly thing. well, i'm one of those people

who believes that israel is special. i don't expect people who have suffered the holocaust to impose this. i don't expect it. i expect them to understand that you don't do this. that's expectation. i believe that we have a duty to ourselves to speak truth not only to power but about power. it's easy to speak truth to power. you say power, there's a problem, we need to solve it. but it's difficult to say to power when you're speaking truth about it, power, there's a problem, and you're it. mr. netanyu, primeis there's a problem and you are it.

you've got to stop killing babies. silence can help you collect your thoughts. stop it. now. lastly, i say in the name of mercy, i believe we must send tens of billions, not millions, of dollars in humanitarian aid to as our largess to israel has enabled the decimation of gaza as well as the estimated deaths of tens of thousands of innocent palestinian men, women, and especially children. now, if you can■m live with

yourself and the knowledge that tens ofhousands of innocent people are being killed, allow me to live with myself believing that it's an injustice. it is an injustice to do what's being done in the name of justice. i go on saying, in closing, i respectfully and kindly make this appeal in the name of justice and mercy for the thousands of innocent pain women, and especially children who have been injured, killed, or had their homes destroyed with munitions bearing our

fingerprints. munitions bearing our fingerprints. this is my letter i have sent to the president of th i signed it as a member of congress as the progenita 20th,e enslaved africans. sacrificed to make america great. i believe the greatness of america will not be measureed by the number of battleships that we have, the number of bombers,

high-flying, stealth technology. it won't be measured by the number of billionaires we produce. be measured how we treat people who live in the sweets of life and places where well. dr. king mentioned to us that the truest measure, and i'm ng, the truest measure of a person, and i would now add the truest measure of a country, dr. king. but he said the truest measure of a person is not where you stand in comfort and convenience. he didn't say what i'm about to say now. when all is well with you, when you're the leading country in the world, when you've got billionaires and persons of great opulence doing well, it

won't be measured by where you stand in times of comfort. but the question dr. king mentions where do you stand in times of challenge and controversy? hisment was, the truest measure of the person is not where do you stand in times of comfort and convenience, but where do you stand in times of challenge and controversy? in these times of challenge and controversy, the united states r justice for all. that wouldnc baby. the united states of america ought to stand for liberty for all. liberty and justice for all. that would include the palestinian people. the truest measure of a nation

is not about the height of our buildings, not about the billionaires, but about where we stand when we have the opportunity to stand for righteousness, not just justice but rigeo here is our righteous call, united states of america. this is it. do not -- do not -- do not allow yourselves to succumb to the notion thatng of these babies is a form of it was my honor to be present last night when the president delivered his state of the union address. he said many things, but i've

spoken to you about the thing that was important today. it doesn't mean all the other things he said were not important. it does mean that i've singled out something to talk about today. and i want to thank the president for what he said and hibe two-state solution is the means by which we can achieve the ultimate peace that we seek in the area that we call palestine wherein israel exists. i said israel has a right to exist. mr. speaker, i want to tk you for the time. i want to do what i customaoclye who are used to hearing al green speak and noticing.

i always go over and shake the speaker's hand. something to be said when you express your appreciation. i shall do so. and i thank all of you for allowing me to share my with you. and justice in the name of -- and injustice in the name of justice is back my time. the speaker pro tempore: members of reminded to direct their remarks to the chair. under the speaker's announced policy of january 9, 2023, the gentleman from arkansas, mr. hill, is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader. mr. hill: i thank the speaker for the time. and as we witnessed president biden's state of the union speech last night in this historic house chamber, thes fis

that are in mourning, mr. speaker. they're in mourning because their loved os by a rogue terror group or by a authoritaria a nation not living up to the rule of law. some 56 americans, mr. speaker, are held wrongfully detained by another country or this week wef the families in the gallery last night. we had the parents of

evan gershkovich in russia. and we had families where americans are held by hamas. and we don't know where they are or what their condition is. in last year's defense authorization bill, congresswoman haley stevens and i created a provision that was pass bid this house and the senate and signed into law by president biden that designates march 9, tomorrow, mr. speaker, as u.s. hostage and wrongfulee . so it's perfectly appropriate that last night in this gallery, those families came. why march 9 montana the death of bob levenson -- why march 9th? the death of bob levenson.

the longt held captive. and we have worked to free those 55 americans that have been held illegally and wrongfully abroad. we met with one of the hamas, i hope to say hostages, not a victim in we met with the family of zach shaheen, held by the united arab emirates for the past 16 years. we met wit the family of kai lee, held in a shanghai prison. the countries that hold american s wrongfully are many, and i think it's important that this house keep thos mind every.

in my office i have a beautiful inlaid box from iia and is dedicated to a constituent of mine in little rock. his family now lives in north texas p. he is in syria. somewhere in of assad's jails. so mr. speaker, we n constantly remember these families and america's to not leave americans held wrongfully detained abroad and reunite them with their family. it's an obligation of our country. it's an obligation of this legislative branch. and we are committed to working with the administration to bring them home. mr. speaker, there are americans held in iran. and iran is a country that americans need to focus on

because it's intrickly -- intricately related to everything we see in our news. and there are■"■6 people on the march in peace and prosperity in europe, in the united states, in the middle east, across the globe. and today i want to put that mad partnership in terror across the e. i remember serena who was wrongfully beaten to death by the islamic republic securi 202. she was just 16 years old. like young people all over the world, young our gallery today, young people listening today, she was a avid social media user. and she began to upload pictures

of h s enjoying life. as she posted she was seen breaking rules set by the iranian regime, not wearing a hijab, singing and displaying feelings openly as a woman. serena said she understood the mistake of posting these videos but did not let that scare her. what an inspiration to young people across the globe. in one of her videos, she said, why should my life be so different than teenagers in berlin or new york just because i was■m born in iran? and when referencing all that, it's banned for women but not men in iran. she took to the streets in courage and alongside hundreds of others protested the iranian regime.

during the protests she was5y beaten to death by islamic republic security forces. all she wanted was to create an iran that represented fullyiran. her dreams were to make the most of her life but under the rule of the iranian regimes this impossible. iran is the world's number one state sponsor of terrorism and their barbarism spreads across far from their borders, mr. speaker. and americans witness it day. iran has a stated purpose of destroying it as a country. wiping out the people. that's a stated goal of the nation of iran led by the mullahs there. they're backing hamas financially. hamas, with training, in gaza, on the attack. they backed southern lebanon. in their attacks on the northern part of israel.

iranian pro f houthis, are disrupting global shipping in the red sea, affecting goods and supplies coming to europe, coming to÷? the houthis are disrupting that shipping. who backs them? iran. who gives themice in iran. who gives them missiles to attack ships in open navigation? iran who is supplying the drones, mr. to aid this invasion of russia of its sovereign neighbor ukraine, the murder and mayhem daily across the nation of ukraine? where is that munition coming from? where are those drones coming from? iran. who thr murder americans like former secretary of state mike pompeo here in the united states? proxies of the constant attacks on u.s. personnel and allies on iraq and

syria, who is making proxy militias from iran. all this culminating in their desire for a nuclear weapon to change the balancer in the world. iran is behind all of this. their brutality should not be tolerated by western countries who believe in security in the region and as my good friend in texas just talked about, the basic human rights we stand for in this country. we must continue to press regime further, not fund it as is the case of the biden administration, freeing up billions of dollars to iran for their use. and it isn't a peaceful use, i can assure you, mr. speaker. o press the regime. iran's reign of terror against its own citizens like serena they are exporting that terror around the middle east, in the red sea, it's

peaceful future not only foro ax prosperity in the middle east but across the globe. mr. speaker, i rise today to congratulate buck lane, a good friend, on his retirement if the searcy, arkansas, regional chamber of commerce. he joined the chamber in 1981 after applying for a vice president position. he went on to give 33 queers of dedicated service and hard work for the betterment of the community. serving as president and c.e.o. of the chamber most recently.■ó during his time at the chamber, buck has made impressive strides to build economic development, s for all the citizens in searcy and white county. froming existingcis he had significant accomplishments. i thank him for y of

collaboration and wish him the best in his retirement. mr. speaker, i rise today to remember the life of arkansas dl bob brooks. bob passed away suddenly after a brief illness february 11. bob was beloved by democrats and republicans, old and young in arkansas. he was a graduate of the the tulsa college of law. he served as chief of staff for longtime arkansas congressman jay dickey and governor huckebyr of the arkansas ethics commission. most recently, he served tim griffin as arkansas' chief deputy attorney general. he loved his job so much and it was always hard, attorne griffit him to go home each night as the office closed. bob but a dedicated public servant who represented all that

is good in arkansas through his professional. i, his wit, and his great sense of humor. i remember bob for his selfless his long desire to get back to arkansas to be in a dream job, and i thank him and his memory for friendship. mark and i -- martha and i are praying for his friends, families and loved difficult time. bob will be missed dearly by many. mr. speaker, i rise today to danielle zimbia. danielle was recently announced as a recipient of the air force's 2023 geico military service award. this award is given to one enlisted member from each of the six service branches and achievements and contributions to their men and women they serve with. she did an outstanding job in is award, it's a great

recognition of her commitment to the air force and to her fellow airmen and airwomen. i■i congratulate her on this important accomplishment. mr. speaker, i yield back the balance of my time.

ntleman from arkansas seek recognition? mr. hill: i do now move that the house adjourn. the speaker pro tempore: the question is on the motion to adjourn. those in favor say aye. those opposed, no. the ayes have it. the motion is adopt. accordingly the house stands adjourned until noon on monday next for morning hour

>> the house today finhed work on a bill to help small business and entrepreneurs raise capital and aess for private investors. the white house opposes the legislation.

we work around the clock to keep you connected. we're doing ourart so is easier. >> sparklight supports cpan as a public service along with these other television providers, giving front row seat to democracy. the u.s. economy added 275,000 jobs in february according to the labor of bureau statistics. the main job gains occurred in the health care, government, and food services sectors.■/■j the unemployment rate edged higher to 3.9% but remains relatively low. this marks the 25th straight month the jobless rate has remained under 4%.

today watch c-span's 2024 campaign trail. a weekly roundup of c-span's campaign coverage, providing a one stop shop to see what the candidates across the country are saying to voters, along with firsthand accounts to political reporters, updated poll numbers, fundraising data and campaign ads. watch c-span's 2024 campaign trail. today at 7:00 eastern on at c-sd as a podcast on c-span now, our free mobile app or wherever you get your podcast. c-span, our unfiltered view of politics.■ ■z saturday on c-span 2, explore the events that tell america's story. on the civil war, coach of the 2023 lincoln forum as authors discuss how the civil war dead were remembered and the lives of

black citizens following emancipation and the legacy of president abraham lincoln. and at 6:p.m. eastern we'll tour the state department diplomatic rooms, with the curator virginia hart and interview stacey shipp about the first democrat, president abraham lincoln and we'll watch "free to produce" by rose friedman and her husband. explore the american story. watch american history tv on saturday and find a full schedule on your program guide or watch online at any time on c-span.org/history. >> house democratic leader hakeem jeffries called the president smokin' joe biden speaking to reporters and saying the president was on